My Purple Passion

[ozowen 2]

Been on here for a few years and created threads for each of the Corrado's that I have owned but I seem to have let them all lapse, so I have decided to place them all in one thread. So here goes:

 

 

Corrado ownership arrived with me on 6 April 1999 having bought a never seen Corrado VR6 in blackberry with 95K on the clock. It had been a trade-in at the Renault dealers where my brother was working. On the 14 April I paid him the £7500 and my Corrado obsession commenced. She is still with me but in a forlorn state (more about that later) but will return to the roads (fingers crossed) in the near future.

Anyhow 303 has been a very good car and has covered about 80k so far under my ownership. The car has a wonderful history (including every receipt / MOT / Tax Discs all neatly contained in a huge A4 folder.

 

This is one of the earliest pictures taken along with my Mk2 Golf GTi more door

 

 

On her own stealing the limelight.

 

 

Taken in April 2002, 3 years ownership and sitting on her recently acquired wolfrace racelite 16 inch alloys.

(apologies for the poor quality on these initial photo's but they where scanned today from proper photographs from vistaprint (remember them))

 

 

between buying her in 1999 and 2004 she was regularly serviced by VW in Swindon and Cirencester. In 2004 my sister's boyfriend took over looking after her and a prolonged stay in North Wales (for the car not me)he set about doing the head / timing chains etc. In June 2003 she stopped being the main car for everything as I had purchased this:

 

New from Skoda seen here on an early outing trying to get the first 500 miles out of the way so we could run her in.

 

 

She is still with us 13 years later, FSH and 95K on the clock.....been an excellant car and other than routine servicing nothing major has gone wrong.

 

Anyway back to 303. A few more photo's through the years.

 

 

 

 

 

In Sept 10 having spoken to Fay (Scarlet_VR6) at an earlier meet 303 went to DG Autotech to get fettled with to bring the ride quality back. They fitted R32 wishbone bushes, Track rods & ends, 288mm brake discs, ARB drop links, ball joints etc etc. The transformation was excellent. On an outing in the car Dave did have a mishap though.

 

that's a blow out.........

 

 

back at home after the transformation, while it was up at DG on the original speedlines I had taken the wolfrace alloys for a refurb

 

ready for tyres

 

 

 

 

back on 303 and sporting her new stance.

 

 

Last few pics on 303 including the ones taken yesterday showing the sadness as she hasn't moved for nearly 2 years.....

 

getting cleaned after an attack; a flock of sparrows carpet bombed the fleet

 

 

Is that another Corrado I see - (her review next)

 

 

gotta love reflections

 

 

and yesterdays photo's.......she will see the road again, as I cannot get rid; just need Car SOS, Wheeler Dealers or For the Love of Cars mechanic to come to the rescue.

 

 

 

Edited May 29, 2018 by ozowen
Replacing pictures after photobucket fiasco

[ozowen 2]

In 2009 the jungle drums were beating on the forum as someone had bought that pistonhead Corrado

 

Original picture from advert

 

 

 

889 spec sheet:

 

1993 corrado vr6 shell coverted to run floor pan and full syncro 4WD system from golf Rallye. Running gear coverted to 4 stud ( 4x100PCD F&R)

Custom boot mounted aluminium 12.5 gallon fuel tank and uprated fuel pumps (lifter pump + 2 VW motorsport pumps).

 

Wheels / Brakes

7.5 x 17 inch BBS LM 3 piece Split Rims fitted with 215/40/17 Toyo Proxy

Golf VR6 23mm brake master cylinder

Cross Drilled 280mm Fronts 226mm Rears - I uprated fronts to 312mm Wilwood 6 pots

Suspension

FK Konigsport coilovers (fully adjustable) Uprated suspension bushes

 

Engine / Transmission

Rothe Motorsport / Tec Automobildesign / Dubsport VR6 Turbo conversion consisting of:

 

Brand new AAA engine, fitted with matched and balanced conrods, Uprated crank bearings, Oversized forged low compression pistons (just under 3L)

Sodium filled exhaust valves, polished cylinder head, Uprated fuel pressure regulator, Large MAF, high nickel content cast iron ATP turbo exhaust manifold, Wagner tuning (HGP) cast aluminium short intake manifold, Garrett GTS roller bearing turbo charger, Remote Turbo smart external wastegate and dump valve, Forge Motorsport intercooler, custom made turbo pipework, All turbo & coolant hoses by Samco, Fully mappable Emerald ECU, Lucas 520cfm fuel injectors, Baffled sump, Mocal 16 row oil cooler, JR cone air filter, Custom made exhaust system.

 

Mk4 Golf 4Motion gearbox bellhousing with VR6 Syncro internals and custom Helix clutch mated to Golf Rallye drivetrain (prop shafts, rear diff, rear beam, driveshafts and hubs.

 

One trek up North by train and hey presto

 

Sat on my drive

 

 

 

 

 

Custom fuel tank in boot

 

 

Improved air flow

 

 

The heart

 

 

303 wet with envy as 889 sleeps cuddled in a blanket

 

 

uncovered ready for driving - show season upon us

 

Edited May 22, 2018 by ozowen
updating pictures after photobucket fiasco

[ozowen 2]

brief history on my ownership; summed up in a few words....what was I thinking!!!!!!!

bit harsh, I loved the car but deep down I knew I would have to have deep pockets. First job was increase stopping power and having chatted with Chazrad a quick call to Tim (The phirm) and a few visits resulted in new brakes

 

Nice

 

 

 

A few in the garage (sorry about the shaky images it was bl***y freezing when I took them)

 

A brace of Turbo'd Corrados

 

 

 

getting fitted

 

 

 

 

All done

 

 

889 marked

 

 

At shows

 

returning to car after attending VW Action Day at Castle Coombe

 

 

Local meet at Air Balloon, Birdlip, Gloucester.......took a few attendee's up the hill for a quick blat. Mines with the bonnet open

 

 

 

 

Finally in car park at Stanford Hall 2010 - My original (brother had driven that as his Golf had died) Fay's Corrado and 889

 

 

All in all I loved the 4 years I had with 889 and bar for the few broken gearboxes I encountered, those driving days will be fondly remembered. So in June 2012 I watched as Matt (jaded2882) on here drove my car away.

 

His thread link

 

http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?73937-Blackberry-VR6-Turbo-4WD-now-for-sale-%A37-800

 

and in June 15 Matt sold it on, same 4 year itch I had to:

 

http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?91548-Corrado-turbo-synchro

Edited May 22, 2018 by ozowen
updating pictures because of photobucket fiasco

[ozowen 2]

Now what do I do.....the grand plan was to give 303 a well needed refurb but roughly 1 month after I had two Corrado's again and well as you have read already 303 refurb was put on hold because:

 

In July 2012 I took a one way train ride to Edinburgh then taxi to Gorebridge the reason to check and hopefully buy this. Met the owner H9DUB and after looking over the car a deal was struck insurance contacted and a trip south lay ahead of me. 360 miles; I reckon justifies a good test drive especially when the route is the A7 then M6 & 5. Brief history on the car; 1st registered on the 06 March 1995 in Cheltenham Glos she wore M824HDD before a private plate change to H17ENV lost that reg for ever. On next sale she was give current plate; all documentation to prove this in the big file I was given. The last owner had MELD for 5 years and covered 5000 miles mainly to VW shows and weekend cruises. He upgraded her with KW coilovers, nice original BBS LMs and added black leather. Lots of receipts over the 5 years and a stamped service book upto 82856 by various VAG service outlets or VAG specialists. More detailed pictures will follow once I get the time.

 

Journey Home pics

 

 

 

 

hitting 90k on the journey home

 

 

what time am I getting home

 

 

nice empty road

 

 

next day Meld needs a clean already

 

 

My avatar

 

Edited May 22, 2018 by ozowen

[g0ldf1ng3r 15]

nice write up :)

 

i have always liked your old 4*4 - sounds like it was a little troublesome, i get the feeling many VRT's are though

 

PS - blackberry is best :D lol

Edited May 25, 2016 by g0ldf1ng3r

[ozowen 2]

So what has happened so far under my ownership. Well later that year August 2012 to be exact I met up with OSV and in exchange for some wonga I was given 263 cams. In Jan 2013 Meld went to DG and Graham set about future proofing her.....

 

The timing chains, guides, tensioners, clutch, water housing, coil pack, lambda probe, ignition leads and spark plugs were replaced along with the cams getting fitted and a remap. A rattle in dash was done, front bumper bonnet and wings were resprayed and front and rear arp strut braces were added. I also bought a brand new 90mm lip spoiler from Graham (currently in garage. Got the car back in August as I'd told Graham I wasn't in a hurry to get it back.

 

A year later Graham had her back for a service and a bit more fettling due to a loss of power - diagnostics fault finding and surgery commenced; the problem a blocked air filter and a cam position magnet failure. While there he also fitted a Kenwood KDC-BT73DAB radio and JBL by HARMANN GTO-5EZ/GTO-3EZ power amplifier.

 

Now a few more pictures from shows attended:

 

At the MK2 Golf Owners Club National meet:

 

 

 

 

 

Nicely placed

 

 

Meld has been put to bed during the Winters of 2013 & 14 and mainly been used to go to a number of shows when not in DG Autotech.

 

attended shows are: Stanford Hall, All Types Bodelwyddan, Weston Park and the best (imo) Tatton Park.

 

After Weston Park the roof lining started to peel I did try to repair using new glue but it just wasn't happening so a call on here and Purple Tom replied; deal struck and on on bank holiday weekend we drove up to Derbyshire to collect. Tips on fitting were past on and those tips made my life and the install much easier (thanks Tom)

 

Nov 2015 I decided to go for a drive and she wouldn't start, she had been showing poor starting signs. Managed to find a Mobile Mechanic and he fitted a new starter motor only at the end of the install no start. Quick diagnostics by him and a frantic search on this forum by me for starting issues and we decided the ignition switch had gone....a week later and the part fitted Meld fired first time every time.

 

2016 has seen a change in wheel colour.......I didn't think I'd like the gold but they grew on me but due to an entrapment in the drive of my in laws farm after I'd come back from Weston Park last year; the alloys didn't get away scott free as the stones peppered them on my escape. So ready for this seasons shows I decided to get the LM's refurbished.

 

The change did throw up mega issues though. I thought it would be easy so in May this year I took them to Platinum wheels in Swindon with the hope of getting them laser cut but due to them being split rims they coulbn't help, they didn't think their laser could manage the full dish, so a rethink and a chat with a friend put me onto his friend in Banbury. He's a powder coater and after a chat and a drive the wheels were handed over. 2 weeks later and I got them back, unfortunately due to the centre being changed back to how it should be the offset changed and when driving the rear were scrubbing the arch. Dialynx to the rescue (keep forgetting these guys are on my doorstep (granted the are more Audi specialists)) but when you see what they have done....well they must be good.

 

After a few visits the idea height was found and this is it:

 

The style and colour may not be to other people's taste but I didn't want bling wheels any more but I so love the LM alloy.

 

New colour and new Dunlop Sportmaxx RT2 in 205/40/17 all round

 

 

latest full photos

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 22, 2018 by ozowen
updating pictures after photobucket fiasco

[ozowen 2]

So that is my Corrado history up to date but the Purple passion hasn't stopped there; it is a VAG car so I think its ok to be on this thread. now a quick rewind to mid June 2012 and the wife arrives home to tell me she has just seen a lovely looking car and a convertible at that......so whilst on holiday in Santorini my Ipad was heavily engaged in a search... a colour was found but dealer website confirmed it was sold. Back in the UK and more searches and one night a new advert. The next morning a drive up to said garage a test drive by both and deposit placed....One week later and a train journey up to Melton Mowbray and collected by the garage. Remainder paid and this is it

 

On a private plate

 

 

 

At Home

 

 

And with her new identity

 

 

On collection it had 5956 miles on the clock and was about 16 months old.....what to do about that mileage and where to go.....Monaco sounds good....logistics commenced and 3 days later with google and the interweb,overnights stops and routes were done we were also going to do 4 of europes best roads, see link

 

http://www.ultimatedrives.net/top-10-roads/

 

We went for Route de Gentelly and Col de la Bonnette in a long one day drive. Route Napoleon on our return North and Route 500 on our penultimate day. According to Google maps we would cover 2555 miles and 52hrs of driving the route all in 5 days......result. Some pictures from the journey:

 

 

Near Baden Baden having done Route 500

 

 

Rest stop

 

 

 

What a great week driving and some fantastic memories and defo doing it again....

 

That's all folks.......who know what comes next but; with this fleet I think I'll be content for a few years yet

Edited May 22, 2018 by ozowen

[ozowen 2]

nice write up :)

 

i have always liked your old 4*4 - sounds like it was a little troublesome, i get the feeling many VRT's are though

 

PS - blackberry is best :D lol

 

thanks for the first reply. 889 was a great car and is sadly missed but just running a normal one has its headaches as we can all testify so keeping that trouble free was always going to cost

[VR-Sixy 0]

Just, WOW. Truly amazing and stunning Rado's you have there. I think you have an underlying Blackberry fetish..... which isn't necessarily a bad thing....... :)

[swiftkid 1]

Ahh so that was you at all types, had a look around it and looked very tidy. Mine was the red corrado up near the food stalls. Didn't realise they were real lm's, you rarely see them these days, looks lovely!

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[mic_VR 3]

Top write up, great to see you've still got the passion after all these years!

 

Car collection looks great, will you be at the VW festival at harewood house in August?

[ozowen 2]

Just, WOW. Truly amazing and stunning Rado's you have there. I think you have an underlying Blackberry fetish..... which isn't necessarily a bad thing....... :)

 

I know, the colour just draws me in. At All Types an elderly gentleman was looking at the car and asked what the colour was; and then went on to say that it was good to see something different rather than the standard car colours.

 

Ahh so that was you at all types, had a look around it and looked very tidy. Mine was the red corrado up near the food stalls. Didn't realise they were real lm's, you rarely see them these days, looks lovely!

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

Did see yours arrive as we were setting up and on our walk round spotted it again. Genuine LMs on my last 2 C's......Talking to PW Motorsports in Wales who are authorised dealers for BBS they are probably off an old jap car.........

 

Top write up, great to see you've still got the passion after all these years!

 

Car collection looks great, will you be at the VW festival at harewood house in August?

 

We are 50/50 on Harewood at the moment; reason is, Tatton Park is the weekend before and that one is a must attend show. Will be with the Golfs again as there isn't a CCGB stand I presume due to lack of numbers and most doing the concours

[odub 0]

Great write up and a good choice of motors

[ozowen 2]

Great write up and a good choice of motors

 

Thanks for the comment. I am determined to make sure this thread gets regular updates. I have been blessed with the fleet; we were contemplating selling the Skoda when we got the TT but for what I'd get it was better to keep it

[sankysvr6 0]

Good read, thanks for sharing.

[ozowen 2]

Good read, thanks for sharing.

 

I'm glad you took the time, it took me the whole day to get it to this point

[ozowen 2]

Well in preparation for this weekend at Weston park meld has been fitted with new wiper blades and I now know they are from a variety of cars. Not just the TT but also the mk4 r32 is sporting them......anyhow tomorrow is clean day ready for the drive up to Shiftnal...weather looks good, so I'll take the pictures and post so you can put it in the diary for next year............

[ozowen 2]

Well I did say I'd keep this thread current as I let my others lapse.............So what has the fleet been doing. The daily hack, the VRS has just recently slid her mileage to 6 figures and The TTS flew through 20000 a few weeks before. As for Meld well since this thread got created she has just completed her summer events tour, she went to All Types Bodelwyddan, Stanford Hall, Weston Park, MK2 Owners National Day and Tatton Park. Maintenance has been in the form of a speaker upgrade to the rears.

 

Originally when I bought her she had an alpine setup, could see the fronts had changed plus she was running sub & amp. Lately the n/s rear has been distorting so i went for the quick fix and bought the faithful

 

 

The offending rear, couldn't believe they were the original Nokia ones

 

 

the other still looks good

 

 

the wiring which made for a simple 5 minute change round

 

 

Glad this was done as the tunes were ace to have on the summer driving.

 

Next job is the rear spoiler, which is having to have assistance occasionally from the button on the way down, having read on here I think it's within my scope and I always have 303 for visual confirmation on the rebuild. Hopefully I'll remember to do photos.

Edited August 9, 2017 by ozowen
sorting pictures after photobucket

[mic_VR 3]

Nice work. How do the new ones fit in comparison to the originals?

[Cressa 44]

I fitted the same speakers last week. Make a great difference and as said a true perfect fit with no cutting required. All that is needed is some adaptor cables as in the picture, to save cutting into your wiring. Great choice.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[ozowen 2]

Nice work. How do the new ones fit in comparison to the originals?

 

Literally with the eBay buy; the wiring made the install easy. As normal I searched through this forum and it was,as normal; priceless. The sound for me; is brilliant. I am extremely happy with the purchase; granted I probably don't have it set up correctly, but I am more than happy with what it gives me.

Edited August 24, 2016 by ozowen

[ozowen 2]

I mentioned it in my update today, Meld went for an MOT and I can say she sailed through, no advisories. Am I happy; yes I am. 20 years old; still no issues, happy days.

[mic_VR 3]

Result!

[ozowen 2]

Well up nice and early for the start of Meld's show season. Car cleaned and prepped and ready for a drive to Stanford Hall. the car will be on the Golf Mk2 stand.

[ozowen 2]

Well up nice and early for the start of Meld's show season. Car cleaned and prepped and ready for a drive to Stanford Hall. the car will be on the Golf Mk2 stand.

 

Well a really good day, on arrival I found the CCGB had a stand and as it was next to the Golf stand I parked the Corrado with them. a good turn out with 9 cars on the stand and another 5 or 6 round the show ground with most being in the concourse arena. Met a few owners and it was very good to catch up with Dave after a couple of years