Suspension and engine issues

[malteser]

Hi guys,

I've got some issues with the VR which have got me stumped.

Ever since I fitted my new BBS RS in 16 inch with 35 offset, I've lost steering feel and most noticeably, when traveling at highway speeds, when I swerve a bit, it feels really loose and the steering keeps moving and it feels as though the back end keeps moving as well.

I've also been experiencing really bad tramlining. I though the issue was my rooted strut top mount, which I had replaced with heavy duty ones last week, but there was very little difference.

My theory is that the slightly lower profile tyres combined with the extra 12mm or so of extra offset have made the looseness in the suspension components more pronounced. Btw, I'm running KW V2's and most of the bushes have been replaced with poly ones.
Ever since I bought the car, I've noticed that the left front tyre, especially the inside edge wears really quickly, which could point to camber issues.

The handling had become worse as well, with much more understeer than I'd like.

The other problem that I've been having is problems with idle and general driving. At this point, I should probably mention that I've strapped on a Vortech V2 supercharger running 8psi which I got second hand.



Its running stock software and stock injectors, since running the higher flow ones resulted in a misfire in one of the cylinders. I haven't found any suitable software yet, since it's really difficult to contact places like C2 motorsport when they don't respond to emails, and GIAC or VF don't make the chip anymore. There's one option to go for an APR unichip, but that's big bucks.

Driving now, often in traffic and I've noticed when driving on bumpy roads, the fuel seems to cut out, the idle will be rough, it will sometimes stall and also bog down from a start as if there's no fuel flow. I've tried unplugging the ICV valve and bumping the idle up a bit, but that just made the cutting out more pronounced. Funny thing is that there's no fuel issues when I'm caning it, except a bit of a jerk when I go to shift.

Despite the problems, the VR, despite being FWD, now just pips an early 8L Audi S3, which I think is pretty cool, especially given its running stock chip and injectors.

If anyone can lend they're brains, I'd really appreciate it.

Mark

[rayray086]

Have you had an alignment? If you have and it still feels loose, jack up the front of the car and for each wheel, hold on to the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and see if there's any play. If there is, the tie-rod might need replacing. If there's also excessive play at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, it could be your wheel bearings or lower balljoints. If you can, look at those parts while you're moving them.

Didn't know you installed a supercharger in Mark, looks good, and I bet must sound and feel even better! Can't help you with your engine issues, though someone else will chime in.

[Golf Loon]

Bring it down mate, Mastertech Beau has lots of experience with superchaged VR6s and has the American hookups when needed.

[Water Boy]

There is heaps of blokes on Vortex with blown VR's so maybe ask on there.

[malteser]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Ray, I'll be sure to check that out next weekend. I reckon I'll get a big screwdriver into all the parts to check for any movement. I was thinking I'll replace the control arms and bushes as I'm pretty sure they've copped a beating over the years. Tie rods aren't expensive anyway. I was thinking a part of the problem could be the steering rack, as I notice a little movement in the tie rods moving a bit vertically, like they're taking up load when I turn it a bit on the ground, or I could just be paranoid...

I'll definitely check out Vortex for some more info, and I might bring the car down sometime in the coming weeks Matt. You might be able to help me with my next project, traction... The left front tyre has been shredded, literally chunks have been ripped from the tread blocks, so much fun though, however not much fun when the car has a mind of it's own. It feels like its possessed! Matt, do you do exorcisms?