"Riley" - jsausley's Rising Blue R

[jsausley]

How does the R compare to your GTO?

Good question.

The GTO is rated at 400 HP and 400 TQ so as you can expect it has more grunt. But it's hard to say which feels faster. In the GTO it's a fairly constant power curve so you get pulled back into the seat like you would expect, and I think it is significantly faster than the R, even with the tune, but with the constant power it doesn't really feel quite as urgent. The thing about the R is that it has power... and then the turbo kicks in, and it has a LOT MORE power, and immediately you feel it, so it almost feels MORE powerful than the GTO. But I know it isn't, it's just an illusion caused by that kick in the ass you get at 3,000 RPM.

In every other way, the R is better, as you would expect. Handles better, rides better, shifts better, quality is better... and so on.

[keihin]

Are you getting an R? Matt at BFI told me that they had someone scheduled for a tune next week and I was wondering if it was you.

Also, are you planning to do Wookies In The Woods? Slidemx5 and I are probably going to caravan on the way up. It'd be great to have a third Mk VI going with us!

My Golf R is on order. Estimated to arrive mid-April. Hopefully sooner. Can't wait. And all these upgrade threads are just fueling the flames.

Would love to hit Wookies in the Woods, but I've got plans that weekend. May jump in if something happens to the other event. I know you guys will have fun. That's a fantastic stretch of road, and a really nice area generally. I miss living in the VA mountains and having a GPz in the shed.

[vincenzo]

Congrats!
The paint underneath is the only thing that disappoints me. I guess you cut costs anywhere you can nowadays.

[jsausley]

Thanks. That doesn't bother me at all. It's simply the base blue without the metallic and clear coats. I think it looks fine, personally.

[vincenzo]

Thanks. That doesn't bother me at all. It's simply the base blue without the metallic and clear coats. I think it looks fine, personally.

I'm sure it's not as bad. It was just a nice detail on older VWs like the MKIVs.

[Jman5000]

That happens to all leather; couches, leather jackets, etc.

Leather ages, its just adds character.

You say character, I say ugly

[keihin]

You say character, I say ugly

You might want to get that right cheek examined. Something strange going on there.

[vincenzo]

The best thing you can do is apply leather conditioner regularly to prevent it from cracking.

[pierovw]

You might want to get that right cheek examined. Something strange going on there.

[TLud]

You might want to get that right cheek examined. Something strange going on there.

Either that or it's a wallet print.

[VWPDX]

Either that or it's a wallet print.

I noticed my R seats fit like a glove. My only problem is I can't keep my wallet in my right back pocket anymore. They are firm enough that it ends up shifting my whole body to the left!

[Jman5000]

The best thing you can do is apply leather conditioner regularly to prevent it from cracking.

What's cracking is the PVC coating on top of the leather. You need a conditioner like 1Z Lederpfledge to protect the clear coat.

I know wear and tear just happens, but it seems to me that the leather in the Mk4's-forward exhibit wear pretty soon and that looks bad especially on a car that is well maintained otherwise.

[SCHWAB0]

I still can't get over the fact that you're rocking that kinda MPG ... I mean, it's 30ish degrees here with some decent weather and I have yet to break the 25 MPG mark ... I was close but no cigar when compared to your 31+ MPG WTF ... I hope once the weather eases up here in MN, I'd see some number > 25MPG ...

Btw, I'm debating the whole stage 1+ but I'm guessing I know where I'll be once I tire of stock performance

[jsausley]

I still can't get over the fact that you're rocking that kinda MPG ... I mean, it's 30ish degrees here with some decent weather and I have yet to break the 25 MPG mark ... I was close but no cigar when compared to your 31+ MPG WTF ... I hope once the weather eases up here in MN, I'd see some number > 25MPG ...

It's all about the speed. Those numbers are at 65 MPH on a clean run (NO traffic, stoplights, etc.) with the cruise control on and Climatronic off.

[DaLeadBull]

Speaking on clilmatronic, how long does it take to get the heat going in the car and how are the heated seats?

[jsausley]

Speaking on clilmatronic, how long does it take to get the heat going in the car and how are the heated seats?

The heated seats are good, I haven't really tested the heater. It seems fairly quick. That's about all I can say.

[nasty_VW_habit]

Speaking on clilmatronic, how long does it take to get the heat going in the car and how are the heated seats?

Good question - the heat is the one thing I have to complian about with my GTI. I don't bother turning it on until I see the engine temp get up to normal 180ish. Then I turn on the heat and it still blows cold air for a LONG time, 5 minutes maybe, before you get warm air.

[usurpers26]

The seat heaters and regular heat work very well. It "seems" that the heat won't blow any air until it gets up to temp, so when it kicks on it is nice and toasty. I don't use the "auto" setting either so I don't know if that makes any difference.

Good question - the heat is the one thing I have to complian about with my GTI. I don't bother turning it on until I see the engine temp get up to normal 180ish. Then I turn on the heat and it still blows cold air for a LONG time, 5 minutes maybe, before you get warm air.

[slidemx5]

I still can't get over the fact that you're rocking that kinda MPG ... I mean, it's 30ish degrees here with some decent weather and I have yet to break the 25 MPG mark ... I was close but no cigar when compared to your 31+ MPG WTF ... I hope once the weather eases up here in MN, I'd see some number > 25MPG ...

Btw, I'm debating the whole stage 1+ but I'm guessing I know where I'll be once I tire of stock performance

<65 is key. 70 or above my MPG drops by 5 or 6 on the highway.

I averaged 31 on my commute to work today (32 miles) from hillsborough to raleigh, about 25% city driving and 75% highway at 65.

Also, driving at 65 is boring as hell.

[jsausley]

<65 is key. 70 or above my MPG drops by 5 or 6 on the highway.

I averaged 31 on my commute to work today (32 miles) from hillsborough to raleigh, about 25% city driving and 75% highway at 65.

Yep!

Also, driving at 65 is boring as hell.

Yeah, it can be. I usually do 70 but it's good to know that the R is capable of much better mileage if you slow down and take it easy. Nothing wrong with cruising at 65 with some good tunes on the Dynaudio.

[GTINeon]

Also, driving at 65 is boring as hell.

Try it in a school zone; it's a lot more interesting then.

[arismkv]

what type of clutch did these come with?

same as the mkv fsi?

[palerider]

youre close!! i just picked up a white r at flow in winston on wed. i live in browns summit north of gboro.

stage 1+, suspension, etc, etc is going in as soon as my apr pump arrives at bfi. that was ordered yesterday..lol so anyway lets try to meet up.

[Dutchmastr9]

The best thing you can do is apply leather conditioner regularly to prevent it from cracking.

for real. Get a good leather cleaner and conditioner and apply that a couple times a year. I use leather masters stuff. its great, pricey but who wants their leather to crack like that? not i

[jsausley]

Some new toys!!!!



Forge WINtake and Neuspeed carbon fiber engine cover.

I would have a few suggestions for the installation of the WINtake if anyone is interested that could save you plenty of heartache. For example, be intelligent and realize that the MAF screws that came out of the stock air box are NOT compatible with the Forge intake. After I got my MAF off, I put it aside with the screws and without thinking about it, when it was time to put it back on, tried to use the same screws. This led to them stripping out the threads on the inside of the Forge pipe which meant I had to rethread it, which took a painfully long time.

Anyway... just finished this tonight so I haven't driven the car with it on yet. But it sounds good at idle and I think it looks fantastic. The carbon fiber on the two pieces matches (the weave looks strange in the pictures - it matches better in person for some reason) perfectly and it looks modified, yet subtle. Definitely a big fan of it stylistically.

The Forge seems like it's a great piece. Got a good WITW discount on it thanks to Mike, and free shipping. The install (apart from the stuff that I screwed up and made harder for myself) was pretty simple. Taking the stock air box off was harder than putting the Forge unit on. We'll see tomorrow if the power is noticeable... I doubt it will be, but the sound is definitely noticeable.

The Neuspeed cover is expensive, but cool. Both pieces are recommended.

youre close!! i just picked up a white r at flow in winston on wed. i live in browns summit north of gboro.

stage 1+, suspension, etc, etc is going in as soon as my apr pump arrives at bfi. that was ordered yesterday..lol so anyway lets try to meet up.

I sat in your car while it was at Flow.

[jsausley]

The hills are alive... with the sound of turbos.

[jsausley]

Raleigh Cars & Coffee!



Next to my dad's GT-R.

More R's should come out next time!

[jsausley]

A few little engine dress-up bits. Glad to get rid of the ugly blue caps. The Forge coolant and oil cap covers are really nice and the little OEM black wiper cap is a fun little bonus.

[jsausley]

More shots from May 5 Raleigh Cars & Coffee here (not my photos):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2tallto...7629607782746/

The R:


DSC_9115 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr


DSC_9114 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr

Some other cars:


DSC_9085 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr


DSC_9097 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr


DSC_9082 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr


DSC_9135 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr


DSC_9143 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr


DSC_9151 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr


DSC_9156 by Todd_Billiar, on Flickr

[R201UP]

I envy both your fathers ride and your engine cover and intake combo. At least I can copy one of them!

[jsausley]

I envy both your fathers ride and your engine cover and intake combo. At least I can copy one of them!

What's funny about the GT-R is that he doesn't really like it very much. He prefers the '09 ZR-1 that he had before. He says the ride is too harsh and the transmission is really clunky and rough. Too old-fashioned I guess. Hoping it'll grow on him. I love the thing, but I've only driven it once. Oh well.

Thanks, glad you like the cover. It was definitely too expensive... but it's so pretty!

By the way - bought a set of OEM LED tails with rear fog from Peteski here on Vortex. Really good price and helpful guy. Once the tails, my VCDS cable and my Euro switch comes in, I will be installing my OEM under seat tray and everything else all at once. Should be next week sometime.

[jsausley]

Going to keep my OP updated with mods and such from now on. Got quite a few planned but it'll be a while before some of it gets done.

[LVSilentBob]

Curious. Any CELs since you installed the Forge intake? I have heard / read that some people have issues with the intakes.

[jsausley]

I've had no CELs whatsoever. I love the WINtake. Love it. It fits perfectly, sounds great and functions without a hitch. As far as I can tell there is no reason whatsoever to buy the more expensive VWR kit unless you have something against carbon fiber or like the wrong R logo.

[jsausley]

Hmm... what could this be!?