Leonard 0 Posted May 8, 2021 Hi everyone Been a while (a decade....?) since I was last on here regularly, so thought Id join the Newbies again 😄 Hope there are still a few old faces on here, as well as lots of new ones 🙂 This is really lazy and I have been browsing the forum for answers, I promise! But was hoping to get some constructive input into a recommission + of the old VR after it being off the road since circa 2012. I don't mind spending decent money (up to £15kish) to get all of this done properly so its done and dusted for many years. Therefore keen to make it as good as it can be now using best parts available now and improve and enhance the original car without ruining the overall package. Even though my car isnt a shed, I know it would probably be cheaper to buy a car that has already been restored, but then it wouldn't be my car 🙂 I'm based in Derbyshire and the car is currently stored near Newark, but I don't mind travelling to have decent work carried out. Used DG and Stealth in the past and very happy with the work from both parties. Is DG still trading? Had a look online but cannot see anything to say that they are... This is my tick list and I'm wanting the best modern performance solution for each stage. I imagine that a few things have changed in regards to what was considered the best back in the day and what is now. Although saying that I also imagine that the Corrado isn't supported by many brands anymore and so the choice of parts may actually be more limited than it was!? If there are any other must haves that I haven't listed below, please shout 🙂 Bodywork - This will need some attention as last time I looked the front wings were rusting (again..) and I need the rust/rot sorting around the fuel filler cap (don't know how deep this goes) Is anyone making modern replacement panels for these areas now, or is it still a case of patching/buying second hand? - The paint isnt in bad condition so possibly salvageable with a decent 2/3 stage polish. If anyone has recommendations of a decent bodywork specialist that can do a full bare metal respray sub 5k please let me know as may consider it. Chassis - Would like to get all of the chassis components blasted and powder coated and re-bushed. Again looking for recommendations of where to take it. - Probably replace fuel tank and the strap that holds it. Are these still available, pretty sure someone had started making the retaining straps again. Suspension - This is probably the most important bit for me to get right. I live in the Peak District and the roads are brilliant to drive, but very variable. Therefore I'm not bothered about looks or stance, it has to perform. Car currently has Koni struts with Eibach springs and I have always regretted fitting them as they simply don't offer enough compliance. So what is the latest greatest shock set for the road that maximises ride comfort and performance within the limitations of the Corrado chassis? Interior - Interior is still pretty good, just needs a bit of a clean. Has leather Recaros and few ABT bits. Only thing I may do in the future is retrim it as the original leather isn't amazing quality. Icing on the cake stuff though! Am I missing anything though, any new must haves to bring it more up to date without losing the character? Engine - Is a little tired, probably needs a head gasket at least. Currently running Schimmel 263's and a VW Motorsport VSR, BMC airbox with remap. In two minds whether to just go through the engine and get it to a reliable 215-220bhp NA or add a Supercharger. I imagine turbo charging is the main route for forced induction now, but I don't think I want to go to all of that expense as wouldn't want more than 280bhp and would like any mods to be reversible if I ever want to put back to 'standard'. Is there a modern Supercharger solution that is reliable? Or we still looking at the VF stuff? - Anything else I should be considering here? Brakes - I have some rebuilt VW 312 calipers and discs ready to go on with some Goodridge hoses. Are there any recommended lightweight modern solutions though? Transmission - Gearshift seems incredibly long compared to modern motors. So short shift required as a minimum. Considered shortening the gear ratios as well, but would like to use comfortably on long journeys if required. - LSD, meant to fit one of these for the 21 years I have owned the car! What is the general consensus now on best product for the job, Quaiffe, Wavetrac, Peloquin??? Exhaust - Currently has an old Scorpion system, thinking may get a custom one made to fit though to get the best of whatever engine mods I end up doing. Recomendations? Wouldnt mind something in Titanium... Wheels - So hard to find the right wheels for the Corrado! Still have the original and currently fitted with 17 inch 3 piece OZ Futuras which look great but are way too heavy for the car. So thinking either originals or something ultra light in 16 inch to work in harmony with suspension. All suggestions welcome, although this is probably one of easier things to source and is always a matter of individual taste. Anyone in UK that offers 3 piece ultralight wheels? Think that covers it for now, feel free to tell me to use the search button 😄 but I am genuinely interested to hear what you would all recommend now if you were building the ultimate C in an Alfaholics/Singer style (just without the 100k + budget lol) Cheers Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cressa 44 Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) ... Edited May 8, 2021 by Cressa Sent early.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cressa 44 Posted May 8, 2021 Quality return then Matt, with great info on your car. Any pictures as we all love a good picture to look at? Sounds like it needs a good re-commissioning. But worth it. Suspension wise a lot of people seem to put the Bilstein b12 suspension on with rave reviews. I couldn't afford that at the time I did mine, so I went for standard shocks with slightly lower eibach springs and love it . OE plus .. Wheels...OMG I like a BBS and the 16" speedlines someone recently got. Also Keyo put some rare VW motorsport alloys on his. What ever you decide has to fit over the monster brakes you have. I fitted standard golf 288mm brakes at Xmas and am happy with those Engine wise yours sounds a good set up, but what mileage are you on, have you had the chains done previously? Look at 'my money pit' as Shaun has a supercharged vr that scares the sh## out of me It will need some love turning over to get it started with a dose of fresh oil and filters etc.. Why do you suspect a head gasket? Exhaust wise, christ the world is your oyster. I cant comment as mine is still original, but when it goes I shall have a custom one made up to exactly the same. Paint wise I know of a highly recommended guy in Nottingham that you could get in touch with. He was supposed to do mine but lockdown happened so I took it to a guy near me and they did a great job too. I get over to the Peak district once a month and do love those roads. There is a guy on the main road leaving bakewell to Haddon that has a silver valver on his drive. Get it sorted, plenty of enthusiasm on here that would love to follow the restoration Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cressa 44 Posted May 8, 2021 So is your name Leonard or matt? What is that story.. I went through the powder coating stage of my parts five years ago. I wont do that again to parts that see the road again. Disappointing that they are starting to rust now!! So I had my front lower valance redone in a different coating that is supposed to be better. Certainly looks good and has been on a year with nothing coming through. When I remember what the coating is I shall post up 🤬🙈 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dox 23 Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) New wheel suggestions please :) - Page 2 - Exterior - The Corrado Forum (the-corrado.net) Have a look at the pics in this thread Build thread Leonard's Corrado VR6 - 515bhp 5.9L's twin scroll turbo ;) - Page 9 - Members Gallery - The Corrado Forum (the-corrado.net) Edited May 8, 2021 by Dox Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cressa 44 Posted May 9, 2021 11 hours ago, Dox said: New wheel suggestions please :) - Page 2 - Exterior - The Corrado Forum (the-corrado.net) Have a look at the pics in this thread Build thread Leonard's Corrado VR6 - 515bhp 5.9L's twin scroll turbo ;) - Page 9 - Members Gallery - The Corrado Forum (the-corrado.net) Just had a good read of this, thanks Dox. Quality car.How the hell do you remember this from way back !! 🤯😇 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dox 23 Posted May 9, 2021 1 minute ago, Cressa said: Just had a good read of this, thanks Dox. Quality car.How the hell do you remember this from way back !! 🤯😇 I have a set of 17 inch ABT A23s and had a conversation re the GTi International pic in the thread Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keyo 47 Posted May 10, 2021 (edited) I just sold a set of BBS RC 322 size 16 5x 100 to a New Zealand chap living down London - they are a very light wheel but very hard to get a set in size 16 more common in 17 and 18- in fact you can still by the 18s new from classics. I had a lump in my throat letting them go to be honest as they look brilliant on a corrado. BBS RX226 have always ;looked good. All these wheels are really hard to get now in a size 16 to be honest. Its even hard to get a set of Sebrings ! Edited May 10, 2021 by Keyo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leonard 0 Posted August 24, 2021 MASSIVE apologies to everyone that commented above, 3 months ago..... I originally posted this late on a Friday night and lets just say I errr kind of forgot I'd done it 😁😇 Cheers for all of the comments Cressa, nice to make your aquaintance. Engine wise the car is pretty good, its had chains, cams, tappets etc and is only on 95k miles. Its slightly down on compression though so figured a skim and new head gasket wouldn't hurt. If you have contact at Notts for paint and can remember what you coated your chassis with be great to know 🙂 I have seen that silver 16v Corrado in Bakewell for years, he must have had his for as long as I have had mine if not longer (so 21 years plus). Love the fact he still dailys it! It does need a recommission. I used to rate DG Automotive but think he has gone off to get a 9-5 at JLR and Stealth Racing/Vince is great but just a bit far away and be great to have someone local I could go to. JBR are pretty local in Chesterfield, but also pretty expensive and not sure how much they specialise in the older stuff now. Decent recommendations for where to take it are most welcome from anyone! Wheels and suspension wise I want lightest stuff possible as have been down the other route for looks and its a ride/drive killer. May look at some companies that do custom fitment forged stuff and can get what I want then but in the right offset and in a 16 inch. Again love to see more of whats already out there though. Good to see a few old (hey Dox) and newfaces on here (hey Keyo) still. Not quite the buzz of activity that it used to be, but I guess that is to be expected, imagine a few Corrados have been butchered to keep the survivors going over the last few years 😞 Now I have remembered about the Forum again, I will try and drop in more frequently anyway. Cheers everyone 🍻 Oh and Matt or Leonard is fine (when you come from a small town you often need an alter ego!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fla 9 Posted August 24, 2021 Welcome back! Your Corrado was the smart looking twin of mine.. Current supercharger knowledge seems to be towards the Rotrex c30-94. More efficient than the vortech, smoother power delivery and very little power loss due to the way it is operated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1xshaunx1 27 Posted August 25, 2021 There isn’t anybody else who can map the Corrado’s Ecu up north, I tried to find someone a few years ago. Vince is the only one who can within a 100 mile of Sheffield, as far as I know. Plenty say with a stand alone ecu they could play. Loads of options out there for the journey you are about to go on, think carefully and buy once is my top tip, good luck with it Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
