Information Steve B's Project "Violet"

I've seen TPS referred to in this thread a bit recently and I also have a trade account with them, so can I first and foremost say, TPS are actually a part of the VW group, so brands such as Audi (and their franchised dealer network) are obliged to get their parts from TPS.

Now onto quality:

I carried out a service on Tank last week and wanted to get the parts from TPS as usual. However, they didn't stock the A2 air filter - they could get it next day, but I wanted to get the service out of the way while the weather was good. So, I looked up whether Eurocarparts had stock and they did. It was a touch more costly than the TPS one, but was still a Mann filter, who make parts for VW, so I was not concerned about quality.

As I paid for the rest of the parts, I mentioned that I'd sourced one from ECP and he sucked his teeth like you wouldn't believe - "They're a dirty word to us and their parts are crap quality". Ok I said, I'll have a quid with you that the oil filter I've just bought is either a Mann part or a Frem one. And it's a good job he didn't take the bet as it was a Fram!!

So, all these parts we fit to our cars are not actually made by VW (or Audi), but by 3rd part manufacturers who then supply them to VW. Massive companies like VW can obviously dictate price too - just like the big supermarkets do to their suppliers. So in a way, and to back up Birchall's point above, quite often you will get a better part from a 3rd party, as they don't have to build down to a cost as dictated by the might of the VW group. Selling direct means they can make a part to usual standards and still make a profit.

In this case, a pipe is a pipe and it's only due to the heat of the engine that over time, the plastic will crack. Is there some way to offset this effect at the installation point? Foil wrap for example, or heat shield wrap, as used on motorcycle exhaust pipes? Just a thought.
 
I've seen TPS referred to in this thread a bit recently and I also have a trade account with them, so can I first and foremost say, TPS are actually a part of the VW group, so brands such as Audi (and their franchised dealer network) are obliged to get their parts from TPS.

Now onto quality:

I carried out a service on Tank last week and wanted to get the parts from TPS as usual. However, they didn't stock the A2 air filter - they could get it next day, but I wanted to get the service out of the way while the weather was good. So, I looked up whether Eurocarparts had stock and they did. It was a touch more costly than the TPS one, but was still a Mann filter, who make parts for VW, so I was not concerned about quality.

As I paid for the rest of the parts, I mentioned that I'd sourced one from ECP and he sucked his teeth like you wouldn't believe - "They're a dirty word to us and their parts are crap quality". Ok I said, I'll have a quid with you that the oil filter I've just bought is either a Mann part or a Frem one. And it's a good job he didn't take the bet as it was a Fram!!

So, all these parts we fit to our cars are not actually made by VW (or Audi), but by 3rd part manufacturers who then supply them to VW. Massive companies like VW can obviously dictate price too - just like the big supermarkets do to their suppliers. So in a way, and to back up Birchall's point above, quite often you will get a better part from a 3rd party, as they don't have to build down to a cost as dictated by the might of the VW group. Selling direct means they can make a part to usual standards and still make a profit.

In this case, a pipe is a pipe and it's only due to the heat of the engine that over time, the plastic will crack. Is there some way to offset this effect at the installation point? Foil wrap for example, or heat shield wrap, as used on motorcycle exhaust pipes? Just a thought.

It's funny you should mention this, as i agree with you for many reasons,for example, i have in the past had Audi replace the rear discs on our B5 A4 tdi the rear discs wore very quickly even thought they only do about 10% of the breaking yet the Brembo front discs i put on myself were still in perfect condition after 60K miles. Audi parts of today leave a lot to be desired compared to the quality that went into their cars in the eighties up to the mid nineties, things like bearings balljoints water pumps etc the reason why i first got involved in the marque as the quality really was to Mercedes Benz build of old. Audi have learn't to put the quality in the bit's you can feel and touch and very nice it is too, but the rest of it can be below par where peoples eyes don't see. I've just fitted Brembo front discs to the A2 and expect them to last much longer than the Audi discs! It's sad really as the old 90 quattros were almost indestructible and seamed to go on forever mechanically speaking.
 
It's funny you should mention this, as i agree with you for many reasons,for example, i have in the past had Audi replace the rear discs on our B5 A4 tdi the rear discs wore very quickly even thought they only do about 10% of the breaking yet the Brembo front discs i put on myself were still in perfect condition after 60K miles. Audi parts of today leave a lot to be desired compared to the quality that went into their cars in the eighties up to the mid nineties, things like bearings balljoints water pumps etc the reason why i first got involved in the marque as the quality really was to Mercedes Benz build of old. Audi have learn't to put the quality in the bit's you can feel and touch and very nice it is too, but the rest of it can be below par where peoples eyes don't see. I've just fitted Brembo front discs to the A2 and expect them to last much longer than the Audi discs! It's sad really as the old 90 quattros were almost indestructible and seamed to go on forever mechanically speaking.

Ahh, how I wish Audi would live up to their motto, which is your username. Sadly, I think that the A2 is the last example of Audi making advancement through technology as since then, their cars have increasingly been re-badged or re-bodied examples of other VW-group cars. I really can't stand the way that the brand has gone. Taking a Golf and putting more and more electronic gadgets on it and finally slapping 4 rings on the bonnet is not advancement - they're just playing catch up with any Japanese brand now. And as for the styling direction - don't get me started on the monstrosity that is the Q2.

No, for me, the A2 was the last example of really great engineering, packaging and styling that Audi have managed, which is why our cars are still looking great today, nearly 20 years after going on sale.

Now as to the rear brake discs, can I point out (at risk of appearing to defend Audi parts!!) that most if not all makes will rot away quicker than the fronts precisely because they do so little work - they literally rust away, as do the calipers too - I've had 3 sets of rear calipers and around 4-5 sets of discs on Tank in the last 13 years of ownership and only the first discs were OE parts. I've only just changed though the fronts after around 9 years - the oversized 312mm rotors only needed to be used gently due to their power and the car's low weight, such that they absolutely refused to wear down, but as they were in constant use, they didn't get the chance to rust. They were bargain bucket Mintex by the way.
 
for me, the A2 was the last example of really great engineering, packaging and styling that Audi have managed, which is why our cars are still looking great today, nearly 20 years after going on sale.

Now as to the rear brake discs, can I point out (at risk of appearing to defend Audi parts!!) that most if not all makes will rot away quicker than the fronts precisely because they do so little work - they literally rust away, as do the calipers too - I've had 3 sets of rear calipers and around 4-5 sets of discs on Tank in the last 13 years of ownership and only the first discs were OE parts. I've only just changed though the fronts after around 9 years - the oversized 312mm rotors only needed to be used gently due to their power and the car's low weight, such that they absolutely refused to wear down, but as they were in constant use, they didn't get the chance to rust. They were bargain bucket Mintex by the way.

Totally agree with the first part, to think the A2 was first penned in the mid 90's and the designer had such a forward thinking design as this is mind boggling really as it broke every mould possible. Yes the A2 is one incredible little car and literally is what my user name is "Advancement through Technology" As you say it's sad Audi seam to have forgotten this somewhat. On the rear disc issue, we never suffered with rust the car was used every single day. The rear discs wore down to a heavy lip the sort of lip you get on front discs where owners have neglected getting them changed. I can only put this down to very poor steel/iron content (cheap rubbish) used in the B5 rear discs they supplied us. Good to have you around by the way.
 
Hi Steve,

It would be interesting to find the owner of the car with current plate L7LLK, but how I do not know.
Can't twig what name this is supposed to cryptically "say".

Assume you already know, or better, what info can gleamed here.

https://cazana.com/uk

Andy

Have you tried putting the reg into 'WeBuyAnyCar'? If you do it says that L7LLK is currently on an Alfa Mito.

Geoff
 
Have you tried putting the reg into 'WeBuyAnyCar'? If you do it says that L7LLK is currently on an Alfa Mito.

Geoff

i use the “Total car check” app.

Free and no risk of being pestered but “we underpay every car .con”

lol

Steve B
 
I decided that seeng as I am having the Cam Belts and water pump done and a clutch etc. this would be a great opportunity to replace the "Pipe of Death":D (the plastic water pipe behind the engine).I went straight to my usual place (Ebay) and was pleasantly surprised that it was £10 for a new one (including the O rings and circlip!!)

I was expecting more.


Glad I checked.

Steve B
Water Pipe FSI.jpg
It arrived today and I am impressed with the quality. I obviously cannot tell about longevity, but it seems to be exactly the same as the original pipe and quite strong. It comes with the rubber seals for both ends and the "C" clip) as you can see above.

£10 delivered and virtually next day!!!!

Steve B
 
Had the car collected by my trusty independent mechanic.

He left me the loan car (A Skoda Octavia!, big and bulky compared to the A2 but a good car!! Sytill getting 50 mpg on my daily commute!)

The first thing he does is to go over the car with a fine toothed comb, so it was a worrying wait because he is VERY thorough.

For example he started by listing that the rear seat is missing LOL
The issues listed (no surprises)

Needs a new rear silencer box
Needs the existing exhaust join refitted and exhaust goo used.
Anti Roll Bar has surface rust no action required (no surprise since the car was laid up for over a year)
Same (surface rust) on rear brake pipes (no action required) just surface
Front flexi brake hoses starting to show signs of wear, no need to replace but since I am having new discs all round he is going to replace these anyway.
Leaking washer bottle pipe
Tyres worn but legal (I have a set of Avons lined up for less than £240 anyway and will fit them when the wheels are refurbed)
Clutch required soon (already planned)
Noisy wheel bearing (rear) already planned.


So, no nasty surprises.

I will have the car back in time for the meal (probably).

He is fitting the new mudflapsI bought from Mr Broons too

That will just leave the wheel refurb and the (to be fully restored) red leather with heated sport seats refitted (plus the BOSE instalklation if I can find a kit.

Coming along nicely

Steve B
 
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Hi Steve
I have to say looking at the motor show picture the interior looks more of a pink red than the stock red .. pity it was cannabilised .. if I was to relate to the guitars I love, in fender terms it would be fiesta red .. salmon pink.. I wish you luck in getting it back to original ...
 
Hi Steve
I have to say looking at the motor show picture the interior looks more of a pink red than the stock red .. pity it was cannabilised .. if I was to relate to the guitars I love, in fender terms it would be fiesta red .. salmon pink.. I wish you luck in getting it back to original ...
I thought the same when I saw that picture.
but the colour of the leather when new is often quite different to it when it has agreed / worn.

Also the lighting is hitting that seat full on.

I am getting the seats fully reconditioned including a recolour (using original colouring) and so they may be a better match.

Cheers
Steve B
 
Trust you to come up with a Guitar analogy Barry ;)

I would say the colour will depend on the lighting, and photographs from an unknown source are very unreliable when used as reference, especially if you're colour balance is set differently. It can make a HUGE difference.
 
Trust you to come up with a Guitar analogy Barry ;)

I would say the colour will depend on the lighting, and photographs from an unknown source are very unreliable when used as reference, especially if you're colour balance is set differently. It can make a HUGE difference.

I have to agree but checking the silver violet it looks pretty accurate ... hence my observation of the interior.. either way even if it’s not true ... I like the colour I see.. better than the Audi stock red...
 
I would also be willing to bank on the tint color of the glass as well as that interesting 'show car interior illumination' having an effect on the color of the leather in the photo.

Definitely has a bluer hue than the stock red taken in day light and not through glass.
 
Had the car collected by my trusty independent mechanic.

He left me the loan car (A Skoda Octavia!, big and bulky compared to the A2 but a good car!! Sytill getting 50 mpg on my daily commute!)

The first thing he does is to go over the car with a fine toothed comb, so it was a worrying wait because he is VERY thorough.

For example he started by listing that the rear seat is missing LOL
The issues listed (no surprises)

Needs a new rear silencer box
Needs the existing exhaust join refitted and exhaust goo used.
Anti Roll Bar has surface rust no action required (no surprise since the car was laid up for over a year)
Same (surface rust) on rear brake pipes (no action required) just surface
Front flexi brake hoses starting to show signs of wear, no need to replace but since I am having new discs all round he is going to replace these anyway.
Leaking washer bottle pipe
Tyres worn but legal (I have a set of Avons lined up for less than £240 anyway and will fit them when the wheels are refurbed)
Clutch required soon (already planned)
Noisy wheel bearing (rear) already planned.


So, no nasty surprises.

I will have the car back in time for the meal (probably).

He is fitting the new mudflapsI bought from Mr Broons too

That will just leave the wheel refurb and the (to be fully restored) red leather with heated sport seats refitted (plus the BOSE instalklation if I can find a kit.

Coming along nicely

Steve B

Looks like the car is coming along nicely and i'm hoping you bring it along to the meal for a quick peak at your FSI Marvel, fingers crossed you manage it! :)
 
Just got the car back tonight, so a quick test run tomorrow before heading off for the meal.

What a transformation!!!

Mainly due to the clutch, it was a bit heavy and juddery, it is now as light as a feather and a very smooth take off,
Nice peace of mind knowing that the Cambelt / Waterpump etc, has been sorted
Same with the new rear exhaust section.
The new rear wheel bearings have quietened it down a lot, but some noise remains, but that is due to the tyres which will be replaced soon when the wheels are refurbed.
The new spark plugs seem to have made a significant difference in the power delivery, so one must have been breaking down.
The brakes worked ok once the rust had been polished off the discs in use, but now with new all round the do feel marginally better (but it takes a time for new discs and pads to bed in). The new disc covers were fitted as werer two new front flexi pipes.
Nice to see the new mudflaps in place.
Nice to see the proper "Floppy" wiper reinstated
There was a slight "click" from the driveshaft area but one of the hub nuts was not tightened up correctly (a new hub nut has been fitted) no more click.
The "Pipe of Death" was replaced (My mechanic swore at me (in jest) for asking for that to be replaced, but better now when everything was stripped down!
The manifold flaps were found to be slightly sticky and so working them manually a little seems to have improved the power along with the new plugs.


So the project is definitely taking shape.

The next job is to get the red leather seats sorted, connolised and fronts converted to Audi Heated pads.

That would effectively just leave the BOSE and I am not sure if this is going to happen, I need to find a reasonably priced kit and HOPE that all of the connections are still there, if not it will be a visit from TOM at some stage!

So, fingers crossed I should be able to bring "Violet" to the meal (I have never given a car a name EVER, but this just seems easier than calling it the "2002 Motorshow Violet FSI" - By the way, I have just found some additional wiring that is listed on the build sheet as "Additional Internal lighting loom for display purposes" which pretty much proves that it is the actual show car!

A great sense of satisfaction rescuing this one!!! More than any other rescue project I have done.

I also have to point out that as a completed TDI fan, the FSI grows on you very quickly. In short "Light and Punchy" sums it up best I think.
I don't think the FSI will ever win any awards for reliability (whereas the TDI would sweep the board) but it is a GREAT car.

Steve B
 
That's great news the car is coming along very nicely, there's nothing more satisfying than improving on something and reaping the rewards. Hope all goes well with the extended run tomorrow and look forward to seeing you and the car tomorrow. :)
 
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