civicdrivr's golfcart and Z8 - 5 thread
#5601
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
#5602
Ex-OEM King
Not much to update on - just some general maintenance. It was time to replace the stock plugs after 13,749 miles. I had gotten some random misfires and the powerband was a bit choppy at times, so I figured it was time. Besides, plugs on these cars are suggested to be replaced every 12-15k miles, especially when tuned. Overall, they didn't look too bad. I put in some Denso IKH24s gapped to .024", but a few people I've talked to have suggested closing the gap to .02-.022", which I'll probably do tomorrow night
Overall, the car drives much better then it did. It feels way stronger in the mid-range and the choppiness in the 2-4k rpm range is gone.
Other then that, I've got to pull some logs and send them off to a tuner I've been talking with to see if there's some improvements to be made to the base tune I'm currently running. I'm not expecting huge gains, but I'll be happy if driveability is improved even further.
VW suggests 60k miles...
#5603
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
VW also states the manual transmission fluid (and IIRC the rear diff) is lifetime as well
The 12-15k mile suggestion is not per VW specs, it's recommended by tuners. I'm only running about 5psi more then a factory R, but that will still kill the spark plugs much quicker.
The 12-15k mile suggestion is not per VW specs, it's recommended by tuners. I'm only running about 5psi more then a factory R, but that will still kill the spark plugs much quicker.
The following users liked this post:
Predatorbird (07-16-2019)
#5604
Ex-OEM King
VW also states the manual transmission fluid (and IIRC the rear diff) is lifetime as well
The 12-15k mile suggestion is not per VW specs, it's recommended by tuners. I'm only running about 5psi more then a factory R, but that will still kill the spark plugs much quicker.
The 12-15k mile suggestion is not per VW specs, it's recommended by tuners. I'm only running about 5psi more then a factory R, but that will still kill the spark plugs much quicker.
The lifetime fluid thing is an argument that rages on for every car. Engineers test these things to several "lifetimes" before they say things like this so it all depends on what is considered a "lifetime". For the stuff we make, we rate the product life at 7 years but test to 21 years. Ain't no one using a medical device for 21 years so any "lifetime" parts will be just fine for much longer than anyone will use the device. I'm not sure I've ever heard of anyone burning out a MT because of dirty fluid. Autos, yes, but not manuals.
FWIW, buttons, switches, wires, hoses, etc are all also considered "lifetime" parts that get regular wear and use. I don't see anyone ever regularly replacing those items...
#5605
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
What about it is killing the plugs?
The lifetime fluid thing is an argument that rages on for every car. Engineers test these things to several "lifetimes" before they say things like this so it all depends on what is considered a "lifetime". For the stuff we make, we rate the product life at 7 years but test to 21 years. Ain't no one using a medical device for 21 years so any "lifetime" parts will be just fine for much longer than anyone will use the device. I'm not sure I've ever heard of anyone burning out a MT because of dirty fluid. Autos, yes, but not manuals.
FWIW, buttons, switches, wires, hoses, etc are all also considered "lifetime" parts that get regular wear and use. I don't see anyone ever regularly replacing those items...
The lifetime fluid thing is an argument that rages on for every car. Engineers test these things to several "lifetimes" before they say things like this so it all depends on what is considered a "lifetime". For the stuff we make, we rate the product life at 7 years but test to 21 years. Ain't no one using a medical device for 21 years so any "lifetime" parts will be just fine for much longer than anyone will use the device. I'm not sure I've ever heard of anyone burning out a MT because of dirty fluid. Autos, yes, but not manuals.
FWIW, buttons, switches, wires, hoses, etc are all also considered "lifetime" parts that get regular wear and use. I don't see anyone ever regularly replacing those items...
#5606
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,428
Received 1,484 Likes
on
1,048 Posts
Old fluid might not grenade a MT but it will affect shift action and synchro life. All my friends who've turned up boost on their cars seem to eat spark plugs every other oil change. Don't know the science behind it though.
This stuff is so cheap and easy to do that they need very little justification IMO.
This stuff is so cheap and easy to do that they need very little justification IMO.
The following users liked this post:
Predatorbird (07-17-2019)
#5608
Ex-OEM King
I was just asking why a tuned car would eat plugs more than a normal car. I don't know the science of why so I was asking.
#5610
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
The iridiums I'm running are heat range 8. The stock NGK iridiums are a 7, so these new plugs are one step colder (or a 24 per Denso's heat ranges). In other words, they provide more resistance to heating up compared to stock.
Replacing them once every 12-15k miles (which is a little over a year for me) is reasonable, since the Denso's are only $9/ea. If I were running the NGK R7437-9s, I'd be a little bit more annoyed since those are $40 each.
The following 2 users liked this post by civicdrivr:
Predatorbird (07-17-2019),
TylerT (07-17-2019)
#5613
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,428
Received 1,484 Likes
on
1,048 Posts
#5614
Moderator
I remember helping a friend put an S/C on his Mk4 Jetta 1.8 & he had to go a degree colder on the plugs. I think his issue was them fouling excessively, was back in 2005 & I don't recall fully.
#5615
Ex-OEM King
In short - more boost, more timing, and more heat = a stronger spark requirement which results in a shortened lifespan of the plugs.
The iridiums I'm running are heat range 8. The stock NGK iridiums are a 7, so these new plugs are one step colder (or a 24 per Denso's heat ranges). In other words, they provide more resistance to heating up compared to stock.
Replacing them once every 12-15k miles (which is a little over a year for me) is reasonable, since the Denso's are only $9/ea. If I were running the NGK R7437-9s, I'd be a little bit more annoyed since those are $40 each.
The iridiums I'm running are heat range 8. The stock NGK iridiums are a 7, so these new plugs are one step colder (or a 24 per Denso's heat ranges). In other words, they provide more resistance to heating up compared to stock.
Replacing them once every 12-15k miles (which is a little over a year for me) is reasonable, since the Denso's are only $9/ea. If I were running the NGK R7437-9s, I'd be a little bit more annoyed since those are $40 each.
More boost, probably, but timing is just a relationship between the camshaft position and the firing of the spark plug, that shouldn't impact #pluglyfe. I need to do some more research into heat ranges...
Fouled plugs are a result of incomplete combustion or excess non-combustible substances (ie coolant/water) in the chamber. If that's happening, something is wrong.
#5616
Moderator
I moved back to Houston shortly after that, never saw the end of that project. Same with the Ford 302 FB RX7, was actually looking forward to getting that one buttoned up.
#5617
Senior Moderator
#5618
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
While the timing of the spark itself wouldn't impact plug life, the environment in which the spark is taking place is different. There's way more to it then I understand though, so I'm not gonna pretend to know everything
#5619
Senior Moderator
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (07-17-2019)
The following 2 users liked this post by Predatorbird:
civicdrivr (07-20-2019),
TylerT (07-20-2019)
The following users liked this post:
Predatorbird (07-23-2019)
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (07-29-2019)
#5624
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
So far I've not had any issues with the new plugs. The car feels a bit peppier above 4k, but that could be placebo. It definitely idles cleaner though.
The following users liked this post:
Aman (07-30-2019)
#5626
GEEZER
The following users liked this post:
rockstar143 (08-05-2019)
#5627
GEEZER
35k on my 2.0T original plugs still plugging!
#5628
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Updated Mod List
- P3 vent gauge w/ performance timer pack
- CQuartz UK Ceramic Coating
- VW671 3D printed front license plate mount
- BMW rear license plate mount (gets the plate off of the paint)
- Audi S3 resonator delete kit
- ECS Flush Kit (10mm/17.5mm spacers)
- Intake snorkel trimmed
- Snow grate removed from factory airbox
- Weathertech Window Visors (not my favorite, but they help with wind buffeting when the windows are cracked)
- Raceseng Sphereology shift knob
- ECS front to back and side to side short shifter
- 42DD shift cable bushings
- OE VW shift cable bracket
- ECS shift cable bushings
- ECS SS clutch line
- Homemade adjustable clutch pedal stop
- Removed swirl valve and bleeder block check valve
- PowerFlex hybrid dog mount insert
- RocEuro stabilizer bar
- VW Homelink rearview mirror
- Euro low profile rear headrests
- Southpawboston OBD Eleven glovebox holder
- Eurodyne Maestro Stg2
- Llumar Formula One ceramic tint, 35%
- Forge Motorsports turbo blanket
- APR boost tap
- D-docks cell phone dock
- Superpro 22mm rear sway bar
- Acexxon rear reflector deletes
- VW aspherical sideview mirrors
- Integrated Engineering downpipe, coated by SwainTech
- SRP aluminum pedals
- Euro Dynamic Taillights
- Dieselgeek shifter shaft bushings
- Dieselgeek Super Pin
- Southbend Stage 3 Daily clutch with lightweight flywheel
- Fluidampr
- iABED billet rear main seal
- Black Forrest Industries stage 1 motor and transmission mounts
- Baun Performance front mount intercooler
- Burger Motorsports turbo inlet
- VW 12v outlet LED flashlight
- Motul Gear 300 transmission fluid
- Europower folding mirrors
- Tuxmat floor mats
- Ground Control adjustable springs (adjustable from 0 to -1.5" from stock)
- Superpro fixed camber plates (-1.4°) (removed)
- OE 19x8 Pretoria Wheels (removed)
- Bilstein B8 Damptronic struts
- Euro Sport Accessories Top Mount Camber Insert (-.8°)
- Motegi MR131 Traklites 17x8 +40
- 245/45-17 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- aFe Power dry filter
- Many coding tweaks
The following 5 users liked this post by civicdrivr:
00TL-P3.2 (08-05-2019),
1killercls (08-05-2019),
Predatorbird (08-05-2019),
rockstar143 (08-05-2019),
ttribe (08-05-2019)
#5629
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
that looks grippy!
mi culo, su culo @1killercls
mi culo, su culo @1killercls
The following 2 users liked this post by rockstar143:
1killercls (08-05-2019),
civicdrivr (08-05-2019)
#5630
GEEZER
that looks grippy!
mi culo, su culo @1killercls
mi culo, su culo @1killercls
The following users liked this post:
rockstar143 (08-05-2019)
#5631
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Took some quick shots this evening after a little rain. I'm loving the bronze.
It's a really tight fit over the brakes, and requires the weights to be placed slightly towards the center of the rim (shifted over by about 10mm) so it can clear the front calipers.
Turn in is ever so slightly dulled, but the ride is way better and overall handling is much improved with the PS4S's. I'm probably going to order a 5mm spacer for the rear since the wheels don't quite sit where I want them, but it's not a high priority.
It's a really tight fit over the brakes, and requires the weights to be placed slightly towards the center of the rim (shifted over by about 10mm) so it can clear the front calipers.
Turn in is ever so slightly dulled, but the ride is way better and overall handling is much improved with the PS4S's. I'm probably going to order a 5mm spacer for the rear since the wheels don't quite sit where I want them, but it's not a high priority.
The following 6 users liked this post by civicdrivr:
00TL-P3.2 (08-06-2019),
1killercls (08-06-2019),
Aman (08-06-2019),
ttribe (08-05-2019),
TylerT (08-06-2019),
and 1 others liked this post.
#5632
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
I also decided to block off the resonator on the stock airbox in hopes that it would add a little bit more sound. Basically I took a small piece of plastic and glued it over the hole. Easy work.
Didn't do a fucking thing though
Didn't do a fucking thing though
#5633
Senior Moderator
Car's looking fabulous, dude.
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (08-05-2019)
#5634
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Says the guy with a Sportback. That thing is fabulous
Thank you though. Wanna trade? My wheels and alignment are good.
Thank you though. Wanna trade? My wheels and alignment are good.
The following users liked this post:
Aman (08-06-2019)
#5636
Whats up with RDX owners?
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Yeah they went back to the traditional auto on the S* cars because of the torque and smoothness IIRC.
Edit - yep, torque: https://jalopnik.com/the-new-audi-s4...sio-1730778195
Edit - yep, torque: https://jalopnik.com/the-new-audi-s4...sio-1730778195
Last edited by civicdrivr; 08-06-2019 at 06:50 AM.
#5637
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
All this being said, the eight-speed auto isn’t a bad transmission, even in a high-performance application. It’s a ZF design and I drove a previous iteration of it in the Audi RS7. It was perfectly fine on the highway and on the track.
Still, I’ll somehow miss the nerdy cool of the DSG, much as I’ll miss the stupidity of the three-pedal manual. I guess that’s progress.
Still, I’ll somehow miss the nerdy cool of the DSG, much as I’ll miss the stupidity of the three-pedal manual. I guess that’s progress.
Gah...lmao, so now I have a small sense of pride for having DSG then.
#5638
Moderator
Good choice on the bronze, they look great on the white.
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (08-06-2019)
#5639
Ex-OEM King
Yeah they went back to the traditional auto on the S* cars because of the torque and smoothness IIRC.
Edit - yep, torque: https://jalopnik.com/the-new-audi-s4...sio-1730778195
Edit - yep, torque: https://jalopnik.com/the-new-audi-s4...sio-1730778195
Also, not just exotics. New Vette and GT500 also going with DCT's.
I like the color but hate the fact that there wasn't a set of Pretorias waiting at my door to install.
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (08-06-2019)
#5640
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
Morgan,
I'm definitely a fan of the wheel setup - meaty & functional (with the exception of the wheel weights ) ftw!
I'm definitely a fan of the wheel setup - meaty & functional (with the exception of the wheel weights ) ftw!
The following users liked this post:
civicdrivr (08-06-2019)