RobinJI

Been offered my old MX-5 back at a very good price... It'd save me a fair bit in the long run as it's already got a cage/buckets/LSD, and although I'd want more power soon, it's already got a megasquirt ECU on it (that I made, so I'm happy with its reliability), so charging it wouldn't be a big deal. So very tempted.

All sorted now, I welded the crap out of it, then spent bloody ages with a grinder and a pane of glass getting it flat enough to seal up. Added another exhaust hanger on the center section while it was in the air too, to reduce the weight/load on the flange, as well as tweaking it to give a touch more clearance to the steering rack to help prevent the same from happening again. While it was up on the ramp I adjusted the steering rack (the new one had settled in causing ~5mm of play at the steering-wheel) and finally got around to fitting the poly-bushes to my rear beam. So some good came from it in the end, car feels lovely and tight now. Lower strut brace is next on the list handling wise along with modifying the top mounts when I get a chance. A blowing manifold/downpipe could potentially effect fuel consumption if it's before the lambda sensor, as it could cause the engine to think it's running lean and chuck in more fuel, on yours it won't anyway, but I guess a drop in torque from a lack of back pressure could cause a bit worse economy. Mine wasn't really a blow so much as not really being attached anymore, the flange was in 3 bits, with only about 1" of it still attached to the pipe. The down-pipe's all sorted now, but the car doesn't feel quite right, and hadn't done for little bit even before smacking it into the ground. I'll have a play and see if I can get it any better, but I suspect it may be time to finally wire in the OBD port and give it a scan.

Yeah, forgot to do the whole tank thing, mostly because of being very sort of cash recently. Trip computer says I'd been averaging 35mpg until this week though, this week it's managed 25, something's up there Going to have a look for boost leaks tomorrow, hopefully I won't have to do the whole 'which sensor's dead' saga.

Yeah, as Paul said, you need something to step the voltage down from 12 to 5v, the ideal thing being a cigarette lighter USB adapter thingy. Either hide the whole thing behind the dash, or spend a few seconds with a multi-meter working out where the relevant inputs/outputs are and just use the internal gubbins.

Yeah, you're actually pretty limited for Porsche engines to throw in a 928, basically it's other 924s or 944s, neither of which are anything special, plus you get fancy make tax on all the parts. I really like the idea of one of the all alloy 3.0 V6's out of a B6 Audi A4 in a 924/944, I know it doesn't meat your description, but my argument for that is basically: It sounds like a V6. Skoze, personally I think I'd just pull over. If they carry on and pretend like they weren't doing anything you've got rid of them, if they stop and get out, you've got a chance to show them you're legit and ask what's up. If they carry on doing it still then note down the car number and pop into the station to politely question why you were being followed. Basically make it glaringly clear you know their game, without actually being impolite/confrontational. Putting in complaints would come a lot later in my opinion, as it'll only piss them off.

Oh cock. Just broke the Scirocco. Drove less than a mile to pick up my mum and brother from a family friends house. The lane to their house looked rough, but ultimately less challenging for a low car than plenty of roads I drive regularly. Apparently looks can be deceiving, I crept forward at maybe walking pace and a loud bang proceded the mother of all exhaust blows. Somehow the flange of the downpipe that bolts to the turbo snapped in half. The stupid thing is, the exhaust's no where near the lowest point! The only thing I can think of is that the sump hit and pushed the engine back, pushing the downpipe into the steering rack. The best part of this being that the downpipe is completely custom, I'm working all day the next 2 days and I don't currently have a welder or even a grinder. Add to this the fact that insurance companies are assholes who still wont give me the ability to drive other peoples cars, because I'm 6 months too young to do that safely apparently, and I'm left with no real method of transport unless I drive around making a noise like a tractor and with my windows down to avoid getting gassed. I'm unbelievable pissed off.

Paul, that sucks. I hate it when things arrive and don't live up to expectations. Hopefully they'll do the decent thing and sort you out. I don't think they will be fake, as that's actually £1 more than they cost on demon-tweaks, where they're definitely not fake. Sprint 5's are a well known bargain seat. I'm having a bit of an dilemma at the moment. I want to build a track toy, but I can't decide whether this should be the Scirocco, or if I should keep the 'rocco as a daily run around and buy a cheep MX-5 as the track car. An MX-5 has more potential for both times and fun on track, but then not being able to carry a spare set of wheels and a few tools to a track day's a major pain in the ass, and there's not as much fun development to do with one. Any opinions on this? Nick/Adam?

There's an easy fix for that: link

Absolutely this, there's a few guys up in Scotland on there, and being old car nuts they're likely to put a little skill and effort into it, rather than just slapping a plate on to meet MOT requirements. Unless you've got somewhere in mind that you know will be good anyway. Or, just cut your losses and replace the old girl, they're still silly cheap even for good examples, and you could swap over all your nice bits easily enough, but I suppose there's no fun in that, and if I followed that myself my Scirocco would have been replaced LONG ago! haha Speaking of which, I found out I got the job I mentioned, so should have a reasonable income and much easier to plan spare time soon, meaning I can hopefully plow some time and money into the Scirocco. Buckets then cage are first on the list. Although I need to make sure rallying doesn't eat too much money, luckily as the co-driver my costs are pretty sensible and basically fixed for each event.

Yeah, the driver would probably be fine, but would you want to be stood between the car and wall? 1300+kg of car traveling at 40kph can very easily kill or mame someone. I do agree with the idea of what you're saying, as I say, I've got mates who do drift on public roads, and I'd do the same my self, but when we do it, the areas truly are deserted, they're places that people have no reason to go to, so just don't, unfinished developments with roads that lead nowhere, industrial areas where nothing is open at night, not city centers where you can't predict the actions of the few other people that are still around. That video showed loads of occasions where the streets definitely weren't deserted. That's the only problem I have with it, other than that, good on you for having fun, and they're both cool cars.

Your argument would be pretty valid, if the streets in the video really were deserted, but the fact is they're not. There's still quite a bit of traffic about, and really quite a few pedestrians. There's a few points where other traffic had to slow/stop or change course to avoid hitting them, and a couple of pedestrians who had to stop/step back because of them crossing their path. Not to mention countless points where if they'd spun they would have hit other traffic and/or people. Thinking their skill level is good enough that they definitely won't spin in these situations is just arrogant, and I wouldn't have said it was in line with the skill level shown in the video. They're not bad, but I wouldn't say they're good enough to be taking risks like that. I really like drifting as a sport, I quite fancy giving it a go properly, I've owned rear wheel drive cars and got the back end out, and I have friends who drift on the street. I really do have no problem with it as a principle at all, as you say, if the roads truly are empty, or you can at least see the traffic that is around is well out of the way, then what's the problem? But in that video, they're not.

I'd check the brake hoses very carefully, they love to perish when sat. Belts would be worth doing and obviously all the fluids, plus the battery may well not last very long. Those are the main things I can think of off the top of my head.

Yeah, 2.4 JTD flavour more than likely. It'd depend on what I could find a good example of at the time though. Not sure it's the best idea, but I'm bored of the sensible German choices, and I've always loved the look of these.

Lots of like for that! Just popped to my old work and one of the guys has a H plate Eunos Roadster (MX-5) for sale, looked tidy enough and he's going to chuck a fresh MOT on it. He's after £600 and said anyone's welcome to view it (Including sticking it on the 4 post ramp) whenever. Located in East Devon near Honiton. Also, that reminds me, my Dad's T4 is for sale. It's a green panel van, with rear windows fitted as well as 2 seats in the back. It's a 52 plate 2.5tdi on about 57k, generally tidy if a little basic inside (although it does have cruise control.) Includes a recently fitted tow-bar and a nearly new roof-rack. Think he's after 4.5k if I remember right. In other news, the heart seems to be ruling the head in terms of what to buy as a next daily, so I'd love to hear anyone's opinions on Alfa 156 sportwagons. I just kind of fancy something a bit out of the ordinary, with a little style to it, rather than just another car.

Which Scirocco? Mk1/2 were mostly made by Kahman in West Germany, with a few in VW's Wolfsburg plant (Also west Germany). Not sure about the mk3, but I'd guess either Germany, Spain or Mexico. Edit, wikipedia says the Mk3 is made in Portugal, but if it's asking for the continent then that'd be Europe surely? Not really a fan of Mondeos until the mk4 estates, but they're more money than I want to spend. You know I love them, but they're all pretty aged and bloody expensive for what you get. Plus I want something with a few more toys and a bit more comfort. Not to mention the 'been there, done that' factor. The only real reason I wouldn't want a VAG car is because I've been involved with them for ages and I fancy trying something new. I may well still end up with one, but I see no point in discussing/suggesting them, as I'm well aware of them. Pete, what did it fail on? Shame you're not local, I've got a couple of friends around Bristol with good stashes of Volvo parts. Greetings, those do look like really cool trophies, nice one.

hm.. Most Saabs that'd be in my price range seem to be 2.2's. I'm thinking for now sub £1500, but really it's just a case of the cheaper it is the sooner I can get one and the 'rocco can be stepped back from daily use and get some overdue love. (I need my car virtually every day, which makes it very difficult to do long/fiddly jobs to a standard I'm happy with.) I'd kind of forgotten about BMW's, I'd consider one, but I've always found the 3 series touring disappointingly small inside, while the 5 series is probably a bit much of a barge for what I'm looking for. If I go for this new job my commute will be down fairly small country roads, so I don't want anything too huge. (I know I've included a couple of larger cars, but that's just because 406's are silly cheap, and I've always liked A6's.) To be honest, it doesn't even HAVE to be an estate, a large/comfy hatchback would do, as long as it's not a struggle to get 2 bikes in, and it's a decent motorway cruiser I'd be happy, plus this might reduce the fuel bill even more. Just need to have a look at what I'd actually like.

Should have said, I'm not a ford fan, they just have a cheap feel to them I don't really like, despite being quite a sensible choice. I'd love a subaru, but they like to drink a bit much, I'm after something that'll eventually pay for its self in fuel saving rather than something that'll use more than the 'rocco! 406 is a strong contender, they're silly cheap, the XUD engined ones are very reliable and they do drive and ride nicely. Only real downsides that the standard wheels without fail look awful (easily sorted I guess) and the interiors are mostly easily stained beige colours and pretty dull.

Yep, Ben'll be driving in his dad's old Astra, really looking forward to it. So with a new job on the horizon (hopefully) I'll be looking for a daily run around in the next few months. Any recommendations of cheep diesel estates? Ideally something decent on fuel but fairly comfy and decent to drive. Thinking of giving the VAG range a miss this time around, I'm just a bit bored of them. A quick browse of what I like the look of and might be able to afford narrows things down a bit: Volvo V40 - What diesel engines do they use? PSA? Volvo 850/V70 - Quite like these, probably a bit big/thirsty though. Saab 9-5 - Like the styling inside and out, What's the deal with parts, and are they really any nicer than a vectra? Peugeot 406 - Silly cheap, but I'm not sure about their electrical reliability, and as standard they're hideously under-wheeled. Alfa 156 - Lovely, but a bit small inside, and crap ground clearance could cause issues getting to some riding trails/beaches. MG ZT-T - How bad can they be? Supposed to drive nicely, be comfy and I like the looks inside and out. And despite the 'no VAG' rule, I'd be tempted by an Audi A4/A6.

Good news George! I've got an interview/greeting for a new job on Wednesday (they've already said they want to offer me a position, just don't know terms yet.) which means that hopefully my ideas of getting some sort of dirty diesel estate to smoke around in and allow the Scirocco to become a track toy are looking more likely. Excited . Also filled in the entry form for the first rally I'll be co-driving in: Brean stages near Weston Super Mare on the 24/25th of January, more excitement! Just need to sort some fireproofs now.

Do you mean an MX-5 or a mk1 MR2? Either way both are considerably more 'raw' than a mk2 MR2. The mk2's are good cars, and make a decent daily, but I know a few guys who are into their mk1's and they all felt the mk2 was a much softer more 'GT' based car, rather than a nimble sporty thing like the mk1 is. MX-5's are a great laugh, and I miss mine every time I see one, but I just can't live with the lack of practicality. Even as a second car they're still a no go for me sadly.

My Scirocco, (hiding a 1.8 20vt):

Absolutely yeah.

Makes sense, that's kind of what I figured would be the deal. Personally I'd knock on a few doors and then resort to leaving a note if there was no joy, but I was just trying to point out that they weren't necessarily breaking the law by not leaving a note.

Yeah true, I'm not saying he should just leave by any means, but I could understand if he didn't want to leave his details on public view though. You'd expect him to do his best to get hold of you though, so it is shit he didn't do it straight away. At least he did it eventually.

Exchanging details with who? It's an unattended parked car. Very glad he owned up.