MK5 Golf GTI
Forum Market Place & Useful Links => Member Recommendations and Useful Links => Topic started by: sub39h on June 09, 2012, 09:33:31 pm
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I cannot say enough nice things about Alex.
He's made me a custom CAI by taking my old cheap tat BSH True Seal and modifying it to sit better and work better. It looks the absolute business. At the same time, he fitted my Autotech HPFP internals and changed my cam follower.
And he's very well priced.
And he's willing to go the extra mile just to make everything perfect.
And he's willing to teach you a thing or two along the way, and put up with my incessant nattering.
The 190mi odd round trip is a very, very minor inconvenience considering the level of service and quality you're getting. I don't think I'll be letting anyone else touch my car from now on.
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I cannot say enough nice things about Alex.
He's made me a custom CAI by taking my old cheap tat BSH True Seal and modifying it to sit better and work better. It looks the absolute business. At the same time, he fitted my Autotech HPFP internals and changed my cam follower.
And he's very well priced.
And he's willing to go the extra mile just to make everything perfect.
And he's willing to teach you a thing or two along the way, and put up with my incessant nattering.
The 160mi odd round trip is a very, very minor inconvenience considering the level of service and quality you're getting. I don't think I'll be letting anyone else touch my car from now on.
I can second every point Sub's made there, word for word (well he hasnt made me a CAI but is making me a battery tray for the braile) :happy2:
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I concur
Great service.
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+1
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Yes Alex is a legend at the moment and I imagine into the future.
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I have yet to meet Alex but it's obvious from what others report and also what he has to say on the forum that he knows his subject and loves (most days!) his job as well as being an enthusiast. What more can you want?
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Today Alex had the pleasure of keeping me entertained whilst also fitting my clutch. Top fella and good service.
Fish
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Today brought with it the fitting of my S3 intercooler including Neuspeed turbo discharge pipe and custom fabricated throttle body pipe, fitting of vibratechnics dogbone mount and alignment
I cannot stress enough how good Alex is. I can guarantee you you will not get better service anywhere else
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Can't wait to hear what you think of the TB pipe!
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All round Great Guy!!! :notworthy:
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ah yeah Mike i spent a lot of time admiring your car whilst i was waiting for Alex to finish up. absolutely love it, it looks like a monster! and i want your brakes, my baby NQS just doesn't cut it anymore. i'll apologise now because when i manage to source a flat bottom steering wheel i'm having it trimmed the same as yours. it's all well and good being original but when someone else has already got it perfect there's nothing wrong with emulation :ashamed:
anyhow, TB pipe wise it's difficult for me to comment on gains because i had other stuff done at the same time but as i'm sure i don't need to tell you Alex's welding is a work of art. along with everything else the car does feel more free revving and torquier.
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Considering I'm unhappy with her condition and little niggles at the minute I'm flattered mate thanks. :ashamed:
I cannot wait to get back and collect from Alex she's going to be immense!
I don't expect to feel much difference but a few lbft of torque will be nice :)
When the right set (and the last one this time!) my big Porsche kit will be sold it's barely had any use at all since Jan (but that's another thread)
Ive seen Alex's fabrication :drool: I'm more than confident that the fitment will be better than what's currently available too :)
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I had a good look at it too whilst i was at AKS. I will say it handles quite well and the brakes are sharper than mine. The steering wheel does feel funny to hold though.
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I had a good look at it too whilst i was at AKS. I will say it handles quite well and the brakes are sharper than mine. The steering wheel does feel funny to hold though.
....Especially on extreme opposite lock. Difficult to see where you're going sometimes through all that tyresmoke.
Alex is very generous with the cars in his garage.
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:signLOL:
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I had a good look at it too whilst i was at AKS. I will say it handles quite well and the brakes are sharper than mine. The steering wheel does feel funny to hold though.
When did you sneek a drive in it then?! :signLOL:
I have to say I'm really happy with the tb pipe on Subegh's car. Just a prototype but it fitted spot on. Uses the original rubber hoses too.
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:popcornsoda: now isn't a very good time for windups
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:popcornsoda: now isn't a very good time for windups
....Apologies, Mike :ashamed:
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:popcornsoda: now isn't a very good time for windups
I will give Jas a slap next time I see him! :fighting:
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I had a good look at it too whilst i was at AKS. I will say it handles quite well and the brakes are sharper than mine. The steering wheel does feel funny to hold though.
Do you have a flat bottomed steering wheel fitted to compare to? I remember the flat bottomed wheel in VWRs Mk5 (now MrP's) and I really liked the feel of it but mine does feel a little unusual. I haven't driven on the road with it yet though.
Hope you didn't take it on the road as I returned my tax disc for a refund as Im off abroad in a few days :scared:. Welcome to a ride while im around
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There was no one around and Alex was busy in the cupboard in his garage banging away at something. :P
In all honesty, it's a nice car but I reckon it'd be much better once you've got that hood sorted out.
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There was no one around and Alex was busy in the cupboard in his garage banging away at something. :P
In all honesty, it's a nice car but I reckon it'd be much better once you've got that hood sorted out.
:mad: :mad:
How do you compare the wheel to Golf flat bottomed wheel?
What's your thoughts on the bonnet?
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I do like the bonnet and think it works well. Just needs touching up here and there, which I'm sure Alex will sort out. I do like the mock-up someone did where the edges were the same colour as the bodywork so it flowed into the A-pillars.
BTW I peered at the wheel through the window. I haven't poked my head into your car. Yet.
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bonnet looks great Mike, but i'd either change the roof vinyl to CF to match, or just leave it red imho :happy2:
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bonnet looks great Mike, but i'd either change the roof vinyl to CF to match, or just leave it red imho :happy2:
It's painted I think
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is that a standard feature on the Cupra R?
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bonnet looks great Mike, but i'd either change the roof vinyl to CF to match, or just leave it red imho :happy2:
....You'll never get even the very best carbon vinyl to match the appearance of real carbonfibre. So mix with care.
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is that a standard feature on the Cupra R?
Is what a standard feature mate?
I'd like a real carbon roof skin but would never wrap vinyl effect
I'm confident alex will have it all looking bang on :smiley:
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is that a standard feature on the Cupra R?
Is what a standard feature mate?
roof painted black
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is that a standard feature on the Cupra R?
Is what a standard feature mate?
roof painted black
It wasn't when I bought mine. I'm might be now :happy2:
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Shiny black painted roof to match the B-pillars would look good, I reckon.
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It is gloss black already isn't it?
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It is gloss black already isn't it?
Yup :happy2: that's right Rich
Can just about see the roof here
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Ftfsi_mike%2FMy_Leon_Cupra%2FP1040868.jpg&hash=8721c56c407dc7dc3b1d9f223e3c7ea973588d60)
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Yeah, thought it was Mike.
Some great shots of your car on this thread.
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On this thread?
Back on topic Hurrah for the service recieved at AKS :pomppomp:
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On this thread?
Back on topic Hurrah for the service recieved at AKS :pomppomp:
This thread and many others :happy2:
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I can only echo the comments made about Alex, very impressed with his service and will be back soon for a few more bits doing on the car. Definitely worth the 1 and half drive from Essex :drinking:
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Big thanks to Alex for the loan of a hub whilst I get my brakes sorted. :happy2:
Fish
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Massive thanks to Alex :drinking:
Car was feeling very sluggish and power would cut out occasionally when I put my foot down. This is the reason I went with a specialist as I wanted to source the problem and mentioned it to him on arrival.
Alex knew what it was right away and indeed the cam follower was worn through and the inlet cam shaft was f*cked. Having done one previously Alex ordered the parts right away and worked on it overnight / early morning to ensure I have it for work the following day. Side cover gasket and rocker cover gasket were also changed.
It was a 70 mile trip (140 round) to Alex so I had to leave my car overnight with him and booked a hire car to get home whilst he worked on it. Alex dropped me to Europe car where I picked up a Corsa 1.2 petrol :rolleye: and also picked me up the next day. Nothing was too much hassle. Also got to sit shotgun in the VRS :driver: :laugh:
The drive home in my car was fun? (major understatement) It feels like new! no more diesal rattle which I was getting before and pulling through well on every gear like never before. I honestly felt like it had been remapped as the power delivery was so much smoother and better than before due to not getting the correct fuel requirements?
Recommend anyone to travel abit and ensure the work gets done properly with someone who knows there stuff well is and just about as interested in the health of your car as you are! Will definately be going back if/when I require more work done.
thanks,
jag
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worth the trip out all day long mate. my car won't be seeing anyone else. i highly doubt there's a better guy out there
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340 mile round trip for me, had to do it twice to drop and then pick up. Would happily do it again for the service and help :happy2:
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340 mile round trip is what I used to do when VWR had their workshop. Alex is nearby but I'm very happy going to JKM which is a 180 mile round trip. If JKM weren't around I expect I would go to Alex @ AKS. I think they offer similar services - Small independents with exceptional experience and expertise.
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Another bump for Alex at AKS. Sorted out my oil/gearbox oil/brake fluid, and helped sort out my door (which had been shut for six months and refused to open), as well as putting up with my muppetry. :pomppomp:
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Another thanks to alex too.... fitted a Columbus Sat Nav to my friends Octavia VRS170... next up is Bluetooth kit and Revo Stage 1. :driver:
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Another bump for Alex at AKS. Sorted out my oil/gearbox oil/brake fluid, and helped sort out my door (which had been shut for six months and refused to open), as well as putting up with my muppetry. :pomppomp:
Such a random result on the door mate! :happy2:
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Another bump for Alex at AKS. Sorted out my oil/gearbox oil/brake fluid, and helped sort out my door (which had been shut for six months and refused to open), as well as putting up with my muppetry. :pomppomp:
Have you been trapped in your car for six months. :confused: I hope some one was feeding you Mars bars. :star:
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Caramac and milky bars were they only thing they could slide in. :popcornsoda:
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Such a random result on the door mate! :happy2:
Defo. I told Alex his mate had magic hands!
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Defo. I told Alex his mate had magic hands!
....Eek!! That's far too much information, Jaz!
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Big thanks from me for various bits of work this morning! Thought I'd only be there for an hour or so but turned into 4 hours due to unexpected problems!
At least the cam follower looks like new after 33k miles :smiley:
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Another thumbs up for alex... he fitted a Bluetooth kit to my friends Octavia VRS and also put REVO stage 1 on it... which was no mean feat! Those locked ECUs cause about 2-3 hours of work.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305415_268293413296177_1821589051_n.jpg)
Photo by Alex Kerr.
:happy2:
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thinking of getting Alex to poly bush my bottom arms on my car next year,which means a 6hr round trip :grin:
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If its not till March stop off for a brew just off Jct 25 M1 :happy2:
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If its not till March stop off for a brew just off Jct 25 M1 :happy2:
It will be round june or july Mike--Yeah def drop by yours :happy2:
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Another thumbs up for alex... he fitted a Bluetooth kit to my friends Octavia VRS and also put REVO stage 1 on it... which was no mean feat! Those locked ECUs cause about 2-3 hours of work.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305415_268293413296177_1821589051_n.jpg)
Photo by Alex Kerr.
:happy2:
....I'm curious why the ECU had to be removed for a Revo remap.
Alex takes a cool photo doesn't he :congrats: :congrats:
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On certain models...like the 2010+ 170CR diesel the ECU is locked, it cannot be flashed via the OBD port. So, you have to remove the ECU, use the REVO SPX unit to probe the ECU to remove the lock, and then either flash it on the bench or reinstall the ECU and use the OBD port like normal.
Absolute ball ache for Alex, something that should take 20-30mins max. ends up taking about 2-3 hours.
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its the sameon pretty much all the VAG stuff thats released nowadays. the encryptions pretty much render the OBDII port useless for the tuners apart from VCDS logging.
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Another big thanks to Alex from me, he managed to squeeze me in this week at shortish notice for quite a bit of work.
As always very impressed with the standard and quality of his work and the car feels great now. I even got a ride in the Octavia which is a serious bit of kit, I've ever been in any diesel that goes or handles like that. Any work that needs doing on my car now will be done by Alex definitely worth the 160mile round trip to know the job will get done right :happy2:
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Deisel? :laugh: 2.0tfsi :wink:
The Octavias handling defies physics with the amount of grip it has haha.
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Epic face palm moment there, for some reason I thought all early vrs's were diesels but it was only the fabia's weren't it but I was actually meant to type estate so it's a double face palm moment lol
Your car was looking good Mike :happy2:
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LMAO.... alex will love that you thought it was a diesel..... :surprised:
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I just assumed it was from something I was told years ago, bearing in mind I was at school when these first come out and when I was told this. When I was in Alex's motor it didnt seem like one but I just assumed it was by my misinformed information from many years ago.
Moral of the story, don't assume something and post without making sure you know what your talking about or you make yourself look like a complete muppet like I just did lol
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Haha. I won't tell any one. Doh too late :P
Thanks dude!
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Thanks to Alex for replacing my Cam follower and quote for numerous mods in the future :happy2:
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Thanks to Alex for my Super quick delivery of my Vibratechic Mounts and SuperPro bushes... Service was so good, I went back to him with my H&R anti-roll bar order...
:happy2:
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While we're at it, thanks to Alex for sorting out my new brake upgrade! :party:
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Also. Thanks for sorting me 1or2 things out too. Certainly one of the best I've had the pleasure of dealing with so far :happy2:
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:love:
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Another BIG Thank you to Alex,who was reccomended to me by my local TPS, Done cam follower last Saturday after VW were not really interested in the job.
I have been in and around Main dealers and the motortrade all my working life and have become rather paranoid (since owning this car) about poor workmanship especially where my personal car is concerned, NO such worries with AKS,instant trust in that the job was going to be done properly.
Will use in the future for everything that doesn't require a VW stamp.
Cheers Again
GS
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Saw Alex today for new a rev G DV and DSG service. Well what can I say, First Class service, SUCH attention to detail and a good thorough job through and through. (good mechanics are hard to find these days, Alex is such a genuine guy!). I Will only be going to AKS in future as felt in very safe hands, thank you Alex, cannot recommend him highly enough, worth the 3 hour round trip by far! :happy2:
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I think it always speaks volumes when someone is more than happy to
be distracted watch you whilst they work. :happy2:
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I think it always speaks volumes when someone is more than happy to be distracted watch you whilst they work. :happy2:
HA-HA This!! ^^
He happily answered by 101 questions too :grin:
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Top man alex saw him today he changed my DV and PC valve. also check my turbo as i been suffereing boost issue, with some oil leak around the turbo.
turned out a screw had fallen out around the turbo housing causing the issue, so was missing 1 screw. sorted it all out for me, and was a great spot. car is running 1000x better and feels so different.
defo reccomend him and he seems to know everything and is very thorough and takes his time checking stuff out. :happy2:
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First time I've dealt with Alex but he supplied me a H&R rear anti roll bar for my Cupra R.
Good price with quick delivery and very helpful giving lots of advice.
It's good to have someone knowledgable and helpful as they are now difficult to find.
Top bloke and thanks again :happy2:
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First experience of using Alex as he serviced my car today and offered the attention to detail and service everyone suggests.
Fanastic service and thoroughly recommended, look forward to next visit and some goodies being fitted :jumpmove:
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Excellent. That one word sums it all up. Nothing less fits the bill.
Considering my previous epic failings by the glorious Volkswagon Group, it was so refreshing to to get problems fixed and speak to someone who doesn't BS.
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Well what can i say! I can do nothing but praise Alex for all his help the other day! fantastic guy, extremely helpful and laid back, his attention to detail is first class.... 110% recommended!
Thank you
:happy2: