IT appears...

[schoona]

..that i need to replace my rocker cover gasket.
I have a few things going on, the windows for one (priority >> security), so i haven't had a look at exactly how much needs to come off to replace it.

Im thinking the engine cover/intake manifold have to come off.
My question is, how hard is it to polish the intake manifold? If it's off may as well

[peedman]

What have u got? For a 2.0 its easy peasy just unplug the breather system and then take the 10mm nuts off the top. Get a new gasket from vw, cost about $16 for my abf and then torque the nuts to 7ft pound.

You can take ur intake to a powdercoater to get it coated chrome if u wish, i just sprayed mine matt black for easy finish.

[Tim]

to polish the intake manifold is a looooottta lottta work. I did mine and then after doing it decided i didnt like it all that much anyways so I since painted mine

[DubSteve]

Ohh and to gt it done professionally it costs alot around the $600 mark I know

Simple while you are there cams

[rayray086]

DIY metal polishing involves sanding down the surface completely, gradually increasing the grit of sandpaper you use, then applying polishing compounds and sealant (optional).

If your manifold has heavy scratches and pits, you'll need to start with rough sandpaper first (80-120) to smooth out the scratches and pits. Then you proceed on to the next grit of sandpaper - as a guideline, you could go to 240, then 320, 480, 600, 800, then 1000. You would use wetsand instead of dry sand now or you'll be replacing your sandpaper very very often.

The best way to know when to proceed onto the next grit is to sand in the perpendicular position, i.e. sand left-to-right if you previously sanded top-to-bottom. Make sure all the scratches made by the previous grit has been removed before moving on to the next one. If you don't, then the scratches remain as they will be too deep for the finer sandpaper to smooth out. You keep repeating this until you reach 1000. You can keep sanding until you reach 2000 grit sandpaper - basically, the higher the grit you finish with, the better the finish.

After you finish sanding, you'll have to start buffing using polishing compounds. This basically involves filling in the remaining fine scratches and provide shine to the metal.

Both sanding and polishing can be done by machine or by hand.

Some people finish off by applying clear (powdercoat?) or a sealant of some sort to prolong the shine and reduce maintenance. Otherwise, you'll have to regularly keep polishing or sanding down to maintain that flawless shine.

It's not hard, but it takes a ****load of time!

[schoona]

What have u got? For a 2.0 its easy peasy just unplug the breather system and then take the 10mm nuts off the top. Get a new gasket from vw, cost about $16 for my abf and then torque the nuts to 7ft pound.

You can take ur intake to a powdercoater to get it coated chrome if u wish, i just sprayed mine matt black for easy finish.

OBD1 VR6

went to supercheap just to see if they could get one in ( a mate works there) they can't. So a VW one it shall be.

[schoona]

to polish the intake manifold is a looooottta lottta work. I did mine and then after doing it decided i didnt like it all that much anyways so I since painted mine

what sort of paint? ceramic?
see i would be unsure about painting as it would be hard to remove if i don't like/get tired of that combination.

Pics?

Cheers Tim.

[schoona]

Ohh and to gt it done professionally it costs alot around the $600 mark I know

Simple while you are there cams

Shutup Steve! I don't have that surplus yet. 276's are the pick though (From FourSeasonTuning.com)

[schoona]

DIY metal polishing involves sanding down the surface completely, gradually increasing the grit of sandpaper you use, then applying polishing compounds and sealant (optional).

If your manifold has heavy scratches and pits, you'll need to start with rough sandpaper first (80-120) to smooth out the scratches and pits. Then you proceed on to the next grit of sandpaper - as a guideline, you could go to 240, then 320, 480, 600, 800, then 1000. You would use wetsand instead of dry sand now or you'll be replacing your sandpaper very very often.

The best way to know when to proceed onto the next grit is to sand in the perpendicular position, i.e. sand left-to-right if you previously sanded top-to-bottom. Make sure all the scratches made by the previous grit has been removed before moving on to the next one. If you don't, then the scratches remain as they will be too deep for the finer sandpaper to smooth out. You keep repeating this until you reach 1000. You can keep sanding until you reach 2000 grit sandpaper - basically, the higher the grit you finish with, the better the finish.

After you finish sanding, you'll have to start buffing using polishing compounds. This basically involves filling in the remaining fine scratches and provide shine to the metal.

Both sanding and polishing can be done by machine or by hand.

Some people finish off by applying clear (powdercoat?) or a sealant of some sort to prolong the shine and reduce maintenance. Otherwise, you'll have to regularly keep polishing or sanding down to maintain that flawless shine.

It's not hard, but it takes a ****load of time!

Thanks Ray. Maybe after the HSC I will attempt it then. Do something good and proper to the VR.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Yessss another youngen copmeting against the silly ways of the HSC

I tell you what Mal, I'll do it with you! hahaha