Questionhey Dan, a question from one 'expert' to another(!)
I need your advice...
see my car first
http://members.cardomain.com/katespolo
Questions:
1)trying to pick a new car...
choices (think money-wise please)
-S3 (nice but expensive
-A3 1.8 (automatic though)
-keep my car (please see : http://members.cardomain.com/katespolo
..and keep it up and running, maybe add a few new mods
-sell it for parts (hamaan alone worth a lot..rims, music, etc..)
-older 3 or 5 series BMW (again, it may be just as old as my Polo and need repairs but it is a BMW and the price is right)
2) anything I can do to boost a 1.6 automatic? Currently have sport filter, exhaust and I use Shell V-Power 99 gas (he he!)No but seriously, any hope without getting a tranny conversion
3) my 16"(195/45) rims are scraping the front left and right side lip..
-choices
a)pay a lot for a paint job and have the lip pulled out to fit the tires under to prevent rubbing (but look IS important to me)
b)suck it up and put those little 15''s back on (don't make me do it!):)
c)get shocks pumped up a few cm (2-5cm)maybe? Also an investment... Which company (eibach?)do you recommend. i just spent money on the suspension I have and I'd hate to invest any more. My car is low enough as is and pushing the limits for these roads here in Warsaw.
4) Best tires for summer, best brand (michelin, perelli, dunlop...)
5) does a stabilizor really make a difference and is it worth the money? I'm not in the F1 or driving a car that could even make it a lap, but I've heard that it really does add the needed control (to the car, not the driver:)
6)my VW used to hold tight on corners and turns (especially with the wide 16"s)and react to the wheel. Now, it's 'slipping'I feel there's a slack between the wheel and tires, almost like it pauses and lets go half way though my turn. What could be the problem?
7) how long have you been in this line of work? I'd kill for a job like that!
Thank you so much for your time, I really and truly appreciate it!
Katie in Warsaw, Poland
AnswerHi Katie:
I'll answer the last question first. I have been toying with race cars since I was a young teen. I'm now age 64 and still going. However it's always been a hobby for me, not an occupation. I have driven a couple of pro races, and loved the experience, but I also knew that I was outclassed.
Question 1: I am not real familiar with AUDI products, and have a distaste for the poor reliability of BMW cars, especially their electronic components which are poor quality, and very expensive to replace. Mercedes leaves me cold, except for the AMG cars which are outrageously priced. Besides you can't get them with a manual transmission. I say it again below, but I HATE to buy a newer car, and NEVER buy brand new. Stay with your VW. By the way, we don't have the Polo model here.
Question 2 : You could change to a 1.8 Golf engine or even a 2.0 litre, and manual transmission combination. The extra pedal would mean changing the pedal array at the same time. Since you are not in the USA I coulnd't even guess at the cost.
Question 3 & 4: I can't speak with any authority regarding street tires, I only work with 'real' race cars. On my street car ( 1986 Mazda RX 7) I use a Yokohama 16" and am happy with the wear and performance. And I hate to buy cars ! I would do the body work myself, and make the tires fit. Then do the re-paint. I understand you can't do this, so you will need to find a custom coachbuilder to do it for you. Maybe there's a real metal craftsman in a body repair near you. Look carefully though, and he will be an older man with equipment that looks to be from the Stone Age !
Question 5: Yes, the stabilizer does work, and works well. you will immediately feel the car to be much quicker at turning into a corner, and the front will feel stiffer. It's one of the first things I plan for when building a new racer. You can also add anti-roll bar to the rear suspension, that will make the car flatter in the corners, and improve cornering a lot without giving a rough ride.
Question 6: I believe your suspension bushings are beginning to fail. Here in the USA we usually change them to the 'neoprene' or 'Delrin' type of bushing to cure the problem. They should be available in Europe as well.
Finally, with the larger engine, look into getting a K&N fuel injection performance kit. They do wonders for modern engines. Also the best exhaust system you can afford. For street driving , stay away from internal modifications. They make the car less reliable, and difficult to drive smoothly.
The excepttion to this would be the milling , or shaving of the cylinder head. Perhaps .5 mm or even 1 mm would add to performance. Until you do this, the high octane fuel is a waste of money. I know fuel is outrageously expensive in Europe, spend your money on other things. An octane rating of 90 is plenty for a street car, and there is no advantage to the higher ratings.
Good luck with your projects. I admire your interest and devotion to a great hobby !!
Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA
