the post spring break update:
- working under the car went splendidly. the snowbox is history, and so is the pesky burnt out foglight bulb. even though i had intended to take the snorkel off as well, i decided to leave it on because it made more sense to me that the intake should suck the cold air from where the snorkel ends as opposed to the hot air from where the airbox is. i dont drive thru water high enough for it to be a problem (the snorkel end is > 6 inches off the ground). the car runs a little cooler (as in not as much hot air escapes from under the hood after it's turned off), and (this may be me, but) it seems like when i slam on the gas, there's less hesitation.
- while the car was jacked up, we found out that i need some new front struts. when the jack stands were at equal eight, the passenger side tire was off the ground, and the driver's side wasn't. i've decided to replace the rear shocks too because... well, why not. i'm looking for something a little better in response than stock, but still relatively inexpensive. i'd really like the Bilstein monotube Sport Struts and Shocks, but they're way out of my price range. therefore, i'm looking towards the Bilstein Touring Class double tube Struts and Shocks. i found a store online where i can get the 2 struts and 2 shocks for ~$250.
- i also reattached the center cap that fell off with some 3M Emblem adhesive.
- the only interior paint i got done was redoing the inside door handles, the bud vase, and the radio surround. those are the parts that had worn (or, in the case of the bud vase, cracked and scratched) the most. i found some metallic flake silver that closely resebeled Reflex Silver and looks better than what i had on before. the parts are still at home as i have yet to polish them.
- ever since i had them replaced a while back, the front brakes have been squealing a vast majority of the time. i've had them checked out by 3 different shops and everyone says nothing's wrong - they just make noise. i'm tired of the squealing brakes, so this summer i'm springing for some EBC Green Stuff pads.
- i've determined that sometime over this summer, i'll be switching to Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil too.
for now, i'm off to finish silly Linear Algebra homework so i can leave Tallahassee right after class and get en route the the 12 Hours of Sebring! If you're goin', i hope to see you there! i'll hopefully have a lot of pictures to post in the Photography forum, including some of the new TDI powered Audi R10. mmmmmm. i can't wait.
|