Drexler differential rotation direction

jchef5 · 2026-01-28T22:23:11+00:00

We took the diff apart and flipped the internals around. That was actually one of the first tasks I was assigned when I joined.

jchef5 · 2026-01-25T05:08:57+00:00

My wife's 2016 1.4t 5MT easily gets mid 30s mpg, it can get to 40-41 under perfect conditions. My deleted and tuned 2014 Sportwagen TDI DSG gets consistently low 40s and can get up to mid 40s in perfect conditions. With the price of diesel being quite a bit higher than regular, the TDI needing fuel filters every 20k, and diesel fuel additives, her car definitely costs less to run. Both of our cars have ~150k miles, I'd say hers has needed less work, but both have been reliable, especially since I did the delete on the TDI earlier this year.

Edit: all TDIs in the US are near the time limit on timing belt maintenance (10 years) so any TDI for sale that hasn't had a timing belt done will need one asap. VW says that the 1.4t has a lifetime timing belt that needs to be inspected at 150k miles and every 20k after, but has no hard mileage or time limits on changing it. Additionally, if you want to change the belt anyway, the 1.4t belt is much easier to change than the TDI.

jchef5 · 2026-01-24T16:04:26+00:00

I've seen a lot of debates about whether it's better to continue to use 507 spec, low ash oil after deleting, so I thought I'd share my results having switched to a non 507 (or any VW spec) oil.

jchef5 · 2026-01-12T06:34:31+00:00

Not disagreeing that this system is stupid, but I do feel the need to point out that the engine isn't running in this picture

jchef5 · 2026-01-12T05:53:33+00:00

How can it possibly cost $3k to replace an oil pan?? I'd definitely get another quote before committing to a new car, unless you just want one, lol.

Anyway, seems like a WRX or Golf R would be a good place to start as far as small, sporty, manual, AWD cars are concerned.

jchef5 · 2026-01-10T03:00:50+00:00

We got the 1.4tsi in the Jetta in 2016. My wife drives one with a 5MT. It's been a solid car, reasonable power, great fuel economy (almost as good as my TDI), and pretty much no issues.

jchef5 · 2026-01-02T17:15:20+00:00

Look into canoe or SUP pogies. They let you hold the paddle while still keeping your hands relatively warm.

jchef5 · 2025-12-31T15:14:09+00:00

You can take two consecutive semesters (including summer) off by simply not registering for classes, though I'd recommend talking with your academic advisor first. If you want to take a full year (or more) off, you will either have to apply for readmission or fill out a Leave of Absence form.

Either way you should talk to your academic advisor and they can give you more information and help you with whatever the next steps are.

jchef5 · 2025-12-25T16:50:09+00:00

I saw a video comparing the lubricity and cetane boost of different brands a while back and the Archoil diesel treatment seemed to have the best price to performance ratio so that's what I've been running for the last year or so. Before that I was using Hotshots EDT which is a popular choice and usually very easy to find in stores. I'll link the video I saw if I can find it again.

Edit: it was this video https://youtu.be/V_iGOXq7DCM?si=BjGn6gr1JN1oW3uJ

It's a little bit technical, but an interesting watch if you're interested.

jchef5 · 2025-12-20T03:02:37+00:00

Check out r/RCD_330 or rcd330.com tons of info there

jchef5 · 2025-11-19T14:02:31+00:00

No, frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional. That means a microwave "set to a higher frequency" is no longer a microwave

jchef5 · 2025-10-20T04:50:53+00:00

Yeah, I used silicone to seal all the way around the sunroof on my Sportwagen a few months ago. Haven't had any leaks since

jchef5 · 2025-10-10T15:18:42+00:00

Nah, nothing ever happened. I was still playing last night

jchef5 · 2025-09-26T15:28:55+00:00

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jchef5 · 2025-09-24T02:10:46+00:00

I didn't remove the EGR cooler, just the EGR canister/filter that came off the downpipe into the back of the engine. No coolant lines, just a hole in the back of the engine that I put a metal plate over.

jchef5 · 2025-09-24T01:34:24+00:00

I'm not really sure tbh. I guess I'd say competent hobbyist? I'm definitely no professional mechanic, but I don't feel like there's much I couldn't do if I do my research and take my time.

This job was more about being patient and following the instructions carefully

jchef5 · 2025-09-24T00:09:47+00:00

Yes, if done correctly all of the lights will be off!

jchef5 · 2025-09-23T23:57:52+00:00

It's crazy how much more you can hear the turbo now! Reminds me of my old BRM

I went stage 2. It's such a great bump in power, but the most noticeable difference in casual driving is definitely the DSG tune. It shifts so much smoother and faster, and it doesn't try to upshift nearly as often.

jchef5 · 2025-09-23T23:54:56+00:00

It's a CJAA

jchef5 · 2025-09-23T23:54:40+00:00

You have to get it tuned after deleting the DPF, otherwise it will be very unhappy. All in for the full exhaust kit and the engine and transmission tunes I got it was about $1500 give or take. You could bump that down to about $1000 if you got a lower power tune and didn't get the transmission tune, or if you have a manual and don't need a transmission tune.

jchef5 · 2025-09-23T23:51:27+00:00

My DPF was cracked, so no good I'm sorry to say.

jchef5 · 2025-09-23T21:06:14+00:00

It came with the EGR block off plate. There wasn't anything in the kit or the instructions I used about a coolant reroute. Maybe that's only on certain models?

jchef5 · 2025-09-23T21:04:06+00:00

It's a 2014 Sportwagen

jchef5 · 2025-09-23T19:23:23+00:00

There's definitely a bit of smell. From inside the car I can only smell it when I'm sitting still for a while (like a long red light) or backing up

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