Audi (R)S2, 1.6 16v
So, having missed my 172 (but not too much, as the missus now has it 
) I bought a black 1.6 16v Dynamique as a cheap runaround - I had been looking for a 1.2 or 1.4 but this one came up at a price I couldn't refuse, even with the extra tax and insurance plus it had working AC and all the auto gubbins. It was in a bit of an unloved state with a few scrapes and dents here and there, thus earning it the affectionate nickname S**t Box but it just needed a bit of tlc and some simple jobs doing and other jobs doing again, from where they had been bodged...
So, I figured out a major UCH problem, replaced the worn steering wheel and gear knob with some 172 Cup items in good condition, fitted some new bits here and there, fixed the ubiquitous sunroof leak and just got it working properly and reliably... of course, then the need to play about with started.
So, I decided that it needed some upgrades and got on with the research and started to look in to what I could fit off sport models. Turned out that the 182 Cup dampers should fit, so I sourced a full 182 Cup setup with front and rear springs, dampers and the offset front arms. After a test fit, I was happy with the 182 Cup dampers on the front, so fitted the springs and dampers all round. I also replaced a snapped ARB drop link and had it tracked up. What a difference - it feels like a proper car now (almost)!
Brakes needed some attention, so the fronts got a set of discs and Black Diamond Predator pads (I wanted to try them out on a road car as they were not much more than decent stock pads) and the rear wheel shoes and wheel cylinders; the latter being an annoying extra that had to be done. Not tested the Predators on track or anything yet but they seem to be acceptable on the road and with the modest grip from the little tyres, they're more than adequate, if nothing more. I may try them on the 172 next but have been satisfied by the Yellowstuffs on there as an allround pad, including a trackday or two.
Other thing I did was to get a set of 195/50R15 Uniroyal Rainsport 3s to replace some mix and match budgets on there. While not the last word in dry performance (as much down to the comically soft sidewalls on 6J rims), they are fine for what they cost, are comfy, pleasantly quiet and sure footed in the wet. I'd not recommend them to anyone after a true sporty tyre but for cruising about and the odd 7/10ths blast, they're just fine and leave some £ in the kitty for other toys.
Next step is to get the front arms and 172 front ARB on there (same diameter as the 1.6 Dynamique one on inspection @ 25mm) and finally, I'll get a sport rear beam on there to complete the set (RARB is 19mm vs 22mm / 24mm for the sports). More than likely get a 182 Cup beam for the 172 and then have the castoff from that. Should complement the 172/182 Cup suspension that's on there.
I was looking at Twingo 133 engine parts for the 1.6 but this was looking expensive, so I left that one and just took off the inlet damper box, allowing the engine to bark a bit more, even if the bite is acceptable at best. If I wanted more power then the obvious thing to do would be to get a 1X2...
Yes, this is completely pointless but for the pennies I've spent, I've enjoyed the spannering and it's a lot cheaper than anything on my Audi.
Only problem I have on it still, is that it sometimes won't brake in a straight line. I've looked at most things on it (!) but I have a feeling that the nearside wishbone bushes are a bit worn, although it's marginal. Will just have to keep chipping away at that one and when the arms are on there, it may solve itself... *may*. Any ideas on this one would be gratefully received.
) I bought a black 1.6 16v Dynamique as a cheap runaround - I had been looking for a 1.2 or 1.4 but this one came up at a price I couldn't refuse, even with the extra tax and insurance plus it had working AC and all the auto gubbins. It was in a bit of an unloved state with a few scrapes and dents here and there, thus earning it the affectionate nickname S**t Box but it just needed a bit of tlc and some simple jobs doing and other jobs doing again, from where they had been bodged...So, I figured out a major UCH problem, replaced the worn steering wheel and gear knob with some 172 Cup items in good condition, fitted some new bits here and there, fixed the ubiquitous sunroof leak and just got it working properly and reliably... of course, then the need to play about with started.
So, I decided that it needed some upgrades and got on with the research and started to look in to what I could fit off sport models. Turned out that the 182 Cup dampers should fit, so I sourced a full 182 Cup setup with front and rear springs, dampers and the offset front arms. After a test fit, I was happy with the 182 Cup dampers on the front, so fitted the springs and dampers all round. I also replaced a snapped ARB drop link and had it tracked up. What a difference - it feels like a proper car now (almost)!
Brakes needed some attention, so the fronts got a set of discs and Black Diamond Predator pads (I wanted to try them out on a road car as they were not much more than decent stock pads) and the rear wheel shoes and wheel cylinders; the latter being an annoying extra that had to be done. Not tested the Predators on track or anything yet but they seem to be acceptable on the road and with the modest grip from the little tyres, they're more than adequate, if nothing more. I may try them on the 172 next but have been satisfied by the Yellowstuffs on there as an allround pad, including a trackday or two.
Other thing I did was to get a set of 195/50R15 Uniroyal Rainsport 3s to replace some mix and match budgets on there. While not the last word in dry performance (as much down to the comically soft sidewalls on 6J rims), they are fine for what they cost, are comfy, pleasantly quiet and sure footed in the wet. I'd not recommend them to anyone after a true sporty tyre but for cruising about and the odd 7/10ths blast, they're just fine and leave some £ in the kitty for other toys.
Next step is to get the front arms and 172 front ARB on there (same diameter as the 1.6 Dynamique one on inspection @ 25mm) and finally, I'll get a sport rear beam on there to complete the set (RARB is 19mm vs 22mm / 24mm for the sports). More than likely get a 182 Cup beam for the 172 and then have the castoff from that. Should complement the 172/182 Cup suspension that's on there.
I was looking at Twingo 133 engine parts for the 1.6 but this was looking expensive, so I left that one and just took off the inlet damper box, allowing the engine to bark a bit more, even if the bite is acceptable at best. If I wanted more power then the obvious thing to do would be to get a 1X2...
Yes, this is completely pointless but for the pennies I've spent, I've enjoyed the spannering and it's a lot cheaper than anything on my Audi.
Only problem I have on it still, is that it sometimes won't brake in a straight line. I've looked at most things on it (!) but I have a feeling that the nearside wishbone bushes are a bit worn, although it's marginal. Will just have to keep chipping away at that one and when the arms are on there, it may solve itself... *may*. Any ideas on this one would be gratefully received.
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