Re: Advice??

[sheridan@vanceandhines.com (Brad Sheridan)]

>Hello, folks.
>        I'm new to this mailing list, so if I'm making an error in the way I'm
>sending this message, forgive me.
>        I've had an '88 Scirocco 16V since 1992 (when I totaled my '84
>Scirocco). It's basically stock except for a Techtonics cat-back exhaust
>and a K&N air filter (and a Saccs sport suspension which, after about a
>year of self torture, I am having replaced by the stock suspension.  It
>was never very comfortable and I'm convinced it played a part in
>cracking my motor mounts, etc... perhaps it would be nice on better
>roads than Michigan's). It's white, in nearly perfect condition, and has
>been maintained perfectly.
>        My question is, now that I'm in the position, and have the desire, to
>put some money behind this car's performance, where should I start?  I'm
>no mechanic, so I'd be doing nothing but the simplest things myself, and
>there are several very good Volkswagen specialists around here, but they
>are rather expensive.  Is the "p-chip" the way to go?  How about a wider
>down pipe? I'd like to get new wheels...

  You can't get a P-chip for the 16V Scirocco. Superchips makes a chip, but
it requires you to send in your ECU for desoldering and replacing the chip.
I don't know much about it, although when I asked the owner of Superchips,
he said it did raise the rev limits, and gave some increases, I think he
may have said 7 or so.
  As far as wheels, I wouldn't change too much while in Michigan(IMHO).
I've driven around there a few times, and was quite worried about falling
into the potholes on the interstate and never being seen again. I've bent
15" rims on moderately rough roads, and during the pre-olympic construction
in Atlanta, I bent 2 stock teardrops, without even driving it that hard.
Maybe I've just got really bad luck, but I would be very hesitant about
even a 15" wheel in Michigan, as the sidewall is significantly smaller than
on a 14" wheel tire combo. Maybe get a wider 14" wheel with performance
tire. BTW, I didn't realize there were any VWs in Michigan. All I saw there
both times was either American cars(now I see why they have such a
disgustingly soft ride), and appliances.

The techtonics dual downpipe should be a good addition to your TT cat back
exhaust. I've only had TT exhaust stuff on my 8V, but would definitely
consider it on my 16V based on my previous experience with their stuff, and
their performance specs on it. The Autotech power module will make a
difference in terms of seat of the pants feel, although I don't how it
translates in terms of times on a stock car. I have seen that it will add a
few hp on modified engines.
There are also 16V intake cams, 50mm intake manifolds which are
available(for $$$$) that give more top end and sacrifice some low end. What
I keep hearing is that a 2.0 block is the way to go, and it should be
pretty reasonable price wise.


What are you doing with your Sachs stuff? is it just shocks/springs?

Brad


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