that is likely what i will have to do, but i need to make sure i can get the car out to begin with

 

it wont be the steering arm you need to look at it its the axle C.V's that will be clicking. as mentioned run it up on stands and turn it lock to lock n get somebody to see if they can pinpoint the noise location.

 

There have been a few evos here in the marketplace for around 7k, I’d consider picking one of those up and swapping parts over. You can still sell your shell and the extra parts that aren’t needed, or keep them as spare parts.

 

Build it stronger ...faster...better. Sorry to see as this reminded me of when I hit a construction ladder with my RS on the freeway @ speed with no where to veer. Not as bad as your mishap though. I had to replace I/C. oil cooler, front facia. I will look at the few parts I have left from previous ownership and see it can help you. Be glad to donate them to your cause. It won't be much but maybe a start.

So donor swap method is a good idea if you do the labor yourself as it is an extensive project and also have a place to do it. If you pay for the labor it would be very pricey.

 

yea the shell thing people have mentioned but for me i think it's just not feasible.

 

If you haven't already done this, I would highly recommend you go measure out the front end. Those results are really going to have an effect on the scope of this project.

 

why's that? i dont plan to be doing the straightening myself, but the body shop seemed to think it wouldn't be a big deal - they have one of those laser aligners.

 

re: the intercooler - i can spray soapy water on it to check for boost leaks right? or will it not have flow unless the turbo is actually generating boost? i assume it will have air passing through it since that's the path of the intake

i can't do anything beyond this at the moment since i can't get the hood open

 

You need to pressurize it using a boost leak tester. You can cap one end and pressurize the other.

 

just running the car + spraying soapy water on it wouldn't work as far as seeing if there's any leaks?

 

No bc you won't be building positive boost pressure. I've been telling you this for years. Get a compressor and make a boost leak tester cap that goes where your pre turbo intake is and pressurize the system.

 

The car is in vacuum when idle. As stated above, you need to pressure test it.

 

You don’t need a compressor. Just use a hose to a tire valve on the car. That’s what I do when I don’t feel like bothering with the compressor. Much quieter.

 

i can't open the hood as stated.

i can get this (https://www.maperformance.com/produc...nt=7590823427&) and connect the air tank to the intercooler, and watch for bubbles that way?

 

Why can't you open the hood? Just unlatch it from below. Isn't the front of the car off?