my ears are dead but i am still smiling

thanks to anton - heres a video of my mkIII golf gti on the dyno yesterday

dirty, sexy, happy

in celebration of my golf gti exceeding my expectations at eurosport dyno day today ... here is a classic banned volkswagen commerical

my volkswagen rocks your effing socks .. b*tch!

i drive a MkIII Volkswagen Golf GTI and she is the apple of my eye.
i have owned her for nearly 2 years now - and i've done a little bit but nothing major to the engine.

i took my friend andy out to meet my friend leigh last night and they stood around looking at the engine and making a list. now some of it i understood and some of it just went right over the top of my head.

the boys are making a list for me - its a little different to the list that i had, so we will see which items are necessary and which ones are nice-to-haves.

my requirements are :
i want some more power and acceleration before 3500-4000rpm.
i want smoother acceleration - better response.
i would really like another 50bhp.
shes done 180,000ks and i would like another 100,000 at least from her.

my list was :
gearbox rebuild - fix 2nd gear synchro
extractors
cold air intake
port and polish the head

whats on the boys list :

gasket set for gearbox
clutch and flywheel
2nd gear synchro ring and hub
reverse gear
bearings
limited slip diff (bolt kit for diff)
cams
adjustable cam gears
front brakes and calipers (i would really like some AP racing brakes)
wheel bearings
front hubs
springs and shocks
rear sway bar
coldair intake
extractors
blueprint manifolds
tinted windows

nell made a comment on my blog about BMW driver training - can she have handlebars?
i think she might need more than that !

BMW - look out!

i've signed up to complete the level 1 BMW driver training course.
its at the pukekohe race course on the 9th of july. the driver trainer is a friend of a friend so i'm hoping i might get an extra lap or two - and that i wont get my ass kicked if i write off one of their cars. woo hoo !!

This programme is modelled directly on BMW’s International Driver Training schools, and offers participants an active and dynamic drive experience that provides driving pleasure, education and fun in a controlled and safe environment. It includes both theory and practical sessions, and a certificate of accomplishment is issued at the successful completion of the course.

The Advanced I course prepares you for typical situations and hazards in urban traffic. Teaching the basic requirements for optimum control of the vehicle, realistic self – assessment and practical experience on traffic and hazard situations at 50 to 60 km/h. A combination of driving manoeuvres are practised in the slalom against the clock and you will explore the optimum line around bends as you are guided by a pace car around the track.

BMW Driver Training uses a fleet of five Z4’s and five 130i M Sport cars.

The venue is the recently upgraded racetrack at Pukekohe south of Auckland. Your host for the day will be senior driving instructor Mike Eady, one of New Zealand's most experienced professional driver trainers.