4eyes2wheels 0 Posted September 4, 2011 I am a bit torn on what to do. Seeing a few fault codes (MAF / Lambda) and engine is a bit noisy. I have got the DG cams in there and the DG map, I've done chains, clutch and all the associated little bits so don't really want to throw that lot away as I have an investment in the existing VR6 engine. Wondering what I'm looking at in terms of costs on the engine and associated bits. Think I might need some new internals - tappets, lifters, valves, etc - it's all a little bit of a mystery to me I must confess. I can't diagnose what's up by listening . . . . Then I stumbled on Storm Developments website offering R32, R36 and 2.0 TFSI conversions. Obviously this isn't going to be cheap (I'll find out tomorrow what the costs are) but I quite fancy that. However, need to understand the implications - Insurance is obviously going to change as it's now "modified" but wondering what else is likely to be involved. I've upped the brakes so would hope they would be up to the job, suspension was freshened up. Would the power be too daft for my little 15 inch wheels? Do I need a new exhaust (I need one anyway)? Do I need a new clutch? Gear box? If, for example, the conversion costs £3k all in then that's quite a big chunk of cash but I imagine it would be amazing vehicle - classic looks but with modern reliability and performance! And in theory no more to spend on the engine for lots and lots of miles and therefore a fair few years. But if I can sort my issues out for, say, £1k and know for sure the engine isn't going to give me any more bother then that would be good too. The only people I would trust to honestly appraise my engine would be DG Autotech but for me it is a PITA to get there for a diagnosis, then leave the car for the required time to resolve. I have heard mixed reviews for local specialists (I'm near Epsom in Surrey) and although I am happy to spend for a good job, I don't want to be "done" by someone taking advantage. I know at the end of the day I have to just plump one way or the other but I'd be interested in opinions / experiences to assist with the decision. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon green 5 Posted September 4, 2011 educated guess it will cost you £5k-£7k !!! hopefully you will prove me wrong,by a long way ! 15" wheels ok,a bigger exhaust will be needed,gearbox should be strong enough if in good condition ! LSD might/will be needed,dpending on how much power attained. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OSV 0 Posted September 4, 2011 stay standard not worth the cost and hassle to convert Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
too hot 0 Posted September 4, 2011 I would advise against doing the conversion unless you can do it yourself. Just look at how difficult it is to sell a converted car. I would also guess that it would cost at least £6k to have a garage do it for you. You know your own engine by now so you know what your dealing with anything else s a bit of an unknown quantity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8vMatt 1 Posted September 4, 2011 stay standard not worth the cost and hassle to convert But I like the sound of an R36! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4eyes2wheels 0 Posted September 4, 2011 Yikes - I guess I was kidding myself on the costs. Would be more sensible to sell up and buy a GTI or an R32 at that rate, although then it wouldn't be a Corrado which would make it a bit pointless. So, it's a case of get the MAF, the Lambda, the exhaust and maybe the valves or whatever is making the noises sorted out. Any recommendations for a trustworthy garage near Epsom? Or is there a forum member who wants to earn some cash? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pete 0 Posted September 4, 2011 I think the 5k+ estimate is entirely plausable I'm afraid. Personally I'd stick to the VR6 engine rather than the turbo, I think it's the heart of the car and what gives is such personality - the muscle car grunt delivery. I accept a lighter turbo lump will probably drive better in the bends though. The R32 conversion sounds nice, but I'd always be thinking "why didn't I spend the extra on the R36" so to be honest I'd be looking at either end of the spectrum... The R36 I assume will come with the 2yr/20k service intervals too?? Really interested to know the costs and what you decide to do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VW_OwneR_85 2 Posted September 4, 2011 there was an R32 storm on ebay recently, think it sold for £5000? theres aslo a nice looking 1.8turbo corrado on there atm, anyone know anything about ether of them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
poll250 0 Posted September 4, 2011 I've heard nothing but good things about the Phirm in Surrey. I'd go with refreshing your existing engine if I were you, sounds like you've got a lot invested in it already. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GlosterOx 0 Posted September 4, 2011 there was an R32 storm on ebay recently, think it sold for £5000? theres aslo a nice looking 1.8turbo corrado on there atm, anyone know anything about ether of them? It has been relisted again: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120772013168?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Ian. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Critical_Mass 10 Posted September 4, 2011 Vege recon VR engines ~£2k Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n3p 3 Posted September 4, 2011 Get your engine diagnosed imo...might not be as bad as you think! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krishen 2 Posted September 4, 2011 It has been relisted again: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120772013168?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Ian. Thats reduced quite a bit compared to a couple of months ago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VR6 Lee 0 Posted September 4, 2011 I like the 2.0TFSI conversion Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VW_OwneR_85 2 Posted September 4, 2011 It has been relisted again: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120772013168?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Ian. damn, the guy must be getting pxxxxd by now... if it was closer idd be tempted :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4eyes2wheels 0 Posted September 5, 2011 The Phirm - I can see what looks like them in Hook (Hampshire) which is only 40 miles from me. I'll give them a shout then. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coullstar 0 Posted September 5, 2011 Speaking from experince Id say try what you can to keep it original as possible unless your going all out on the car and intend on keeping it for a long time. I dont regret getting my 24v conversion and I still maintain its a better engine than the 12v but unless your doing everything yourself you will loose out on a lot of money and find it harder to sell the car. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Portent 0 Posted September 5, 2011 If you're really stuck I have an used MAF in my spare parts box. I grabbed it in case of future MAF issues myself but you're welcome to pop it on as a test to see if it resolves your issues. I'm also in Surrey (KT10 postcode). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bullfinch 0 Posted September 5, 2011 Before I moved downunder I took my Storm to the Phirm and was very impressed. I was a little apprehensive beforehand as my car is in original condition and their website seemed full of Mk3/Mk4 Golfs in various lairy disguises. However the guys down there appeared to enjoy having an original car to work on. Like you I'd been a DG regular but with the Phirm being just 20 miles from home rather than 120 I could get the repairs done during midweek and not worry about my Saturdays being used for long drives up the M40. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4eyes2wheels 0 Posted September 5, 2011 If you're really stuck I have an used MAF in my spare parts box. I grabbed it in case of future MAF issues myself but you're welcome to pop it on as a test to see if it resolves your issues. I'm also in Surrey (KT10 postcode). Extremely kind offer - I have just ordered one online. Looks like it is very old so I reckon a new one will be of benefit anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VW_OwneR_85 2 Posted September 6, 2011 It has been relisted again: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120772013168?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Ian. just come across this on youtube, its exactly the same car! lol so if anybodys interested in that r32 here it is, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4eyes2wheels 0 Posted September 7, 2011 Thanks for the input guys and gals. I think the keep it standard idea is the best in the long term, for me at least. I do not have the skills to do this myself, therefore not the money to get a top quality install professionally done. So I will be getting a local VW specialist (Tutts of Dorking) to have a look. I will definitely be having a new MAF and exhaust and then see what else needs sorting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbobbalooba 0 Posted September 7, 2011 It has been relisted again: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120772013168?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Ian. I've seen these pictures before, I'm sure of it. Is the owner not on here? From what I recall I read a massive thread on this and he spent THOUSANDS doing that conversion and all the other stuff. Not a bad buy for £4,750 I reckon?? Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
poll250 0 Posted September 7, 2011 COUGH! Here you go: http://direct.the-corrado.net/showthread.php?40319-Biggerbigben-Mates-R32-Storm-MAPPED..-by-friend-amp-Myself! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coullstar 0 Posted September 7, 2011 Yeah it was a guy called Biggerbignben (sp) that did the conversion for his mate. He previosuly built a lovely 4wd 1.8T, TVR dashed blue Corrado. http://www.coupehaus.com/ Thats a decent price, if it was a different colour I might have put in an offer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
