Hi guys,

Been busy recently so haven't really had a chance to review any mods but here goes.

STEREO

The stereo finally went in, decided to keep the install simple this time and as light as possible. The Boston Acoustics components went into the doors ok, as we didn't use any adaptors. The old speaker was cut out, leaving the plastic surround in place. The new woofer was screwed into this using some clips too. Luckily the tweeters clipped into the oe locations so everything is now hidden behind the door cards, including the huge crossovers. The boot looks a bit messy as some wiring is showing but I'm happy for now. Decided to stick with a 10" sub as I had 2 12" subs in my last car and although it was loud I wanted to lean towards SQ this time.

Pikey Mod

Until i get an FMIC (IF I ever get one :p) I decided to buy a vent from B&Q. Origionally I purchased a 9"x3" vent but this looked too small so I changed it for a 9" x 6" vent. I removed the front wheel and decided to clean the caliper (more info below). After marking out on the arch liner with a biro, I used a stanley knife to cut out a rectangle (leaving enough space for the vent to screw into). As you can see from the pictures, the arch liner isn't completely flat, which means any stones from the tyres can't get into the vent due to the angle. There's also a fair gap between the arch liner and the SMIC so there's no risk of hitting it while your cutting the liner out. Not had a chance to see if this has had any effect on performance yet though.

Callipers

While the front wheel was off I decided to clean the callipers as they were covered in brake dust and looked awful. The old brake dust was removed using a brilo pad and Meguiars Quick Detailer. This was wiped off with a microfibre cloth and I used Zymol HD Clense to make sure the surface was clean and to give it a slight glaze. Then I applied a thick coat of Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection so hopefully the brake dust won't stick as easily now. Did all four callipers and they really stand out behind the wheels now I found that the paint was coming off the rear callipers in some places, might touch them up with Hammerite in the future.

Powertec Induction Kit

As my old filter housing wasn't closing properly I decided to get an induction kit. The Powertec ones are stainless steel so they don't need oiling. They sound better than other induction kits too, more of a hissing noise at 2-2.5k revs with a satisfying whoosh when you lift off the throttle. Other cone type filters seem to sound like they are farting lol. I've kep the PD160 pipe aimed towards the filter to direct cold air towards it, but to be honest there's no loss of power when driving around town. People say open cone filters give you less power due to heatsoak but I've not had this problem yet, and thats driving around town and going 90miles along a motorway.

Allard EGR replacement pipe

After my old EGR valve was leakign oil and replaced under warranty I decided to get one of these replacement pipes. It comes in a kit and blocks off the exhaust gas as well as replacign the whole EGR/anti shudder unit. Allard took the p*** when I ordered it as they told me I would have it within a couple of days. Took over 2 weeks to arrive and not once did they ring me to say it would be delayed. Not only that, but one of the holes didn't line up properly so it was a pig to fit. The CEL light is on in the dash even though the EGR has been turned down as low as possible with VAG-COM, so I'm looking for ways to turn this off. There's no noticeable difference with this pipe fitted apart from a slight drop in economy. But as long as it keeps the engine clean then I'm happy. Also means that the EGR can't fail at a later date.

Hope some of this info is helpful to anyone looking to do the same.

Thats one hell of a speaker and amp combo.........

I'd put some more rivets in that grill...

Did you get some kid to cut the arch liner for you?

Calipers are looking clean and green, didn't even realise mine were green until I washed the wheels today

HC: I had two of thsoe huge monoblocs in my old car powered 2 12" subs! It was stupidly loud lol. This one gives 1100watts rms to the sub which is about right. The smaller one is bridged to power the components and gives around 120watts rms to each side.

Decron: It seems fairly secure but I might put more screws in when I get the time.

Tim: It was hard cutting straight lines like that!

I have the same EGR pipe, and it might have been my car being in their garage which delayed your pipe. (actually, prob not as mine's not been there in 6 weeks+) - Good bunch of guys though - I would not judge them on the delay on this part.

I also have the CEL - have had for a year +, but I'm testing ways around it and once I find one I'll PM you.

Rest looks spot on - but you can't fault the EGR pipe for keeping your manifold clean. It really provides such a service in that respect.

Hmm perhaps I ought to clean my brake callipers too, that does like rather nice

Jason: I remember reading about the replacement pipe in one of your older posts, hence why I enquired about it. The CEL light doesn't actually annoy me, but it's kinda worrying in case something fails and I'm not alerted to it.