Some more points to add to much nice long list:

I have bought a new radiator aluminium on ebay for £100 (ariving
next week) so the engine should run a little cooler (apparently 20%
cooler). I am intersted to see if my fuel economy is any different.

My fuel consumption for a full tank to be used ranges from 20-30mpg
usually 25mpg (mosty sitting on the motorway, which doesn't seem
that good only had 20mpg once and 30 driving really carefully and
slowly.

My clutch is really stiff so much that when I moved house and drove
1000 miles in a week I had problems walking for the next fortnight
due to the pains in my foot. I can run 10miles cycle 60 miles and
not even feel any pain in my feet using the same shoes. It seems
like lots of XSI, S16 and GTI owners find the cltch heavy.

I am not a mechanic and have little experience on cars however I
have all theoretical qualifications in engineering studying a PhD in
Engineering which originated from being a bike mechanic many many
years ago.

I am planning to sort my car out as of when I can. Te radiator will
be fitted next week as I can't drive much till then.

I am looking for a new wing and to get to get it sprayed.

I belive the engine tapping noise is due to the cam belt failing,
when the valves hit the piston the follower compressed the shimms
beyond their yield stress increasing the clearances. I am also
intreguesdto see the state of the alu pistons after steel valves
impacted. I am hoping to take the cylinder head cover off and
measure the clearnaces to see how they compare. I'll work out from
that what is required to resolve the noise and perhaps take the cam
shaft off to.

I wouldn't mind at anothyer point in time taking the cylinder head
off and giving the engine a full clean up for my own experience and
understanding of engine wear etc.

I would like to change the clutch and cable.

I am looking for half leather/full on ebay seats on ebay.

I am considering getting a gti-6 engine and gearbox as it might be
easier or even the 180bhp gti engine. But if I do that it might be
easier to go for an A3 quattro 180bhp which I can't afford yet and
I'd rather do the above list my own understanding and
achievement, "you only learn by doing".

My next job is rad next week then to list all the parts and tools
for cheaking the shim clerances in the cams, clear my garage (that a
mission only lived in the my first house since february and its
full) and work on.

I can be good for ideas but actually doing it tends to be my
problem:)