Corrado enthusiast needed - London W12

[RichieSounds 0]

I'm looking for someone who'd be up for going out for a spin in my Corrado VR6 to help me work out how to improve the ride.

 

I've been to several different garages and have been advised to look at several different aspects of the drive train; steering rack, tracking, wheel balance, bushes... i don't seem to be getting the results I need from these various professionals. I think it's time to talk to someone who is passionate about the Corrado as I believe they'll be able to work out what's going on much more easily. Do you agree?

 

So I'm looking for someone, not necessary an auto mech professional, to come out in the car one day/evening/whenever and take her for a spin. I want to pay, buy beer, or even negotiate an good price for a brand new Quaiffe LSD (suitable for Corrado VR6) as I have one in my possession.

 

Anyone game? Any ideas? Or failing this does anyone know a good Corrado friendly garage somewhere in London? Thanks for any help. Richard.

[dukest 0]

happy to come and drive your car around but dont know how much expertise i could offer apart from comparing to mine!

[Rob_B 0]

whats wrong with the ride? not handling right?

[RichieSounds 0]

ha I'm not really looking for someone to rag my car around! actually, why not, sounds quite fun...

 

There's lots going on; she just doesn't feel stable at speed. When tootling around at 30-40 it's lovely, but 60mph+ and she's nothing like she was.

 

I've got 16" BBS rims on her (careful to spec tyres so that the wheel is the same diamater as stock).

Eibach springs all round, with Koni TA shocks (One garage told me he thought renewing the shocks would bring her back in line in terms of handling)

She brakes fine, no problems there.

There have been probs with the streering rack; i have had the tie rods replaced and was told by another garage that the steering rack 'bolts' needed tightening (but then another garage told me that was unlikely as by design the steering rack itself cannot become loose as it's held in place by 6 bolts)

So much info, so little time to digest it all. Really feel that a Corrado afficando (with good understanding of the mechanics) would provide some really useful insight as to where I should spend money to make her sweet again.

[Rob_B 0]

had 4 wheel allignment done? properly?!

wishbone bushes and rear axle bushes are also good calls.

if the suspension is old then it might want renewing.

are the track rod ends genuine?

[dragonfir3 0]

Give these guys a ring: Mastertechs, vag specialists 0208 648 6688, they're based in Morden, so probably not too far from you.

Dave has had a lot of experience with vr6 suspension set-ups and knows his stuff.

[RichieSounds 0]

4 wheel alignment; done. I believe it's been done twice now by two different garages. I'm confident that it was done properly recently ( the guy who did the alignment owns a corrado ) but you never know...

 

The tie rods were replaced with genuine VAG parts, it definitely tightened up the front. Not sure about the ends.

 

Like you guys ssay there's so much that could be the problem; but i really can't afford to fling cash at the car right now.

 

So I'll take your advice dragon - sounds like a good bit of help there. I'll call Dave now, thanks for the heads up.

[RichieSounds 0]

if i was asked to look at someone's computer because it wasn't running so well I'd probably do it as a favour but ultimately those sort of arrangements end up being a pain in the ass for both parties. so probably the best way to approach this all is to look for a professional in london who's had a lot of experience with Corrado VR6's with non standard drivetrain/suspension setups. Further to Dave (above) has anyone else dot any good recommendations?

[Rob_B 0]

if i was asked to look at someone's computer because it wasn't running so well I'd probably do it as a favour but ultimately those sort of arrangements end up being a pain in the ass for both parties. so probably the best way to approach this all is to look for a professional in london who's had a lot of experience with Corrado VR6's with non standard drivetrain/suspension setups. Further to Dave (above) has anyone else dot any good recommendations?

 

if you were closer to me then i would take a look no problem. you are more than welcome to come to me though :)

it is quite often difficult to diagnose these sort of problems in person let alone across the net.

i can understand you wanting someone to drive the car as people have different perceptions of how a car feels.

unfortunately when a car doesnt feel "quite right" it can be a combination of little things or a part starting to fail under load.

i guess that you work with computers, so you could compare it to a computer running slow if you like... its probably loads of little things but they all need addressing (replacing) before it feels right again.

im sure all garages would go through the same process of replacing components until it solves the problem.

if you can replace the parts yourself it would be alot cheaper.

the usual suspects are:

 

track rod (tie rod) ends

bottom ball joints

wishbone bushes

top mounts

rear axle bushes

duff suspension

[bananawhip 0]

If it's not feeling stable and if they haven't been done then I'd put a vote in for rear axle bushes, replacing mine made a massive difference.

 

Top mounts also maybe? As already said it could be a few things but if it feels at all unstable at such low speeds I'd say it's something fairly major/obvious