Turns out the package was indeed a distributor cap. Problem is, it wasn't the right one. The AEX engine can use either a Bosch distributor, or the slightly better Marelli one. I got sent the Bosch one. So in typical British fashion, i gritted my teeth and ordered the other one, and now have to jump through hoops to get a refund for the other one. Still, the new one arrived on saturday, and i set to work. Dead simple replacement of course.
Here's what the old one looked like - the original one with 107,000 miles on it, terminals on both sides were manky and worn out.
And in contrast, a new one (but the Bosch one):
The HT leads were in surprisingly good condition, and the spark plugs had already been replaced. However, i've only just had a chance to give it a proper drive, taking my missus back to St. Malo Ferry Terminal. It's the first time i've taken it out on the Motorway, too. It makes one hell of a difference. Even managed to hit 95mph in 5th (the motorway was virtually empty), and got back home with a smile on my face. It's even been given an official name - 'patch', in relation to the amount of bodywork & paintwork it needs
The window clips also arrived on saturday, and the new front/centre silencer arrived in the afternoon, thanks to a courier. Damn good value it was too - cost me £15.27 off eBay for a brand new one, with shipping only coming to £12. For anyone thats unfamiliar with VW pricing, a new one would have come to £68 + 20% VAT!
I'll give the exhaust replacement a go on wednesday with my mate Ray who's coming over for a lesson on 'how to change oil 101', although i have a funny feeling all the exhaust fixings are going to need the attention of an angle grinder and some new joining clips...
