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13
Members' Cars / Re: G135EPB 8v GTI
Last post by Monkey -
Great update there.

Also, always a good move to let the keen ones go out first, they can dry the track out for you ;)

I really need to make it to a couple of track days in 2026 too, so let me know when you're next heading out!
14
Members' Cars / Re: G135EPB 8v GTI
Last post by ianmac86 -
13/12/25 – MSV trackday at Donington Park National Circuit

This came around quickly! An early start was needed to make the safety briefing and with a slightly damp forecast it was not ideal, but for December, I really can’t complain.
I’ll admit I felt a bit nervous initially. The conditions were tougher than the dry and there were plenty of much more modern powerful cars out there. I was conscious of not wanting to be in the way, but I reminded myself that I’d paid to be there just like everyone else, so I put the nerves to one side and focused on enjoying the day.

After the compulsory sighting laps, I decided to hang on and let the more eager drivers head out first while I grabbed a coffee. Around 20 minutes in, I went out for my first session. Grip was obviously down due to the damp conditions, after roughly 15 minutes I came back in to check everything over. There was hardly any heat in the tyres, I let the car cool down, checked wheel torque (to satisfy the OCD) and then headed straight back out.

Grip steadily improved as the day went on, right up until some light drizzle returned in the afternoon. I spent some laps with Dan in his Mk5 — a very capable car and a very capable driver. I also went out in Warren’s 20v Mk2, again excellent car with plenty of power and a very good driver behind the wheel. Tim was out in his R53 Mini Cooper S, which proved to be very evenly matched with my Mk2 a genuinely nice surprise and great fun to lap with. Unfortunately, Woz suffered ECU issues which sadly ended his day early.

I managed a few more sessions through the afternoon and was feeling increasingly confident, but resisted the temptation to squeeze in one last run before dark.

The 02J EGU gearbox with the 3.9 final drive has made a very welcome difference, particularly when accelerating and on gearchanges. The car feels much more alert and responsive out of corners. I had originally contemplated going even shorter with a CZM 4.2 final drive, but having now driven this setup in anger, I genuinely feel the current gearing is the sweet spot — hot enough to make the car great fun on track and on fast road drives, but still just about acceptable for longer journeys across the country or back into Europe.
Overall, I’m really pleased with how the car performed and have gained a lot of confidence in it following the head gasket rebuild and the gearbox/Quaife change over. I think the damp conditions levelled the field considerably (much like the National Meet). While I did have to move over for some genuinely quick drivers, I also found myself holding onto plenty of others and even getting frustrated at times with cars not moving over. My confidence in damp conditions has definitely improved.

I’m absolutely delighted with both the day and the car, and I’m hoping to get a few more track days in during 2026.
15
Heating & Cooling / Re: Temperature sensors/ senders
Last post by Keekster64 -
Not sure which one you need to replace.  I replaced the one on top nearest the cylinder head, which was a grey one, and I had to buy it off ebay, cause I couldn't find it anywhere else.  The grey one goes to the choke.  The other one on top goes to the hedgehog, and I've not idea what the one below is for.  I have a driver as well.
16
Mk2 Golf Chat / Re: 5th Gear Upgrade
Last post by Andy.D -
Knowledge from your personal experience is much appreciated Andy, I will certainly take your advice and look at alternatives.

Thanks!
17
Heating & Cooling / Thermostat housing for 1.3
Last post by Mooinstor -
Hello,

I've recently replaced the radiator on my car and while the system was drained I had a look at the thermostat housing and noticed the return hose from the air inlet was just a dummy port.

A while ago I got myself a second engine of the same engine code 2g and looking at the thermostat housing on this engine the air inlet ports are open.

The part in my car is a Febi "18248 8624" which from a quick search is a part for a 1g engine? and the part on the second engine is a HHK "030121117".

My question is, is the housing thats been on my car correct or should I swap it for the one on the second engine?


Thank you!
20
Technical / Re: PAS pulley out of alignment
Last post by Monkey -
Some pulleys had little (around 1m) spacers on to get the alignment correct.
I've used washers in the past to this effect.

See if spacing some of the pulleys will help.