I'm Jonathon, from Nevada, I'm 19, I got my first DSM 1 year Ago, 5 speed 1990 TSi AWD with LSD, 150k on the ODO I got it for free from a family member, just had to tow it out of there, it was sitting in a yard baking in the sun for 10+ years, it ran before it was parked. I'm doing basic maintenance to get it running but with little time/money it gets difficult sometimes. So far I've replaced the cracked manifold with headers, cracked o2 housing, radiator, rebuilt the 14b turbo, drained and filled with fresh fluids, have new alternator coming in (still have the stock one) new belts sometime this month with a new battery. I'm hoping to get the car running by end of the summer, since I've been getting more free time. Any tips, .02 cents, advice or just criticism, please don't hold back. thank you.

Welcome to the dsm life. Plenty of great knowledge on here soak it in and enjoy.

teamevolution2 said:

Welcome to the dsm life. Plenty of great knowledge on here soak it in and enjoy.

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Thank you! I've been getting most of my info from here before I was a member, but I thought I should be more involved.

Better get a new timing belt and balance shaft belt on it before doing much since it sat for that long. Save yourself a lot of headache now. Bent valves are costly if a belt breaks, just a tip.

1990TSIAWDTALON said:

Better get a new timing belt and balance shaft belt on it before doing much since it sat for that long. Save yourself a lot of headache now. Bent valves are costly if a belt breaks, just a tip.

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Thank You much! Absolutely, before I even plan on turning that key, all belts are being replaced, the timing belt was brand new before it was parked, but he actually gave me another one he bought as a spare, would it be good after all this time? Or should I opt for a brand new one since I am already buying the other belts brand new? Thanks again!

Post up a picture and lets see what everybody says. If it had a brand new belt, I would inspect it for weather cracks or any flaw at all. If any are there or it feels brittle in the slightest, I would change it just to have piece of mind!

Welcome to the forums! 1990 is right. If it shows ANY signs of wear, replace it. It will save you so much money down the road.

Silver gryffon said:

Welcome to the forums! 1990 is right. If it shows ANY signs of wear, replace it. It will save you so much money down the road.

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Yah, all the belts under the hood are sunbaked and very brittle or cracked and worn, that's why I'm choosing to replace them before even starting it, I'll post a picture of the other timing belt I have, it still looks brand new, it was in the box still when I got it.

Silver gryffon said:

Welcome to the forums! 1990 is right. If it shows ANY signs of wear, replace it. It will save you so much money down the road.

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And thank you for the welcome!

1990TSIAWDTALON said:

Post up a picture and lets see what everybody says. If it had a brand new belt, I would inspect it for weather cracks or any flaw at all. If any are there or it feels brittle in the slightest, I would change it just to have piece of mind!

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Here's the new timing belt in question, it's been in the box up until now.

There isn't a thing wrong with that belt, use it. New and in box, good. I don't see any cracking from age, which is what I would look for. Looks like you don't have to buy that one!

1990TSIAWDTALON said:

There isn't a thing wrong with that belt, use it. New and in box, good. I don't see any cracking from age, which is what I would look for. Looks like you don't have to buy that one!

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It's always nice knowing I'm saving money! Good thing I saved it rather than tossing it like I was going to. My new Manifold studs come in today from SSStuds, too. I might have to get that Mr gasket copper gasket though, one of my studs broke off in the head, and the last owner tried drilling it out, but ended up drilling the head. So aside from buying a new head, I'm not sure what to do.

You can try a OEM style gasket and spray it with CopperCoat from Permatex. I do mine. I ran the Mr Gasket unit and it was a good gasket. The last one I put on my car was a composite and I sprayed it down with CopperCoat and it was sealing perfect. Yes I have all the studs, but I believe you can cheat a little. If you start to see some black soot on the valve cover, you will know it isn't sealing properly.

1990TSIAWDTALON said:

You can try a OEM style gasket and spray it with CopperCoat from Permatex. I do mine. I ran the Mr Gasket unit and it was a good gasket. The last one I put on my car was a composite and I sprayed it down with CopperCoat and it was sealing perfect. Yes I have all the studs, but I believe you can cheat a little. If you start to see some black soot on the valve cover, you will know it isn't sealing properly.

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Sounds great, I was considering drilling and tapping it for a bigger stud, but I don't want to hit any water passages, so I'll opt for oem with permatex and see if that will hold a nice seal. Thanks for the feedback!

Sure, that's what this place is all about!

FeelFighters said:

Thank you! I've been getting most of my info from here before I was a member, but I thought I should be more involved.

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I am the same way. I have been a member for a while now but just started to actually get involved and start making some posts. That extra belt you have looks brand new though so that's a plus.