2013 GTI - K04 Build

[Roadrunner_GTI]

So two hot (~100*) days at VIR proved that the oil cooler relocation works, with temps never getting above 255. Unfortunately I fought coolant temps both days, with temps wanting to creep up to 240 after a few hot laps. So in an attempt to increase cooling capacity, I’ve installed a mk5 R32 auxiliary radiator which is a direct bolt in for our cars. It installs on the driver side using the SAI studs on the frame. It taps into the upper and lower radiator hoses using VW 32mm to 20mm taps. Instead of buying the VW specific hoses, I just used Dayco 3/4” heater hose. All in all, it’s a pretty straightforward install, and should hopefully provide some additional cooling. Next step is to open up the fog light grill like a did on the passenger side for the oil cooler.

 

[torga]

Love what you're doing with cooling!! The "fog light" installs are great.

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

Quick update….
Aux radiator install is finished and the driver side fog light vent is done. Refilled the coolant system with 100% distilled water + VP Cool Down.

Position of the vent in front of the aux radiator.

Have also decided to go Cobb AP with Stratified Protune. This allows me to know exactly what’s happening on track and make adjustments to the tune as needed. Also allows me to get rid of my SAI delete CELs. Right now I’m going through the Protune process of running MAF calibration and WOT logs on the base file. Once I get a decent street tune nailed down, I’ll take additional logs at my next track event.

 

[ktopher]

Nice work. I'm pretty sure that the aux radiator really improves the cooling system of your car.

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

Got around to installing the Verus hood vents this week, which is something I’ve been dreading. All in all, install went pretty well. I taped the hood and just left it installed, rather than removing it, and put blankets on the engine bay and car to catch the metal. I drilled the holes from the topside, not the bottom to avoid cracking the paint. Ended up using an air grinder with a 3”x1/16” cutoff wheel for the main cuts, then a dremel with a metal cutting bit for the finish work.

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

Few updates while waiting for my next track event later this month.

I’ve been wanting to start using a head and neck restraint, and decided on the SHR Flex from Schroth. It’s pretty low profile and allows multiple seating angles. There’s a learning curve with setting up/wearing a HANs, and this is no exception. Initial feedback is positive though, and it seems pretty tolerable while driving. I did add some 1/4” neoprene to the chest area to help pad my collarbone. I’ll know more after next weekend once I wear it for a few sessions.

Lastly I finally bit the bullet and bought a fixed back seat. I went with a Cobra Nogaro Circuit which is approved for use with my Schroth Quick Fit Pro harness. Seat back strength test is critical with these harness, and I didn’t want to take any chances. I’ll be using Cobra low profile side mounts and Planted seat brackets. Can’t wait to get it all here and installed, I’ll update once things get moving.

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

Seat and side mounts showed up yesterday, unfortunately the Planted brackets are still a few weeks out. Seat fits me pretty well, and I like how high the harness slots are. I’ll have a better feel once I get the seat in position and mounted.

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

Made it to an SCCA Track Night event at VIR this past Friday. Figured an August afternoon track event was a good opportunity to test out the cooling system mods. Happy to report that both my oil and coolant temps stayed in check all three sessions, with ambient temps in the upper 80s. I did experience some overboost issues while lifting with the Stratified k04 tune. I took logs of the issue and think with some wastegate fine tuning it should be fixed. Car ran extremely well otherwise.

 

[torga]

I'm glad all your cooling mods are paying off!! Sounds like you're really finding the edge there.

 

[ChrisAttebery]

Wow! Those are great pictures.

 

[Mini7]

What were your oil and coolant temps?

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

What were your oil and coolant temps?

Oil temps maxed at ~235F and coolant temps maxed at ~217F. In the past the oil temps would have been ~250F+ and coolant temps would hit 240F if you let it.

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

The Planted seat brackets showed up this week, so I was able to make some progress on the Cobra Nogaro seat install. I did have to swap out the Cobra low profile side plates for the standard side plates, because the seat bottom was hitting the Planted bracket, even at the highest setting. Was able to reuse the factory seatbelt receptacle and wiring by bolting it to the Planted seat bracket. This allows the seatbelt indicator to work. Installed a 3ohm resistor in the airbag wiring harness. Also removed the seat position sensor from the factory seat and have it connected to prevent any airbag lights. I’d like to get a small piece of trim or carpet to cover the bracket bolts, but other than that the install is done!

 

[Roadrunner_GTI]

Last update on the Cobra seat install, I ended up placing some carpet down to cover the bracket bolts and make things look a little cleaner.
The seat feels absolutely great, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting the support of a fixed back seat that’s still comfortable enough to daily drive. And combined with the Schroth harness, there’s very little movement in the turns. I’ll be back on track in 2 weeks to test out this setup.

 

[APRMK6GTi]

thats clean, where did u find the floor fabric to cover the exposed areas?