Car (or bike) Chat!

[CageyH]

Yes, I like the shape. I love the way that this 14 year old car drives.
It is not without it’s faults, most of which I have ironed out - like replacing crap OEM metalastic bushes with poly bushes etc.

[Gazjam]

Awesome Monaro, really nice V8 under the hood.
They sound like only a V8 can.

New straight through stainless exhaust fitted to my Alfa Brera today?

Exhaust Guy loved the Alfa engine note when I first brought it around and we agreed the new exhaust should bring more of that out, so he kept the stainless Prodrive backboxes and manufactured a straight thru stainless system to fit in with them.
Didnt want boy racer Subaru levels of noise, unbecoming of an italian thoroughbred you know.

The new exhaust?
Gutsier, deeper, seismic, louder, spit and bark that wasnt there before but most importantly keeping the same character.

He texted to say the car was ready, I asked him how it sounded?
”possibly the best 4 cylinder engine I’ve heard, sounds exotic and Italian”
After picking up car and going away he asked me if I would let him hear it from outside the car as he hadnt heard it, and give it the beans as I drove away.
He was grinning as I drove away....bloody loved it!

Alfas are one of the marques that make you feel special, (another pound in the James May swear box!) and all I’ve done is bring more Alfa-ness out of what was there already. Big grin whenever I get in the car before, more so now.

Only cost me £200 quid, guy really knows his stuff and anyone in Central scotland needing sn exhaust, seriously...he’s your go to guy.

[argyle]

I don't want to turn this into a love-in, but I love the Alfas. Just about as stylish as you can get.

[Marco]

Nice one, Gaz. Glad it worked out well. Good price, too!

So aside from the improved 'noise' [and that sounds quite sexy] have you noticed any increase in engine responsiveness?

Marco.

P.S Does it look any different from the back (did you change the tips)?

[Gazjam]

Nice one, Gaz. Glad it worked out well. Good price, too!

So aside from the improved 'noise' [and that sounds quite sexy] have you noticed any increase in engine responsiveness?

Marco.

P.S Does it look any different from the back (did you change the tips)?

Not just the noise it makes going down the road thats changed Marco, what happens when I press my right foot has too.

Feels smoother and less ‘gritty’ under accelleration as well as the pickup at lower revs being much more responsive.
The cars already been remapped so maybe getting a better sense of what’s under the bonnet now its able to breathe a bit easier?

Going to my remap guy who’s going to tweak it to suit, now the airflows changed with the new exhaust, should be good.

Looks similar to before after new exhaust?
He kept the Prodrive backboxes so the exhaust looks the same as before, though with the rebuild the chrome tips stick out a couple of inches more than before, which can’t be a bad thing.

[RobbieGong]

HSV GTO LS2 (aka Monaro VXR)

Nice ride and well done for being an individual and not goiing with the crowds usual Merc, Audi, BMW option

Clarkson / top gear rated it very highly. Speedy Ozzies love em too - I think they're called the Holden over there

[argyle]

The 'standard' Monaro is a Holden, but the 'non-standard' Monaro is designated HSV GTO (HSV = Holden Special Vehicles). They came across and were given a few small changes; Vauxhall badges, seats with VXR decals, and I think the steering rack is changed(?).
It is just an industrial brute, but a lot of fun with it. I took it out on Friday, and spinning in the conditions gave me 12 mpg over the 15 miles!
Oh, it's a Pontiac GTO in the States, as it was exported there too.

I've been down the two seater (VX220), German six pot banger (BMW 130i), Japanese rally rep (WRX) and the HSV is something else.

[Gazjam]

The 'standard' Monaro is a Holden, but the 'non-standard' Monaro is designated HSV GTO (HSV = Holden Special Vehicles). They came across and were given a few small changes; Vauxhall badges, seats with VXR decals, and I think the steering rack is changed(?).
It is just an industrial brute, but a lot of fun with it. I took it out on Friday, and spinning in the conditions gave me 12 mpg over the 15 miles!
Oh, it's a Pontiac GTO in the States, as it was exported there too.

I've been down the two seater (VX220), German six pot banger (BMW 130i), Japanese rally rep (WRX) and the HSV is something else.

After I heard a Monaro VXR literally vibrate the pavement it’s one of those memories that stick with you!
Nice reg plate too!

It’s all about how it makes you feel.

[RobbieGong]

The 'standard' Monaro is a Holden, but the 'non-standard' Monaro is designated HSV GTO (HSV = Holden Special Vehicles). They came across and were given a few small changes; Vauxhall badges, seats with VXR decals, and I think the steering rack is changed(?).
It is just an industrial brute, but a lot of fun with it. I took it out on Friday, and spinning in the conditions gave me 12 mpg over the 15 miles!
Oh, it's a Pontiac GTO in the States, as it was exported there too.

I've been down the two seater (VX220), German six pot banger (BMW 130i), Japanese rally rep (WRX) and the HSV is something else.

Vauxhall / General Motors have produced a good few 'speedster' over the years.

I used to have a lovely graphite black metallic Astra GTE 16V, Full twin (rectangular) Scorpion stainless steal exhaust, 5 spoke alloys, the lot. Used to get a lot of nods in that thing it was my pride and joy and spotless minty.

Quick thing it was then. Wish I'd have held on to it as they fetch daft money now

[argyle]

The Vauxhall 'museum' is worth a walk around if you are ever in Luton.