Yep, wasn't sure if I was just lucky the little metal flapper came out so easy, glad it came out so easily for you too.
So, I guess I'll still be the voice of reason (or dissent in this house). Shame what you're doing to that GLI. It's an exhilarting ride. No diesel can touch the RPM whooosh of a 2.0 16v. It's a different type of thrill that starts in the guts, and moves up to the brain. Diesel is all torque, but the 2.0 16V was vws first really sexy engine, and it lived up to the billing: quick throttle response, high revving, and seat of your pants performance.Despite my misgivings: at least, it looks like you're doing it with class. So, I guess the back-handed compliment is: looks good, despite the molestation. I guess those failure-prone motronic control modules and the hybrid CIS/motronic ECUs are enough to turn off even the most avid VW nut.
Lookin' good man... keep those pictures coming... we loves us our build threads !!