VW diesel

I have just finished tuning my Jetta.  Some months ago I purchased a 1.9L AAZ and transaxle from a wreaked '93 Golf.  It took me some time to gather together all the bits and pieces that I needed for the install.  Many parts on the AAZ were damaged and I had to source new or good used ones.  My biggest headache was the turbo. It was cracked.  It took along time to find a used KKK turbo that would bolt on without mods.  In the end I wound up using the 'Garret' from my 1.6L.  It was the easiest solution and I should have considered it right from the start.
Well, by Christmas time I had all I needed to do the swap.  So Dec 25th (Edie had to work), I pulled the 1.6 out of my Jetta.  Swapped the mounts and turbo, and over the following several days, wrestled the 1.9 AAZ and gearbox into place.  It was actually quite easy!  But, who would have guessed that the CV/axle flanges would be different diameters.  I discovered this only after  bolting down and connecting everything, yes, everything; the axle shafts were all that was left to do.  I should have just pulled the thing back out at that point.  But being the stubborn guy I am, I set about swapping the drive flanges while the gearbox was installed.  I can say that it was not all that easy to do.  It probably would have taken less time to re&re the engine/tranny (and a lot less hassel).  
I can say that I enjoyed the challenge and I would do something similar again.  I think, when  I finish my tea, I'll go for a drive :)


Time, gentlemen, please

Wedding Bells

Hey,

Its been the better part of a year since I last wrote. My partner was following my blog and made comments like "You shouldn't write that!". So I stopped writing, even though she said she would no longer read my blog. Anyway, many months later, I'm going to try again.

It has been a very full year, the most recent event being our

marriage. We were wed in the 'Blue Church' in Saskatoon December 11 2010. Most people have said 'Saskatoon in December! are you crazy?' It has nothing to do with my sanity, Edie wanted her Mom to be there and also to be married in the church she attended as a little girl. It was a wonderful service, approx 35 minutes long. So it was good that friends and family from the west coast didn't attend as the expense of planes & hotel could never be justified. We were treated to a very nice meal by Edie's Sask-a-bush friends. A very big Thank-You to all those who participated and helped make our day (and the whole week) so enjoyable.

I have so many things to write about... I don't have time today but will try and write again soon.

I'll leave you with the message in the Christmas card from E;

When I think of all the happiness and love that fills our life,

I can't believe the joy I've know since I became your wife.

Merry Christmas.

"Time, gentlemen, please."

Ass

Hey, things are ok... struggling with something to write.

I thought about a little rant on the Olympics; but the security forces might invade my home claiming me to be a terrorist or something. When, I'm just an average Canadian who thinks its all a huge waste of tax dollars. Wasn't the original intent for amateurs to compete in "pure sports" (running, jumping, throwing things, etc.), and I think they originally did it all naked? Whats with these "judged events" and pros that earn more in a year than most of us will ever make in a life time? I guess its just become entertainment for the masses (no different than dog races or keno). The only good thing, I see, to come of this 2010 olympics is my best bud is getting some employment from it all.

Now for something completely different...

I've been listening to Rodger Waters, he is brilliant. If you can, just put on one of his LP's and just let it envelop you. My favorite is 'Radio KAOS', its a bit dated but it always draws me right in to the story. I've found any of his music, each time I hear it, has something new to say.

Maybe my next post will be how I Fu*ked-up my ebay / paypal purchase, where I bought 2 of the same item and payed twice... "I sir, am an ass"

I Will be Worthy of it

I May not reach the heights I seek,

My untried strength may fail me;

Or, half-way up the mountain peak

Fierce tempest may assail me.

But though that place I never gain,

Herein lies comfort for my pain--

I will be worthy of it.

I may not triumph in success,

Despite my earnest labour;

I may not grasp results that bless

the efforts of my neighbour.

But though my goal I never see,

This thought shall always dwell with me--

I will be worthy of it.

The golden glory of Love's light

May never fall on my way;

My path may always lead through night,

Like some deserted by-way.

But though life's dearest joy I miss,

There lies a nameless strenght in this--

I will be worthy of it.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Its Sunday; either the end of a whirlwind week or the beginning of another one.

I thought I had a good topic to write tonight, but when I sat down to write... Blank! So enjoy the above poem, and may it be the inspiration to help through the upcoming week.

Time, Gentlemen, please.