1986 alpine white Mk2 GTI resto. R32, Recaros & More!

What's the latest Tom, where are you at with this now?

 

Man, I'm rubbish at checking this!

It shouldn't be too far off being finished now apparently. I should be able to give a good update next week, so watch this space.

 

Look forward to seeing you at the Bristol pub meet 1st of April then!

 

That would be good to aim for! If it's done, I'll bring it up.

As for an update, I've been promised a video next week. But it's all back together and running now apparently, they just need to button up a few bits, raise the suspension/align it and do some shakedown miles.

Here's a pic they sent of it all back together:

 

Unfortunately, no video or pictures this week.

However, apparently the suspension has been set up correctly, brakes/clutch bled and general tidying has been done.

The issue this week (which is why we've got no video!) Is the ECU is locked out from an old remap which we were all unaware of. Unfortunately this means its had to be sent off for flashing back to stock so that it can be remapped and adjusted accordingly for this build.

I'm told that they should have the ECU back early next week, so fingers crossed that I can post up another update soon.

 

Exciting but albeit short video update sent through today. Ecu came back today and thankfully it's all good, base map loaded on and coded accordingly.

They're going to put some miles on the car now for a shakedown and adjust mapping accordingly.

Anyway, here's a short clip showcasing that full trackslag system!

 

great to see it up and running. Sounds awesome with the TS system.

 

Dropped in yesterday to check on progress and it's getting close now. It sailed through an MOT so that's good news. Apparently there's a slight issue selecting 5th gear, so they're going to investigate that next as well as finish out some smaller jobs and put a few more shake down miles on it.

Worth noting there was an issue with clutch clearance using the fabless kit, which I believe has been documented on here elsewhere. I'll put full details here once I've picked the car up and had a chance to talk about it properly; but it essentially boils down to the Master being a different capacity/diameter to the slave provided in their kit. A larger Master has resolved any issues!

All being well, I should get it back in a few weeks!

 

I worked out the ratios @UKLonar and if it's t4 master, mk3 slave as most kits use, it moves 20 to 25% less fluid than the matched originals.
Have spoken to guys at hel in Exeter and they can make me a hose to fit t4 master to the polo/fabia/later golf slave which will give correct sizings. I've just waited for Easter to be out the way to order it.
I've got a spare slave if want me to post you one,

 

That's good info to know mate! I think mines all sorted now, not sure what replacement master they used but they think it's fixed it. If there's any more issues though, I'll give you a shout for sure.

 

If know which master it is, would be another option for me.
Will definitely have to come and see this when down to see boy at some point.

 

I've shot them over a message to find out. I'll drop you a PM and edit the above post when I know more.

And for sure, happy to meet up so you can have a nose.

 

Sorry I've not gotten back to you on this, I collected the car today though and have asked for the PN to be included on the itemised invoice I'm waiting for; so I'll update the thread soon hopefully.

 

A few delays, such as a bent shift mechanism within the gearbox causing it to stick in gear... But it's now all sorted and I picked it up today. If I had to sum it up in one word, it's mad.

First impressions are good, it's quite rattly with the Fabless mounts being solid but only really at certain revs and whilst pulling away. Other than that, it's easy to drive and seems to put the power down surprisingly well. I must be honest though, I may have had some wheel-spinning action today...

The noise of the Trackslag system is incredible, I'll chuck a video up when I get one as it needs be heard.

Here's a few pics I took today:









Couldn't resist putting one of my badges on:

 

Love it, definitely gonna come and visit.

 

Looks really really good

 

Looks amazing. The install looks like it was meant to be there right from the start.

 

Little clip today showcasing a few revs from the trackslag system:



Certainly a bit more violent than the 8v was!

I've been double checking everything today too and just making sure there's no leaks.

I did spot a minor drip from the coolant bottle cap and I know these are infamous for it; especially aftermarket ones. For now, I've tightened it up a bit more and will continue to monitor it.

I also chucked my custom grille badge on, which definitely is a nice touch; ignore the wonky spot covers though!

 

Something I've been meaning to do for ages is change the dash speakers as one didn't work and the other sounded terrible.

I bought some cheap Alpine ones as a replacement a while ago:



Fiddly to fit, but not too bad if you persist but can be a bugger to align and screw in.

If you do the job, get yourself some comically sized screwdrivers like these:



They make the job possible without having to remove the windscreen/dash.

And here's what came out, you can see they're absolutely knackered:



More updates soon as I prep for a local show this weekend (Cruise to the Prom if anyone is curious)!

 

Just done all mine, rears didn't work ever in my mk2, had a good deal on the full set so set about them all.
Used a cordless screwdriver bit and a 1/4" ring spanner, got me out of a few situations in scrapyard when can't open doors fully.