Good to see some familiar names still and a few new from time to time.

There's no way to really tell how many of us are still out there. I've been mostly lurking because *surprise* my car has been pretty reliable over the past year. The ideal next phase is going to take another wheelbarrow of cash beyond the $40k+ I've dumped into it during my 7 years of ownership. Of which I'm not prepared to do at this time. Still makes me smile when it hits boost.

Until proven otherwise, I'm of the opinion that there are only a few hundred left on the road, hidden away in garages or sitting under a tree cause the 5Tip gave up the ghost.

Quote Originally Posted by hahnmgh63 View Post
Haven't been driving it much as I get a lot of gear noise from the transmission (TDI unit). It shifts fine but I may try replacing the front axles first before pulling the transmission.
Check your prop-shaft CV joints too. I had a front CV gasket fail that caused a severe whine from the drivetrain (predominantly in 3rd). I thought the trans was a goner but was just a nearly dry CV.

Also, not to cause alarm, but given what I know now I wouldn't rule out the trans depending on where it was sourced.