Haven't posted in a while, thought I would give ya'll an update as to what I've been up to, and ask a few questions at the same time.
So they just lifted the drought in NJ, and I was able to wash my GTI for the first time in about 8 months (really, about 8 months). And you know how that goes, once its clean and shiny, you automatically start fixing stuff. First thing was my dead A/C. I 'converted' to R-134a a few years back, and it worked great up until the end of last summer when some must have seeped out. I bought 2 large (14 oz) cans of refrigerant (with 2 oz of oil mixed in) for $11 ea from Pep Boys and refilled last night. Two bottles later, I once again have ice cold a/c. Even if I have to refill every summer due to a slow leak, thats fine, as its not worth my time looking for a faulty o-ring somewhere in the system. On to more interesting things. I've had a set of 15" Jetta one piece BBS wheels sitting in my basement for a year now, that I bought off eBay for $200. I finally got around to getting some tires, I ended up with a set of Kumho Ecsta 712's (or something like that) for $48 ea from tire rack. 195/50-15 and V rated. Can't go wrong, although they are summer only tires. My SP8000's were overall great, but wore too fast for my tastes. Then again, I used them a few times in the snow, and snow destroys summer tires. So, I'll be getting those mounted and balanced probably the week of the 4th of july. Now, naturally, I am considering 11" brakes. Couldn't do it before, as they don't fit under my teardrops (which will be for sale soon BTW). But now, I can get a decent used setup off a G60 for about $300, so it might be worth it. But, the thing that erks me is the whole alignment thing. I just put 10.1's on last year, and I have a good alignment shop nearby, but they are pricey. $80. Seems like a waste, but I guess I can skip that step if I use the same spindles I have and just change caliper/carriers (although I'd like to put a new wheel bearing in there as well). Anyone with 11" brakes have ATE or x-drilled rotors? ATE are obviously worth the $4 over the stock rotors, how about the x-drilled? I am sure stopping power is incredible, but just how good is it with 11" brakes on a A2 GTI? That's it for now I guess (or at least until something else breaks - knock on wood). Denis G. 87 gti 16v - ready for summer 01 a4 1.8tq - boring in the summer __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
