It’s been a while. The last post went up in August. It's now January. Not because I've lost interest in the golf, quite the opposite, but because life has been busy in ways that…

It’s been a while. The last post went up in August. It's now January. Not because I've lost interest in the golf, quite the opposite, but because life has been busy in ways that don't leave much room for writing. The past months have been filled with work pressure, writing, delivering, and defending my master’s thesis in sustainable web design, while also trying to be present with the people around me. Christmas was spent with my girlfriend and my family, and nearly every visit to her meant fixing something on the car. She lives about two hours away, and I’m fairly sure something has gone wrong almost every single time I’ve driven there. One of the bigger concerns right now is a noise from the suspension. When the car is loaded mid-corner, especially in tighter turns, there's a sharp snap or clunk, like something shifting into place. The suspension otherwise feels completely normal. No instability, no odd behavior, just that sound. Still, it's not something I'm comfortable ignoring. Once the car is on a lift, the suspension is coming apart so I can finally see what's going on. Then there’s the oil consumption... An engine overhaul is no longer optional. I’m currently gathering all the details so I know exactly which parts to order before we put the car on a lift and pull the engine. Worn piston rings are the obvious culprit, and I also suspect the valves aren’t sealing perfectly. While it’s apart, it makes sense to look at engine mounts and suspension components as well. If i

Long time, no see?

Today I finally installed the Scorpion resonator delete on the GTI, and it makes a real difference. 📦 It all started with a package at my doorstep.Inside was the Scorpion pipe, ready to replace the bulky factory resonator. 🧑‍🔧 OEM resonator vs. Scorpion delete comparisonAlso had to do some prep-work before installing the new pipe. 🪛 Removing rust from the mufflerI’ve included two clips to give you the full before-and-after effect. 🎥 Here’s the stock exhaust sound before the install🎥 And here’s how it sounds after the installSwapping it in was straightforward and the payoff was immediate. The tone is much more aggressive, and for the first time I can clearly hear the exhaust from inside the cabin. Under load it used to be almost too subtle. Now you know it is there. The DSG shifts are sharper and louder, and in park it spits out pops and bangs that make me grin. So far I have not noticed any drone in Drive. Around town it stays tame, and when you push it, it delivers. I also edited a video if you'd like to listen to a direct comparison

Small photo shoot