2 year update
Twenty-five months ago, almost to the day, I picked up IBW after its two engine replacements at Kraftwerke. Two years ago this weekend PeterV, Jetter-Sprintah, and I drove to the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. And tonight I just returned from the 2017 show in IBW.
In the last two years we've covered exactly 50K miles. As of today it has 344K on it. I don't know where I drive, but there you have it. The car has gotten a lot of updates since then including Koni Reds, brakes all around including rear carriers, control arms, rear axle bushings, a new door lock and comfort module to cure the flaky door locks, HIDs, then removed, and replaced with stock lights with fogs, a clear bra, snow tires, radio head unit, and probably some things I'm forgetting. It's run without incident, average FE has climbed back into the high 40s in summer, mid-40s in winter.
It's still a pleasure to drive. It's a bit louder than before. I think as the compression has come up it runs less boost, making the exhaust louder. I've considered putting a stock tailpipe and muffler on it, but don't want the back pressure. On the fence about that. And in the Spring we're going to replace the core support as the front bumper is now held on by three screws. The others are broken in the support. It will also need an A/C expansion valve in the spring. A/C works, but isn't as strong as it used to be.
Here it is this summer in Heath, MA, visiting my son:
I'm driving the red Golf more as a daily lately, so IBW may accumulate miles a bit more slowly for a while. But it's still a wonderful ride.