[Barr_end]

Clearing customs is complete and delivered with no issues 👌
VagCustomParts managed to do an unbeatable price on this and really pleased with the result

No complete photo as it still isn't complete, old lines removed that in the photo, but need to trim and reinstall the new AN top valve cover/ breather tube
Additionally got some other small parts here and there to help with finishing the bay improvement / tidying.
All looked good under there though luckily so pleased on that level too
Only 'problem' this has highlighted is just how poor the surface finish of the old exposed head is. Going to have to come up with a solution to aid this visual point - if anyone has done something similar would love to hear solutions

 

[MT-V6]

Nice! Aside from looking good what are the benefits of the new valve cover?

For the rest of the head, I don't see a solution apart from taking it off the car, wire brushing it down and then painting. I think it would be too difficult to do while fitted?

 

[Barr_end]

Nice! Aside from looking good what are the benefits of the new valve cover?

For the rest of the head, I don't see a solution apart from taking it off the car, wire brushing it down and then painting. I think it would be too difficult to do while fitted?

I was already running a fully venting/delete PCV 'kit' plus an evap delete, so the benefits of those I haven't gained from
However there was a single main reason other than the looks I chose to swap it all up for.

There have been a few, so not remotely a common thing, where the OE plastic valve cover has warped, causing leaks - most of these then seem to be down the rear of the engine. Where the nice hot turbo manifold sits 😅🔥
The chances are very small and with the vent fitted now, I'm fairly confident the temps, even on track, wouldn't of lead to this issue.
But with the price & look of the billet item and the cost I should get back from the proper R-tech PCV delete kit on to of the already sold TTS cover - my brain said 'you can't say no' 🤣


Interestingly when finishing the install to a drivable level in the dark last night (still waiting on few small touches)
Quick wipe/scrub with some brake cleaner/toothbrush/cloth, the head line has come up a little better!
I'm thinking maybe just a little rub down with some 'high' rated wire wool or scotch pad might bring the entire lot to an acceptable presentation.

 

[Barr_end]

Finally driven since swapping over the valve cover and little odds and sods. All 'normal' and no issues
Interest to see how get on with it, hoping it has a positive affect with it being ali, there is no chance of it warping like the OE plastic
However interested to see if it will radiate heat more helping the engine, but if it will increase IAT temps!
Have many old logs with date codes that that can give me a rough idea, but year to year there will certainly be some change in ambient months same time of season so will have to take it with pinch of salt
Might just have to push Billy some more to make me up the heatshield we had planned ever since XL filter was fitted 🤣
Still waiting on parts thanks to Hermes but realistically they are going to make nothing but a visual difference.

Also dropped some parts off with an old friend over at CarbonMotive
I'll leave picture of the biggest one.
Can't wait for this all to come through and get it all fitted, but I must be patient, these things take time

Also for anyone who may be interested
I have an old wheel set up for sale which I could use with being gone to help with this latest modification 😅

MK2 / 8J TTRS complete Steering Wheel & Airbag

 

[8JVR6]

That valve cover is sexy. Great purchase!

 

[Barr_end]

That valve cover is sexy. Great purchase!

Thank you sir
Certainly seems to look the part!



Final part of the bay was finally delivered by Hermes - actually did get it fitted but forgot the photo
Also built up & threw in a resistor delete for the evap to remove the N80 solenoid out of the bay - again forgot to photo any of this

Although good news, have booked another track day! One last outing before the end of the year
Unfortunately missed the possibility to jump on with @MT-V6 and their Brands day
But friend had a voucher so couple of us have booked through Javelin - Brands full day on the 1st
Was increadibly cheap - £120! But of course is December and the weather will most likely make things very spicy!

Also it was in desperate need, TTS finally got a good scrub and returned back to white from grey 😅🧼

 

[nigh7swimming]

Curious, would removing N80 not cause issues with the gas tank ? I mean gas vapes, level sensor ?

 

[Barr_end]

Curious, would removing N80 not cause issues with the gas tank ? I mean gas vapes, level sensor ?

Not if removed correctly it doesn't
My N80 hasn't been plumbed into the system (from the fuel tank vent) for 2+ years? Maybe more I would have to look back in the thread.
Done as part of the development of the catch can system tried to make, when the charcoal canister was binned off, system was 'unplumbed'
Tank is open/venting to atmosphere - not directly into the engine bay/where the plastic pipe ends. It's in the wheel arch and there has been 0 issues from this
Purely just trying to lose the valve itself and it's annoying ticking 🤣

 

[BigDiesel34]

Barr_end love what you have do with the car. I just recently got some new alloys and wanted to check what nuts and bolts you have used on your Rota Titan to get them to pop out. Want to get a similar style on my one but don't know what to get as completely new to changing wheels

 

[MT-V6]

Sure he'll give details but pretty sure he has a stud and nut conversation fitted

 

[ab54666]

Thank you sir
Certainly seems to look the part!



Final part of the bay was finally delivered by Hermes - actually did get it fitted but forgot the photo
Also built up & threw in a resistor delete for the evap to remove the N80 solenoid out of the bay - again forgot to photo any of this

Although good news, have booked another track day! One last outing before the end of the year
Unfortunately missed the possibility to jump on with @MT-V6 and their Brands day
But friend had a voucher so couple of us have booked through Javelin - Brands full day on the 1st
Was increadibly cheap - £120! But of course is December and the weather will most likely make things very spicy!

Also it was in desperate need, TTS finally got a good scrub and returned back to white from grey 😅🧼


View attachment 494006 View attachment 494007

£120 is seriously cheap - which day? If I have time I'll pop down as only 20 minutes away.

 

[Barr_end]

Barr_end love what you have do with the car. I just recently got some new alloys and wanted to check what nuts and bolts you have used on your Rota Titan to get them to pop out. Want to get a similar style on my one but don't know what to get as completely new to changing wheels

Sure he'll give details but pretty sure he has a stud and nut conversation fitted

As MT said - Stud and nuts have been on it forever.
Make sure you get the correct taper style for whatever wheels you chose

£120 is seriously cheap - which day? If I have time I'll pop down as only 20 minutes away.

It is indeed isn't it! Although frosty and most likely moist day - it's not a massive surprise
But hopefully should be fun! Should be 1st or the 2nd of December
Dory brain doesn't help keep the details in head 🤣

 

[MT-V6]

Mine last week was £139 through MSV and I thought that was cheap! Fog caused a late start to the day and it was game over by 4 due to low light, but still works out as good value

You'll be laughing with quattro too when the rear wheel drive cars get squirmy [emoji16]

 

[Barr_end]

Mine last week was £139 through MSV and I thought that was cheap! Fog caused a late start to the day and it was game over by 4 due to low light, but still works out as good value

You'll be laughing with quattro too when the rear wheel drive cars get squirmy [emoji16]

For the time of year in terms of temperature and possible weather that is very cheap! You got a proper bargain
Shame about the fog, interestingly I think that happened at a few tracks during that week not just brands!

If it's wet it won't be too great even with drive to all 4
The Goodyear supersports I don't overly rate - too much like a semi slick
Full wet or even cold temps, no graduation of grip fall off, one mullisecond no issue, next is a big 4 wheel slide or understeer 😅
Most probably won't remember the post, but I can't complain because of the Costco bargain!
With all 4 tyres being just over £200, fitted, even with black wheel weights & did a mint job, not even the sensitive TT chassis could pick it up & no marks on the brand new wheels
Just wouldn't rate them for an all round road tyre & then cooked them around Curborough in 2 laps...
When they are dead will probably go back to my favourable Asymmetrics

Regardless though it should be a fun day out with the boys for cheap money
Will always be hoping for dry so I can stick the fresh rotas and AD08R's on though



I got a few minor details I wanted tidied up before brands, only what was needed but was worth doing.
Was more set on helping the mates this weekend and having some downtime...
Then I get a message, they are done, collect tomorrow
Not going to let the cold, dark, wet winter English evenings stop that
I'll leave this photo below of where I got to - one last pull and it's out

 

[MT-V6]

Wow big project, my guess is a flocked/alcantara dash?

Look forward to seeing the result

One thing if you don't mind. When you take the dash out could you get some photos of the area around the CECM/BCM where the wiring feeds around? Also whether or not you can see how that frame/bracket for it and the relays attaches?

 

[Barr_end]

Wow big project, my guess is a flocked/alcantara dash?

Look forward to seeing the result

One thing if you don't mind. When you take the dash out could you get some photos of the area around the CECM/BCM where the wiring feeds around? Also whether or not you can see how that frame/bracket for it and the relays attaches?

You indeed guess correct!
I have actually already thrown new one in...

But I took these 2 of the carnage behind there before tidying up some of the additional wiring
Hopefully they hold what you are after?

I mean it had to get worse before it was better right... 😅

 

[Barr_end]

So the dash has been in a few days and been on a few drives...
Pleasantly surprised to say, it's actually less rattily than before it was removed! Right result on that one
I did make 2 small mistakes on refit:

• Plugged the 2 spades on boost gauge backwards 🤦‍♂️😅 2 seconds that was fixed
• Lost the wire for the glovebox hinge for a little while, so light wasn't turning on. Few bolts and some head scratching later it solved simple enough 👌

As state above, I did tidy some of the additional wiring I have put in, for footwell lights, boost gauge, meth controller, digit liquid gauge.
Also tied up some of the wires I didn't plan to use because I removed the passengers airbag
With the harnesses in and no 3 point belt, it had already been rendered pointless feature and was advised by fair few people who convert track cars to disable it, like I had the drivers one when the wheel was removed.
No point leaving 3+Kg of weight in there if it's going to be dormant anyways, and if left on it would of only scared a passenger if the worst is to happen, then ruin my windscreen and now my lovely dash.

Refit was also actually alot easier than I thought, other than the 3 connectors, speaker, lock confirm light and not sure on the 3rd item right at the front of the dash.
Almost impossible to get at with big spade hands and the wiring loom so short, couldn't imposition the dash and with windscreen directly above right down there, was a fiddly bastard.
Easily be able to remove and refit this in a few hours now know every last detail on it

The new dash itself...
Lucky managed to source this as Bill @ Cloude 9 Customs was breaking a mk2 - also had few other pieces and this gave me perfect opportunity to give this, spare steering wheel cover & my actual glove box over out of the car and not worry about waiting on turn round time and having down time not being able to use the car.

Then Neil over at @ Carbon Motive has done a mega job of all the flocking! Got big thanks for this on
Originally had planned I was going to get it trimmed in alcantara but the cost was just not remotely worth while for me.
Very happy that was the case, as not only was price very reasonable for flocking from Neil, he has done a really quality job of it too!
Also turned it around in record time so I even managed to get it in before brands (from me working on it in the dark, cold, wet wanky UK winter) - top notch service

There are still a few things in the works, that I am really trying to get done
Some of you may notice the centre console has also completely changed - if some of these bits work out, you will see why!


As you will see from fitting some bits in the house - sure does like to attrack the fluff/hair though!
Enough waffle I suppose, bit everyone wants to see, not read on about

 

[jimojameso]

Good to see all the new updates coming. Car is looking great!

I'm sure I remember a while back you fitted heated seat pads to your bucket seats. If you did, do you have any pictures of when you completed this process?

 

[MT-V6]

The dash is looking great

 

[8JVR6]

Is that the CAE ultra shifter? Could you fit a boot around it if you wanted? Compared to the stock shifter, which I think shifts nicely what are the main differences?