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Sorry for all the posts, getting around the post upload limit. You'll notice the tints are gone aswell. Heat gun made light work of them!

First up with the new car was servicing - normally the first thing to do when purchasing a new car. Thankfully the owner provided me with VW oil filters and 2 sets of VW spark plugs. I purchased some 5W40 oil from TPS (£13.30/5L!!!!!!!) and off we go. I also gave the car a quick clean up, not the full wash i was hoping for as i didn't have all my gear with me, however it'll do. Now some of the eagle eyed will have noticed that the rear spoiler is needing attention, i'm not sure how but the paint has completely stripped off the underside and flaking off the top. Needless to say i've ordered some paint up and i'm going to try and paint it this weekend coming if the weather holds out. I've also been bothered by the engine bay, notably the screws and bolts along the slam panel, they are a bit orange for my liking. It's a similar story for the arch liner screws. I've ordered up some new ones and i'm hoping they'll also arrive by the weekend. So that's all for this time - while i save for some wheels i'm really tempted to get some 15mm spacers just to fill the arches a little bit. I can't be bothered with rolling arches again, and i really don't want any rubbing so i think i can get away with 15mm front and rear. To be continued..

Well I'm back from what can only be described as one of the best trips ever. The weather was perfect! I covered 1273 miles in total, 6 laps of the Ring and the car didn't miss a beat. It continues to amaze me and anyone else that comes in the car. Last year my best BTG was a 9.50 taking it fairly easy as I didn't know the track at all. This year, with the car feeling much more capable than last year I managed to get into the 8's with a 8.49! With a passenger and a couple of hold ups. I say it to everyone who has never been to the Nurburgring, make it a priority as it is simply the best place in the world for petrol heads! It was extremely busy on the Friday as it was Car Freitag, but Saturday, Sunday and Monday were a bit quieter. Especially if you get to the track first thing. I thought a few of you would spot me in Shmee's video, it was a very strange moment as I have been watching him for so long. Safe to say the Senna looked even better in person. I also stopped at Circuit de Reims-Gueux as I was passing through from Paris, would of been rude not to get a few photo's! I'll leave a few pictures below of the whole trip! And save the best till last...

This would bring me upto recently and the most recent photowhoring of the car, have a few more plans in mind so will be on here a bit more for some advice.

Greetings! I have just bought my wife a really tidy little Lupo in Fantasia green, 2002 with an unbelievable 7,800 miles from new. Absolutely immaculate condition with full vw history. Apparently the lady owner bought 2 brand new, an auto and a manual and very rarely used it. Still had it serviced every year though. I am amazed at the build quality for a little car and compares to my Audi A4 quattro! I have posted a question about the cigarette lighter but just wanted to say HI to everyone here

I'm just clarifying terminology you sarcastic lovely persono

Do a compression test on it before chucking money at cambelt change, you can get tester kit for £20. Sounds like you have a well worn (knackered) engine that probably needs a rebuild of some sort to bring it back to health, compression test will confirm. Do a visual inspection on cambelt for tension belt condition as well as obvious clues as to how old it is, (water pump, tensioners, the print on the belt etc).

I've ran Lupo avy using Polo GTi ECU so I wouldn't think that was an issue.... Six speed 6n2 ftw.

Hey hey! Que bien! Bienvenido a club lupo. yeah but @Rich isn't there a built in routine in some of the lupo ecus? You can use the switch gear from a T4 i think? Never done the mod.

Lupo GTi ECU doesn't like the cruise control option.

Hey guys, thought I'd add my Lupo into these journals, this will be taken from another site so the timeline may get skewed This basically started when I left a deposit with a Japanese importer a couple of years ago with the idea of bringing something over, however things kept popping up and I'd kind of forgotten about it. I've been in the mind of getting second car for awhile, basically just something to toy around with and drive on the weekends. I was initially on the search for an e46 M3 which brought me back to my deposit. I was just about to ask for it back when i saw this car pop up, threw a bid on it not really thinking much of it, assumed I'd lose and then ask for my deposit. to my shock I received a message the next morning to say I'd won the car and that they'll get it ready for shipping It's a fairly new process to me, usually being quiet picky when buying a car I can confidently say I'm bricking it to see what actually arrives haha. Saying that, these are just another one of those cars that I've wanted to tick of my list for awhile so their is definitely a level of excitement there too. Anyway, just a few pics from the port. So the car finally arrived into Ireland, this is possibly the most impatient I got during the whole process knowing it was so close but so far away haha it took a couple of days to get through customs and then had to be transported down to me. It was only by chance I looked at snap chat and saw the photos of the car posted in Dublin port.And a photo of the car then being delivered, I think this shows how small it is, was kinda taken back by its size so far so good, few bits to be done so the list is being drawn up at the moment on top of things I've been stockpiling since buying it, first purchase was a new battery as the one in it was completely dead, and the next step will be the VRT, really looking forward to get ths step out of the way and start digging into it. Now have the car few months and it's been brilliant! With all the boring stuff out of the way at the start getting the car VRT'd etc I turned my attention to getting the car up to my standards. was nice to start from a clean base.I left the car into Tom Fahys Garage, these guys have owned Lupo GTi's and worked on quiet a few so I knew it was in good hands (as the picture shows). I asked them to give it a full one over which came back with the car getting a good bill of health which was a relief.Just had the following work done which consisted of a full service, timing belt, water pump, auxiliary belt, a re-furbed alternator due to a bearing noise, some brake hoses and also got some new tow eye covers and had them painted by them.Tidied up a few small bits, new mats, a good condition gear knob bought from ebay Germany, replaced wipers, did a headlight restoration (needs a bit more work) and replaced a cracked ariel base. Got a new bluetooth head unit fitted by Jeremy at auto electrical concepts. Then set about removing stickers etc on the car and gave it a full thorough wash and a quick hit of the polisher to find some extra gloss.So now I've got a bit of a feel for the car and have it up to a decent standard the modifications can start, I've already received some bigger caliper carriers so will be upgrading the front brakes from 256mm to 280mm.I've also now got a few things coming in the post so hopefully should be able to keep this more updated. So after a couple months reading through threads and hours on ClubLupo I finally decided on a suspension set up. For the longest time I was going between coilovers or up-rated dampers, ended up with dampers as I wanted the car more setup for road, so below shows the collection I put together over the last couple weeks. This consist of: Bilstein B8 dampers Eibach lowering springs making up a Bilstein B12 kit Whiteline rear anti roll bar H&R 15mm spacers On top of this I've bought every bushing, so new tie rods, wishbone bushes, ball joints, drop links, front stabilizing bar bushes, new top mounts and rear axle bushes.. Probably more in there but everything is getting swapped out. Above shows the new calliper carriers, these will be fitted with new 280mm front brakes and larger pads. I'm hoping the combination of these parts should dial the car in a little more, looking forward to getting it all fitted now. So got the car back with everything fitted, All I can say is WOW!! Being completely honest I haven't felt happy with how it drove from the time I got it, I think I was trying to convince myself that it drove well but their was a lot of slop, and the pitch and roll was unnerving. Possibly a characteristic of the car but I may have been spoilt by better handling cars in the past, it got to the point where I drove to a ford garage to look at a new Fiesta ST they'd for sale but walking back to the Lupo I knew I wanted to get it driving the way it looked!The car drives amazingly, I always use my old Clio 182 as a benchmark for how fun a hot hatch should be, but this is now the new bench mark! I had the work carried out in Fahys and they were amazing, walking through it and giving advise along the way, I'd originally bought the spacers for the rear to give it a squared look but the convinced me to stick them upfront to increase turn in, actually gives the car a more purposeful appearance.. Tom the owner took it upon himself to do the full geometry on the car spending nearly over a day between aligning it and road-testing it until he was happy. the turn in and general feeling of the car is amazing.The B8s are firm but the ride is actually more comfortable then how the old shocks were before and matched up with the springs the car feels planted. the rear antiroll bar adds much more adjustability on the rear that just wasn't there before, matching up with all new bushes and the car feels so fresh. the new bigger brakes have it stop on a dime.I'm now officially in love with this car and can't believe the difference these works have made to it, I can now officially see what people are raving about with these cars. So the suspension has had enough time to settle now and i'm very happy with the height, removed the tonka toy look but isn't so low that I can't get over speed bumps. front wheels are fairly stuck on the arches, I'm still wondering if I should go for rear spacers but kinda like how it looks at the moment, just a little mental hah. Finding it hard to keep a car clean in this weather I'd been humming and hawing about Cambridge lights for awhile, wasn't sure if I liked them or not. One evening I saw these come up for fairly reasonable money so though them worth a punt. With them on I'm kinda liking them. I'll see how they grow on me.

Hi everyone! I turn 17 next Sunday and just bought myself a VW Lupo because I think they are beautiful This bad boy already has tinted windows too! I wondered if anyone had suggestions on little mods/tweaks I could do to it that wouldn't affect my insurance? So far, I have made this list: remove side bumpers wind deflectors arial black out trims I would also like some advice with removing the bumpers? I've watched a few videos and have gathered I need to heat them up and peel them back but am unsure of what's the best thing to use to remove any excess adhesive? And would the colour underneath be the same or faded? Thank you! - Lottie

Good to see your back on the road,that looks like a great place to do a dubble car photo shoot,scamondan dam?

The first Gti I test drove was also Anthracite when the sun hits all the different flecks it looks brilliant (also looks good on reflex silver) It was never really in the running for me due to price but I wanted to see how one with 55k felt like to drive before driving testing higher mileage cars.Black wasn't a option for me as the bloke who lives two doors up had a dubble garage built and uses small stones on the driveway,90% of the time wind blows from that direction.

That was a great find,looks lovely,looking forward to see how you progress.

The non abs cars have a tiny master cylinder. I have a Polo GTi one to fit. 3mm bigger bore.

Yes non abs and as it's technically an STDI a crap suspension too, the Lupo Sport TDI is a much better set up. I've made the stupid mistake of upping the engine output without first doing suspension and brakes, I knew better 25 years ago

My airbag light was on and it turned out to be the clip on the clock spring that clips into the airbag. Basically the metal contacts inside it had been pushed in and weren't connecting. Manoeuvred them back into position, cleared the light and it's been fine ever since. Another thing to possibly consider/check.

Find a garage that will pass it as that one used to do.

That's too far. This is likely to be an airbag off jobbie.

The research guys I know at the BP/Castrol science centre told me that oil only matters when it gets old. Really old. They explained that if you change it at under 5k miles and with regular driving (not really short trips), the additives have only just begun to start doing their thing. Something to do the 4 ball wear test (worth a google). HD oil is different. The lower number viscosity rating number only really matters when caning it with an ice cold engine. Like 0W40 or 5W40...

Chop, and thread.

Hi all Jonny here from leicester I would upload a pic but it says max file Blablabla and won’t allow me

Looks Scottish

Wow this is my old girl bought from mattys dad and I was 22 not 18 haha 😅 did most of the mods on it ✌🏼 glad to see its still in decent condition did you buy it from near Chorley?

If you just need to get to the shops then it's an ok motor but not good on mpg. Needs to be real cheap to make lack hp liveable. Better than a Lada or Yogo! The automatic isn't very clever! Your 60hp feels like 20! It's got 4wheels and keeps you dry and it's made with VW parts so you pays your money, you makes your choice. If it's cheap and in good nick, also a manual then go for it.

very nice - good clearance on the ~Wilwoods too

I am a cheapskate, also a tightwad, I have 2 Lupo TDIs. Go figure.

And now the wheels, had them powdercoated in chrome, looks lovely and looks quite similar to the original RC finish!

Without wishing to be a pedant the front is a mc person strut as it utilises the wishbone and control arms the rear is basically a coilover unit, attached as it is to a trailing arm🤐 Just so as not to cause confusion 🤓

Hate to say it but that's expensive, I work for a main VW dealer and we charge £494 for parts and labour on a cambelt and waterpump and that's in the London catchment area where everything is more expensive! The rocker cover doesn't have a gasket, its a green sealant and costs £79.50 inc vat for a 100g tube!

What we really need, is to see some pics of it!

Flog off the unwanted bits and return closer to standard. Shame about the wheel arches messing up the body work that wont be easy to put right.

I would but my Wife absolutely loves driving it! So many comments aboyut the colour too - she's only been to Tesco's a few times in it so far but has always had somebody want to talk to her about it! Why oh why did VW stop making this great little car???

Too far gone.

The way I install dash cams properly is to mount them permanently on the back of the rear view mirror on a block of foam. The cable is usually routed behind the roof trim, mirror mount, sun visor clips and A pillar trim. Then the power is supplied from the loom behind the light switch, which powers on only when ignition is turned on. To,access the light switch loom pull out the light switch- easy- press the knob in then turn anti clockwise the pull it out. Then you can get to the plug and cables. You could feed the wire between the edge of the dash and the A pillar...

I'd love to go to the Reims circuit (or what's left of it) but it seems to be too far from everywhere else for it to be worth as a weekend trip... That last picture on the Caroussel is amazing.

I'm sure it's an imrovement over the standard radio but I'm not a huge fan. Too much of an OEM guy to be honest 😅

that last pic is stunning

Omg it looks sick!!! 😍🚗❤️

Hope you get it sorted! I’ve recently been wanting to be able to do this stuff myself, especially since buying my latest Lupo which is stuck in the garage... If you were near me I’d love to come and help/watch and learn!

How was the ring?

Waste your money on the locking pins for the engine instead. Then you can't screw it up

Not sure if I follow what you are saying? I was suggesting practic8ng on a car in a scrap yard, remove and reinstate the belt just to gain knowledge and confidence. What parts are you looking for?

Many miles at high revs seem to enjoy burning out exhaust valves

Thanks. Also forgot to say, if you plan on learning this stuff anyway (which is a damn fine plan) at some future point you may as well just start now and spend the money on some tools that you will need instead of paying it to others and then having to buy them later anyway. You could buy a scrap / cheap 4 cylinder engine (VAG stuff would probably be more helpful) and pull it apart in a sensible fashion to see what does what and get your head around how they work if needs be. or if you dont have room for that sort of clutter just go from books (showing my age) or internet and get stuck into the GTI engine. Probably just needs valve stem seals, maybe valve guides, maybe valves lapping in, maybe more involved stuff, maybe piston rings, you wont know until the head is off and you see what the problem is. Compression test will point you to likely suspects or else show the core engine is fine.

When pushing the centre thing back in you have bent the locating pins. That's why it won't fit, snap them off or bend them and get it right.

If it is the RVT silicone seal between head and cam box that has failed, to properly fix you need to take the cam box off, this includes timing belt. Do you know when the timing belt was last changed? -If you don’t you need to prioritise this there are various products that claim to stop oil leaks, but unsure how effective they are.

Oil is usually the gasket failure or weepage. Work out your own bodge for it. Word of advice, spark plugs from a cold engine is hassle, taking them out of a warm engine isn't any hassle. Thermal expansion and all that crap.

I'll stick my two penny's worth in to this thread revival as I've just seen it Got the Bilstein B12 kit on my GTI (IIRC it's Eibach lowering springs (~30mm) and Bilstein B8 dampers). The ride is reasonably solid; it's worth avoiding potholes. One thing that did happen was that within 4-6 months of each other, both rear dampers blew their seals and needed to be replaced as they pissed out their oil. I rarely have people in the back of the car (probably 10 times max in 3 years) so I'm not sure it was this that caused it. Anyway, handling and grip is phenomenal with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.