VAG-COM Mods

Haven’t touched the Touareg in a while now and these were a few items I’ve been meaning to do since I purchased the thing. Very happy with the changes, can’t believe I waited so long.

• Transmission settings from USA to ROW
• Oh. My. What a Difference. Lag is nearly gone, shifts and acceleration is smooth and nearly unobstructed.
• Turned off DRLs
• Let’s face it. HID bulbs aren’t cheap, and DRLs at the height of the Touareg is just annoying.
• Turned off Seat Belt Warnings
• If you own a Touareg, you hate the seat belt warning as well.

That’s it for now. Maybe some other stuff in the future, like remote windows or rear fogs.

-Wallace

OEM Parts

Sunnyvale Volkswagen had this ‘good guy’ discount with the NorCal VW Gruppe years ago but have since stopped the program. I forgot what the exact details were but as a result those of us enrolled in the program receive some spectacular discounts on oem parts. In short, because I only pay a small percentage more then cost, there’s no reason to shop anywhere for parts other then the dealer. This also makes shopping for parts easy, and well keeps everything OEM.

A few common parts you’ll need to jot down if you also own a Volkswagen Touareg V6.

Oil Filter – VW Part No. 021-115-562-A

I typically keep a stockpile of these around. Although the I never use anything other then the OEM filter, I do not use the recommended Castrol Synthetic. This Touareg counts on Shell Rotella 5W-40 Full Synthetic for its duties. Change oil and replace filter every 3-5k.

Spark Plugs – NGK Part No. IZKR7B or VW Part No. 101-905-606-A

You can purchase these through any auto parts distributor through the NGK Part No, or through any dealer with the VW Part No. They come pre-gapped and if you pick them up through the dealer, fancy silver packaging along with the VW and Audi stamps on the ceramic. I believe NGK’s msrp is $12/plug, my cost was $14/plug. Replace every 15k, or once a year.

Intake Air Filter – VW Part No. 7L0-129-620

Don’t get this twisted with the Cabin Air Filter, this filter is what stands between the air that is combusted in your Touareg’s cylinders and nature. Replace every 15k or once a year. (Although I’ve used K&N Filters on other vehicles, I’m not a huge fan of them – the VF Supercharger kit on the GTI relocated the entire airbox so I didn’t have an alternative)

Cabin/Pollen Air Filter – VW Part No. 7H0-819-631-A

This filter on the other hand keeps your allergies at bay. This stands between nature and the air you breath in through the Touareg’s air system. Replace every 40k, or in my case – once a year, as the thought of breathing in allergens bothers me.

Hope this helped.

-Wallace

Good Vibes Japan…

My thoughts go out to all of Japan today, as the country experienced a 9.1 magnitude earthquake, 6.6 magnitude aftershocks, and trying to handle two extremely unstable nuclear power plants.

Let’s hope they’re able to recover in a timely manner, and let’s help them out in anyway we can.

-Wallace

Installed.

It took awhile, but they’re finally on.

The Votex spoiler took awhile to figure out how to mount. I was not convinced that the 3M mounting tape would hold the rear spoiler on at speed, but Andrew over at Dell Autobody assured me that it would. So after taping it up, I was also unsure what to tape so after comparing some parts I ended up with the following.

Taping it was one thing, installing it was a whole other deal. After allowing the tape to adhere to the fiberglass spoiler for a couple days, I washed the rear with a mix of rubbing alcohol, peeled back the tape backing and attempted to slap it to the rear of the truck. If only it was that easy. I had to place it and adjust it multiple times until it was finally centered and sitting where it needed to be. It wasn’t until this moment where pressed it down and secured it with painter’s tape.

The spoiler is identical to the W12 spoiler in every way. After I removed the tape I ran a couple errands with it and swore if the thing flew off I wasn’t going to go search for it. Well, I’ve been at over 100mph in the car now and it’s stuck on tight. *phew*

Next up were the fenders, 10 pieces in total. I also did not realize I would have to lose my mud guards for these things. Really didn’t want to remove them, but also haven’t missed them yet. Removing the mud guards were straight forward, except it left 3 mounting points on the front fenders…going to have the bodyshop shave those off. I like them, adds a subtle heft to the hips of the truck.

Now, because the under body of the vehicle is unpainted the fenders intrude with color. I have arranged for Motoskin to drop by this Friday and apply some matte black vinyl to the extended fender pieces. Hopefully the match would be close enough.

-Wallace

Finally painted

After over a year I finally got these things sprayed Volkswagen Campanella White to match the truck. It took a whole lot more time, and a whole lot more dough then I ever thought it would but it’s done and thanks to Dell Autobody in Campbell, Ca – colormatched perfectly.

Also, having it wrapped like Christmas morning sure doesn’t hurt. Now…to get them onto the truck!

[ Dell Autobody - Ask for Andrew ]

-Wallace

Votex Rear Skidplate Install

Finally got around to installing the Votex Rear Skid Plate (VW Part No. 7L00716112BC). After glancing through the instructions I knew it wasn’t as straight forward as I thought it was, things like liquid nail and painter’s tape were involved. I also did not realize how difficult it was to install this piece with the bumper still on the vehicle. In short, unless you have freakishly child like hands your exhaust would have to be removed, or your bumper cover will need to come off – otherwise make sure you have a dumpster full of swear words ready at your convenience.

Please excuse the cell phone pics, they were all I had to work with. After my failed initial attempt I was set on just dumping the truck off at the bodyshop, but for some strange reason I couldn’t wait until after the holidays (although I’ve waited nearly a year already). I found a video on bumper cover removal here. Pretty straight forward.

Open your hatch, then pry open two bolt covers, remove two bolts then pull out your rear taillight assembly. There is a ball socket that keeps your assembly in and you will have to be careful, but firm in your attempt to pull the unit out. It will literally pop out, so make sure you have good footing. Next, there are two torx bolts that become exposed, undo those and move into your wheel well, there are five more bolts in there. Repeat with the opposite side then move the the bottom of your bumper cover, there are four more sizable bolts underneath – undo those and you will be able to carefully pull your bumper cover off.

Once this is done I created a quick photo guide to help you install your skid plate, like I did. It’s not complete, but it along with the provided instructions should be able to make things that much easier.

Touareg Rear Skid Plate Install Photos

I wasn’t sure if I liked it when I installed it, but now after it’s been on for a couple days I actually do. Sure it’s just a plastic part, and offers no real protection but it does give the truck a lower and wider stance. Now…I just need to get around to installing the rest of the parts, new tires, and deal with that custom exhaust issue that’s been bumped up higher on the priority list now.

Hope this has been helpful to those of you who were also kind of lost as to how to install this thing.

-Wallace

Rocky Mounts…

Big shout out to ORS Racks! They were able to get me Rocky Mounts in Orange when every other distributor had a 2 week wait, not to mention they picked up shipping and customer service was on point!

In the past I’ve always used Yakima or Thule products, and as of late I’ve gravitated to favoring Thule just because I think their product is that much better – in fact, the base system of this vehicle is all Thule rather then the OEM set up. This being said, the Pitchforks are better constructed in every way then their comparable Yakima or Thule offerings. I definitely will not be missing my last set of steelheads.

The paint is smooth, even and has a ‘thick’ quality to it. Although the cap of the head is plastic, the mounting point is all metal.

This is my favorite feature, aside from the orange of course – check out those beefy fork mount levers! The action on these feel sooooooo good, much better then my last pair of Thules, and worlds better then my first Yakima steelhead’s wire clamps. My palms hurt after closing those, and opening them was a pita at times. I’m excited to try these out.

Installation really couldn’t have gone smoother as well. Such a breeze. Pulled my Thule Flat Top 6 off in a couple minutes and these were both on in about another 20. Keep in mind I had to assemble the other pitchfork on top of the vehicle.

A quick comparison of the Rocky Mounts product to the Thule and Yakima product I’ve used. Right off the bat the fit and finish of the Rocky Mounts is much better then any Yakima I’ve used, and on par or better then Thule. The tray is low profile and very rigid – some of the comparable products I’ve used flexed a bit. The closure system on the Rocky Mounts is vastly superior, and this also includes not just the fork mount but the plastic ratcheting tie down – the plastic is a much softer, mold-able almost rubber plastic. Tough to describe but much more enjoyable to work with. I remember I had to fight with my Yakima tie down all the time.

Now with all these praises, I do have one chip on my shoulder. These do not accept the standard Thule or Yakima lock cores! Turns out they require Rocky Mount specific screw-in lock cores. Bummer right? However, they are only $10 a piece compared to $20 a core for Yakima or Thule’s. Well…hopping back online to ORS.

I’m rather happy that there’s orange in my life again. Excited to test these things out this weekend.

-Wallace

Squaw Valley 2010

We have an annual trip to Squaw Valley, so why not take the Touareg this year? I couldn’t find a reason not to, so I did. As a result I finally was able to experience it’s off-road capabilities, and more so its AWD system in icy, wet, and snow covered conditions.

I’m happy to report that it’s handling surprised even me. This thing was more stable then my previous Land Rover, not to mention a whole lot more comfortable and easier to get in and out of as it’s a whole lot lower and squatter. After a few days in the Resort at Squaw’s parking lot, covered in fresh powder it fired right up and drove right out. Painless really, something exceptional.

Despite a fender bender between a garbage truck and dodge neon (they still make those things?), the Touareg had no short comings and handled whatever road condition the Tahoe area threw at it with ease. Never had I had such a car I did not have to care about, then again…apart from the Land Rover, I’ve only owned super low, super high-maintenance drama queens.

The Volkswagen Touareg is truly great, an exceptional vehicle that will travel to what seems the end of the world if let be. Very happy I decided to take it to Squaw Valley, it’s served us this weekend well. Time for a proper detail, I think it earned it.

Finally, was sooooo glad I decided to pick this up while at Stevens Creek VW the other day. Literally saved my ass when I had to clear the Touareg of fresh powder and ‘brush’ myself out of that 3 or 4′ of snow.

-Wallace

Spotted in Repomen

Jude Law and Forest Whitaker play repomen in the futuristic movie titled none other then Reopmen. However they don’t repossess defaulted vehicles, or drive tow trucks – they hunt people, collect robotic replacement organs, and roll around in this Mad Max looking Touareg 2.

When I first stumbled upon pics of this Touareg, I thought someone went absolutely off the deep end…I mean, that thing really rolls around town?! Pretty bad ass, but we’re talking about a $40k+ truck that’s been pretty beat up, and I could not tell how that thing did not rub! Crazy off sets, then insane tire choice.

A ClubTouareg.com member found it in Volkswagen’s Detroit lot and snapped photos of it. Looks like they started to dismantle it already, or maybe just using it as an urban assault vehicle in Detroit…I’d assume they’d need it. Note the stock front wheels, I’m sure the other pair was for going straight only.

Anyways…the wheels are Pro Comp 7089 – popular with the Toyota and off road crowd. Will update as Touareg owners decipher the actual kit on the vehicle. I’m guessing it’s a one off mish mash of oem and Votex parts.

[ view the trailer here ]

-Wallace

Photoshopped R50

This was more of a joke then anything else, but the first picture is a pretty sweet drop in my opinion. Maybe have to aim for this as a ride height goal. Where’s Darwin(of SonicMS)? I think I need those Cayenne KW Varient 3′s…

Now, what if we passed on the coils and installed an Air-Ride kit? Frame Dropped Touareg anyone?

With modified wheel wells? Ok…I’ll stick to the first rendition. H&R set up or KW Varient 3′s.

-Wallace