R32OC – 2009 Cribbs Causeway Meet
Just a quick update. I have my first ever rolling shot (yay). Thanks to a guy called George and his mate for taking the pic. Hopefully I can get some more over the next couple of months.
VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 025
Yesterday I spent the morning removing electrical tape and black paint from the eight slats on my front grill in preparation for a professional recovering. When I originally sprayed them they looked fantastic, but over time, tiny stones and general weather conditions have taken their toll. Once I’d peeled away the tape, I was greeted with a patchwork of unsightly black paint which I carefully removed with a knife for over an hour.
R32 Dyno Run with Evoms Intake & Milltek Exhaust
The smile factor has gone up a notch since fitting the Evoms intake, it has a more menacing sound now. I really didn’t think I’d notice much difference. I booked my car in for a Dyno run at Weston Performance today and I’m delighted to say that the power has gone up!
VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 024
It’s been three and a half months since my last entry as I’ve really had nothing to report. I still love my car just as much as the day I got it and when it’s finally time to say good bye in 2-3 years time, it will be a very sad day.
R32 Photo Shoot in Field
As it was such lovely weather, I spent 4 hours cleaning the outside of my car earlier today. Took a few pics to commemorate the occasion (any excuse):
VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 023
It’s been over 3 months since my last entry. In truth, there’s not been anything of note to report. The .:R is still going strong (approaching 19,000 miles) and my adoration hasn’t diminished. On a personal level, the company I work for is feeling the pinch like everyone else and subsequently, I have agreed to a salary reduction whilst we steer our way through the storm. Unfortunately, this means much of my monthly spending money has gone. Modding will still continue but at a slower rate. C’est la vie.
To continue the doom and gloom theme, I thought I’d make a note of everything that I don’t like about the car. Up to this point, I’ve only ever written about how amazing it is (which it is!) but there a few minor things that are worth noting.
1. Rattles
I have a rattle in the front passenger door pillar (near the seatbelt holder) and two or three rattles in the central console (above the cd player, around/above the air vents). The latter are seemingly random and they come and go but on rougher tarmac, there is one rattle that’s really quite noticeable. The first tiny one occurred a couple of months before I fitted the 19” alloys but I’m sure they haven’t helped things since. Most of the time I drive with music playing or I have the windows down (weather permitting) listening to the engine so I rarely notice them.
2. Brakes
Whilst on holiday, the car sat for three weeks without moving and ever since, there’s a faint vibration under breaking, a kind of subtle judder that you can feel and hear. The breaks are also not as responsive or potent as they were below 15,000 miles. I suspect the pads are starting to wear. I was looking at getting EBC Yellow pads, braided hoses and Motul fluid but maybe not given my change of circumstance.
3. Milltek
The quality of the metal used for the tips is not as good as the stock item. They’re harder to keep clean because soot seals itself to the rings more easily. They need regular elbow grease to keep clean.
4. Boot
The weighting on the door is heavily counter sprung meaning you have to give the boot door a strong pull down to get it to shut. I am used to it but it often catches out passengers.
5. BBS CH’s
They take longer to clean than the stock wheels and being 19’s rather than 18’s, it does make you cringe even more if you fail to spot a pothole.
6. Michelin PS2
The level of grip in very-cold/very-wet/icy conditions is poor. The minimal tread pattern verges on being dangerous in the snow. They also create more road noise than the factory fitted Dunlop Sport Maxx.
7. Performance
I’m now accustomed to 250bhp and it can feel underpowered on occasion. I don’t want to be troubled by your typical hot hatch or 3 litre saloon in a drag race. 300bhp would/should be the natural power of the R32 given its AWD setup, composure, breaking ability etc. It would also open up more overtaking opportunities.
8. Gearbox
The manual box feels as if it tries to predict which gear you want. Normally this is a positive but sometimes it’s not keen on going into 3rd from 5th/6th at high speeds. This is however due to my lack of driver skill because if I rev match it always slots in without issue. Also, since installing the short-shifter, I have less margin for error when changing from 1st to 2nd and occasionally snatch the gear. Again, this is driver skill.
I think I’ve covered everything… None of the above angers me but I thought it would be a good thing to record. On a positive note, the Milltek has really bedded in now. Something seems to have changed in the last 500 miles or so and the rasp has noticeably increased; it sounds excellent!
I haven’t washed the car for 4 weeks (completely filthy) so as it’s been a nice weekend, I decided to get the products out…
Before.
Several hours later!
Holiday in Grand Bahama 2009 (Photo Set 1)
On the 13th Jan I flew off to the Bahamas for a winter break with the family. I’m now back and wishing I wasn’t lol. Arrived at Heathrow and suprise suprise, it’s cold and wet! It The trip was fantastic, here are some holiday snaps.
New Year’s Eve Drive in South Wales
I’ve been off on a driving mission with my bro today. Had a fantastic time! Wales experienced a heavy frost overnight which made it even more beautiful than usual. The roads were a little bit slippy so we couldn’t really attack them but the scenery was breathtaking at times. Here’s a map and my last photos of 2008…
VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 022
Exactly one year ago today, I was given the keys to the best thing I’ve ever owned, my pride and joy, my R32. That day was one of the highlights of my life and I’ll never forget it. Maybe to someone who’s already owned a string of nice cars, an R32 would just be a ‘good car’ but for me, coming from a £6k Peugeot 206 the difference was akin to burgers and fillet steak!
A lot has happened in a year, I’ve upgraded my Haldex system, shortened my gear change, improved the sound system, bought a private plate, added a couple of carbon fibre bits, swapped to 19” alloys with better tyres and changed my exhaust. At not far off £5k, modifying cars is certainly an expensive habit. Maybe I’ll look back at it and think I was a bit silly, I’m not sure really. As things stand today, I’ve enjoyed every penny spent and don’t regret it one bit.
We’ve now covered 16,000 miles together, travelling the length and breadth of the country, the highlights being several spirited drives into North and South Wales. Whether it’s bombing down the motorway, blasting along country roads, night time cruising or stuck in traffic, my R32 never lets me down. Even now, I still wake up in the morning relishing my drive to work. I can’t imagine ever tiring of this car! I may well replace it in three years but when the time comes, it will be gone but never forgotten.
Whilst the car on its own offers great reward, I’ve found that being part of an owners club has genuinely added to the ownership experience. It’s great to be able to chat and meet with people who share your enthusiasm. From now on, whenever I buy a car I always join an owners club. Thank you to everyone on R32OC.
I wonder what I’ll be writing a year from now? Will I have written it off? Will I have been forced to sell? Will I have fitted a turbo? I have no idea but the anticipation of things to come excites me. One thing is for certain, I’m looking forward to starting another fantastic year of R32 ownership!
Thanks for reading.
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