Erica Jong would call it the zipless car. When I was pretty easily dusted by a Saturn about 3 days ago I suspected I may have a problem. My 1.8T has seemed pretty doggy to me in the last week or so. Noticeably slower. Well, last night I drove home, 50 miles on interstate running between 70 - 80 all the way. I park, get out of the car, look under the hood, in total darkness, and I don't see a turbo glow like has been talked about here. As a matter of fact, the engine wasn't very warm at all and the hood was cool. Now, the outside temperature is about 55. This past summer, you could barely touch the hood. This morning same thing except when I got into the city, I went to redline before shifting on every shift, park it, barely warm. I know, could be hose, could be broken rod, could be nothing. Comments anyone?<p>klutes Doggy Silver 98.5 1.8TQMS with paint chips galore

Sounds like you have the "low stress" version. The engine will now last forever, and you'll feel every day of it! ;-) Seriously, though, sounds like a trip to the dealer is in order. I would bet it's not the hose, because you wouldn't be running well enough to get to redline.<p>Steve

Boy, does that sound familiar.<p>klutes, do you have the other kind of chip, BTW ?

I believe there have been inferences that the rod thing is more common on chipped cars.. My broken rod turbo ( with the same symptoms as yours ) was fixed by the dealer under warranty, even tho' the car was chipped at the time.<p>Please keep us up on your car, and watch out for those Yugos !