Sept 30 009
Well Its over. Finally done. No more. Complete... Well, not really, but really. I finally had some time to get all my tools and install together and threw down. I was fortunate enough to get a Snap-On rollaway full of Snap-Om/Crafstman tools thats been given to me. Its been in my family for over 40 years and now is 3rd generation. Nice segway, but back to the build.
So with my 'new' tools, I was able to attack the parts install without hesitation. So Saturday night, I went ahead and got the car up on ramps, sprayed some PB Blaster on some of the studs/bolts on the turbo, to sit overnight. Woke up the Sunday morning and went at it. Getting the OEM downpipe was actually fairly easy. Took maybe an hour or so. So with that set aside, it was time to drop in the new 42 Draft Design 3" Catted (non-resonated) Downpipe. Went in with ease. From the DIY I've read, the top two studs/bolts are to be done via the engine bay and the bottom two studs/bolts done under the car. I was lucky enough to have enough space to fo all of them from the bottom side. 3 with ratchet, 1 with wrench.
Everything went in without a hitch. I took my time with the install to make sure everything was done safely and correctly. Not to mention, I found out it was 105* outside and i was starting to battle a severe headache.
So with the Downpipe installed, it was time to start on the Fuel Pump rebuild. So following some instructions from a DIY I found, I pulled the fuse for the pump and let the engine run itself out of fuel. As luck would have it, seems there was enough fuel still in the lines to keep it running for close to, if not over, 10 minutes! Took forever. So now the engine and the pump are at operating temperature. Finally the engine shuts down. So with the engine off and the the engine bay warm/hot, I cant really touch much of the engine, let alone the Fuel Pump. So I had to let that stand for about and hour and a half.
After coming back to everything some time later, I got the pump disconnected. I ended up pulling the PCV unit off so that I could easily access a few things. Made it easier. So with everything removed, I started to remove the internals, cleaned them up and went about replacing needed parts. Got everything back together and reinstalled the pump, but not before checking the Cam Follower. Took it out and cleaned it up and was able to snap a couple pics. I will probably end up replacing it in the next coming month or so, just as a precaution.
Went ahead and checked all my work and made sure everything was in place. Primed the pump about 2 or 3 times and it fired right up, no problem. No extra noises or leaks. Took it around the block to double check everything was in good working condition. I didnt really 'get on it' cause with the new pump, it was running on Stage 1 but with a richer mixture.
So Tuesday finally comes and I am able to head down to my tuner in Milpitas. About an hour ent by and he brings the car back and the first thing he says is "Man that thing is fast! Especially with the DSG". Made me feel kinda good about everything thats been done with the car. So I left and hoped in the car and got on the freeway... and held on as best I could. Haha. Let me just say this thing pulls haaaaard. Big time. I didnt get on it too much cause the freeway had a bit of traffic. So I just cruised home. But I can definitely feel the difference.
Since my card on my camera decided to end itself, I only have a few pics from my camera phone, so this is all I really could snap.
42DD 3" Catted (non-resonated) Downpipe, brand new in the box
The Old OEM Downpipe, laid out to pasture
Cam Follower a ittle over 24k. Stage 1 tune came at just under 20k
Inside of Cam Follower
So now that everything complete, its time to move on, i think. I'm contemplating maybe some different style wheels, but I think thats about all I'm looking for. And to be honest, I'm not even looking. Just if something presents itself. I will MORE then likely be upgrading my brakes. Just the pads, lines, and fluid for added bite. But I dont see that happening until after the 1st of the year. There also might be a window for an HID kit, but we'll see about it. Again, nothin that is concrete.
So til next time, Happy Motoring and Keep It On All Fours
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