 during a HPDE day at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) where it was raining and the combination of stiff springs and the big anti-sway bar created some undesirable oversteer.
When installing the tire, I noticed that the wire that goes to the wheel speed sensor (used for ABS) was damaged as it was making contact with the rim. Something that I will replace during the 2019-2020 winter. For now, addressed the wires with issues and wrapped it in electrical tape.
Both sides of the front now have wheel spacers.
During the fall Ascutney event. Nothing broke.
Even though I thought the new softer suspension would help suck up the harsh bumps (and protect my axles from breaking), I did take it easy as I only had one replacement driver’s side axle. My times show slower times to the traditional finish at the 2.8 mile mark.
Best time 2:56 (2016)
Fall 2019 3:02.17 (traditional) and 3:49.27 (full hill)
I got into it on Sunday after a few easy runs, but put it in the trailer early as I had to get home to my lovely wife.
While the softer springs did help with the bumps, they were actually too soft.
Winter 2019-2020 will provide a new suspension that has a better spring rate that will work for all the hills (I will keep the stiffer springs for the track) and adjustable shocks/struts.
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Rabbit Farmer
Post subject:
Re: Rabbit Farmer's 1.8T 4-door money pit
Posted:
Wed Feb 05, 2020 9:57 pm
I sprinkle rubber on my Cherios
Joined:
Sun Nov 27, 2005 7:38 am
439
Location:
Earth
The research continues on the upgrade for my suspension.
Something with good suspension travel, adjustable struts/stocks (two way), beefier construction, etc.
I looked at some brands and after contacting the company found they were outside of my racing budget. (i.e. Ohlin and Reigers)
Great quality, but I need to eat also!
My research for "racing coilovers" kept bringing up brands that use "racing" in their names (i.e. BC Racing) that might not have meet my needs.
KW Competition did come up in my research, but I am unsure (like I don't know) about the quality of the product. Anyone with insight?
So, three options that did come up were:
D2
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Rally Asphalt Coilover Kit - #D-VO-23-RA - Volkswagen JETTA 4-MK4 (2WD)
K Sport didn't seem to have anything that fit my car.
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And finally...
Gaz Gold Coilovers
VW Golf Mk4 2WD Gaz Gold Coilover Suspension Kit
I sent an email to Gaz to start that conversation.
What I like, so far, about Gaz, is that they seem to be speaking the language of "racing" while they still seem to be in my budget (assuming I'm converting that crazy looking L to the $ properly).
They also have the cheaper GHA coilovers (and this is what peaked my interest), but they stated:
"The GHA kit is not recommended for cars running semi slick track day tyres or full racing slicks as they are not designed to accept the high side loadings the extra grip of these tyres exert on the main seals and bearings within the dampers. If you run these tyres, you will be better served by our Gaz GOLD coilover range."
Great... so, the Gold is the better option for racing. They recognize side loading and the strength of the suspension.
What really caught my attention with the Gaz Gold are all the options available to setup the coilovers right down to their assistant with picking the correct spring rates for the type of racing you do. Sweet!
Going back at little bit in time, I was having a conversation with MurrayMotorsport.com (great company! highly recommend them) about Gaz coilovers, but the Gaz brand doesn't seem to be on their site anymore. I do see in their 2019 catalog, that they have Proflex, Ohlins, Gaz, Koni, Bilstein, etc. available. Unsure which is current.
Research continues.
Lots of upgrades to various parts throughout the car. Going to be a busy winter/spring in preparation for the first hillclimb of the year in May.
Lots of snow forecasted for the next few days. Good excuse to spend some time in the garage working on the car and doing research for parts.
Still having an issue finding good lightweight rims ( 17 x 8 ) that aren't crazy expensive.
Steve
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Rabbit Farmer
Post subject:
Re: Rabbit Farmer's 1.8T 4-door money pit
Posted:
Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:25 pm
I sprinkle rubber on my Cherios
Joined:
Sun Nov 27, 2005 7:38 am
439
Location:
Earth
A few updates, but no real progress on the Golf.
Planned for this weekend is a compression and leak down test. I haven't used the lead down tester yet, but I get the general idea. I might be a YouTube-certified Master Leak Down Tester by tomorrow.
The few things that I have been researching are spare rims (perhaps a little lighter) and a better coilover suspension.
Rim research continues, but I haven't narrowed it down yet.
I know it will be 17x8, 5x100, ET35, around 22-23 pounds, and around $150. And a dark color... I like black and gun metal. There are a number of options on Tire Rack that caught my attention.
The current rims that I purchased back in 2003 are quite heavy coming in at 26.8 pounds. The company that made the rims hasn't been around for a very long time. Edge Racing. I purchased them because they were $99 each.
Part of getting ready for the 2020 season is to make sure that I have extra parts and purchased some basic maintenance parts.
HANS replacement tether (dated 2020) from Summit Racing.
Simpson model number TK 1231.4
Extra 2.5 and 3.0 silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps from Mishimoto (New Castle, DE)
I often thought that if I dropped just one lugnut that I would not be able to drive. So... I ordered 20 new nuts from 034 Motorsports.
From FCP Euro, new bolts for the trailing arm bushings, new wheel bearings, speed sensor wire (front left was damaged), and rear spring rubber perch are all going in now. The ball joints are spares.
For tools that love to fly across the garage when in use, the strut spreader is one of those. The current tool I have is just the bit that I have to insert into a 9mm (or so) socket to use it. Enter the Metal Nerd strut spreading bit with a larger end for easier handling. I might glue it into a socket since everything at Sears is (was?) on sale. I picked up two of these tools due to the likelihood of them taking flight. Ordered from UroTuning.
Now the fun stuff.... Rear trailing arm bushings with spherical bearings from 034 Motorsports. (that's what I needed the new bolts for)
One problem that I have experienced over the years is that the brake pedal was a solid rock when it was used during or shortly after full boost. Bit me at Mt Washington in 2017.
Enter an electric vacuum pump from Leed.
This is the Bandit pump in black. It is approx 8" tall. I thought it was a bit smaller when ordering it as I had plans to install it under the hood, but since it is quite large, it will end up in the back of the car.
Ordered from Summit Racing.
I settled on Gaz Coilovers "VW Golf MK4 2WD Gas Gold"... t-96-p.asp
9" springs. Front 400# and rear 350# with everything valved accordingly.
Able to adjust the rebound and compression damping.
I had to measure the current spherical bearing in the Cusco (part number 566-410-A for "Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X (08-13)"... reminder for myself when I am trying to recall what I have) pillow top to ensure the Gaz shaft was machined to the correct spec.
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Rabbit Farmer
Post subject:
Re: Rabbit Farmer's 1.8T 4-door money pit
Posted:
Sun Mar 08, 2020 6:58 pm
I sprinkle rubber on my Cherios
Joined:
Sun Nov 27, 2005 7:38 am
439
Location:
Earth
A few MK4 and MK1 updates.
The 2020 hillclimb season is fast approaching and I just realized that are a number of general maintenance things that I need to do to my car plus some bigger stuff… like a new suspension and rims.
Rims should be minor, but a new set of tires are in the mix and it is impacting a few things.
So… the car is off the ground with the front and rear suspension completely removed.
In the front, I am trying a new set of tires. Yokohama Advan 230/640