Gbot's 19R 2.5VR6T Build

[gboticus]

Now that I have these brakes installed and properly bedded in now, it looks like my goal of keeping the 18" wheels around is not going to work. The engineer at HPA went above and beyond the call to try to make it work but ultimately the bridge on the caliper is just too close to my track wheels. Including some custom machining and bracket making for me.

So gotta off load my track wheels and rubber next year. I'm thinking some HRE's and Bridgestone RE-71RS for the new track wheel setup.

On another note, absolutely loving how thick these pads are. 18mm now, and 50% thicker than the previous setup, and a much bigger face to them. Should hold up a fair amount better in 2023's season.

 

[gboticus]

Some brake porn shots courtesy of HPA's brand manager. Got the racingline stud conversion kit showing too!

 

[gboticus]

Marcel shared a small taste of just how committed they are to the VR program. There've been some false starts in our journey but really, it's almost time now. For real.

 

[kyle_h]

Marcel shared a small taste of just how committed they are to the VR program. There've been some false starts in our journey but really, it's almost time now. For real.

View attachment 263422

are these all 2.5 VRT ?? Damn.

 

[gboticus]

are these all 2.5 VRT ?? Damn.

Yessir, about 100 engines total.

 

[kyle_h]

Yessir, about 100 engines total.

The future looks bright! lol

 

[gboticus]

Got an update on my wavetrac front/rear LSD. Looks like they've been pushed to Q1 2023 Looking less and less likely I can get it with the VR swap.

 

[gboticus]

Mine and my friend's track season is over. Reflecting on this year there's been some incredible moments, thrills, and good times with friends. Our photographer made an awesome finale video showcasing our final track day. No brake fires included lol.

 

[gboticus]

Been a while. Vancouver’s getting some sweet powder snow and it’s more or less shut the city down. This meant empty parking lots with fresh powder so I took the R out for some spins and drifts.

Surprised and delighted that the splitter survived snow plowing the built up snow in the middle of the lane.

 

[gboticus]

Happy new year/February I guess folks?

Things are starting to build up for the spring and 2023 track season. Lots of small tweaks/add-ons to the car for aerodynamic improvements and handling.

I am also completely SOL for getting my forged superspeeds to fit over the new 380mm BBK (quick change bridge doesn't clear inner barrel) so I am looking at 19" wheels + Bridgestone RE-71RS for track duty this year.

Something which bothered me a bit on road trips were bottoming out and scraping the inner fenders on the current alignment and ride height. It only really happens with a full load in the car, or a few jugs of fuel but it was a lot of touch up paint to correct the defects last fall.

I really had to fight the urge to order literally everything Verkline offers and settled on saving 1000's of dollars and solve the biggest suspension issue I am facing: roll center correction. Maybe 2024 goals.

Quick summary of new bits for the year:

• Whiteline roll center correction kit
• Verus rear diffuser install (FINALLY)
• RE-71RS tires (245/35/19)
• Finish custom upholstery (door cards)

There aren't too many track days to commit to this year with only 3 so far I have registered for. Too many unknowns and variables at play to decide so here's hoping events have room for last minute signups this year.

Oh yeah, rabble rabble, grumble, VR engine swap thing. Happening sometime. This year.

 

[gboticus]

Placed an order for a set of HRE FF01 19" to replace my Superspeed 18" wheels. Got them in IPA so I can keep the bronze wheels on a white car look at the track.

Kinda makes me a twin of the other HPA car that's in the shop for similar things as me. They look good on the R!

Been all over wavetrac's instagram since they posted details on the TT RS/RS3 rear diffs being released and they were making it sound like the DQ381 and Golf R rear LSD are both very close to shipping. I'll probably bug them personally about it too and hey if I can get it done while other things are happening and the car's in pieces that'd be great.

 

[gboticus]

Picked up the new track rubber. A little early but I wanted to make sure that these arrived in time. Last year getting tires was a huge pain.

 

[kyle_h]

I'll be "that guy" and ask if there's any updates on the 2.5??

 

[gboticus]

I'll be "that guy" and ask if there's any updates on the 2.5??

Yeah, not that I am able to share details on unfortunately. Things are tight to the vest and been in regular contact about how things are progressing. The tl;dr is still more the same-- the car is very close but not quite there and am not able to speak to anything beyond that.

Have seen some WIP photos and visited the car in person and it's all exciting beyond words but yeah, the delays are wearing me down. I have full sympathies though, it's tough to do a world first like this and hit the OEM+ quality in the results and know everyone is going to be as excited once photos and video can be shared. It'll be worth it.

 

[kyle_h]

That’s good! This engine should’ve been offered here in Tiguan’s or atlas’ ffs.