Jim

Are you sure this is top end noise and not the classic VR6 bottom end 'piston slap' noise? Honestly, speaking as someone who sank nearly £8000 into two complete VR6 engine rebuilds over two years, don't let this become an obsession like it did for me. The VR6 is, apparently, pretty notorious to tame from a noises and rattles point of view. I simply couldn't see past valve-train noise, piston slap noise, and it was part of what broke my enthusiasm for the car, leading me to sell. Even a rebored block, with new pistons, and the piston slap noise from cold came back within a matter of months. I was resigned to the fact it was just not fixable though I am DESPERATE to know know the underlying reason for WHY it happens, and why it's so hard to cure. The advice I kept getting was - just turn the radio up and accept that the VR6's roots as a diesel engine are hard to shake.

Wendy arranges excellent road trips.. you would have no regrets signing up and going on this! Sadly I am already away in June so can't commit to this :(

Agreed! It's just a badge at the end of the day.

Duplicate thread. Locked.

Would agree that CV joints sounds like the place to start. Classic issue for that to occur more so when turning sharply.

I really don't think I will. Corrado's have just crossed too far over into that age where they need more TLC than I can be bothered with. Maybe if I found myself with a big house, big garage, four post lift - then I'd consider it. But rolling around under a car on axle stands, in a freezing cold garage just really became not my idea of a good time.

Great way to sell a car. Jesus.

VR would certainly have been quicker at the top end but it felt like a dinosaur even compared with the turbo motor in my ST. Amazing what a difference the mid range turbo torque makes to the driving experience.

Cool. Is it hooked up through the traditional ISO type connector?

It's more likely to be rain water and a leak from somewhere if it's that far along... if you get the water on your fingers, it should smell pretty clearly of coolant and may have a slightly greasy feel to it. Bad news is, if it is rain water, it might well be coming down over your fusebox (which is in the same location as the bonnet release handle) so you probably want be looking into that pretty sharpish :(

I had similar hassle.. the bolts that came off my old shocks were the wrong size. The threads on the AP's though are the same as VW OE shocks, so if you can find the part number for the bolts on ETKA, you can just order them from VW and they'll be right. I needed one more nut per side, to put that last little circular plate in place.

Sure thing.. have sent you a PM.

Managed to get both lots posted out today chaps. Hopefully be with you tomorrow.

As I say, whipping the front end off will save you a lot of time and a lot of scrapes! Means you can have a proper look around in there too.

First Corrado was, I think, in 2001. Had occasional breaks during that time but did own one for most of it!

I'd certainly get the front end off for this regardless.. it's not a terribly time consuming process, but makes working on anything in that area FAR easier. I have a vague thought that there's actually a tap on the crack pipe as it's meant to be one of the places you can drain coolant from... but not sure on that. I was also previously told that the crack pipe can be a bit of a git to change as the block can corrode a bit around where it fits in, and removal and certainly getting a clean fit / seal on the new one can be a pig. I've ordered such parts from AVS (http://www.vwspares.co.uk) in the past - would happily recommend them.

Hmmm.. kinda hard to tell. Either the crack pipe or possibly the housing with the coolant temperature sensors in near the top right of the second picture? Possible that may have cracked, or an o ring failed?

Used AVS / VWSpares quite a few times. Good guys, good prices.

Fingers crossed for you that this engine gives you a lot less hassle.

Certainly - will PM you :)

Sure thing - I will PM you the details :) Might not be able to post for a couple of days as having to make a very short notice trip out of the country mid week.. hope that's OK.

Would love some higher resolution copies of those pictures. Great read too :)

Looks fantastic! And I'm always amazed at where Corrado's turn up around the world! Agree that the side decals look pretty cool too :)

Worth looking into the Recaro's out of the Fiesta ST... I have to say, they're absolutely superb and given it's a Fiesta can't be too big. Plenty emerging on eBay, etc already from crashed ST's. Not much good for the more portly gentleman though as they have EXTREMELY big bolsters and hold you really well.

It's the generosity of forum members such as yourself GrizzlyBear that makes this forum so great. Great gesture. Good luck to all those who go into the pot to try and win a set of these :)