Ok first off, this will be my first oil change in my 91 tsi. I'm gonna be using Mobil 1 but just to clarify, can I just change it straight or must I use a flushing oil or something like that? Yeah basic a$$ question but safe than sorry

also, how much does it cost to rebuild a manual tranny in general? Surely some of you guys have had it done or have experience, so I'm just wondering on the price range.

lastly, how tough is it to put on the A\F and Boost guages and dual a-pillar pod? Is this a b!tch of a process or relatively easy?

Thanks in advance.

Oil question, it's generally suggested that you do oil flush first, as for my $.02 cents, I'd say use Castrol GTX.. I used synthetic every since I got the car, and what do I get?? Worn out cam bearings! And, no the oil was never low. Anyway, it's up to you to decide, I'm not an oil expert.. it also depends how many kilometers you have... A few of my friends put in syntetic and their engine started making weird noises because they were used to conventional oil.

Second, Manual trannies don't get rebuilt really.. they get fixed.. since the parts cost so much, it can run you $1500 at Mr. Tranny just to change 2-3 syncros and maybe a gear or two..! So you have to get your parts from the U.S. or get a used tranny.

Third, I'm pretty sure there is a boost gauge VFAQ and A/F VFAQ on www.vfaq.com. They are both relatively easy to install just a wire to tap, and a vacuum tube to connect, and you gotta tap the dimmer on the dash to hook up the light to the gauges.

http://users.ticnet.com/randynet/gaugelit.htm

http://www.carreview.com/101/project_cars/eclipse/boostgauge/

http://www.myzero.com/gauges/afgauge.html

Doing a flush is really not necessary, especially on a 10 year old car. Just drain it and change it. As Chris noted, synthetic is really not all its cracked up to be, unless you plan on extending your oil change intervals. If you're going to do it regularly (ie 5 to 10k) then regular oil is fine.

I did a dual pod install about a month ago and it took me an afternoon; not a big deal. Good luck!

------------------
'93 Talon TSi AWD
R.I.P. Rabbit

What about oil viscosity and heat breakdown? Being a turbo car, I think using synth is a must!

Using synthetic is not a MUST.. If you have the money.. It's certainly better than regular oil.. it won't break down at high temps as easily.. so your turbo oil lines might last longer... as long as you turbo time it.. And here's a little thing I found about synthetic... which many people really do think its true..


There’s one more common misconception that accompanies synthetic oil. You can’t go fifteen or twenty thousand miles between changes. Synthetics must be changed at the same time and mileage interval as other oils. It’s not the oil that wears out; it’s the additives. Synthetic oil would probably last 100,000 miles or more if the additives that neutralize acids, prevent moisture damage, and deliver a host of other engine benefits didn't fail. And fail they do, at the same rate as in conventional oils. With all the miracles of science, they haven’t developed any miracle additive packages, yet. Good oil and proper change intervals are the best engine protection you can get.




[This message has been edited by Chris Poe (edited June 21, 2001).]

as far as rebuilding a tranny
unless you know or trust a mechanic
your better off buying a remanufactured one as they call them, when I was looking to get my repaired, they estimates were nearly the same as a refurbished one, you can even get them new for around 3000 canadian
and then at least you know you should be fine
another 10 years

How about red line oils. They claim that u can use it for 15 000 kms or something like that between changes.