MCPaudiTT - DEFCON 1

First the VF mounts. I couldn't find many/any write-ups on actually INSTALLING these, and I had assumed the mounts were at the bottom of the engine/tranny. I was pleased to learn that they are up high, and installed STANDING UP!!! Glad to not spend a day on my back again, as I was planning on ; )

Got the pendulum and engine mounts used, and did not get all the mount bolts. I ordered what I thought were the right OEM bolts, but some ended up being too long, and several could not be sourced on my timeline for the install. I ended up reusing some OEM bolts and cutting some shorter so they would fit. I plan to call VF to get a full set of new bolts from them directly.

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8547-vi.jpg">

So, driver's side went first. Hardest part was removing the battery, but it may not have to be removed in hindsight. Area dismantled:

<img src="http://images14.fotki.com/v362/photos/4/435091/4319845/IMGP0920-vi.jpg">

Final torquing:

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319845/IMGP0923-vi.jpg">

On to the passenger side. For both sides, the engine needs to be supported:

<img src="http://images14.fotki.com/v361/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8722-vi.jpg">

Both OEM parts are HUGE, but not very heavy (lots of air/rubber in the assembly):

<img src="http://images20.fotki.com/v360/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8725-vi.jpg">

Had to cut down some bolts on the Engine Mount (the larger two) to have them fit. I suspect the bolts from VF are shorter than stock:

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8728-vi.jpg">

Had to drain the "death star" - looks tasty!

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8730-vi.jpg">

Can't even see it when installed:

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8732-vi.jpg">

Dogbone didn't take 5 minutes to do:

<img src="http://images14.fotki.com/v362/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8738-vi.jpg">

Ended up with a few parts left over:

<img src="http://images20.fotki.com/v360/photos/4/435091/4319845/DSCN8739-vi.jpg">

More shots in the Fotki linked below.


On to club flaTTbed... I had stripped a rear shock bolt (13 months ago) installing my driver's rear shock. I thought it would hold and it's been fine to now. I did get a call last week from my alignment shop, though, as they had tried to remove the bolt, and it just spun. I told them I would take care of it... Apparently, their wrenching gave it the impetus it needed to work free. Here is the end result:

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319781/DSCN8742-vi.jpg">

The shock "pogo-sticked" on the freeway at 80 MPH, down the offramp, and about 1/4 mile to a side street. I thought the ride was "bouncy" prior to the really odd noise (shock against the wheel??? - I'm scared to look...), and with no rear anti-swaybar and only one shock, it makes sense!

Tow guy was great, though:

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319781/DSCN8744-vi.jpg">

<img src="http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/4/435091/4319781/DSCN8746-vi.jpg">

<img src="http://images14.fotki.com/v363/photos/4/435091/4319781/DSCN8749-vi.jpg">

Even got a <a href="http://straightfocus.com/TT/MCPaudiTT/flaTTbed.avi"> video (3.3 MB; 37 sec)</a>!

So, after all the do-it-yourself savings, I had it towed to a shop to put a helicoil in. I then need to source a rear shock, but suspect I need to get a pair. I doubt the KW "lifetime" warranty will cover this, but that is another avenue to pursue as well.<ul><li><a href="http://public.fotki.com/mcphill/audi_stuff/engine_and_drivetrain/vf-engineering-engi/">VF Fotki...</a></li></ul>

MCPaudiTT - DEFCON 1

I think I will like the VF's alot! There are some great reviews of them, and some that hated them. I noticed more vibration at idle (which I hear will lessen in time) (-). Shifter linkage is tighter - something I like (+). I can feel the power going to the ground more directly (+). Vibration at speed is only increased a little (+/-). Sound in to the cabin is noticeably altered... It seems like I have a direct audio port to the engine compartment! I didn't expect this at all, and don't recall it being mentioned before. I consider this a (+); it may get old, and may not be great for commuting, but it will make my canyon runs/videos a much more aural experience!

Overall, in the 30 miles I got to try them out, I am two thumbs up for the VF Engineering mounts.

GorTT

good on the VF's though - I'd thought they were all on the bottom too, but looked around for the other two on the defcon install &amp; no find...

MarTT

(If I would have returned your call I could have heard the live play by play!)

Glad the vf install was straightforward, good luck on a speedy kw replacement.

TTinWV

<center><img src="http://www.blackwood-wv.net/TTinWV/photos/VFPendulum/VFPendulumMount%20025%20(Large).jpg"></center><p>I installed the lower VF pendulum mount last February and agree that the vibration seems to have decreased a bit over time (although that could simply mean that I'm just getting acclimated to it). It was never overly harsh and I continue to like the mod.

ModShack Stage 1 and Defcon 1+ on the way!<ul><li><a href="http://www.blackwood-wv.net/TTinWV/mods.htm#VF%20Engineering%20Chassis%20Engine%20Pen dulum%20Mount">VF Pendulum Mount Install and First Impressions</a></li></ul>

sTTevo

correct torque specs for dogbone? I have seen 2 posts about this and the 16mm bolts are listed as 30 N-m by one person, 50 N-m by another. Discrepancy for the 13 mm bolts too.

ITALSKIER

joined early on......giac chip issues,long ago,since resolved

kodeTT

tank to get at the passenger one.

you may be able to get one rear shock from KW...call Tom at KW suspensions...he should be able to tell you one way or another.

his email is: tom.edge@kwautomotive.com

KW USA don't sell separate parts, but Germany does...i think this has to go through Germany, since US doesn't split up full kits.

kodeTT

the power directly transfers to the road. my vibration never let up over time...and although i experienced tons of vibration with a lightened pulley, i put the OEM pulley back in and the vibration was reduced quite alot. steering wheel still shimmys alittle at idle...sometimes more annoying on cold mornings.

my biggest impression was the direct shift linkage feel. more positive and with less slop.

MCPaudiTT - DEFCON 1

E-mail sent, hope they can do something for me...