Exhaust holes and engine refurbishment?

[Dougie_91 8v GTi]

I have just fitted replacement fog lights to my car, and whilst underneath thought I'd check out if the noise from the exhaust might be coming from the front, and I found a couple of small holes.


I am assuming that this is the exhaust manifold or downpipe?

Also just a snapshot of the old beast beneath the bonnet, exactly as I bought her. 105,000 miles and in need of an overhaul I think?  Any suggestions?



(not going to win best in show with this one!)

[fused]

Those holes in the pic are of the heat shield protecting the steering rack boot. If you suspect leakage, try all the joints first, while its running and as cool as posible, rock the exhaust and check if there is any obvious noise. might want to pick up some decent exhaust clamps and run down to a local exhaust type place.

[vw-bob]

the engine condition looks about the same as mine. give the rocker cover a clean up and paint. will change the look of the enigne bay big time. i need to do mine 

[DarnPB]

I'm with VW Bob. Just because the engine looks 'orrible, doesn't mean its in need of an overhaul. If it run ok, just dress it up a bit. It may cost you a rocker cover gasket and some paint to do a nice job but its fairly rewarding.

[Gambit]

a steam cleam will also do a wonder of good to a grubby engine bay