mannik

What test should a garage perform then to see if the piston rings were gone? cheers again.. I guess if the head has gone and the valve stems need replacing this is 'cheaper' than if the pistons need reboring?? Effectively this would mean a replacement engine from a donor as VW suggested?

there was no service book (or at least it is not stamped). How would you know if it had chewed the cylinder bores? I ask because spark plug 6 was completely clogged according to VW and there suggestion was a new engine...was this because of the plug fouling?

dr_mat - Serious troubles being..? (thanks for all the good advice - much appreciated)

Heater matrix has been replaced, but I suspect I have high pressure in the system since everything associated with the cooling system seems to be giving up. First the hose into the heater matrix, then circulation pump, then the heater matrix (all replaced) and now the thermostat housing... Car has done 100K miles with no regular service before I bought it. Can it be a crack in the engine block?

Not so mechanically minded I am afraid so a simple question I now have water in the oil - does this specifically mean that the head gasket has gone or can it also be a result of piston ring damage or any other engine fault as well? Engine also beginning to sound like a tractor (or an old BMW E30 when the valves etc are on the way out). Have been offered approx £2K for the car - should I sell? (car is otherwise in really good nick). Looked at '95 Corrado here in Sweden for £8K and I have to say that for the difference of £6K I guess I could get a complete engine rebuild - or is this an underestimate for a rebuild?

It's really the reason why the system is under so much pressure...is it due to a fault with the engine? The car defintely lacks power now and does not feel like it has 190hp, but it starts OK, temp is 92-94 when warm going up to 105 if driven moderately hard, the fan I have not actually heard this recently after stopping the car so maybe this is a problem (however this comes in at 100C doesnt it?) What I really do not want to do is keep replacing things until the weakest point becomes the heater matrix again!

Everything assoicated with the coolant system on my VR6 keeps leaking/breaking First the hose(s), circulation pump, then the heat matrix/exchanger and now the thermostat housing... Car sounds rough (bit like a diesel), uses a lot of oil and there was a lot of fouling according to VW on spark plug 1 (or 6?). What is the cause of the cooling components breaking? :-(

Have the same problem here in Sweden...everyone wants a piece of my rear bumper...still its an enjoyable sport :-) Anyhow, car soon to be modified I hope and gain a little extra hp/torque so the more grip the better. Looks like F1's then fro the summer... In the winter I have had Nokian Hakkapelitta's which have been very good.

Yeah I'm an old fart as well, so the more grip the better :-) Had F1's on my 205GTi and was happy with them, especially the wear and was considering them again.... When it comes to tyres, I always think to myself well I would never climb Snowdonia in sandels so why drive with cheap tyres when you want to go for the Sunday morning bread run.....

Looking at new summer tyres for my Corrado VR6. (205-50/15) Thinking of choosing between: Goodyear F1 GSD3 Continental Sport Contact 2 Michelin Pilot Sport Pirelli P7 or P6000 Any thoughts or comments with respect to handling (wet and dry), wear and road noise Thanks

An ABV engine from golf syncro is being offered for sale - is this the same engine as my 93 Corrado VR6?

umm the car is lowered (Eibach springs) and by quite a lot (not sure exactly how much since it was like this when I bought it). At least 30mm. The Speedlines I have almost touch the arch when I have my summer tyres on (205/50-15? I think) These Golf wheels are being offered secondhand for around 220quid for 4. My Speedlines are quite knackered and I would really like to get them renovated but not sure where. I though these may do for the meantime. And yeah a picture would be great.. will check back in tonight

Will the bolts from my Speedlines fit or will they be too long? Have also bolts from my Brands Hatch (which are a lot shorter).

Sorry - a little more explantation please... ET40 being another model? Do you have picture? In fact of anyone has a picture of a VR6 with these wheels fitted I would be really grateful to see.

Do the wheels in the picture (origianl MkIV Golf wheels) fit a Corrado VR6 from 1993? Thanks :-)