ogpuprison

.....are you still going then?... Hope it didn't blow up the car and yourself. Interesting, I didn't consider that previous remaps could lock the ECU, explains why the skoda guy near me didn't rip me off when I went for a remap- it had already been done he said. Guess I would have noticed the (lack of) difference if he'd done nothing and charged me...

just done this job-Bowders' write-up made it so much easier. I used Dirko HT sealant which is an approved VW silicon-thing; and fired up the engine after about 40 minutes/ No leaks, no warning lights- all good i hope. Didn't notice any change in performance, etc, but will see today, 24 hours later. Worst bit was the gearbox bolts, and the oil filter was a m***f**r to remove

dunno but I want to do the same with my vrs, even though everyone thinks I'm nuts. My mechanic mate says it's totally possible but cornering won't feel the same.

Awesome work. I have the same model, black one-I'm in the Midlands so I may well see you about before long!! No way can I afford the work you've been doing, nor do I have the skills ...although I've done a bit. Great thread as it gives loads of hints and ways of getting around problems

This has just happened to me too - got a stick and guide for £14 off ebay. The guy at the VAG garage said it needs doing, as if the seal is bust (think he's referring to the pipe part) there's an air leak- which gives incorrect info to the MAF sensor so your turbo and engine assumes there's more air than there is... so the car will run rich, etc.....sorta makes sense. Not looking forward to replacing it though, sounds a mare

This. I'm going through this first flush of love feeling right now with my mk1 vrs. I haven't had decent car for ages, my audi a4 avnt 1.8 was nice but I didn't have enough money to improve it at the time. Before the vrs I had a nissan primera (which I personally like) but it got smashed up 3 times in a year when my missus used it too, so when I got out and looked back, it looked like it had been in Kherson for 6 months

Thank you. Yeah-wrong diagram. Got it done over the weekend and cleaned the throttle valve thing too (which was clean so needn't have bothered). I got a mate to help. who knows cars inside out- and he managed the break the alternator tensioner as he was moving it. I kept cool, and managed to pick one up on a sunday for £55 which meant no money for him! Anyway, all good now, it was good to get a good look underneath, etc... no leaks or obviously worn parts. So I'm more likely to get a remap done now I know it's not in a shoddy state... cos a remap is pointless if there are leaks and clogged-up parts everywhere

Although that's a MK2 engine

i know, I shouldn't have used that image I'll be in the **** with someone ...but it's the way I intend to go for it

I think I understand - you mean loosening all the fixings for the hose which joins to the thermostat housing? Then leave it on cos then you'll have something to pull on to get it out, The diagram I looked at suggests about 3 bolts which fix that fat hose to the other parts

Thanks fellas. I'm going to do it this weekend; looked at loads of info online and it's not too bad. Remove the coolant pipe and that should be a struggle, but the 2 bolts can be accessed. Oh yeah-remove the big bolt on the alternator which is in the way. Just hope I don't drop bits into some dark recess (highly likely). I thought the throttle body(?) would have to be shifted, but no. Many thanks all

MK1 -the more 'boxy' version, unless I'm mistaken

I will-cos I spent half of my day off removing the drivers' door as I have to fit a new window regulator too. If the thermostat is accessed underneath the alternator, that's too complicated for me to do parked in the street. Yeah everyone here only has positive things to say about a remap-but I'm not experienced enough to know if I've got any worn pipes, etc, which may pop if engine pressure is modified,,, ,, that's why I'm unsure as to whetehr it's a sensible idea or not. This car, i got it and it was fast and smooth for 2 weeks. then the thermostat f**ked up,, and performance has been weaker. Hopefully a new one will get things back to normal.

Got a Vrs 2 weeks back and so far, so good. 150 000 miles, all stock, very good condition overall. Needs a new thermostat and I'm getting the cambelt done next week. Should I get the cambelt garage to do the thermostat for me? It appears they'll be down that way and have to change the coolant anyways... ..and although I can handle it, it may be best to let the professionals do it. My main point is whether or not to get a remap done - one garage dissauded me somewhat,saying 'it isn't worth it, the Vrs is tuned as good as can be', ,etc,etc. Strange I always thought garages love taking your cash. I understand that an uprated engine is gonna put more pressure on (possibly worn) other components, but I'm not going for insane performance.. ..just a smoother overall ride with the power a secondary concern. Although its' fast by my standards, I'm sure it should be more responsive and 'even' in its' power output Should I forget the idea? Cos it seems sensible to me - £300 for a remap and engine clean/service sounds a deal