forge197

Awesome makes the effort worth while.

Originally I was going to get a system installed professionally but on reflection I realised part of the reason for getting the GT86 was to do more tinkering myself, and as I used to be "into" car audio when I was much younger it seemed natural to have a go at installing an upgraded system that would be IOOE, (Improvement Over Original Equipment, and so part 1 is done, part 2 being a subwoofer. Took off door panel, and hit the first issue getting new cable into the cabin seemed pretty hard going, so decided to use pre-installed wire loom, but didn't want to cut the OE connection. So I took the connector from the OE speakers and made a fly lead for my own needs, should be able to reinstate the OE speaker too when need be, Mrs Forge did some jigsaw work and created a base on the modified spare wheel organiser More jigsawing to create the under the amp rack power distribution A bit more for the cross overs Front Speakers Fitted, small amount if deadening added behind the speaker and also used deadening to seal between the speaker and spacer. Tweeter Fitted Some cutting and trimming of cables Power/Earth Distribution and Crossovers All done Cable awaiting the sub Had to re-instate the old tweeters that aren't active due to the crossovers but they are needed to make use of the OE loom for the door speakers as it's routed from head unit to dash to door. I need to tidy some cables up, need to check the earth have a little background noise, even though I've kept power and and audio separate where possible, but will check all the parts where audio could be near power. Could also be because I am using speaker outputs from the head unit, just need to check some bits Will re-do the EQ learning once it's been in for a week or so. First impressions seeing as it's not run in, sounds great massive improvement, can't wait to get the subwoofer sorted, will road test tomorrow and see what it's like on the move and with some other tracks. Really pleased I've done this myself (with some help from Mrs Forge) a long days work but very satisfying thus far

Nice end result.

I like this thread, it's tinkering at a whole new level lovely attention to detail.

Look forward to seeing the pictures did a full detail of my daily driver a couple weeks ago it's pretty satisfying when all done.

Lovely pictures, car looks nice a clean

I went 22mm front currently on the soft setting, it's the Whiteline set and yes it came with Droplinks, rear is 18mm adjustable again on soft for now and see how it goes. Has to be DSP there is no point putting that kit in and not having it, it makes the system.

The Golf is indeed astonishingly good, really nice SQ the definition just lovely could sit in it all day The corrected and uncorrected sound was a surprise such a marked difference, I've asked for a price….

Took the car over to RRG in Macclesfield to have the ARB's replaced back and front with a more robust adjustable setup, have 4 wheel geometry and a a set of tyres sorted. Tyre wise I've gone for Goodyear F1 Assym 2's all round, and contrary to popular belief around main dealer tyre prices Richard came in competitive with the online guys so worth an ask. Was met by Richard where we promptly had a coffee chatted about the work and did some paperwork, I got the keys to Demo GT86 for the morning which was nice and better than Aygo . Also a chance to see some features mine doesn't have Then I went to McDonalds for breakfast and onto Tim the Car HiFi Man. As an aside I asked the handbrake be tighten which was done, RRG did notice I'd missed the rubber covers for the rear brakes when I did my discs and pads, i've found them so I have a little job to do to sort those out. My first visit to RRG has been coupled with attentive and good service, nice to have a contact that is actually passionate about the cars and helping out the wider enthusiast community, that is unfortunately at least in my experience rare in a main dealer and more expected from a marque specialist, so it's great to have RRG on board . On the short little run I've done the car certainly turns in sharper and it does feel entirely different especially at higher speeds it's less noticeable at lower speeds, the changes do feel like they have made a significant change to the cars handling, which is good as that is what I had hoped for, looking forward now to the Millbrook (not that I wasn't) Day and my next track day. Some pictures courtesy of Richard of the work Hope all the bits are here….. On the ramp Fitting

That looks a lovely track one for the list

I am going specifically to hear the Golf as it has the JL fronts I am considering looking forward to it

I knew I shouldn't have watched that…..

Thanks Lauren, tar spots are pain and horrid to deal, I love the red and white theme you have it's very head turning.

After a maintenance wash today nice and shiny again.

Yes just a sub in the boot, I'd like to say it's ok, but it not I am seeing Tim on Thursday all being well and hopefully he can make it all better.

Thanks for this guide have changed my discs and pads today

White was our second colour choice so yes in this case agree pretty awesome too

Thanks faith, best colour for the track don't you think

Lauren that is good going I would say on the road light on brakes track I am not, I won't get the mileage you will, agree that's good going. Still good excuse to change for some Stoptech discs and pads so not all bad.

How many miles are you guys generally getting from the pads, I noticed today my front and rear discs have quite a lip on them already need to have a closer look at the pads, but the discs don't appear to be lasting that well!!

Thanks and likewise I have but clearly wasn't in a picture mindset as there rubbish

I met a few of you guys at the Cosford Breakfast Meet and again today at the Midlands Meet so thought I'd join-up here too, also a member on the "other" forum Those I've not met, I have an Orange GT86 and have had it since end of November Here it is at Blyton.

Thanks

Nice one, thanks,

totally agree thanks Will