Corrado VR6 Bespoke Restoration

Part 1

Joe presented to us his Classic Green Corrado VR6, initially for a JMR vehicle health check ( a 2 hour visual check of all areas and systems, to highlight required maintenance and produce a prioritised works agenda) and following this for corrective, maintenance and upgrade works, to bring his Corrado up to a well maintained status, with a few well placed upgrades, to enhance handling and performance.

With the Corrado raised on a 2 post lift, we were able to strip out all components requiring attention. Subframes, rear beam, suspension, brakes, starter motor, gearbox, fuel tank straps, front bumper, front panel, radiator, inlet manifold, exhaust system etc, all removed. Gearbox was stripped and inspected and reassembled with Quaife LSD and other new parts as required. Subframes and rear beam, tank straps, front crossmember and many other components stripped down and blast cleaned, before being powder coated and rebuilt with all new bushes, bearings, links etc. All nuts, bolts, brackets etc, sent to our electroplaters for chemical cleaning and replating zinc and colour or passivate as it is otherwise known.

Rebuilt and powder coated subframes were then fitted, along with KW Classic Variant 3 coilover kit, Powerflex top mounts, 310mm two piece front discs with four pot callipers and DS2500 pads. A Milltek resonated cat back system was elected as the replacement for the “interesting” hybrid system, that was on Joe’s Corrado. The system fitted like a glove, which is the accepted norm, with this high quality stainless steel exhaust. A polished oval tip finished the installation on this Corrado, however, a Ceracote black oval tip is an option, as too is a non-resonated system.

Step 2

Our focus then turned to the engine and clutch works. New timing chains and tensioners were fitted and as a precaution the rear main oil seal was changed, while it was exposed. The sump was replaced due to grounding damage on the unit fitted and a new gasket with sealant to endure no oil leaks. The sump oil pick up was checked and cleaned at this point. A Sachs three piece clutch was also fitted and this was mounted onto a JMR lightened and balanced flywheel. The rebuilt and Quaife LSD equipped gearbox was refitted. The starter motor, that we had previously refurbed, was fitted, as too was a new clutch slave cylinder and fluid supply hose / pipe, the last of our new old stock. The engine cooling system thermostat housing was noted to have the typical breakdown in the plastic housing, where the “O” ring seal locates. Furthermore, similar breakdown was seen at the water transfer pipe from the pump. Both of these assemblies were replaced with new OEM parts, yes hard to believe, actual OEM parts availability! The clutch and brakes were bled through with fresh fluid and both clutch and brake systems pressure tested. As a little aside, whilst the inlet manifold was off, for fitting of new chains, we chose to blast clean it and finish it with a coat of 2 pack matt.

The OEM air filter box was long gone before we had hands on Joe’s Corrado, instead was a rather unpleasant looking cone filter. Clearly this was not going to be the best option, for decent quality induction and to resolve was to fit a BMC CDA carbon airbox. In the absence of the OEM airbox, the BMC unit is great quality and ensures a good cold air supply, when installed correctly. The specific kit for the Corrado VR6 is no longer on sale, however, there is still the universal range and with a little creative work on the induction plumbing, a good result is easily achieved. Another cosmetic pleaser and practical improvement, was to fit the SWG scuttle cover. Steve has been manufacturing these revised full width covers for many years now, I have one on my own Corrado and the fit is great. Interestingly this one was in a matt finish and I’m liking it.

Joe bought a pair of Inpro angel eye headlights and asked us to install these and in doing so replace the damaged stock headlights. I have Inpro’s on my own Corrado and have found the improved lighting to be significant, especially when using HID in the dipped beam. I am aware that Inpro styling is not to everyone’s taste. But the lighting improvement is undeniable. In my own car I have re-finished the reflectors matt black, which does tone down the chrome.

The final job to complete these works was to get Joe Clark at Trim Deluxe to retrim the headlining in alcantara. The headlining in a Corrado is susceptible to becoming a little saggy with age, due to breakdown of the cloth foam backing. We have had our trimmers retrim headlinings with both cloth and alcantara, the latter becoming ever more popular.

Lastly, a session on our four wheel alignment rig sorted the front toe and camber settings. We dialled in our tried and tested damper settings, into the KW V3 Classic coilovers, and final ride height setting. An MOT test and road test to confirm final sign off on all works carried out, before a full valet in preparation for Joe’s collection.

Corrado VR6 - Chains, Gearbox Rebuild, Quaife LSD, 310mm Discs & 4 Pot Callipers, BMC CDA Cold Air Intake, Undercart Restoration, KW Classic Variant 3 Coilovers, Milltek Exhaust, SWG Scuttle Cover and Alcantara Headlining.

Get in Touch

Workshop - 01903 718684

Mobile (Working hours only) - 07974 020031

Hours of Business:

Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 17:00

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Directions

JMR Ltd (John Mitchell Racing), Units 14 & 15, Arunside Business Park,
Fort Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 7QU

We recommend that you approach our premises from the A259. Enter into Lineside Industrial Estate at the new traffic light junction with Eldon Way, and follow signs for Fort Road. You will be directed by signs down Arndale Road past the Builder Centre, through an “S” bend and onward to a “T” junction. At the “T” Junction turn right onto Fort Road keep going straight down until you reach a large yellow security gate. This is Arunside Business park in which we are located. There is a site map at the entrance above the yellow gate, but the site is very small and a single one way road will take you directly to our premises.