Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Cool pic, the thunderheads really stack up.

As for my car, not worth the insurance claim. I'll just pay for some PDR

Why would you leave Sydney to come up here?!? 😂 I love Sydney...

Aren't Commodores only good for wrapping 'round trees when you've just passed your test?

We’re going to a wedding out in the sticks somewhere and having never been over here I wanted to at least see a little bit of sydney first.
I found what the car is good for though - causing a scene on gravel roads at 20mph!

It tightens up quite a bit in ‘sport’ but overtakes are still a bit dodgy, like nothing.. nothing.. POWER!!!
Steering is better hustling through B roads but I’ve got used to our 5 series telling you exactly what’s going on.

Think the auto is tuned for Aussie taste. I.e. strong kickdown, but you have to put your foot in. Also the 3.8 V6 is pretty harsh. The ford falcon with a Barra straight 6 is butter by comparison.

Whereabouts are you? I'm intrigued... At least it isn't too hot for you this week, you know you're acclimatising when anything below 32°c is totally normal and nothing to fret about... :)

Currently Byron Bay, feeling old, pale and sticky 😬
People keep telling us it’s freezing and ‘really windy’ and it doesn’t align with how we’re feeling at all... Not looking forward to high 30s in Brisbane!

That sounds about right then but it basically feels broken!

You'll be fine, looks like we'll be in the late 20s for the next week or so... A mate texted me earlier saying she felt a bit chilly tonight, totally crazy... I've got a fan on right above my head and that feels perfect...

Get the 1.8T not the 2.0 N/A which was sometimes badged as a GTI. Later models with AUQ engine code are 180bhp with a k03s turbo, slightly larger than the k03 that came on earlier 150bhp models. AGU is large port, which is the earliest model, if you're looking to modify to big power.

Otherwise just the regular things such as frequent oil services and find some nice spec - Recaros make quite a difference

Further brake kit prototyping, fitted the parts last night. I eventually got the right pads too and after measuring them up I can move the caliper an extra 5mm in improving wheel clearance.

Which is nice.

3 Attachments

Nice work.

Cool!

The AA are shut over Christmas- who knew?

1 Attachment

Oooops. Got sealant and a compressor with you?

.

4 Attachments

Need to buy a pair of rear tyres when things open on Thursday, Boxing Day plans are a bit buggered- I don’t want to drive 200 miles on an inflatable/expanding spare.

What's happened to that tyre? Sidewall gone from running flat or something else caused that?

My front tyres are starting to get v close to the wear markers and I'm considering winter tyres.

Thoughts?

I think it’s 50 miles of gradual deflation, shame as it’s destroyed the tyre but better than some bit of suspension having attacked it.

Ah ok. We are not using the big Skoda for the next few days so if that would help, pm me.

Only one leaf spring at the front.

Make sure the kingpins are greased. Steering rack is attached securely and that the suspension is correctly tightened.

Thanks- appreciate the offer.

@IR - although you won't understand much, this is worth watching :)

https://totalcar.hu/belsoseg/2018/12/25/a_kispolszki_elni_akar/

Nice one, thank you.

The 2.0 does seem very underpowered for a GTi. I'm not planning on modifying it at all. I need a car to commute in (200 miles every second weekend) for a year.

I have a 1.8T and a 2.0 lined up to view so I should get a decent comparison.