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Ronnie_B's 2013 GTI - Track Day Build
- Thread starter Ronnie_B
- Start date
MrFancypants
Autocross Champion
Damn that is a great deal. Shame I don't have 17s.
Quick update:
2019 track season is over ? but it was fun while it lasted.
I'm planning on a couple winter upgrades to get the car ready for next year. After stepping up to the Nitto NT-01 R-comps (which are amazing btw) I'm definitely putting more heat into my brakes, evident by the fact that they went from bright red at the beginning of the season to a nice reddish-brown color by the end. While swapping back to my street pads also noticed the caliper boots are pretty crispy as well. Fortunately the rotors look fine with only minor crazing, and the G-Loc R12 pads seem to holding up as well, with only the typical minor surface cracks.
I've decided to rebuild my stock calipers, install Stoptech SS lines all around, and retro-fit some Audi RS3 brake ducts to improve cooling. To make rebuilding the stock calipers easier, I bought another set of new VW OEM calipers I found on clearance. I'll install these and then I'll rebuild my current ones in my spare time and to minimize downtime.
I'll keep you guys updated on progress. ?
2019 track season is over ? but it was fun while it lasted.
I'm planning on a couple winter upgrades to get the car ready for next year. After stepping up to the Nitto NT-01 R-comps (which are amazing btw) I'm definitely putting more heat into my brakes, evident by the fact that they went from bright red at the beginning of the season to a nice reddish-brown color by the end. While swapping back to my street pads also noticed the caliper boots are pretty crispy as well. Fortunately the rotors look fine with only minor crazing, and the G-Loc R12 pads seem to holding up as well, with only the typical minor surface cracks.
I've decided to rebuild my stock calipers, install Stoptech SS lines all around, and retro-fit some Audi RS3 brake ducts to improve cooling. To make rebuilding the stock calipers easier, I bought another set of new VW OEM calipers I found on clearance. I'll install these and then I'll rebuild my current ones in my spare time and to minimize downtime.
I'll keep you guys updated on progress. ?
Golf R fitment is slightly different, and takes the following part#
Front: 950-33024
Rear: 950-33515
Few updates....
Installed the new front calipers, rebuilt the rear calipers, and installed the Stoptech SS front/rear lines, followed up by a Motul RBF600 flush. I'll be rebuilding and repainting my old front calipers as spares.
I also finally decided to get a catback exhaust after years of going back and forth. Went with AWE during a 15% off sale they had last month, and install went pretty smooth. Initial impression is that it's a pretty quality system, and combined with the APR downpipe it's exactly the sound I was looking for.
Here's some audio/video on a recent spirited drive around some back roads near the house (sorry, I'm bored with all spring track days cancelled
)
Installed the new front calipers, rebuilt the rear calipers, and installed the Stoptech SS front/rear lines, followed up by a Motul RBF600 flush. I'll be rebuilding and repainting my old front calipers as spares.
I also finally decided to get a catback exhaust after years of going back and forth. Went with AWE during a 15% off sale they had last month, and install went pretty smooth. Initial impression is that it's a pretty quality system, and combined with the APR downpipe it's exactly the sound I was looking for.
Here's some audio/video on a recent spirited drive around some back roads near the house (sorry, I'm bored with all spring track days cancelled
)
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In an effort to help lower oil temps on track, I’ve been working on installing an oil cooler. Went with a Mocal kit which includes the thermostatic sandwich plate, -10AN braided lines, 19 row 235mm cooler, and brackets. After startup I noticed a whining noise that varies with RPM, and from everything I can’t tell is coming from the oil pump. In doing some research, I’ve found that oil coolers can cause whine noise that was otherwise not noticeable due to the sound/vibration traveling through the oil cooler lines and to the chassis. I may look into trying to isolate the lines and cooler more with either foam or rubber, but for now I’ll live with it. My oil pressure is normal, so I don’t believe it’s anything serious.
While I was working on the car, I decided to attempt to replace the water pump belt...because apparently I’m a glutton for punishment. Fortunately, the bolt came loose (reverse thread while holding crankshaft) with a homemade removal tool using a modified 12mm offset box wrench. For anyone wondering, yes you can remove the pulley with the water pump still in place, but don’t be an idiot like me and attempt it.
While I was working on the car, I decided to attempt to replace the water pump belt...because apparently I’m a glutton for punishment. Fortunately, the bolt came loose (reverse thread while holding crankshaft) with a homemade removal tool using a modified 12mm offset box wrench. For anyone wondering, yes you can remove the pulley with the water pump still in place, but don’t be an idiot like me and attempt it.
Rebuilt my spare front calipers with Stoptech seals and painted with G2 caliper enamel. Also repainted my current front calipers as well.
Lastly, I installed VWR rear springs to pair with my existing DG front springs, to help eliminate the annoying rake. So far the car seems to drive well with the DG/VWR combination.
Lastly, I installed VWR rear springs to pair with my existing DG front springs, to help eliminate the annoying rake. So far the car seems to drive well with the DG/VWR combination.
I saw on on another thread that you are planning on changing brakes to StopTech. Do you mind if I ask what model brakes you are getting? ST40? and nWhere you got them?
Also if you don't mind, would you share details of your camera set up? I also have the Tackform headrest mount that I used with my iPhone but got really bad shake. Not sure if it was the camera quality or the buffeting from the rear two windows open on track. Do you use image stabilization on your GoPro?
If you prefer you can answer on PM or not at all! Just thought I would ask. Thanks!
Also if you don't mind, would you share details of your camera set up? I also have the Tackform headrest mount that I used with my iPhone but got really bad shake. Not sure if it was the camera quality or the buffeting from the rear two windows open on track. Do you use image stabilization on your GoPro?
If you prefer you can answer on PM or not at all!
Just thought I would ask. Thanks!
I saw on on another thread that you are planning on changing brakes to StopTech. Do you mind if I ask what model brakes you are getting? ST40? and nWhere you got them?
Also if you don't mind, would you share details of your camera set up? I also have the Tackform headrest mount that I used with my iPhone but got really bad shake. Not sure if it was the camera quality or the buffeting from the rear two windows open on track. Do you use image stabilization on your GoPro?
If you prefer you can answer on PM or not at all!
Sorry for the late reply, I’m not getting thread notifications for some reason. I currently have a Stoptech ST40 kit on order, should be about another week or two before I get it. I bought from LM Performance, which was 10% cheaper than anywhere else I could find.
As far as my camera, it’s a GoPro 5 mounted to Tackform headrest mount. I don’t recall enabling image stabilization, but I’ll have to double check my settings. iPhone is notorious for recording shaky video, and there’s several threads dedicated to it on the Harry’s LapTimer forums. Hope that helps!
Hey Jay, sorry for late reply. I gave the NT01s a try last year because I got a set on clearance from Discount Tire. I didn’t really have high expectations for them, but they’ve turned out to be an amazing tire for me. Their high level of grip, predictability at the limit, consistency even when worn, quickness to get up to temp, and long life all combine to make the tire I’ll be running from now on. In my opinion, they are the RS4 of the R-comp category. Granted, I would not run these routinely on the street due to being noisy and obviously not the best in standing water when they’re worn below the wear bars.