It's been a while, but boy do I have updates!
First things first, I'll start where I left off, my idle issue. I guessed that my idle issue was coming from a faulty IAC valve sensor. I had completely forgot and then remembered I had a spare on the automatic transmission throttle body that originally came with the BP motor. So i swapped them, and I have my idle back! (idle screw in the middle, not all the way closed with a 1.2K RPM, now engine idles at 800, w/foot brake 700).
My brakes have been sucking for so long, spongy feeling (I've gotten so used to this, when I drive other peoples cars at first, i slam the brakes!). Also, my e-brake gave up during the BP swap (coincidence). I replaced all three e-brake cables (although it was the middle one that failed, it just rusted out over time and snapped, but didn't hurt to replace all three). After that, I got new front calipers, pads, rotors and lines (both calipers had small leaks). So I thought after doing this I'd be good. But I learned the hard way that you just can't replace one part of a system, you have to replace EVERYTHING! (specifically with older cars) After I did the brakes, and in the process of bleeding them my master cylinder failed
![Crying :crying:](./images/smilies/crying.gif)
. Ended up replacing that as well, now my brakes feel brand spankin new.
Two issues left.
First, I still have to get a wheel alignment.
Second, my water pump leaks from time to time. The belt is ready to go (I didn't replace this belt during the BP swap because I got the wrong one, looked ok when I put the B6 belt on, but now it's all chewed up looking). I'm not sure if the leaking is due to the belt or if my water pump is about to go out soon. I'm gonna replace the belt tomorrow though, and if it still leaks, i'll take a closer look to make sure all the nuts and bolts are tightened on the pump. If it still leaks, I'll do a water pump and timing belt replacement.
There it is, all the news that's fit to print.
Two post scripts:
1. My acceleration from idle REALLY sucks, I don't know if I'm spoiled with my original 1.2K idle and just gunning it, but from 700 RPM, it's slow to get acceleration, after 2K it's fine though. Maybe I just have to readjust how much gas I give and when I let go of the clutch. More driving is in order to figure this one out.
2. Specifically for Ryan, thanks for all the help man, couldn't get my car going without your help. I wanted to know if you've ever taken apart the IAC sensor. I tried taking my defective one apart to see if there were electronics I could replace myself, but can't seem to remove the sensor from the valve. thanks again!