View Full Version : Santa`s JABBA IHI powered LCR
Ho!Ho! Ho! and a packet full of mince pies -well! Donner and Blitzen! - I thought Santa lived in Lapland!! - this year for sure, he`s definitely moved to Jabbaland, and moreover, he`s delivered my Christmas a wee bit early too! - in the shape of IHI power for my LCR :D
Those who know me will, of course recognise and understand the very large grin on my face, when I yesterday picked up the car - my having waited more than three years for this kit!!
Those who know IHI power will of course already know what I am shouting about!!! :cloud9:
For those who don`t, well I sure can recommend the experience - start saving now! - you won`t regret it!!
I just want to say to all my friends at Jabbasport - many many thanks `guys and gals` for a great job well done, and for the expert, friendly, `bespoke` service you offered to me in the course of your turning my LCR into the car I always wanted it to be :clap: - Merry Christmas!!
Triple D
22-12-2005, 18:13
You lucky thing, what is the power output now?
Congratulations! :drool:
Any figures / Dyno plots?
mrcoyote
22-12-2005, 18:13
What will it do mister? :p
You lucky thing, what is the power output now?
The average of the 3 runs was 368 Bhp and 373ft/lbs torque on the new dyno at 1.6 bar boost - I`ll post the chart etc when I`ve more time, and can manage to get out of the car and stop playing with it!!
I take it you went vf34 .20 then. Nice results and i am sure your enjoying it.
Triple D
22-12-2005, 18:31
The average of the 3 runs was 368 Bhp and 373ft/lbs torque on the new dyno at 1.6 bar boost - I`ll post the chart etc when I`ve more time, and can manage to get out of the car and stop playing with it!!They seem pretty good figures mate, now what you need to do is find a 911 driver get right up his arse and then leave him when he takes the bate and see if he posts on here about being whoop'd by a LCR :lol:
Congrats songman, 1st lcr i know of to be IHI'd matey,, look after it and those wheels too mate :drool:
cant remember did you do uprated internals too?
I take it you went vf34 .20 then. Nice results and i am sure your enjoying it.
Thanks! - you know only too well how much I am enjoying this!!
I did as much as I could with the smallport -
vf34.20/ flowed head/ inconel~nimonic80 valves/flowed Dahlback/ forged Pauter rods/Jabba FMIC /Evoshield/Aquamist/Jabba Variable boost/3" exhaust 100 cell cat into 2.75" rear Milltek single box/ cold air intake - good power to 7800
Dyno figures apart - It really moves along very smartly on the road, :D :scary:
Mike T was well impressed when I spoke to him the other day he was well impressed with the torque :D
You can't beet that first drive home when IHI'd,makes a jumbo feel slow.
Good going mate [B)] 1st IHI LCR ive heard of in UK although there are a few on the continent.
Do you have control in 1st and 2nd or is it wheelspin city? Is there traction in 3rd?
Noticed no uprated clutch? Mine is slipping quite badly now :(
Thanks! - you know only too well how much I am enjoying this!!
I did as much as I could with the smallport -
vf34.20/ flowed head/ inconel~nimonic80 valves/flowed Dahlback/ forged Pauter rods/Jabba FMIC /Evoshield/Aquamist/Jabba Variable boost/3" exhaust 100 cell cat into 2.75" rear Milltek single box/ cold air intake - good power to 7800
Dyno figures apart - It really moves along very smartly on the road, :D :scary:
Just so we could have compared it would have been good if you had gone pe1820f, seeing how well it spooled would have been intresting.
I am sure Mike T told me a few days ago he did a 180bhp Audi TT on a .20 vf34 and it did 350bhp 350lbs/ft on the new rollers stnd engine as well i believe.
John cracking results especially the torque, must be eye watering! :thumbup:
You got to take me out for a spin ;)
Do you think the dalhback made much difference to the torque?
Once again impressive figures.
yesssssss what a legend. :p bring on the porsche turbos
MantisGW
22-12-2005, 23:14
Congrats John - you waited a while and I know it's all worth it. Keep your eye open for that ferrari :rolleyes: I won't be able to keep up with you now- bugger :cry:
I am sure Mike T told me a few days ago he did a 180bhp Audi TT on a .20 vf34 and it did 350bhp 350lbs/ft on the new rollers stnd engine as well i believe.r
Mike told me about the TT good result as mike was expecting 330.
It would be intresting to see more results out of the PE(if not for my own intrest as it's part of the twin set up)But.... as Mike said the torque results of the leon plus a PE should give neck breaking performance :thumbup:
Well - that`s me back fro my 15th trip to Tesco`s today - always go the long way round too - better lie low now in case I infuriate the local Traffic Department
Thanks `yo al` for the kind comments - I`m sure we are all in the same boat as to our regard for the LCR - I`m so glad that the firepower is now available to give it performance to match its looks
As to the spec of the car, well I gave the lads `carte blanche` to do what they thought was right for me - the car is my `daily driver` and being FWD Mike tailored the power curve for `driveability` rather than full out power - I think he got 400+ ft/lbs and about 380 bhp but decided to set it back a bit - all out BHP was not my sole goal - you will see from the readout that the car gives 320+BHP from 4500 to7500 - the final cut out is 7800
My previous experience of modding over the years tells me that it is easy to get too excited go a bit too far, compromising drivability and/or reliability - thus spoiling the fun!
The `way to happiness`in my opinion, is to aim for 90% use, and engineer for 110% - that`s what i`ve tried to do with the LCR
General opinion was that the PE1820 needed the largeport to maximise the potential benefits - the Dahlback is proven but did not suit the largeport either, and Jabba`s inlet manifold is really still in the development stages, so I was happy to live with the vf34.20 and its slightly faster spoolup time which perhaps suits general road use better - less top end for sure, but almost the same torque as the bigger setup
With general road use in mind, I was happy to stick with the standard S3 pistons as they are strong enough and well run in anyway.
I didn`t want to lower the CR as theory tends to indicate that this affects part throttle/off boost combustion efficiency and thus fuel economy
I wanted to change the rods and the valves, - potential weak spots - just to give myself peace of mind and confidence to use the full available performance.
The forged rods also allowed Mike to fully exploit the vf 34.20`s full potential
Having decided to stay with the smallport, I had it flowed to maximise its potential.
The runners of Dahlback were also flowed and matched to the head.
3" exhaust is needed for this sort of power and 100cell cat used too.
Jabba 3" downpipe/cat/exhaust mated to Milltek 2.75" system before back axle {to avoid clearance problems} - no centre resonator - standard Milltek dual outlet backbox kept {to try to limit noise!]
The standard LCR intercoolers work quite well but are a bit restrictive, so we used Jabba`s front mount, and of course EVO shield phenolic spacer/gasket and Aquamist [water/methanol] to try to kill the heat, and maximise the potential available power.
Also used Jabba`s variable boost to allow for differing driving conditions/ fuel avalability, and Jabba`s cold air induction kit - Hyperboost DV and Samco inlet hose too.
When rebuilding in adittion to the new kit and `bits and bobs` and we also used new lambda probes - new timing belt - new water pump with metal impeller - and Toledo 5ltr washer bottle to maximise range of Aquamist!
Fitted a Spa - Design dual boost/EGT gauge to monitor`events`too
The gearbox is standard internal ratios and final drive - we used an uprated Sachs clutch, and Quaife diff. and Nuespeed quickshift
Brakes are - front Porsche 993 Turbo `Big reds` - 323/32 two piece discs and Porsche Turbo pads - Goodridge hoses - Rear standard size EBC `Turbo Groove ` discs and `Red Stuff`pads
We rebushed the car front and rear with `Powerflex`poly bushes - used VF engineering `dogbone` mount, S3 strut brace, and Eibach rear ARB and Eibach front adjustable ARB together with Eibach Pro - Street coilovers, dropped about 20mm
Wheels are Sportec Mono 8.5/18 with 6mm integral spacers running at present P-Zero Corsa 235/40/18
Thats the mods for now - i`ve got a bit of `bling` to do yet but am not far off finished - just have to see how I get on with this lot
How much did it cost? - I hear the question! - Loadsaaaa!!!! is the answer - one LCR for the price of two and the rest!!
Real power costs real dosh unfortunately and when you get to these sort of power outputs, then there are real safety issues at stake if you get it wrong!!!
I just love the LCR - I love its looks, its rebel spirit and its iconoclastic nature - the purists hate it because its FWD not RWD or AWD - it shouldn`t be they say - It`s not even a Volkswagen - its a Seat - Gawd!!!
I have to say that in IHI guise the LCR is not a prospect for the faint hearted! - it needs commitment, finesse and 120% concentration to get the best out of it - have no doubts! - give it half a chance and it will bite you in the ass - big time!
There`s the fun of mastering it though - FWD is the greatest driving challenge I always think - no AWD traction to flatter your skill - no fancy RWD powerslides a la Clarkson to impress the wee`uns - just your skill against the system and its failings - that`s the thrill :)
I remember picking my car up and custardcupra was behind me coming up the A1 we had just stopped and refilled at the optimax station just outside peterborough. I bought a nice prawn sarnie and we were just pottering along, the roads were wet -greasy-salty and i was just tucking into my sarnie and driving one handed as you do. I thought i would just give it a tickle as the road was straight, 3rd gear 60mph+ and it hit 20psi the car started to snake along the road badly prawn sarnie was everywhere and CC was laughing his arse off behind as i picked all the prawns up from me and around the footwell. Wait till summer and the car becomes so much more fun, traction is impossible at he moment, its frustrating. The best thing is the ability to stop knob head m3 and scooby/Evo supercar drivers from being an arse with you. I was pottering along doing 70mph on a dual carriageway and as i got alongside a Tvr he decided as we exited a r-about he would leave me in the outside lane and floor it. I kicked his arse and went around him anyway. It makes the £1000's spent worth every penny.
songman awesome write up sounds very good seems you have it all covered what do you think 1/4 times will be and what about top end ?
Ruddmeister
23-12-2005, 08:34
Nice writeup and a fantastic spec car, you have done things the way I would like to if the ££££'s ever become avialble.
Think the uprated internals are a sensibe option......two questions remain.
- Can you stop modding the car, even after the bling?
- How long will you keep you licence if you start racing Fezza's and Porkers ;)
Drive carefully and enjoy.....
NumberoftheBeast
23-12-2005, 10:08
Hi Songman,
I was at Jabba yesterday for a custom remap and they showed me your powergraph and we had a chat about it - your car sounds nutty, truly amazing!
I also had the opportunity (thanks to Nick - what a nice bloke!) to be driven in and then have a drive myself of their IHI Audi A3. This had 350bhp and was truly rapid. I can only start to imagine what 360 is like in a Leon.
I'll give a full review of my remap and whole experience of the day (including the A3) at a later stage. I want to play a bit more in it first. First impressions? Wow. Money very well spent. I am glad I went to Jabba and I would recommend them to anyone.
David
Sounds awesome man, big £££ but you must be over the moon, must be a totally different prospect to drive now. No uprated clutch or Quaife ATB diff into your plan to control/handle the power?
Aye Rob! - apologies for the delayed reply - these modern chimneys really slow me down - they build them awfie wee these days don`they - suppose too, i`m gettin to be a fat git `cause I do eat all the the mince pies i`m left - then I had to muck oot the reindeer , and get the sleigh`s MOT ready for next year - Och! a Santa`s work is never done - hope you had a good Christmas anyway! - Best wishes to you and all SCN chums :)
Now where was I? - Quaife Diff - the car has a Quaife fitted and an uprated S***s clutch!!
Notice now, I didn`t spell the brand name in full, for fear of upsetting your Xmas digestion as I spotted from you recent posts that you are having trouble with S***s clutches - knowing how meticulous you are with your car and it`s spec, I can well understand how upset you are ! - You have my sympathies - I would be the same!! :doh: :cry:
Don`t know what to think really. I will have to reserve judgement till I see how I fare - The car averaged max 368 BHP and 373 ft/ lbs torque on the Dyno runs, and Mike didn`t spare its blushes - no sign of any slippage yet - I`ll soon let you know if there is!
The` Jabba` car is just surperb - I am so chuffed with it, and I feel it has been well worth the wait, and what a wait! - It must be 3years+ since Jim at Star chased APR to do the kit for me, but they weren`t interested in casting the manifold for RHD - they are now by the way!! I recently heard form Guy in APR Australia and the manifold now exists in RHD form, and they are well on the way to completing the Garrett kit for RHD Transverse - I am a great admirer of APR engineering and I know their kit will be something else when it arrives!!!
The last three years, I have generally been making a pest of myself around all those who I thought could do the conversion - I`d even thought of approaching Dahlback in Sweden and recently was getting so frustrated that I was considering Sportec!!! - nah! - not even I would pay those prices!!
Jabba have had the hardware for a while - their exhaust manifold is an excellent, proven, cast high nickel, ceramic coated design, and have in general a huge amount of experience preparing the 1.8T -The delay was on the software side - and once Milke got round to finishing the software for the ME7.5 ecu, then it was all go!! - I was real chuffed when they were first to the post and offered to do my car - the first RHD LCR to get their IHI treatment.
Suppose it`s strange to say, but when it actually came to getting the car done, after all this time waiting, I approached the prospect with a deal of of trepidation!! - mostly because I am a fussy `old git` -for me, a car is such an amalgam of attributes - pollute the magic and I personally quickly lose interest - the buzz i get from a car is the product of a subtle cocktail of a number of attributes, only one of which is BHP!! - and despite the great potential displayed on paper by the basic design, I was seriouisly concerned that I could be heading for a Max Power monster, with all the connotations that that concept implies!!! - I had visions of poor drivability, noise, harshness - compulsory weekly rebuilds, and all the rest!!
Well i`ve done 800 miles so far and as far as reliability goes all I can say is that nothing has yet fallen off, we`ll just have to see! - however no funny lights have come on - and all in all the the car fires up and goes about its daily business just like it was a standard LCR.
It has lost none of that wonderful `dual personality`that I like so much - I can still relax and potter about in the upper gears, getting approx 25mpg ,wafting along with the torque, whilst listening to the stereo, which thankfully still remains audible!! - and yet on the other hand, should the mood take me, I have perfomance on tap of junior `supercar` proportions - it`s mighty quick!!
The IHI spools up just like the KO4, but unlike the KO4 it gives 320+bhp between 4500 and 7500! - Mike has done a fabulous job with the mapping, real smooth power delivery with a broad flat top end - the drivability is fab and the car is so easy to control with the throttle, despite all the horsepower - I am seeing 1.65 bar mid range and 1.27 bar at 7500 rpm with 18degC engine inlet temp in this cold weather!! - don`t know what that is on the dyno but on the road it is `impreeeessssssivvvveee` - 150 speedo readings available on quite modest straights!!
I have a sneaking feeling that it might run to 7000+rpm[340BHP] in top, given its head and with gearing of approx 25mph/1000 in 6th with the 235/40/18 rubber - well that`s movin` along very smartly :D
The final effect of all the mods is in a way, greater than `the sum of the parts` - the brakes haul it down from 150 so positively without any hint of drama - the suspension mods, the diff. and Jabba`s realtime variable boost control, combine to tame the worst excesses of FWD `waywardness` and the initial stiffness smoothes out at speed making the car feel so much more `planted` than the standard set up - the motor has a new, menacing, hard edged howl to it - the whole car has a hightened confidence and sense of purpose, - it just `huckles down` and goes! believe me! - yet paradoxically, it does so with an aura less stressed and more relaxed than the standard car - its an amazing transformation!
Rest assured, in IHI form, the LCR can exist and well acquit itself in a dimention far beyond that of the standard parameters - it is safe, practical, looks ` a dream`, goes like stink, and, all in all, is `stonkin good fun`!
It must surely be the greatest ever `hot hatch`
Respect then to the VAG engineers for the inherent strengths of their basic design :thumbup:
and more so to the lads at Jabbasport for refining the product brilliantly , and producing one for lucky old me!! :D
ibizacupra
28-12-2005, 08:46
so your sort of quite happy then... :)
Yes indeed I am Bill, and you will know exactly why!! - and I have to say that happiness owes good measure to you yourself - I`ve read wth great interest the development progress of your own motor - all credit to you ! - what a machine you have now!!! :clap: :worship: - and the insights and experiences you offered, gave me the path to follow, and the confidence to go forward, and get the work done!
To provide a finished, `marketable` product like the IHI conversion is no mean feat for a company of international standing, let alone a small group of guys like the Jabbamen - so credit where credit is due to them for quality work, and a job well done!! - they are a really great team as you know.
I just wanted to write in support of the whole IHI idea, because though the LCR has finished production, there is in fact a whole new era about to evolve for it, with much potential left there to be exploited by those sharp enough to see it.
The message to all is - don`t sell your LCR!, you`ll regret it - hang on to it, hammer the plastic - life is short! - and go for the IHI and give yourself `lodsa fun and the drive of yur life`
The only real problem I think you will have, is keping yourself off the front page of the newspapers!!! :banned: ;)
ibizacupra
28-12-2005, 12:13
They do 160mph speedo's just to tease you...
"Hello officer.. I was just testing my new found turbo power... cuffs? what are they for?"
Roll on some dry (grippy) weather..
just got me some fresh tyres fitted this morning on my 16's and they actually seem to want to grip, which is unusual.
Glad you are happy...
Enjoy...
:)
Congrats mate :)
why did i sell my again? [:@] stupid new house
werent to sure from your posts if you were happy with the power ;)
The` Jabba` car is just surperb - I am so chuffed with it, and I feel it has been well worth the wait, and what a wait! - It must be 3years+ since Jim at Star chased APR to do the kit for me, but they weren`t interested in casting the manifold for RHD - they are now by the way!! I recently heard form Guy in APR Australia and the manifold now exists in RHD form, and they are well on the way to completing the Garrett kit for RHD Transverse - I am a great admirer of APR engineering and I know their kit will be something else when it arrives!!!
Yeah Jim waited and waited for APR and eventually gave up and put his S3 up for sale, he is aiming at a Stage 2 VF supercharged R32 with 350BHP now.
I can't travel down South for anything so am limited to what's up here - which is zero. But with the ATP Garrett Eliminators coming out very soon and APR Stage 3 (if what you say is correct) too - the future seems to hold 300+ for me too!
cupra R con
28-12-2005, 21:08
so your sort of quite happy then... :)
:roflmao: :roflmao:
glad to see some Leon boys going for big mods, there was only one a while back ;)
it seems Bill is an inspiration to us all, its only the depths of our pockets stopping more doing the same.
Enjoy your new found power, & thanks to Bill & Rob for continuously posting story's of serious power to inspire others to do the same.
roll on 300bhp, its coming :D
:cheers:
MantisGW
29-12-2005, 00:16
I drove Songmans LCR on boxing day and can say without a doubt - jammy b*****d :) We also tried it up against my LCR (270bhp) and he left me sitting like warp factor 9 it wasn't even close. Songman has done it the right way with all the mods he's got - quick and safe plus the advantage of use-ability. Congrats must go to the team at Jabba for a great job superbly done.
I drove Songmans LCR on boxing day and can say without a doubt - jammy b*****d :) We also tried it up against my LCR (270bhp) and he left me sitting like warp factor 9 it wasn't even close. Songman has done it the right way with all the mods he's got - quick and safe plus the advantage of use-ability. Congrats must go to the team at Jabba for a great job superbly done.
Thanks Mantis GW!! - here`s some pics for Chris and the dyno chart :)
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/113281737.jpg&s=x11
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/113325034.jpg&s=x11
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/113372514.jpg&s=x11
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/113240342.jpg&s=x11
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/113453973.jpg&s=x11
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=1/115224990.jpg&s=x11
Cheers! :funk:
Triple D
02-01-2006, 21:51
some nice pics there songman, bet your loving the power. Any body tried it on since having the work done on it?
some nice pics there songman, bet your loving the power. Any body tried it on since having the work done on it?
I`m still getting used to it! - and it takes some getting use to! - the roads and the weather conditions just now are not condusive to great globs of FWD power - or any other sort of power for that matter!!
Drew alongside one of the latest A3 3.2 litre jobs the other day, on the dual carriageway exit from a roundabout - he wellied it and so did I - so I was leaving him but not as fast as I would have thought - `IHI power is perhaps not all its made out to be`, drifted across my consciousness :confused:
I then realised that the little black knob on the dash was turned fully anticlockwise - Mike had called this knob `boost control` :think: - as per his instructions, :joystick: I turned the lttle black knob to the fully clockwise position - Ah ha!! :rolleyes:
I was full bore in fourth gear at the time doing +++mph and all of a sudden all hell broke loose :-o - the wheels started to spin :help: - theworld became a blur and along with it, so did the Audi!!! :D
OK ! yes! I did gloat a bit - I admit it! - however,as the Audi faded into the distance, the prospect of another somewhat more profound encounter loomed ominously into focus :cop: :banned: :cry:
So I quickly returned the little black knob to the fully anticlockwise position, applied the middle pedal, as discretely as is possible for one to do at times like that and - in the due passage of time :wtf: ) - I resumed my usual stately 50mph cruise :redface:
The Audi eventually caught up - some days later - and of course, whizzed past at +++ mph - Dammed speeders I thought :whistle:
As I said er! - it takes a bit of getting used to - :drive2: :)
Scotty_b
02-01-2006, 23:42
Engine looks good, does the stock cover fit on still? Also ive noticed no silicon pipes on the IC side, with all that power i thought you may have gone for those?
Love the wheels too and that yellow looks so much deeper than mine
Engine looks good, does the stock cover fit on still? Also ive noticed no silicon pipes on the IC side, with all that power i thought you may have gone for those?
Love the wheels too and that yellow looks so much deeper than mine
Thanks Scotty - the cover doesn`t fit because of the Dahlback - I always felt it retained too much heat anyway, so I wanted to get rid of it - had the cam cover polished - looks a good job
I will put upper Samcos on it[ there are Samcos on the lower IC intercooler inlet/outlet] - I have some more bling to do yet - the standard hoses work OK though.
As for the colour - must just be the light - it was quite dull when I took the shots, so I upped the contrast
The wheels I love too, but it is going to be difficult to keep them A1 - they protrude a bit and because they are so wide[8.5"], they are vulnerable to kerbing/stones and the rest!!
Scotty_b
03-01-2006, 00:20
Ouch! look dam good tho! Get curb probes!
Thats a shame as i wanted to get a Dahlback mani further down the like but keep the stock cover for looks. Mind you the polished look, gives it a beasty look!
What else is going on under there then? As basicly you have exactly what i want to do, so i can kind of see into the future with yours!
Aint @rse licking but songman's LCR has been done right, brakes/wheels/suspension/IHI.... etc etc proper job, congrats man, even same colour for you to see scotty :) yellow samco's all the way for complete bling though songman :bleh:
Scotty_b
03-01-2006, 00:29
At least i beat him to something!
At least i beat him to something!
HEhe seen your's show him a pic scotty :D proper bling
The stock cover can be kept on with minor mods. I was going to make some custom mounts for it but tbh it wasnt worth the hassle
Scotty_b
03-01-2006, 00:51
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/LCR_SCOTT/afbf4e15.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/LCR_SCOTT/54670147.jpg
There old ones, i will have to take some more with the polished turbo pipe (for want of a better name) and all the neuspees bits
song man... fantastic car! :clap: :worship:
nice to see someone else with a modded s3 strut brace! ;)
yours...
http://x11.putfile.com/1/113453973.jpg
mine...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/__james_/53400001.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/__james_/53400058.jpg
scotty... my brace would look phat on ur car!
anyways really must go bed now! :blink:
lots to do 2mo, a vern/scotty! ;)
scotty... my brace would look phat on ur car!
anyways really must go bed now! :blink:
lots to do 2mo, a vern/scotty! ;)
LOL get up nice and earley :D
Aint @rse licking but songman's LCR has been done right, brakes/wheels/suspension/IHI.... etc etc proper job, congrats man, even same colour for you to see scotty :) yellow samco's all the way for complete bling though songman :bleh:
Thanks Vern - I am not a man to do things by half, as you probably realise!! - The point is that the bottom line for me is that the car has to be a `serious prospect`. not a `Saturday night special` - It is my daily driver, only becuse i love drivin` it! - I can do 25000 miles a year easy in all weathers so it has got to hang together in the mundane world of everyday motoring as well as when i`m blastin` down the Autobahn holding 7500 on the tail of some Porsche - thinkin` `well maybe i should have changed those rods after all :-o
Mike actually drew the car back a bit with a view to reliability and general drivability - and when you get to this power level those concepts are all the more important - even at the power I have the car is mighty quick and has the ability to sharply focus your mind!!!
I did the mods only after a great deal of `heart searching` - I could have gone to Harry`s down the road and bought a year old M3 - fab stuff - performance and reliabiity - but well I just love my LCR :)
It will have a pretty good workout from me, and rest assured I`ll keep everyone informed `warts and all` - on general runing costs
I have written a lot about it only because i`m hoping to encourage folks to take the plunge get some LCR company - it`s lonely out here with all these Beezas, Golfs and Audis!!
I know it is a large outlay no matter what complexion you put on it, but I still recon that the way LCR secondhand prices are going, you could do 90% of what I have done for £20000 all in including the car - surely that must be one of the best performance bargins going :D
Sorry I missed the Awesome meet - looking forward to meeting you at the next one :cheers:
LeeroyBrown
03-01-2006, 01:09
Can you stop posting these pics of your LCR`s up, i want one :( :lol: Looks amazin mate.. Nice 1
Ouch! look dam good tho! Get curb probes!
Thats a shame as i wanted to get a Dahlback mani further down the like but keep the stock cover for looks. Mind you the polished look, gives it a beasty look!
What else is going on under there then? As basicly you have exactly what i want to do, so i can kind of see into the future with yours!
Scotty! - yer a true`blingmeister` - car looks great!!
Hurry up and start spendin` - the LCR IHI club needs new members!! :funk:
LOL songman, i know how much you have spent, i added up pretty much the same spec for my Platinium LCR, inc sportec's lol, i bottled it, and bought the 330d,(mrs had a part to play too) :D , i dont blame you, it's your money and i think it's a great car/mod, some people will think your crazy to spend all that, "you could have had an M3" type response, well you got what you wanted, i'll read the running costs /reliablity comments with interest, Tbh i wish i had kept mine as a toy now, need to see what company car i can get in march ;)
song man... fantastic car! :clap: :worship:
nice to see someone else with a modded s3 strut brace! ;)
yours...
http://x11.putfile.com/1/113453973.jpg
mine...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/__james_/53400001.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/__james_/53400058.jpg
Thanks James - a fabulous creation - truthfully, your strutbrace did inspire me! - and there`s not many men that I can say that about - dahling !:redface:
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/__james_/53400001.jpg
songman your car must be a beast to drive.
sorry to hijack
james is this standard A3 or have you had it chromed
Scotty_b
03-01-2006, 09:00
Id love to get this done to my LCR but funds are dam low at the moment. After buying the car and now looking for a flat im looking to do these mods when the car is about three years old I think as that way all the parts will have had time to wear in a bit as its only just over a year old! but it will be done as the LCR is going to stay with me until one of us dies!
So am I right in thinking all the mods cost in the region of 10-15k? If I win the loto I will book it in the same day!
Brace looks great, only thing that puts me off is fitting!
I would recommend getting vag com and doing logs of boost req vs actual, n75 dc, maf g/s etc. Use them as a bench mark for fault finding in the future.
Id love to get this done to my LCR but funds are dam low at the moment. After buying the car and now looking for a flat im looking to do these mods when the car is about three years old I think as that way all the parts will have had time to wear in a bit as its only just over a year old! but it will be done as the LCR is going to stay with me until one of us dies!
So am I right in thinking all the mods cost in the region of 10-15k? If I win the loto I will book it in the same day!
Brace looks great, only thing that puts me off is fitting!
Aye Scotty! - the good things in life unfortunately never seem to come cheap, no matter what yardstick you use to measure their cost.
We are probably at different places on `the yellow brick road` - a time for all things! and for me, well, this is something I always wanted to do - you`ll get there, to be sure!
The LCR is without doubt a `must keep`prospect , if you can manage it at all- there will be no more produced now - they are hardly a common experience on the roads as it is - they are strong, they look great, and have now established `street cred` - they have huge development potential and all in all are an ideal basis for modding.
As for costs! well! in truth, I have spent more in total on the car since I have owned it, than the figures you mention!
The reason being that, when you start a project like this, in relatively uncharted territory, you have to try a lot of things before you really know what works for you and what doesn`t ,and thus have to budget accordingly - you can`t stop halfway!!
In hindsight, I think you could get 90% of what i`ve done for less than £10k starting from the standard car.
You could live with the standard wheel an tyre size - keep the standard callipers and uprate the discs and pads
You woud have to do the suspension and the diff
In truth the IHI running even 1.4 bar will be a revelation to any owner who has only experienced a chipped K04 - so you could live with the standard, pistons, head and valves
My car had done 43000 miles before the IHI, so I asked James to cast his experienced eye over it, and check the general integrity of the running gear etc, before doing any modding
As a matter of course we replaced the clutch, the timing belt, the waterpump[metal impeller], and the lambdas, apart from all the other bits and bobs
If you are handy, and can do the donkey work yourself, then there is more money to be saved - my knees are just a bit too stiff there days to want `to get out and get under` - heck, to think of it ! - how does anyone get under a lowered LCR!! :givein:
I hope you keep the car and eventually get your mods done, when finances allow - you won`t regret it - when the sky is blue, the roads are dry and the spirits high - you`ll know exactly what I mean!! :rocker: :D
Scotty_b
03-01-2006, 11:25
Anyone want to buy a kidney! :cry: How many years do you get for armed robbery?
On a positive note, this will save loads of people plenty of development time and get all the chinks ironed out of the system.
Did you do all the mods at once, diff etc as I would like to get the best out of the mods bit by bit I think, i.e. every 6 months do a little more say brakes then suspension then diff and so on
Thanks James - a fabulous creation - truthfully, your strutbrace did inspire me! - and there`s not many men that I can say that about - dahling !:redface:
you joking? u actually copied me?! :blink: :D
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/__james_/53400001.jpg
songman your car must be a beast to drive.
sorry to hijack
james is this standard A3 or have you had it chromed
its a moddified s3 strut brace... its been modded to fit and the black paint was all rubbed down and polished up (thanks pete! ;)) and i painted the ends black and lacquered the whole lot.
then its drilling time! :lol:
I would recommend getting vag com and doing logs of boost req vs actual, n75 dc, maf g/s etc. Use them as a bench mark for fault finding in the future.
Good point! - I do have Vag Com, and Iwill do some logging in the next few days if the weather holds
JABBA fitted a Spa - Design Boost/EGT gauge - Today [0deg C] I`m getting 1.75 peaks and 1.35 steady at the top end - EGT max 775deg C
I shall consider myself very lucky if I get no teething problems at all with the car, after all its such a major rework!! - I do carry a spare N75 just in case [as well as coilpacks and coolant temp sensor!] - reading about your probs maybe that`s just as well!!
Hope you got it sorted :)
Good point! - I do have Vag Com, and Iwill do some logging in the next few days if the weather holds
JABBA fitted a Spa - Design Boost/EGT gauge - Today [0deg C] I`m getting 1.75 peaks and 1.35 steady at the top end - EGT max 775deg C
I shall consider myself very lucky if I get no teething problems at all with the car, after all its such a major rework!! - I do carry a spare N75 just in case [as well as coilpacks and coolant temp sensor!] - reading about your probs maybe that`s just as well!!
Hope you got it sorted :)
Get a spare MAF too mate, also those EGT'S are awesome very low............would have thought you would have seen 900' Deg c
YerMother
03-01-2006, 22:25
APR stage 3+ kit is coming out soon with a moddified GT28RS with similar figures not sure on cost but can't see it being anymore than Jabba's IHI kit! Will still be a good buy! They are developing a RHD kit in Oz as we speak which is aound 60% complete. It's for the 225 TT, S3 so i'm guessing it will fit a LCR!
We need some more BT LCRs well done songman :thumbup:
Get a spare MAF too mate, also those EGT'S are awesome very low............would have thought you would have seen 900' Deg c
Respect Vern! - You know a lot more about the control side than me - I am not sure where the sensor is sighted - I don`t think it is in the manifold - probably downstream in the downpipe somewhere - will the location not affect the temp measured - it is highest when the mixture leans out on part throttle running - I am also using Aquamist 80/20 water/methanol because of the ambient temps
APR stage 3+ kit is coming out soon with a moddified GT28RS with similar figures not sure on cost but can't see it being anymore than Jabba's IHI kit! Will still be a good buy! They are developing a RHD kit in Oz as we speak which is aound 60% complete. It's for the 225 TT, S3 so i'm guessing it will fit a LCR!
We need some more BT LCRs well done songman :thumbup:
Should indeed be some bit of kit - I have a lot of regard for APR engineering - I have been E mailing Guy in Australia back and forth for updates and had a long conversation about it with Steven at the Awesome open day - great stuff! :)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/BMXHoF/smaller6.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/BMXHoF/smaller5.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/BMXHoF/smaller4.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/BMXHoF/smaller3.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/BMXHoF/smaller2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/BMXHoF/smaller1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/BMXHoF/dyno1.jpg
Some Pics as promised of songmans beast. [:@] :p
ibizacupra
04-01-2006, 08:04
whats with the JA BBA plate....
you a fan now? :)
whats with the JA BBA plate....
you a fan now? :)
Ah Ha Bill!! - the plate is a lot older than the car, because I have been waiting
-----Sooooooo lonnnnngggg :whistle: :sleepy:
Did Mike never tell you about the insane dishevelled Scotsman who was living rough out on the flatlands at night :hide: and picketing his doorstep by day :dance: -these last long long years!!
I bough it `in hope` you could say - Just a finishing touch , as it was the first LCR they had done - not the first Leon however, but I don`t think the owner of that car contributes to Cupranet
Anyway, the plate serves to intrigue and impress - err well impress - the locals :-o :scary: as it disappears into the distance :)
ibizacupra
04-01-2006, 11:51
their other plates were S400JAB... but yours is better..
Love the polished Dahlback manifold, blue Samco on your intercooler pipe to match the turbo hose would finish it off! Looks great and goes even better - top job by yourself and Jabba, boys know their stuff alright!
chiefsilverback
04-01-2006, 14:04
when the sky is blue, the roads are dry and the spirits high - you`ll know exactly what I mean!!
Big respect for spending the cash and getting the car to that level of tune but I must confess, in the conditions you describe there I'd much rather be in a drop top RWD!!!
I think that for me the prospect of big power in an LCR (or similar) doesn't appeal because, even though on a motorway you can hold your own against Porsches and Ferraris etc... when you hit a windy road you wouldn't see which way an Evo FQ340 went (dependent on driver) and for me that's more important than being able to break the land speed record!!
neeleyveeley
04-01-2006, 15:15
Just read through this thread and looks like a very impressive motor. Glad you also covered all the options as you still hear the odd horror story of things not holding up as well as they should be. Long wait for it all to happen but well worth it in the end and looking the IHI is only a very small part of whats really been done.
Figures are impressive to look at but as already said just wait for dryer conditions and stickier roads so you can maximise the full potential you now have in the car.
Cheekymonkey
10-01-2006, 19:02
Great figures there songman... I saw your car on lifts at Jabba over xmas - when I saw the porsche brakes, I thought there'd be something special under there!
Love the sportec's too - look great on the Leon.
I have done a mini feature of Songman's Jabba'd buzzin' hornet on my website, I'll be doing more on modified SEAT's in the future which are worthy of some much-deserved attention, you can find it here: http://www.rd20vturbo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/feature1.html
I may be switching back to a full-blown site in the near future, we'll see how these features go! :D
Fantastic looking car mate, can i just ask about your suspension set up. More importantly do you have any spacers fitted ?
EDIT: Just looked back through the post, noticed its 6mm integral spacers ! Looks like thats the way forward
LEO LION R
16-01-2006, 22:24
WELL DONE THAT MAN, i've not been paying much attention for the last month or two on the forums.
Fantastic and about bleedin time too (3 years and still worth it), i am guessing that MantisGW is a tad jealous :D me too :whistle:
Keep seeing oyu about, but you must be ignoring me in my oddie, you must be on the look out for those common 911's [B)]
C U soon
I have done a mini feature of Songman's Jabba'd buzzin' hornet on my website, I'll be doing more on modified SEAT's in the future which are worthy of some much-deserved attention, you can find it here: http://www.rd20vturbo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/feature1.html
I may be switching back to a full-blown site in the near future, we'll see how these features go! :D
Thanks Rob!! -what with your car and now mine, seems Scotland`s the place to go for hotshot Leons!!! - Hoots Mon!!:funk:
Fantastic looking car mate, can i just ask about your suspension set up. More importantly do you have any spacers fitted ?
EDIT: Just looked back through the post, noticed its 6mm integral spacers ! Looks like thats the way forward
We used Eibach Pro-Sport coilovers dropped 20mm from standard - this is about as low as I would like to go for the road - problems getting on dealers ramps etc, the splitter gets a hard time over `humps`and sometimes there`s contact with inner wings at speed on poor surfaces
The setup is quite hard around town at speeds appropriate to that - the Corsas have very stiff sidewalls - but once playtime comes then it all settles down very nicely and feels very much more planted than the standard kit
The handling is pretty neutral - with Eibach rear ARB and Eibach front ARB set to softest setting - the diff is great and a must for BT car as are the suspension changes - of course with so much power things can get - err `mental` - and the greatest traction aid is a sensitive right foot - mind you JABBAS vari - boost is an extremely handy, natty little device, and great fun into the bargin!!
The Sportecs 8.5/18 wil fit over the standard R Brembos without the need for spacers - the Porsche Brembos are much bigger and need ~6mm spacers - Sportec do integral 10mm spacers which attach with 3 countersunk machine screws to the hub face of the wheel - very secure and no wobbles - I had them machined down to 6mm and with the 235/40/18 on 8.5 rims the setup is right on the limit of the standard wheel arches:)
Songman
What's the latest on you from your original post.....been running for over a year now with IHI power....any reliability issues??
Hopefully not that I've now taken the plunge with the help of Bill and some ex TSR. I'm pegging mine back somewhat unless I uprate the rods and valves which I'm thinking is probably a good idea for track.
Will probably go for a engine check over as it's now 100k but it has been pretty much faultless apart from MAF. Been running APR stage 2 and FMIC Milltek etc since new almost...nice package but now bored.
Only thing I'm worried about is melting turbo housings...how much are these on P18/20 housings?Low boost 1.2-1.4 max should help.
Baffled sump catch tank to be fitted too.
paul26982
09-12-2006, 21:33
how much did it cost for the ihi
ibizacupra
10-12-2006, 11:03
another P20 housing failure on my old golfy with poor old matt h.
IHI's achillees heel when its not bearings expiring
only ran 1bar boost round combe too.
mapped on motec so I have no idea what egt's it ran, but it was mapped @ Owen developments with Keith (Dialynx). Cracked Jabba exhaust manifold too. (albeit its an old one in the scheme of things)
Songman
What's the latest on you from your original post.....been running for over a year now with IHI power....any reliability issues??
Hopefully not that I've now taken the plunge with the help of Bill and some ex TSR. I'm pegging mine back somewhat unless I uprate the rods and valves which I'm thinking is probably a good idea for track.
Will probably go for a engine check over as it's now 100k but it has been pretty much faultless apart from MAF. Been running APR stage 2 and FMIC Milltek etc since new almost...nice package but now bored.
Only thing I'm worried about is melting turbo housings...how much are these on P18/20 housings?Low boost 1.2-1.4 max should help.
Baffled sump catch tank to be fitted too.
I have no doubts whatsoever about the reliability of the IHI for normal road use - I have no regrets at all and I would do exactly the same again
I felt much like youself when I was considering the prospect of getting work done on my car - all I ever read was stories of disasters - so i can well understand you concerns
I have had problems but I put them down to my own lack of experience and my own foolish forgetfulness regarding the maxim - `if it ain`t broke don`t try to fix it`
Prior to GTI Inters and purely,and for cosmetic reasons alone, I decided to change the DV - the car had been going so well for 17k miles I guess i was getting bored and looking for something to do!
The valve I was supplied with was faulty - that is the kindest description I can offer in the public domain - and in a period of 10 days from fitting, it caused the turbo bearings to fail[ as a consequence of the valve`s inability to do any `diverting`] and I was landed with a £1000 bill for a new unit - I was not a happy bunny[:@]
The big caveat here is to very careful with what you fit - all that glitters is not gold or silver or polished alloy or what have you! - because it looks nice doesn`t mean it works any better - Top tuners like APR even retain the standard Bosch DV and VAG airbox in their BT applications
I am well over that now having done over 17k with the new unit without any probs
I am still using the original turbo exhaust housing, manifold and downpipe at 34k IHI miles without any problems - the highest EGT i`ve see is 870 deg downstream of the turbo - and that was after a good thrashing, and i`m talking here about really ffaasstt - if the car is correctly engineered and set up by a competent professional, then in road use, you`re more likely to end up in jail before you do an exhaust housing.
Hope this helps - I am hoping to do a more comprehensive overview of my years IHI motoring with outline costs etc when I have more time to post over the holiday period:)
paul26982
10-12-2006, 16:31
someone on mkivs has one for sale for 1600quid i think
how much did it cost for the ihi
It is in truth the wrong approach to think in terms of the `cost of the turbo` in isolation - the cost of the turbo is only a small part of the total cost required for the essential task of engineering the whole car to a level appropriate to enable you to enjoy the performance in confidence and safety.
The conversion is complex and not of the `plug and play` variety - each car is very much a `bespoke` effort, and that`s why the vast majority of us require the input of an established and experienced tuner to complete the job - unless you have a great deal of technical knowlege and resource you are very much on your own with regards to a DIY effort should you encounter problems :confused: - your local Seat dealer will run a mile! :scary:
ibizacupra
10-12-2006, 20:51
I have no doubts whatsoever about the reliability of the IHI for normal road use ...
I am still using the original turbo exhaust housing, manifold and downpipe at 34k IHI miles without any problems - the highest EGT i`ve see is 870 deg downstream of the turbo - and that was after a good thrashing, and i`m talking here about really ffaasstt - if the car is correctly engineered and set up by a competent professional, then in road use, you`re more likely to end up in jail before you do an exhaust housing.
Ians use will be on track as well as road.
EGT's pre-turbine are the ones to take notice of.
Housings dont like those temps. Warp.
Yours been on track yet?
Ians use will be on track as well as road.
EGT's pre-turbine are the ones to take notice of.
Housings dont like those temps. Warp.
Yours been on track yet?
My car was never intended for track use Bill - always saw it only as a road car, and I can only talk of my experiences with regards to `spirited` road use
As i said i`ve done nearly 34k IHI miles so far with the original mani/housing/ downpipe without any cracks/warps etc to date
I am really happy with the car - most of my experiences with modded cars over the years have been less than uplifting - something always goes wrong.
This LCR has been the best yet by miles - the prospect of getting 34k road miles out of a `cooking` engine developing 200+bhp/litre, and delivering junior -supercar performance, whilst at the same time offering amazing tractability, nearly 30mpg and low running costs into the bargin, for me, beggars belief - i feel very lucky
This whole modding business is a very personal quest -each of us has our own priorities and tailors his project for success accordingly
I know for your posts that you didn`t feel the IHI was for you and I can well understand you wanting to change having had such bad luck - your new project sounds very exciting and I look forward to seeing some great results in due course.
Perhaps Ian , being advised by you would be better to steer away from the IHI, and use something you feel more appropriate to his needs:)
ibizacupra
11-12-2006, 08:43
My car was never intended for track use Bill - always saw it only as a road car, and I can only talk of my experiences with regards to `spirited` road use
As i said i`ve done nearly 34k IHI miles so far with the original mani/housing/ downpipe without any cracks/warps etc to date
I am really happy with the car - most of my experiences with modded cars over the years have been less than uplifting - something always goes wrong.
This LCR has been the best yet by miles - the prospect of getting 34k road miles out of a `cooking` engine developing 200+bhp/litre, and delivering junior -supercar performance, whilst at the same time offering amazing tractability, nearly 30mpg and low running costs into the bargin, for me, beggars belief - i feel very lucky
This whole modding business is a very personal quest -each of us has our own priorities and tailors his project for success accordingly
I know for your posts that you didn`t feel the IHI was for you and I can well understand you wanting to change having had such bad luck - your new project sounds very exciting and I look forward to seeing some great results in due course.
Perhaps Ian , being advised by you would be better to steer away from the IHI, and use something you feel more appropriate to his needs:)
"Luck" songman had nothing to do with it. Cracked manifold(s), warped exhaust housings, but luckily for me never a bearing failure like several others have suffered.
Pushing the IHI's to pump out the numbers 'customers' want to see is where the VF34 IHI starts to become less reliable. It was'nt for me some 4+ years down the line no, but my goals also moved significantly, and experience gained along the way has been immence. (albeit expensive)
The example you give for road use is just that, "road use", but I know Ians looking for track use as well as daily drive. Been there myself, and when it was turned up in "my" quest for more power (for which many others have since followed based on it "worked for me") there were failures of housings, warping etc, and same of the manifold, cracked and warped. Its not like mine is an isolated case with these type failures. the thing in common being we're all running them 1.6bar or higher to get as much as we can out of em.
Keep it sensible and boost levels sane, and the VF34 for me was superb, very reliable, but track use is nothing like road use. EGT's are the important thing to keep control of for housings. beyond 900'C you are in the lap of the gods.
I've moved on from VF34 yes, and that was prompted by guess what, an exhausing failure/warp, which blew the gasket out of the PE. not a big warp thankfullyand the housing is machinable to make it flat again as is the manifold. The pain to replace this however, given the frequency it occurs in race mode was not something I was prepared to tollerate. 390bhp was not enough for me either, so it was think hard, dig deep time, and I retired my Jabba kit and engineered my own setup to my new goals. at considerable cost, but I was not prepared to run a compromised setup just because I had "invested" money in it... (shed loads of ££)
Now I am not knocking the VF34 IHI, as it can deliver the goods to a 300-320bhp level reliably. Track use will push them very much harder than on the road, so the modest boost I would advocate, should keep them reliable, with a very keen eye on EGT's and thinking of additional things like water injection. (not everyone does this, and some that do then try to map to make full use of the extra potential..... where I use it as a safety device to combat spiraling EGT's when 'on it' round track).
VF34 IHI IMHO is a better unit for drivability than the GT28's I have come across, and MikeT has done a trremendous job of pioneering it into the ipso facto "1.8T IHI" upgrade so many people talk about.
I would be wary of post turbine temps in high 800's low 900's, as I saw these myself whilst still warping an exhaust housing. When you compare P20 housings vs other makes you realise how small it is so heat build in there is'nt surprising, as the compressor is oh so willing to deliver flow thru it.
As for what I would advise for Ian, I know he's got a budget in mind and what I would suggest for "track" use would blow that out of the water. I think the VF34 Ians got his eye on, will deliver the goods, when mapped within its ability. His will be a stock motor otherwise, aside from FMIC, so power will be pegged accordingly.
Anyone who's running their IHI's know how damned fast they actually are. Transform the 1.8T's. We are all looking for something extra these days, including JS with their prospective new range of turbos. Should be good when available. (and wont likely be IHI based)
Good information for myself particularly. As I like to track my car now it's certainly reliable anU pretty quick considering it's spec....currently approx 230 hp and 265lbs at Awesome.
The main reasons it's half respectable (1.22 around Coombe) is mainly due to set up diff and Intermidiate Tyres currently running Dunlop D01J's.
Anything quicker would necessitate serious weight loss or big wallop.
Weight loss would mean making the car into a 'proper track orientated car'.
Taking the view that 300hp and a bit would be a nice upgrade keeping it pegged back should keep temps down. I will also invest in Water injection to keep those essential intake temps down.
I would also like to measure EGT's in all of the essential locations for monotoring and will build this into the safety / longevity measures.
What sort of cost will be Water injection kits be?
Luckily I have a good Neuspeed FMIC. I also run a standard airbox and panel filter and Forge Rec Valve.One thing I will also invest will be a baffled sump and catch tank.
Think I will keep my K03's and stock manifold as a spare just in case.
ibizacupra
11-12-2006, 18:57
basic aquamist system 1s was £299+vat previously
ibizacupra
11-12-2006, 19:03
I remember doing 1m20s laps on eagle f1's when I had Golfy... some 390bhp ish then. 1m22s laps on your power is excellent
basic aquamist system 1s was £299+vat previously
Well worth the money then?
How much do u think it will reduce temps by?
EGT's measured pre turbine??? How??...will be must for logevity
Rods and valves should be safe on my spec
No mention on Matts failues on SWdubs?
Ian
Songman
You didn't consider AQUAMIST for added peace of mind?? Do Jabba recommend it?
Ian
neil_f225
12-12-2006, 19:35
songman does have aquamist!
ibizacupra
12-12-2006, 19:51
Well worth the money then?
How much do u think it will reduce temps by?
EGT's measured pre turbine??? How??...will be must for logevity
Rods and valves should be safe on my spec
No mention on Matts failues on SWdubs?
Ian
EGT's measured by installing a thermocouple into the exhaust stream.
pre-turbine is more accurate in respect to keeping an eye on things, but thats not always so easy. Mines installed directly on post turbine outlet flow, so adjusted temps in my mind to compensate for it being slightly colder.
880-900'C on mine is my personal max, with IHI housing being less IMHO for peace of mind on track day mode
Songman runs Aquamist full monty I believe. He built himself a full on motor. Not worth short cutting things.
ibizacupra
12-12-2006, 19:52
No mention on Matts failues on SWdubs?
Ian
Mani is junk apparently.
loadsa cracks :(
He has to be unluckiest man around.
Mani is junk apparently.
loadsa cracks :(
He has to be unluckiest man around.
Is it his driving or are the manifolds junk?
I have no doubts whatsoever about the reliability of the IHI for normal road use - I have no regrets at all and I would do exactly the same again
I felt much like youself when I was considering the prospect of getting work done on my car - all I ever read was stories of disasters - so i can well understand you concerns
I have had problems but I put them down to my own lack of experience and my own foolish forgetfulness regarding the maxim - `if it ain`t broke don`t try to fix it`
Prior to GTI Inters and purely,and for cosmetic reasons alone, I decided to change the DV - the car had been going so well for 17k miles I guess i was getting bored and looking for something to do!
The valve I was supplied with was faulty - that is the kindest description I can offer in the public domain - and in a period of 10 days from fitting, it caused the turbo bearings to fail[ as a consequence of the valve`s inability to do any `diverting`] and I was landed with a £1000 bill for a new unit - I was not a happy bunny[:@]
The big caveat here is to very careful with what you fit - all that glitters is not gold or silver or polished alloy or what have you! - because it looks nice doesn`t mean it works any better - Top tuners like APR even retain the standard Bosch DV and VAG airbox in their BT applications
I am well over that now having done over 17k with the new unit without any probs
I am still using the original turbo exhaust housing, manifold and downpipe at 34k IHI miles without any problems - the highest EGT i`ve see is 870 deg downstream of the turbo - and that was after a good thrashing, and i`m talking here about really ffaasstt - if the car is correctly engineered and set up by a competent professional, then in road use, you`re more likely to end up in jail before you do an exhaust housing.
Hope this helps - I am hoping to do a more comprehensive overview of my years IHI motoring with outline costs etc when I have more time to post over the holiday period:)
I'm getting concerned over these temps now realising that you have Aquamist too!!
Is this an IHI issue that causes these high temps or is it a inferior manifold. Seems APR have a well manifold I assume it's better constructed.
I just don't want to kill my car on track just for the sake of 70hp.
ibizacupra
12-12-2006, 22:40
Is it his driving or are the manifolds junk?
Its mapped on 2 boost levels and was running the low setting round combe.
Mani is'nt new in the scheme of things, but has had its day.
Not his driving.... you would'nt be driving it any slower on track
ibizacupra
12-12-2006, 22:45
I'm getting concerned over these temps now realising that you have Aquamist too!!
Is this an IHI issue that causes these high temps or is it a inferior manifold. Seems APR have a well manifold I assume it's better constructed.
I just don't want to kill my car on track just for the sake of 70hp.
I will qualify mine... I have Aquamist but not allowed to run it in Combe's race series so effectively this year I have not run with it on. I ran it last year round the ring to good effect however, using 10% water/meth mix
Temps are a function of the boost and ultimate flow (or not) P18/P20 housings aint that big and when their compressors pump thru some volume its got to go somewhere. JS mani flows well enough for VF34's & some smaller hybrids based thereof.
I think APR's LHD manifold is cast from a higher grade (inconel ? or high nickle content... cant recall)
you know what the cars go thru on track Ian.
One thing I will also invest will be a baffled sump and catch tank.
Well worth the money a baffled sump got one fitted not so long ago and the car does seem more poweful/responsive. I put this down to the crank no having to cut through the oil.
Deffo invest in aquamist i recently purchased the 2d setup which i have still to install. Only heard good things of them. I plan to run all 3 jets supplied .5 to engine .6 and .7 ontop of the fmic which should cool it down even more.
ibizacupra
13-12-2006, 11:59
Well worth the money a baffled sump got one fitted not so long ago and the car does seem more poweful/responsive. I put this down to the crank no having to cut through the oil.
Deffo invest in aquamist i recently purchased the 2d setup which i have still to install. Only heard good things of them. I plan to run all 3 jets supplied .5 to engine .6 and .7 ontop of the fmic which should cool it down even more.
baffled sump would have no effect on oil level and crank... there's a windage tray of sorts in there as std to stop crank dipping into the sump.
Its not a performance mod, but a keep the oil in the bottom of the engine mod, and not breather system. more for track use, high braking high cornering mode where the oil can go vertical in the block under hard braking for example and gob a lung full of oil into the oil breather box sat on the lower front of the block.
its a good add_on to have tho. £230-£280 range to get one.
Its not a performance mod, but a keep the oil in the bottom of the engine mod, and not breather system. more for track use, high braking high cornering mode where the oil can go vertical in the block under hard braking for example and gob a lung full of oil into the oil breather box sat on the lower front of the block.
its a good add_on to have tho. £230-£280 range to get one.
Must be my imagination :rolleyes: Yeah thats why i added it for high g cornering, braking.
Do you have a surge tank for your fuel? Cause im thinking of one of these.
Decisions decisions...apart from the stock turbo which is only capable of 220hp + I can't be arsed with breakages on track to the extent these IHI units historically shown.
i
ibizacupra
13-12-2006, 15:50
Must be my imagination :rolleyes: Yeah thats why i added it for high g cornering, braking.
Do you have a surge tank for your fuel? Cause im thinking of one of these.
no surge tank on mine. not needed one so far.
ibizacupra
13-12-2006, 15:51
Decisions decisions...apart from the stock turbo which is only capable of 220hp + I can't be arsed with breakages on track to the extent these IHI units historically shown.
i
:rolleyes:
you might have to get off that fence sometime Ian. ;)
Sorry guys - I am having trouble keeping up with this post - it’s this Christmas thing - call it PMT - pre mince pie trauma!!! - Now where was I?
I have indeed used Aquamist from the outset to good effect I think!!
Again, I can only indicate in honesty my particular experience with regards to my own car, namely, that I have not had any problems so far, with either Jabba manifold/IHI exhaust housing/or downpipe in nigh 34000 road miles, whilst running the turbo at a nominal 1.6 bar boost.
I have had trouble, yes, with the turbo bearing cartridge - at 17000 miles the cartridge dropped and the turbo seized - I was able to drive the car 350 miles back to Jabba where they changed the cartridge and compressor - the turbo exhaust housing was OK - I am now at 17000 miles further on, with the new components without problems, still running the original 1.6 bar map
I explained previously, that I foolishly changed the DV for a faulty unit - I kick myself! - I should have realised something was wrong, because the damn thing was making sounds somewhat similar to those I heard in the underwater section of the `Whale episode` in Planet Earth - Avast! she blows Capin`!!! - I know! - I’ve had a difficult Year!!
It happened a week before GTI inters too! - the turbo was very new, and I was thus, `well inhibited` by the prospect of breaking something else, and incurring yet another £1000 bill ten days on from the last, so, to cap it all, my times down the strip were rubbish - did a 5.64 0/60 which in truth was just a smidgen quicker than the `Fastest Badger in the West` though Bill gave me a darn good trouncing over the quarter!
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill for the first time at GTI, and the good fortune to be able to show him the offending DV and solicit his opinion regarding its failure. and that, added to the views of other knowledgeable guys I met there, led me to the firm conclusion that the primary reason for the cartridge failure was the faulty DV.
I’ve reverted back to Jabba`s original setup, and to date 17000miles on have had no further probs - having said that knowing my luck, I’ll probably go out today and blow it up - I’ll keep you posted!
Regarding Bill’s previous posts - he is far more knowledgeable and experienced than I in all matters relating to the 1.8T and I would not for a minute dream of contesting his point, that the harder I push the turbo, the more I encroach upon its innate reserves - for I know he is entirely correct in saying that.
As I said previously this modding game is for me, by definition, a very personal experience - the idea, in my mind, being to produce a car which is very specific to one’s personal needs - that which suits me, will not be to another’s taste or requirements, not least because of differing conditions of personal use - and of course that’s fine! - That’s what it’s all about!
With regard to my project and my choices with the LCR - I had a need for a general `day to day` road car with a bit of `spice` - something different, to inject a bit of fun into the daily grind - the LCR, was for me an ideal candidate - in standard form it was a bit bland, and OK it was FWD - but it looked good, and I felt good driving it - it was strong, reliable, and had headroom left in the hardware for some useful mods, without compromising too much the primal concept of the design.
What I was after was a very good road car! Now, my experience is, that, a very good road car may be many things - one thing for sure it is not, and that is a very good track car!
In my book the just two don’t mix - the two areas of operation are quite different and success and effective performance in either requires two completely different `mind sets with regards to construction and use.
OK - I know about track days and general fun things like that! - if I were to do them, I would go and buy a 2nd hand Suzuki Liahanna like in Top Gear and give that a proper thrashing - that’s a real test of anyone’s driving ability!
My personal use entails lots of motorway running and high mileages, so I need good mid range torque to make top gear use feasible in the 60/70/80 mph commuter shuffle, and also good economy and reliability, to keep a lid on the costs my 25000 mile per year hobby.
These constraints entailed the following particular engine choices for me:-
- stay with the small port and standard pistons, because most normal running is off boost, and, at lower rates of gas flow, smaller ports give higher gas velocities, and thus better atomisation, which when combined with effect the highish CR delivered by the standard pistons, offers the best chance for optimal fuel economy in normal road use.
The standard pistons too, are also strong enough to accommodate the proposed increase in performance - the only other task was to conservatively port the head, in order to maximise its potential.
- With regards to turbo choice, I wanted to stay as small as possible in order to minimise the prospect of excessive turbo lag, which is for me, is, at best, a right pain in the arse, and at worst, in a fwd road car, just down right dangerous! -
My efforts with the chipped KO4 were just OK in terms of turbo lag and bottom end response - but the top end was a little lacklustre - hence the IHI, which I think is a wee jewel of a turbo - rather like a KO4 on steroids with excellent top end whilst having roughly the same spool as the standard offering.
I personally asked the lads at Jabba to push it to 1.6 bar because I wanted the maximum possible midrange torque to mask and minimise the perceived `lag effect`
Of course I realised there was a risk in running close to its limits but I rationalised the risk in the following way for my particular use.
If you consider the turbo system, its potential to misbehave, and the consequent effect of that misdemeanour on the rest of the immediate engine components, then you have two main areas of concern - those areas which tend to more likely to be subject to thermal stress - worries in our particular case:-valves/ manifold/exhaust turbine housing/down pipe, and those areas which are more likely to suffer mechanical stress -in our case again: - conrods and turbine bearings
Of course, in both cases, thermal and mechanical, the mainstay of defence against mishap, is the control system and its effective mapping, however, with my desire to run so close to the limits, bearing in mind the heat related issues, I decided to change the standard intercoolers and use Jabba`s front mount, together with the basic Aquamist system running 80/20 methanol mix as a final backstop to keep inlet temps under control.
I changed the valves to better quality items to minimise any potential weakness there, and finally, with the main `Achilles heal` of the setup being the exhaust housing, I made sure that the exhaust system was as free flowing as possible - 100 cell cat/ no centre box/ 3" as far back as possible/ 2.75 over axle to a single back box - so as to eliminate any possibility of backpressure related overheating issues with the manifold and housing as a consequence of restrictive exhaust flow.
Finally, to keep an eye on things I decided to use the very excellent Spa design dual boost/EGT gauge - the exhaust temp sensor had to be installed post turbine, which may be the best place for safety considerations regarding the turbine blades, should the probe fail - however it’s obviously not the best place for accurately determining the temp of the housing. It does, however, with experience of use, and intelligent observation give adequate feedback regarding the state of play `down there`
On the subject of mechanical stresses relating to issues of boost pressure, it’s worth saying that the effective charge densities you get on the mapping dyno with a new turbo on a hot July afternoon are likely to be quite different to those you will get later on with 5000 miles under your belt down the road of a cold January morning, so beware of the thinking that `all will be well `cause I’m only using 1.4 bar! `
With that in mind I decided to upgrade the rods as a safeguard against an`overexuberant` compressor and associated boost spikes, and I also used Jabba`s dinky little boost controller - a fabulously simple and effective gadget, which allows me to `tune` the car on the fly, in real time as my mood takes me - I can roll it back to take account of conditions and circumstances and give the turbo an easy time, or spin it up for moments of madness[fun] - all in the fraction of a second!
So how does this lot translate into the practicalities of everyday use?- well its fandabidosie[ a wee Scottish term] - I just love the car, its all that I ever wanted to be - never boring, always challenging to drive - so its a big thumbs up to the lads at Jabba!
With regard to the specific worries regarding the thermal and mechanical stresses on the turbo, well I’ve tried to explain my approach ,and I think I have been successful so far in coping with the potential problems.
To put things in perspective - the highest EGT reading I’ve seen [870deg C downstream of turbo] was observed after a sustained attempt to maintain speeds in excess of 165mph gps - I’ve also seen high readings using full performance in the lower 4 gears over a distance of a number of miles!
Most `normal` encounters however are quickly dispatched and mostly brief, because the car is so rapid - EGT is normally never a problem
My car is a road car as I said, and I hope you’ll agree that the chances of using the full performance on British roads to an extent where EGT is a problem notwithstanding considerations of legality and Public safety are rare to say the least!!.
The car will pull a load of mid range boost if I let it - and I have to admit to being a bit of a `torque junkie`, it’s so addictive - so on the mechanical side, I may well be vulnerable to bearing failure, we’ll just have to see! - Luckily I have boost gauge to monitor pressures, and the boost control to limit my excesses, and - so far so good!
I am always somewhat bemused by questions of vehicle reliability - I mean, how long is a piece of string! - One man’s trusty beloved, is another’s faithless harlot ! Undoubtedly, there is one thing that is more sure than death and taxes, and that is the fact, that your car will go wrong sooner than you think! - especially if you stick a big turbo on it!
I forgot to mention my final weapon defence in the battle against meltdown, and mechanical Armageddon - when I see things getting too hot and heavy, my brain sends a wee message to my right foot which says - `please reduce pressure on accelerator pedal!` - works a treat in lowering temps and pressure - in the old days they called it `mechanical sympathy` - don’t think there’s a term in the lexicon to describe it, these days!
Well guys I’ve come to the end of this weighty `parable of a petrol head` - I hope it’s given some insight and inspiration. I’ve also come to the end of my journey with the yellow car - it’s been great fun, cost a lot of dosh [purchase price of vehicle + total cost of all mods since new now sniffing at £40k all in!!!] - But now its time for me to move on to a new project.
Can’t leave this `novel` though, without also saying what a great pleasure it has been meet some of you, this last year, and to put some faces to those strange avatars lurking on the site!!
Last but not least, I must offer huge applause to the lads at SCN for a job well done, in providing for us , such a fantastic forum - and it’s free too!!
Cheers!:)
So then Songman I assume your selling it now or sometime soon?
Nice package....for me if I'd built my car to that spec I'd kill it on track. Most of my trackdays are in the summer on hot sunny days belting round Combe.
Sounds like a very nice well sorted car even so.
So then Songman I assume your selling it now or sometime soon?
Nice package....for me if I'd built my car to that spec I'd kill it on track. Most of my trackdays are in the summer on hot sunny days belting round Combe.
Sounds like a very nice well sorted car even so.
I`ve had offers Ian! - but I could never ever sell it - it`s my ultimate runabout after all!!:love:
My new project is of the 2-wheeled variety - my V-Max :help: - and that will keep me occupied next year - so it`s just that I won`t be doing any more to the Leon - after the bike is done, i`m going after something with rear wheel drive - i`d love a Z06!!
I think my car was the first BT LCR and i`ve written a lot about it in the hope that i could offer insight and inspiration to others tempted to take the plunge - it`s well worth the effort, have no doubt.
I wanted to try and dispell this myth of unreliability that seems to have sprung up because I don`t think it`s appropriate - certainly, nothing lasts for ever, for sure - I`ve known guys do the standard KO4 to death let alone the IHI - you can break anything if you try hard enough!
I do a lot of miles - more than most - and I`m known for not `hangin around`!
I also think my manner of use is pretty typical of the majority of folks who use this forum - enthusiastic!
The gearbox/drive shafts/wheel bearings are all original now at 75000 miles and have stood the increased performance very well - the diff has been faultless and i`m still using the Sachs clutch that Jabba installed 34000 miles on - it`s been great, progressive action and standard feel, yet still able to handle the torque.Even the front pads on the `big reds` have seen over 30000 miles use - that`s because I use the accelerator more than the brake!!
The general condition and function of the car is remarkable considering its milage and the mods i`ve carried out - it`s oil consumption is normal and it constantly returns 28-32mpg - little different from the standard KO4 car.
The insurance costs £650 a year on account of the mods and the mileage - still very reasonable for such a prerformance motor
I`ve spent a lot of cash to be sure - because i tried a few different avenues to find what was best for me! - the car`s had 4 remaps, 3 brake kits, 3 sets of wheels - I also used the KO4 with the Dahlback manifold and the APR downpipe before moving on to the IHI - It all adds up.
It`s possible in hindsight of course, to do it for a lot less money than i`ve spent - but still it not cheap because you need to consider mods the whole car to get the best out of the turbo kit - and you need, as well, the support, expertise and experience of a good tuner to see you through - and that means thinking overall of a budget of £10000 + on the a standard car for the total project - a lot of cash, but a lot of car too!!:funk:
Good luck!:)
25k on my IHI with no turbo failures of any kind running 1.5bar. This has included some track action and multiple 160+mph vmax runs at brunters.
25k on my IHI with no turbo failures of any kind running 1.5bar. This has included some track action and multiple 160+mph vmax runs at brunters.
Glad to hear it
I thinks Bill's car was maxed when running his IHI kit but I know from being there with him at track events the issues he had.
I don't go on track nearly as much as Bill 6-7 times a year approx but I know how hard I push hence holding back on choice.
Some say buy a normally aspirated DC5 or similar for reliabilty and multi use but I am loathed to give my Golf away with what it has got on it already.
Keeping all optoion open
Ian
Songman - great write ups. Along with Bills synopsis of the ickle ones adventures, a great way of living the IHI dream whilst never being able to get there.
Songman - great write ups. Along with Bills synopsis of the ickle ones adventures, a great way of living the IHI dream whilst never being able to get there.
I must agree. I've also enjoyed every word you've written, Songman. Thank you.
Ruddmeister
15-12-2006, 11:19
Songman we need you and Bill and Maxtorque to name a few to give the rest of us mere mortals some inspiration, it certainly is inspiring reading your adventures.......
UncleFester
15-12-2006, 11:49
It's also nice to read a well written post that has structure, accurate spelling and correct grammar as well as all the excellent technical information. I will never do a tenth of what you've done with your car but it's really nice to log in and spend ten minutes reading and absorbing just one post.
From an observers perspective, that car really is a bengal tiger in wolfs clothing ..... 'sleeper' redefined. If only those 'supercar' drivers could catch up with you to see the wry smile on your face :)
I think we'd all be interested when you start your new project(s) if you'd continue to update us with what you do with those too.
Thanks for an excellent read.
ibizacupra
15-12-2006, 22:42
Nice words Songman.
:thumbup:
IanB.... Go for it. You will really like it :D
Thankyou Songman, you have really inspired me to go for the conversion on my LCR. :thumbup: Watch this space...
Last but not least, I must offer huge applause to the lads at SCN for a job well done, in providing for us , such a fantastic forum - and it’s free too!!
doff's cap in return. :)
Superb read and inspirational dedication to a superb project. Good Luck with your future plans. Thanks for sharing it with the forum.
Have to agree with the above...an honest well written account.
Nice words Songman.
:thumbup:
IanB.... Go for it. You will really like it :D
I certainly will be alas I've fallen off the fence.:funk:
Ian
Happy Hogmany folks!:funk: - and of course many, many thanks to everyone for the kind words of encouragement this last year, regarding the `Bumblebee` - I’m glad to be able to offer some tips and some inspiration, and pleased too, that you enjoyed the read!
I know these `Big Turbo` cars are not for everyone, for lots of different reasons – I don’t ever expect there will ever be many BT cars about, so it’s difficult for those who lust after the IHI experience to get any impression of what it’s like to actually drive one of these cars – I know there’s lots of discussion, opinions, conjecture, dyno charts and the rest!
Any way! - with that in mind, there are four short videos posted on – www.putfile.com/calpan
These are all quite large files {15~20meg} and are only suitable if you have a broadband connection - they take a couple of minutes to download , and are good enough to play full screen Windows Media player.
They give a `pilots eye` view of the IHI car from the `hot seat`, and to illustrate some of the aspects discussed in the forum posts – traction, or the lack of it from start! – `turbo lag` and engine response at normal road speeds in top gear– mid range performance in the upper gears, and fuel consumption as well as boost pressures and EGT and the rest
So there you are! If you have to `chill out` to recover from your New year excesses – either physical or emotional – then you can take a few minutes to plug in – go full screen – turn up the volume - and `be there`
Wishing to all a groovy Hootenanny:rock: , and healthy, happy and prosperous 2007 !
Cheers
ibizacupra
31-12-2006, 12:30
some good vids there songman.
holds boost well when going up thru the box
Happy New Year to ya
Excellent vids..God that's blimin quick....got plans for BT....in planning stage....fed up with lightweight K03s.
Ian
putfile link doesnt work for me?
flipflop
01-01-2007, 15:14
reading this spec has made me grin from ear to ear,sounds amazing im v jelous,would love to see car one day.
Daz_gibbo
01-01-2007, 15:17
Vid of speedo is nuts!
That really is one damn fine car, you must be so proud of it. If you're ever near Dover in Kent please please please take me out in it :drool:
Scotty_b
01-01-2007, 16:52
Thats a hell of alot smoother than i thought she would be!
Thats a hell of alot smoother than i thought she would be!
The vids try to illustrate of the actual reality, for the average enthusiast, of running the car – rather than blandly quoting dyno figures, and 0-60 times to the 4th decimal place.
The `fuel consumption` clip shows what can be expected from normal use – the `zone 1` figure [32.8mpg] is a `best possible` case, and was obtained on a light throttle 60/70 cruise down the `M` way, back from a shopping trip – the zone`2`[29mpg average over 1900+ miles] is a normal enthusiast’s average – persistent `mentalness` will give spot figures around 23mpg
With all the extra performance on tap over the standard KO 4 effort, the car is a still far from being a mega `gas guzzler` and regularly returns figures not far off those of standard LCR - which in practice means, that you can afford to go out in it!! – an important consideration for petrol heads like me!!
I get interested if I don’t get my usual 320+ miles per tank between fill – ups!!
There has been much discussion in the forum about `turbo lag` and `spool up`etc, and for general daily use, these concepts are indeed very important – there`s nothing worse in `day to day` use, than constantly encountering that `gutless` feeling and having to change down, when you want to react quickly, and move briskly to pass, or to avoid danger.
The `top gear` clip shows the excellent flexibility and smoothness of the setup – I’m quite happy to let it slow to 2.5k in top, and pull away.
I don’t feel disadvantaged by any lack of `grunt` in normal road use, cycling back and forth in top between 2.5k and 4k – and of course, given its head, the car moves along very smartly indeed.
FWD cars are notoriously difficult to launch properly from a standing start – very powerful FWD cars are extremely difficult to launch properly - as you can see in the `standing start` clip:rolleyes:
When you are considering engine mods which you feel will give you an extra 10~20 bhp advantage over the opposition, it’s always worthwhile contemplating the prospect of just how easy it is to squander the 100+ bhp advantage you may already have - as a consequence of deficiencies in the vehicle’s chassis and running gear, the vagaries of our inclement weather, or the simple failings in ones driving technique!!! - or indeed some devilish combination of all three factors!
`4th/5th/ 6th - run out` clip shows what’s available using the full performance through the upper gears.
The IHI may well now be on the bottom rung of the`Big Turbo` ladder - in truth, I feel it still shows a good account of itself even in the presence more `exalted company.
There is lots of `performance` data on the net - videos, dyno runs, power claims and all the rest, but in fact, it’s very difficult to draw accurate comparisons from that data, and arrive at valid conclusions about what’s `better` - there are so many variables to consider when trying to make a meaningful judgement.
On the day in question, and under the conditions prevailing at the time, you can see that the IHI car traversed the indicated 60-120 mph in well under 9 seconds!
In my experience, performance of this nature, in practical `road` terms, puts the car very much in Porsche 996 Turbo territory!
Sure there are faster cars – not that many - and there are a heck of a lot of so called `performance vehicles`, which are a fair bit slower than an IHI LCR.
However it’s when you consider the car’s available outright performance, and you then factor in considerations of excellent fuel economy and flexibility of power delivery, that you begin to see why the whole mix adds up to a pretty irresistible fun package - never boring, always challenging – be sure, it’s addictive stuff!
I recall one particular journey – the outward leg involved a chance encounter with a beautiful piece of Italian exotica. The `lowly` Leon surprised all concerned, not least the Ferrari driver, with its ability to hold station with the best efforts of the Italian `mega - star`
The return leg consisted of helping a friend to move house, so it was utility mode! - back seat down, pile everything in, and a gentle cruise back home!!
I remember contemplating the contrasting aspects of the whole trip, smiling broadly to myself, and saying – some kinda hot hatch is this!!:funk: - and it’s a Seat too!!:)
:cry: just a beautiful thread...the whole thing epitomises SCN wonderfull people and so talented! are there any updates matey??
Ruddmeister
12-09-2008, 13:07
:cry: just a beautiful thread...the whole thing epitomises SCN wonderfull people and so talented! are there any updates matey??
He will likely be playing in his 'Vette C06 which I guess makes the LCR feel tame
He will likely be playing in his 'Vette C06 which I guess makes the LCR feel tame
CZ06 :drool:
Awesome Car!
Paddy wheres the Vid of you V's the ko3s Mk3 on the sig lol!
Rubbish Vid Wullie - Because you cant see the Ko3s Beeza shooting away - When you planning to go to Crail next and i'll mount the camera forward for an even better vid? You going to the meet tonight @BH?
Where is songman nowadays? Still got his LCR I hope!?
Where is songman nowadays? Still got his LCR I hope!?
Last Activity: 23-08-2009 21:50
Just thought would be nice to hear from him. His Leon was one of the reason I got one all those years ago.
Just thought would be nice to hear from him. His Leon was one of the reason I got one all those years ago.
Thanks for the thought, nice of you! - I'm flattered:redface:
I still have the the Jabbacar, and its going fine, amazing really, at it is now very close to the 100,000 mile mark!
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6356/1213114036rb4.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head) at 2008-04-03http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/312/1213051520ec5.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head) at 2008-04-03
It is still the best fun car I ever owned, and the fact that it has run with mods since day one, covered the last 60000 miles at an output of 200bhp/litre,and stayed reliable into the bargin is just incredible - big respect to VAG enginering and of course the lads at Jabba.
I have had no real problems to talk of - the car, rather like its owner is not in the first flush of youth anymore, but it can still give a fair account of itself even in very exotic company.
It's almost 4 years since I had the work done, and other FWD platforms are catching up now and offering the same or even more power, but I still think for all round everyday road use, the spec of the car is spot on - good economy, flexibility, reliability, and Q car performance - ah! I can still see the look on those M3 guys faces
I decided just to leave the car as Jabba intended and not to go for more power, because I have other projects on the go, just now, namely,
this:-
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5634/galforest3yy5.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head), shot with Canon PowerShot G7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+G7&make=Canon) at 2007-08-01
and this
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3529/3edvv3.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head), shot with Canon PowerShot G7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+G7&make=Canon) at 2008-03-22
I have this too just in case I get bored!:-
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/4448/xmasday082ht5.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head), shot with Canon PowerShot G7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+G7&make=Canon) at 2008-12-28
I am modding my Corvette Z06 to Katech Street Attack tune, and I have just had a fully 'built' forged motor fitted -Katech Titanium rods and valves, forged pistons, ARE Stage 3 drysump, Lingenfelter flowed inlet and heads, Kooks 4 branch headers, Exedy clutch, LG motorsports carbon fibre propshaft etc, - the list goes on and so does the cost!!! - the car is waiting to be mapped nest week:funk:
This Z06 project is very very expensive!!! - here's a pic of the new engine!
Out with the old engine, in with the new!
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8554/img03131.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head), shot with Canon PowerShot G7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+G7&make=Canon) at 2009-07-04
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/7199/img03141u.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head), shot with Canon PowerShot G7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+G7&make=Canon) at 2009-07-04
The Z06 should be quite nippy when its finished! - here's a link with me in the pilot seat, showing what the standard car does to TVRs, over 7/8 mile drag.
http://www.youtube.com/user/longbow96#play/all/uploads-all/1/ziH_Nrt1Ooc
Cheers!:)
Brilliant update Songman!
I am sure everyone is glad you still love the Leon and remain in the SEAT fold :)
Lovely cars songman, I saw you in your wee swift when i was heading to get my sister at school. It looks like a lovely motor too, cant be standard with those exhausts sticking out the back ;)
Brilliant update Songman!
I am sure everyone is glad you still love the Leon and remain in the SEAT fold :)
Cheers:cheers:
Lovely cars songman, I saw you in your wee swift when i was heading to get my sister at school. It looks like a lovely motor too, cant be standard with those exhausts sticking out the back ;)
It's a wee rasper:D - the Vette's a big rasper:scary:
Cheers:cheers:
Out of interest, do you think you can get more power out of your current setup? From reading through I see you got 1.25bar at 7500 which is pretty impressive.
Also and been meaning to ask you this for ages, which gauge do you have and do you have a new south steering column mount?
I'm pretty sure that I'm at the limit of the IHI setup, and that is plenty enough for me for normal road use.
There's no such thing as a free lunch when it come to power outputs - much more power is available from the 1.8T which is great, but there is always a downside, be it extra lag, reduced reliability, reduced drivability, increased fuel consumption, increased component wear - tyres etc.
It just depends what you intend to use the car for,and how much money you want/have to spend.
You also have to remember, that a car is a lot more than just an impressive dyno plot - if the chassis cannot effectively deploy the power, then you can end up a long way behind the opposition just struggling for grip.
For road use you need a nice smooth power band, so as you have got plenty of control over how much 'oomph' you are directing to the front wheels - overtaking in the wet on some roads can be quite interesting, when you have a highpower laggy FWD setup - torque steer did I say!:blink: - now where did that hedge come from:whistle:
Power output is really a very personal thing - what's right for me may not suit someone else!
The gauge is a Spa Design dual boost/egt setup
http://www.spa-uk.co.uk/design/productdetails/?objid=205
and yes, it is the New South mount;)
Adamricko
27-08-2009, 21:22
Must say. Sounds Awesome!
Songman
Are you builting the Vette to race in Scotland?
Would be very interested to see you at KH if your planning on going there.
Will you be doing track days as well or is it a professional series you will be entering?
Still one of the best set up Leons on here.
It's a tribute to doing it right the first time and spending a bit extra on a good set up by the right people. Its a shame Jabba have drifted away, especially from this forum. Lot's of new guys on the scene now though.
Songman
Still one of the best set up Leons on here.
It's a tribute to doing it right the first time and spending a bit extra on a good set up by the right people. Its a shame Jabba have drifted away, especially from this forum. Lot's of new guys on the scene now though.
I would say probably the best (in my opinion). Not just cause of its power output but it was well thought through all those years ago. People modding now I would say are still playing catchup almost.
yellowbeezer06
28-08-2009, 09:38
Just read the whole thread at work, amazing work and as others have said a credit to the forum.
And great collection of vehicles by the way :)
It is good to see that your still around i still remember seeing you at GTi international about 4 years back
just after you'd had the work done and i'd just bought my LCR.
And i blame you for my downward spiral of modding mine! ha
so cheers:cheers:
Songman
Are you builting the Vette to race in Scotland?
Would be very interested to see you at KH if your planning on going there.
Will you be doing track days as well or is it a professional series you will be entering?
Still one of the best set up Leons on here.
It's a tribute to doing it right the first time and spending a bit extra on a good set up by the right people. Its a shame Jabba have drifted away, especially from this forum. Lot's of new guys on the scene now though.
I will be up at Knockhill no doubt to set the car up, and probably do some track days, and maybe at Crail too- we'll see!
The car is for road use really - I never go over seventy anyway - too scary:help: - Oohh dear, and think about all that nasty Carbon Dioxide too! :weedy:
I see Jabba is still on here - and they are running in Britcar with a Leon:)
I would say probably the best (in my opinion). Not just cause of its power output but it was well thought through all those years ago. People modding now I would say are still playing catchup almost.
Thanks! - I'll PM you when I want to sell it!;)
Just read the whole thread at work, amazing work and as others have said a credit to the forum.
And great collection of vehicles by the way :)
Cheers!:cheers:
It is good to see that your still around i still remember seeing you at GTi international about 4 years back
just after you'd had the work done and i'd just bought my LCR.
And i blame you for my downward spiral of modding mine! ha
so cheers:cheers:
You want to try modding a Z06 Vette! - Credit crunch, what credit crunch!:blink::whistle:
Any jobs goin' Mister:think::drive2:
I will be up at Knockhill no doubt to set the car up, and probably do some track days, and maybe at Crail too- we'll see!
The car is for road use really - I never go over seventy anyway - too scary:help: - Oohh dear, and think about all that nasty Carbon Dioxide too! :weedy:
I see Jabba is still on here - and they are running in Britcar with a Leon:)
Will be good to catch you at KH, even with a unmapped LCR I'm hitting 110MPH at the end of the start finish straight, the Vette will be very interesting on this stretch.
If you don't mind could you post up here when you are going as it would be good to see the Vette in action.
Will the LCR ever make it onto the track?
Has it been on before?
Will be good to catch you at KH, even with a unmapped LCR I'm hitting 110MPH at the end of the start finish straight, the Vette will be very interesting on this stretch.
If you don't mind could you post up here when you are going as it would be good to see the Vette in action.
Will the LCR ever make it onto the track?
Has it been on before?
I 'll keep you in mind - don't know what it will do on the s/f straight - I will probably need to get an altimeter fitted as well as speedo, cause I reckon I'm going to be spendin' a lot of time airbourne.
Even for all the spec of the Z06, it is still only like St1/ road spec engine build - very mild cam, no gas, ect.
Friends in the US with the same spec are doing 10.5/132 and 0-100 in around 6.2sec
LCR has never been on the track - it is my daily driver and has to stay reliable:)
Frickin hell, thats the same times as my mate in his R1 was geting at Crail.
Andrew Gallagher was there the week after in his 800BHP Focus rally car. He was getting 10s and 136 MPH.
Frickin hell, thats the same times as my mate in his R1 was geting at Crail.
Andrew Gallagher was there the week after in his 800BHP Focus rally car. He was getting 10s and 136 MPH.
I'm not the best drag racer by a long way - put it down to mechanical sympathy - so I doubt Ill be very fast on the strip
Other guys however don't seem bother so much - not a turbo in sight by the way![B)]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB0QJ9k-Nhs
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5293/9971.jpg
By zed06head (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/zed06head), shot with COOLPIX S210 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=COOLPIX+S210&make=NIKON) at 2009-08-29
My mates hitting 10's in his 792WHP R33 Skyline. Still trying to find that perfect launch though.
That 9sec vette shocked me. I knew these cars where quick but DAM that thing is mental. Amazing cars!!
As you said, bit lacking in mechanical sympathy.
Goes well though, lol
Alright Songman, got any track excursions booked this year yet?
How's the Vette coming on?
Well, it's been a long road to here!!! - it sure has - nearly 6 years now since Jabba modded the car, and the 'old girl', rather like her owner, was getting a bit the worse for wear!!!
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1553/leonclock2.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/leonclock2.jpg/)
For over 100,000 miles the 'Jabbacar' has given me some of the best motoring fun I've ever had.
There have been some - err - 'difficult' moments for sure across the years, some of which are documented in this thread.
However, all said and done, Summer and Winter, in fair weather and foul, out on the road, the car has never let me down in any major way, and has always been a complete 'hoot' to drive, when I've been in a playful mood.
Here's big respect, and many thanks to VAG engineers for getting their sums right at the design stage, and thanks too, to the Jabba men for their care and expertise in modding the car.
When the car turned the 100,000 mile mark, she was understandably looking a bit frayed around the edges.
I had actually taken to calling the car Jacob - on account of the fact that it had, as it were, donned a ‘coat of many colours’ due to the Ovni yellow paintwork doing its usual well documented ‘fading’ trick.
Apart from its faded paintwork, across the miles, the car’s exterior surface had also been bombarded by numerous Meteorite Showers , as a consequence of many close encounters of the ‘Exoticar’ kind - you know, those pesky Porsche and Ferrari things that keep getting in the way, and won’t pull over to let you pass - plays havoc with your topcoat!!
Mechanically, things were not bad at all, considering the general daily use to which the car had been subject.
A few grunts and moans could be heard - par for the course for sure, for any old pensioner such as she - down a bit in the BHP department ,from her original ‘post tune’ glory days, but she was still making good power, the engine in particular, sounding remarkably sweet, considering the mileage the car had covered.
That was the good news!
With the car up on the ramp, a quick glance at the underside, soon revealed the true significance of the local council’s habit of spreading an abundance what seems to be a mix of salt and treacle on the road surface, at the first sign of cold weather - grim!
Nothing major, structurally compromised as far as the body shell was concerned, but loads of surface rust and corrosion everywhere - and three broken road springs into the bargain!!!
Subsequent to my inspection of the car’s underside mild panic ensued! - ohh err ! - what to do next!
A number of possibilities were considered, and bearing in mind that action was called for in one form or another, doing nothing, and leaving the car the way it was , was not a good option.
Sell the Leon? - well, a local dealer was very keen to make me an offer for the car as part exchange against a ‘very nice’ W plate Kia Pride, which he thought would suit my present needs just fine - he would even give me a free MOT with the Kia as an added incentive!
Fast cars those Kias - I know - but I decided against that!
Give the Leon away? - well there were a few folks who were prepared to do me a big favour as they said, and take the car off my hands, and save me a lot of hassle!
I decided against that - because I was very fond of the car, and had spent a lot of money on it.
Then I had a brainwave !
Having already spent a shed load of cash on the car to date to get the car to the way it was - why don’t I spend another shed load of cash on it, to put it right back as far as possible to its original pristine self.
Bearing in mind that this latter course of action meant probable divorce, homelessness, and penury I decided that it still was the best way to go!!!
Ah the joys of motoring!!!
The car was shipped down to friend and super ‘quarter mile man’ James Hodson at Sub 11 Motorsport, for a mechanical refit.
James who had actually worked on the car in its original form, inspected the car and decided to proceed as follows:-
All the Sub Frames/ suspension components were dropped off the car , to be bead blasted ,powder coated.
While the underside was stripped, the car was cleaned up and Waxoiled.
The Sub Frames were and fitted back up with new Superpro bushes all round - new wheel bearings front and rear - new rear brake lines.
New KW shocks fitted all round with new top mounts and bearings, - new Track Rod Ends - ARB drop links - new Driveshafts.
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6882/beforeru.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/beforeru.jpg/)http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/8890/afterr.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/824/afterr.jpg/)http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9737/newshocksforold.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/newshocksforold.jpg/)
In the Braking department we fitted the ECS St 5 Porsche 6 pot fronts and ECS vented rear upgrade.
In the Engine/gearbox department, everything was well checked over, and things did not look too bad considering the mileage - no ‘funny noises’ were to be heard, the compression was good and the engine was certainly not using any oil in general use.
The water radiator had developed a leak so we replaced that - the cam belt was changed - new MAF and MAP sensor were fitted - and after much thought and discussion the Turbo/ Manifold/ and Down Pipe were all renewed, just to be on the safe side.
The clutch/ gearbox were deemed to be OK as was the Quaife diff .
All this mechanical renovation whilst wonderful to behold, obviously did nothing for the car’s pock marked exterior presentation, so, having decided to go ‘the whole hog and to hell with it‘, the car’s next port of call was Simon’s very excellent body shop for more remedial treatment.
Bonnet off, Boot off, Doors off , Glass out, Trim off and all the rest of it - Off with the Ovni - thank God - and on with the Velocity Yellow tint coat!
Wheels refurbished , new spoiler, new under tray, new front wheel liners, new headlights, new windscreen, completed the picture
So there you have it guys - Hope you like it!
The Jabbacar is up for it and rolling again, not quite in the first flush of youth, but looking good and feeling sprightly, despite her advancing years.
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2410/65335775.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/65335775.jpg/)http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/1686/82906098.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/233/82906098.jpg/)http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2289/98477374.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/199/98477374.jpg/)http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/5729/img00402a.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/843/img00402a.jpg/)http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/5195/51560510.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/847/51560510.jpg/)http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9351/35103060.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/35103060.jpg/)
Thanks to this great forum for the interest in the car, the support I’ve had here, and the friends I’ve made .
Rock on!! - here’s to the next 100,000!
Cheers to all!
PS - if a nice man offers to part exchange your Cupra R for a Kia Pride, don’t do it - you will regret it!
Songman, what a pleasure to see you back on here and what a cracking update! Really really pleased you kept the car and continued to maintain, upgrade etc. My favourite car by 100,000 miles at least! :)
Wow
Dare we ask the cost of the mid life refresh?
wild willy
26-06-2011, 12:36
Superb, made my day reading that and makes me realise i can own my car for many a year if the dedication is there.:)
traumapat
26-06-2011, 15:16
Nice to hear shes still going well [B)]
Great to hear your sticking in there.
There's a few true petrol heads using LCR's daily, its great to see.
How did you get in with the Vette?
Last we heard there was big work on the go, all done and dusted?
Awesome update!
What a car, and what an owner! To throw more money at the car like that, it must be love!
Fantastic read.
vroomtshh
26-06-2011, 17:10
I can't believe i live within a few miles of this car and have never seen it on the road.
Sounds like you've spent another small fortune on it. I'm very surprised at your choice of paintshop, but it looks very well in the photos.
Hopefully I'll get the pleasure of seeing it on the road at some point
drka-drka
26-06-2011, 17:40
Ha i just read the feature of this in PVW not that long ago. Looks mint after its mid life spruce up
Steve TDI
26-06-2011, 17:46
That's nice! Would love a passengers ride in that!
Hey! thanks everyone for the kind comments - apologies for the delay in responding.
Firstly regarding my keeping the car - well, is not Conservation the latest 'Eco' adage? and, of course, you all know how much I love to be in the vanguard of any new social convention;) - err - believe that one if you will!:)
True, love is in the air with regard to my feelings about the car, but it's not love of the 'dewy eyed' kind - just an honest affection, born of a hard headed appreciation of what is a really great wee car.
Most folks think it's the power that is the hook with the car that makes it so addictive, but for me the attraction is more complex.
It is the benign handling of the car that always amazes me the most - with the suspension setup and the Quaife, it sticks like a proverbial limpet, and ventures with impunity wet or dry, into territory, where no front wheel drive vehicle should prudently journey.
Power itself is nothing without the ability to transmit it in a usable fashion to the road surface, and it's the combination of fast spooling IHI with its great mid range torque, and the car's feisty handling that make it such a great road car.
I can’t be specific, this being a public place, but believe me when I say that my considerable experience of the car has shown that it will hang with most things on the road, in give and take situations, up to speeds which would be regarded as very naughty by ‘you know who’!
OK, the 500+ BHP monsters will ease away from it at the top end - good luck to them - me I’m too old now, to go to jail.
The recent renovation has cost around the 10K mark - that's including all parts - brake kit/turbo/ DP/ etc, paint and labour.
I suppose that may or may not sound expensive, depending on your point of view.
I’ve owned the car for seven years now and it was paid for long ago.
Had I opted for another course of action and traded the car ,say every two years, then, by now, I would have probably spent the same if not more in terms of total outlay.
Each to his own of course - my way may not suit another - I just love to personalise my cars, and changing them to suit my particular needs, whilst others prefer to let the manufacturers do it for them.
I have a gut feeling too , that the LCR is a ‘keeper’ of a car - the shape is certainly one of VAG’s better efforts, and there are not too many of then about either.
I still have my C6Z06 Corvette too - I’ve done around 30,000 miles in that and work is still to be done before I happy with it - It is a five year project, and with luck, I should finally finish it next year,
I don’t write about it here because this place is for Seat fans! - but if you are into Vettes, you’ll be as excited as I am, to know that next month , the Z06 will gain a Fast LSX inlet manifold ,and a Nick Williams 102mm TB - it’s also going into the body shop to have a World Challenge ‘hood’ fitted along with Katech Carbon Aerokit
I am in the process of fitting a Brembo GT2 380mm brake kit, Katech Clubsport wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber[325/30/19 rears!]
I don’t use the Z06 that often because I don’t like frightening myself too much, too often.
Where the Leon is somewhat discrete as it passes by, a journey out in the Z06 is a social event of the first order, in as much as the houses vibrate when it passes, and people run for cover with terrified looks on their faces.
My neighbour’s cat had a nervous breakdown the last time I started it up, and has never again dared to venture out of the house.
Her husband too is now claiming that he dropped his false teeth down the toilet because he was so startled by the sheer volume it emitted when my foot got inadvertently jammed on accelerator.
I have had to stop taking passengers in it as well, because of the costs I’ve incurred in having to buy them new underwear, subsequent to their trip in the car.
Some have even claimed that they have needed psychotherapy and have tried to bill me for that.
The Z06 has a strange effect on folks - Don’t believe me? Well here’s a short video of a chap who wanted a wee run in it:blink:
Watch it and you’ll see what I mean - it nearly blew him over, and that was me just starting the darn thing up!:whistle:
http://youtu.be/X9ozHNSFwaM
wow brilliant stuff. Great to see you and this beast are still about. Loved reading the build of this and loved reading the updates!!
The Vette sounds AMAZING, do you subscribe to a Vette forum that I could follow you build thread?
The Vette sounds AMAZING, do you subscribe to a Vette forum that I could follow you build thread?
Echo this!
I love the sticker on drivers side mirror "Objects in this mirror are losing" :lol:
shuggy boy
27-06-2011, 08:49
Hey! thanks everyone for the kind comments - apologies for the delay in responding.
Firstly regarding my keeping the car - well, is not Conservation the latest 'Eco' adage? and, of course, you all know how much I love to be in the vanguard of any new social convention;) - err - believe that one if you will!:)
True, love is in the air with regard to my feelings about the car, but it's not love of the 'dewy eyed' kind - just an honest affection, born of a hard headed appreciation of what is a really great wee car.
Most folks think it's the power that is the hook with the car that makes it so addictive, but for me the attraction is more complex.
It is the benign handling of the car that always amazes me the most - with the suspension setup and the Quaife, it sticks like a proverbial limpet, and ventures with impunity wet or dry, into territory, where no front wheel drive vehicle should prudently journey.
Power itself is nothing without the ability to transmit it in a usable fashion to the road surface, and it's the combination of fast spooling IHI with its great mid range torque, and the car's feisty handling that make it such a great road car.
I can’t be specific, this being a public place, but believe me when I say that my considerable experience of the car has shown that it will hang with most things on the road, in give and take situations, up to speeds which would be regarded as very naughty by ‘you know who’!
OK, the 500+ BHP monsters will ease away from it at the top end - good luck to them - me I’m too old now, to go to jail.
The recent renovation has cost around the 10K mark - that's including all parts - brake kit/turbo/ DP/ etc, paint and labour.
I suppose that may or may not sound expensive, depending on your point of view.
I’ve owned the car for seven years now and it was paid for long ago.
Had I opted for another course of action and traded the car ,say every two years, then, by now, I would have probably spent the same if not more in terms of total outlay.
Each to his own of course - my way may not suit another - I just love to personalise my cars, and changing them to suit my particular needs, whilst others prefer to let the manufacturers do it for them.
I have a gut feeling too , that the LCR is a ‘keeper’ of a car - the shape is certainly one of VAG’s better efforts, and there are not too many of then about either.
I still have my C6Z06 Corvette too - I’ve done around 30,000 miles in that and work is still to be done before I happy with it - It is a five year project, and with luck, I should finally finish it next year,
I don’t write about it here because this place is for Seat fans! - but if you are into Vettes, you’ll be as excited as I am, to know that next month , the Z06 will gain a Fast LSX inlet manifold ,and a Nick Williams 102mm TB - it’s also going into the body shop to have a World Challenge ‘hood’ fitted along with Katech Carbon Aerokit
I am in the process of fitting a Brembo GT2 380mm brake kit, Katech Clubsport wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber[325/30/19 rears!]
I don’t use the Z06 that often because I don’t like frightening myself too much, too often.
Where the Leon is somewhat discrete as it passes by, a journey out in the Z06 is a social event of the first order, in as much as the houses vibrate when it passes, and people run for cover with terrified looks on their faces.
My neighbour’s cat had a nervous breakdown the last time I started it up, and has never again dared to venture out of the house.
Her husband too is now claiming that he dropped his false teeth down the toilet because he was so startled by the sheer volume it emitted when my foot got inadvertently jammed on accelerator.
I have had to stop taking passengers in it as well, because of the costs I’ve incurred in having to buy them new underwear, subsequent to their trip in the car.
Some have even claimed that they have needed psychotherapy and have tried to bill me for that.
The Z06 has a strange effect on folks - Don’t believe me? Well here’s a short video of a chap who wanted a wee run in it:blink:
Watch it and you’ll see what I mean - it nearly blew him over, and that was me just starting the darn thing up!:whistle:
http://youtu.be/X9ozHNSFwaMha!great video!love the vette and the jabba monster great to see it restored to its former glory!
Nice freshen up on the Leon, I know what you mean about it being a keeper, I doubt I will ever part with mine.
Glad to hear the Leon is still running well, have spotted that you've been about in her alot recently :) The Leon really is a work of art, have much respect for it, may even be very keen to make you an offer in later years if you do wish to part with it :)
Surprised you havent been issued with an asbo for the 'vette yet, Ill be honest! Having personally been in the vette I can say that it is actually jaw dropping how quickly it gets to the speed limit ;)
nice to see you back on here songman and i think most of the scottish guy/gals would love to see you up at crail for the national meet in a few weeks in the leon or even the vette:D .spotted the leon a few times down airshire way and always look amazin but sound even better;)
I've read this build a few times but I think you were a little before my time here & hence I thought you had moved on. Such a great read and car, however aside from you & Traumapat, I don't recall any other IHI powered LC/LCR's around right now...I wonder why that is? Both of you have had outstanding performance & reliability in the most part so why have slower spooling Garrett kits taken over? :shrug:
traumapat
27-06-2011, 22:15
I think it might be that garretts are servicable/repairable whereas IHI isnt.