New motor - hoping cordoba tdi doubles mileage?

[syncro_user]

Well, although this car hasn't managed just yet half the fuel consumption of the Golf, due to the lower price of diesel here it has already halved my expenditure on fuel!

Unfortunately, I got my car tax bill through the post, and they're charging me over 350 euros extra tax, because it's a diesel! If it was an estate or hatchback model, I could re-register as a van and pay a lot less, but because it's a saloon (and therefore is not a suitable 'tradesmans' vehicle'), I cannot. So it looks like the diesel engine swap into the Golf will be the next thing. It's a real shame, as it is a really decent car to drive. But a four-wheel drive mk2 Golf with a torquey tdi motor, may just be better!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by syncro_user

Unfortunately, I got my car tax bill through the post, and they're charging me over 350 euros extra tax, because it's a diesel!

That's pointless. Diesels are way better for the environment, so they should actually get lower taxes

workaround ideas to discuss among friends: Diesels: energy-efficiency doesn't need excessive complexity

workaround ideas to discuss among friends: EPA sucks, Diesel rocks

[G2TDI]

Originally Posted by drainoil

You could do the convex to cover the area behind you and the passenger side and mount an interior mirror for the driver side.

I'm curious, do they apply salt to the roads there or just use sand??

I've been thinking of doing this too, but was a but concerned about getting pulled over....however re-reading this:
V C Section 26709 Mirrors

Makes me think that hey it should be legal in California cause it only says "..including one affixed to the left-hand side." that is the "left-hand side" if you ask me, no?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

That's quite strange to have all the mirrors internally-mounted. If you don't want to get trouble with traffic enforcement, seems like the mirrors of some sports motorcycle or from the rally versions of the Cordoba would be the best choice.

[syncro_user]

Well, haven't got round to the mirrors, yet. Did make a start on an under tray, but gave up as I got the choice of materials wrong - aluminium is very stiff and light, but hard to join so I'm going to try wood next. Much more green, and a lot cheaper.

I did manage to insulate the bonnet though:



using acoustic glassfibre, then filled in the frame of the bonnet with expanding foam:



Before trimming up, and refitting the original soundproof matting to hold it all in place.

Not very good pics. Engine heater gets off to a better start now, and car is warm much more quickly. I will try to measure temp against time with a domestic in/out thermometer at some point.

Unfortunately now that the engine is also very quiet, it is no longer drowning out all the rattles and whines from the rest of the car so I was freaking out a bit yesterday worrying about all the other things that might fall off, until I turned the stereo up.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Plywood is the most cost-effective material to make an underbelly pan. Anyway, I'd also advice you to wrap the exhaust pipe with some thermal insulator material...

[syncro_user]

Well, I already have a 10' x 5' sheet of coroplast in the shed so I may as well use it. Plywood would be stiffer however, granted. I'm hoping the relative coolness of a diesel exhaust, combined with sufficient airflow through the cavity and an inch or so of clearance will prevent any melting! Won't be done for a week or so, as I have rear wheel bearings to change and a can of diesel purge to run through over the weekend.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Coroplast wouldn't be my choice for an underbelly pan.

[syncro_user]

Job done. On a cruise, with a warm engine at least.

86mpg indicated @ 80kph, steady driving, versus the best sustained mpg (43mpg) of the previous car on the same kind of drive.

Tried P&G and managed to get up to 109mpg indicated. Will have to wait and see if it all tallies on the next fillup.

Recent mods are factory engine undertray, thinner G52 transmission oil, new engine oil, and worn wishbone bushes replaced.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by mcrews

I thought the exact same thing!!!!!
shows our age!!!

That car is from before my time, I just thought "Isn't tht a very old car?"