A couple of months ago I decided to sell up my fancy (to me) 18 plate Hyundai I30N as it was simply too expensive for something I seldom use. After selling up, I considered a few cars but eventually got the idea of buying an R32 as they seemed to be a good car and something that has stopped depreciating in value.
I was looking at Mk5s to begin with but ultimately thought that they were a bit boring for my tastes, so set my sights on finding a mk4. I thought I had found "the one" when I'd found a super modified example which had been well looked after, that one however slipped through the net but I then found the one I now own for sale shortly afterwards.
It's an 04 model in DBP (LC9Z) with a few tasteful modifications and a great history/service record. It had been won in a raffle provided by a popular company and the winner unfortunately (for him) could not afford to insure the car, so had put it up for sale.
In terms of mods, it has the following:
Bilstein B14 coils KW control arms Neuspeed front and rear ARBs Forge short shifter kit Lupo door mirrors on Mk4 bases Alcantara headlining and flocked pillars Repainted Aristo alloys with spacers fitted all round Milltek non resonated catback (sounds sexual) Porsche 996TT (18z) 6 pot front calipers And a remap which needs removing/replacing IMO (super sharp throttle response)
Overall, it's a very tidy example but of course needs a bit of work. I noticed for example post test drive and on the way home that the brakes juddered under braking at motorway speeds.. I later found that a front disc is warped and needs replacing! Anyone who knows how expensive Mk4 R32 brakes are will feel my pain I'm sure.
I had the chains checked using VCDS and they're well within tolerances which is good. I shouldn't have to worry about replacing the chains, tensioners, guides etc. for a little while yet.
I've since done a few little jobs to the car like treating all the leather, replacing a few broken bits inside and adding a battery tie down which had gone missing at some point.
Anyway, here's some pictures of the car.. If anyone is interested I'll continue to update here as I do bits to it.
As the subject mentions, I'm after a good set of 3 door roof gutters with good rubber seals.
Also after a set of door cards, not fussed on pattern as long as they're suitable for an early (Type19) car; if there's any difference. Must have good condition rear cards and not water damaged.
A set of early GTI arches also required, specifically drivers side ones but a whole set considered.
Must either be willing to deliver or relatively local to me for collection.
Probably about time I put a thread up here to note down what I've done so far, the list is pretty long so here's hoping I capture it all.
What has been done so far?
A full engine rebuild has been carried out with various modifications added, including a Newman 268 cam, Kent vernier pulley, polished crank, high compression Wossner forged pistons and mild porting and polishing.
Trackslag OEM slanty system and milltek manifold also added; manifold was heat wrapped before going on.
The car now makes a proven 140bhp on the rolling road and you can certainly tell when hammering it.
New alternator, going from 55amp to 65. Earthing wire also uprated in places.
Various odds and ends also changed, such as wheel bearings, CV boots etc. Changed to pink coolant instead of the blue stuff.
Engine bay was stripped back completely, treated, painted and waxoyled. More pictures on request.
Redone bits of wiring in the engine bay to lights, various sensors and auxiliary air valve as they were showing signs of corrosion or splitting.
Fitting a Epytec shortshifter bar which feels great alongside the mk3 weighted shifter.
Removed pointless bonnet hinge hook found on early cars and fit a SWG full length scuttle. Alongside this, I also changed the heater intake grille gasket.
New brake discs and pads. One caliper replaced due to seizing.
Fitted KW V1 coilovers as well as new G60 top mounts and had the cars geometry aligned. Fitted plastic strut caps to finish off.
Bought and fitted Ronal Turbo 15 inch wheels and new black tapered wheel bolts to match.
Fitted new MoMo ProtoTipo steering wheel with new MoMo small splined boss adapter.
Fitted custom made wooden golf ball gearknob, more wooden bits to follow.
Fitted good condition FIFFT smoked tail-lights.
Fitted 3D lettered number plates.
What have I got to fit?
BBS RS 070 and RS 071 wheels to fit. 8J on the front 8.5 on the back. I've polished these with a drill attachment and ceramic coated for protection.. It only took a whole day.
Actual 3D printed Hella spotlight covers to replace terrible stickers.
Various custom wooden bits; pictured above. Just need to fit winders and mirror knobs.
Custom trimmed "OEM+" tweed Recaro LS-C, trimmed rear seat and doorcards. Fitted with custom seat bases made by Chris Earl, painted by myself on my garden table..
Brand new Meyle coolant hoses to be fit. I suspect the ones on the car are original and definitely shouldn't be trusted (ask me how I know).
New door membranes to fit.
Newton commercials sound deadening and felt kit as well as plenty of silentcoat sound deadening. The aim is to remove my carpets at some point to clean them and do this alongside.
New uprated green LEDs for all switch gear inside.
What's else is there left to do?
A lot...
But to name a few:
I've got new panels for the scuttle, rear valance and fuel filler area that will hopefully be sorted in a few months.
Replace drivers side arches as the ones on the car are damaged, I suspect by a heat gun.
Replace roof gutter/rubbers.
May end up going for a respray but I'd like to have a good go with a machine polisher first.
