View Full Version : Car (or bike) Chat!
walpurgis
25-07-2017, 23:13
Aye, and probably still a horny bastard, eh? :D
Marco.
Well, I reckon I may have to ease up on the weight training and sex a bit by then. :eek:
walpurgis
27-07-2017, 22:37
Expensive bonfire!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/27/260000-ferrari-smashed-just-hour-bought/
walpurgis
19-08-2017, 10:03
Car insurance renewal £631 quoted. For a sub 1000cc small hatchback driven by a pensioner with a clean licence and no claims and mileage under 4000 miles a year. Ridiculous. I shall have to haggle with them as I usually do.
try uswitch. i got a chunk off mine and better cover
walpurgis
19-08-2017, 10:47
try uswitch. i got a chunk off mine and better cover
I shop around each year, but still get the best quote from Aviva, who I've been with for about ten years now.
I dare say I can get the premium down a bit with some haggling, it usually works. I got £400 taken off last year's renewal quote for cover on two cars.
So I actually ended up in one of these for 45 minutes. In white. Don't like white. Or yellow:D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkJlG3wjRyI
Comfortable? Yes. People think these cars are going to be uncomfortable but they aren't. This I would say was just a tinsy bit less comfortable than my Boxster. Still very comfortable, in other words. The longer the drive you have in these cars, the more comfortable you think they are. Strange phenomenon.
Fast? Sure, faster than mine. Sonics? You can hear a whistle from the turbos. When I got back in mine I actually thought it sounded better. Because it does.
Worth the extra money? Well, I don't really think so. The trouble is the Boxsters and Caimans are so good, these have a tough time warranting the extra money. And it is a lot more money.
My vote for the most impressive bang for your buck would be a Caiman 981. You don't even need the S variant, the basic 981 is pretty fabulous really. But you can't take the lid down like a Boxster, which wrecks summer fun. It drives better than my Boxster (not by much but you do realise it) and the naturally aspirated flat 6 is more fun than the 718, though a tad slower.
Don't get me wrong this is a better car. But just look at the frigging price of it. Relatively, not worth it for me. By a long shot. More than happy with mine when I got back in it. It looks a lot better too to my eyes.
My sister has a Boxster, and what a fun car! A sporty convertible that goes plenty fast enough to get you in trouble, and a 2 seater convertible! What's not to like? The problem with owning a race car is having all that power and not being able to use it. Unless you've got a track, it's just frustrating. You'll wind up with a glove box full of tickets. I vote for the Boxster and spent the rest of the money on your stereo!
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Is it industry driving the trend towards non-internal combustion cars or is legislation? Or both?
I can see that this is happening to 'protect the environment', but does it? Nobody seems to address the environmental impact of producing highly toxic batteries and eventually having to safely recycle them. Or the enviromental cost of producing electricity to power electric vehicles as compared to burning hydrocarbon fuel (not all of it is fossil fuel). Hybrid vehicles I suspect are an interim non-solution.
I agree, the push towards electric doesn't make all that much sense. The electricity has to be made somewhere? At a coal burning plant? Plus the disposal of the batteries, etc. and if by magic tomorrow there were no more gas powered cars, and all were electric, a billion people in the Middle East would starve to death. I'm not sure what is motivating the push to Electric, but it's not well thought out.
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Audio Al
20-08-2017, 06:24
How much oxygen does a electric car use compaired with a petrol ?
The world is cutting down trees at a alarming rate :eek:
My view is that the next extiction will be as a result of human pollution / contamination , may sound extreme but we all have views
walpurgis
20-08-2017, 08:53
I agree, the push towards electric doesn't make all that much sense. The electricity has to be made somewhere? At a coal burning plant? Plus the disposal of the batteries, etc. and if by magic tomorrow there were no more gas powered cars, and all were electric, a billion people in the Middle East would starve to death. I'm not sure what is motivating the push to Electric, but it's not well thought out.
Thoughts that come to mind regarding future 'electrification' and use of personal transport.
It won't be any good hanging onto an old petrol 'classic' like say a Morris Minor or MGB. 'Cos where will you get fuel if petrol ceases to be generally available? You can't stockpile modern petrol, as it has a very limited 'shelf life', literally only months, unless you use additives and they don't extend that time by much. Diesel can be stored for years I believe. Although I think storing significant amounts of fuel is illegal anyway.
There will need to be an awful lot of charging points provided. You'd probably need one at home too. How will your breakdown recovery people get you going again if you get stranded with no energy left in your battery?
I've no doubt that personal transport will be tightly controlled in times to come. Vehicles automatically governed to local speed limits. Maybe even the times of day you can be on the road and where you go controlled as well.
Just think of the power the government could have. In times of emergency, vehicles just shut down by remote signal. Charging points turned off by the authorities at any time they see a need. The whole nation or selected areas literally becoming 'no go' zones.
A huge amount of control over people and their mobility will occur. It's bad enough already.
walpurgis
20-08-2017, 09:29
Are folk aware of the potentially crippling costs of running an all electric car?
With modern hybrid vehicles it is clear that some parts are monstrously expensive to replace.
Taking the Toyota Prius as an example.
A new battery pack for instance will cost thousands of pounds. See here: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078138_toyota-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-guide You will probably find the shown dollar prices equate to pound prices in this country.
Projected and actual battery life seems good, but there will be exceptions of course.
Electric motor/transmission units. These have been known to fail and in the UK expect possible cost of replacement new parts to be maybe £4000 to £5000.
Doesn't seem to be much info out there, but I found this: http://www.priusonline.com/22-toyota-prius-technical-q/18828-replacing-transaxle.html
All the above will apply to wholly electric cars. Just think, if you are unlucky enough to experience battery and transmission failure, you could have a ten grand bill or a scrap car.
spendorman
20-08-2017, 09:33
Are folk aware of the potentially crippling costs of running an all electric car?
With modern hybrid vehicles it is clear that some parts are monstrously expensive to replace.
Taking the Toyota Prius as an example.
A new battery pack for instance will cost thousands of pounds. See here: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078138_toyota-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-guide You will probably find the shown dollar prices equate to pound prices in this country.
Projected and actual battery life seems good, but there will be exceptions of course.
Electric motor/transmission units. These have been known to fail and in the UK expect possible cost of replacement new parts to be maybe £4000 to £5000.
Doesn't seem to be much info out there, but I found this: http://www.priusonline.com/22-toyota-prius-technical-q/18828-replacing-transaxle.html
All the above will apply to wholly electric cars. Just think, if you are unlucky enough to experience battery and transmission failure, you could have a ten grand bill or a scrap car.
I can't help thinking that the pushing of smart meters for the home is something to do with ways of charging us more for energy used in electric cars.
a bigger issue will be charging them. a good chunk of population wont have a driveway. what happens in block of flats etc. dont think the govt have thought this through, or are determined to get all the poor folk on the bus
So instead of burning fossil fuels in our cars, they will be burning them at the electric company. And on hot summer days many electric companies are already running in the red! Causing rolling brown outs to conserve power. So, if everyone has an electric car, how many more power plants will be needed to supply the power? It will probably be a greater increase in electrical draw than we use all together now! More than doubling our usage. So how much will it cost to build all these extra power plants? And what will that do to the cost of electricity?
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walpurgis
21-08-2017, 09:02
So instead of burning fossil fuels in our cars, they will be burning them at the electric company
Exactly.
In this country, I can envisage coal being once again adopted as a major fuel resource. The reserves are still massive and clean ways of using it exist. And the technology now exists to mine what was inaccessible.
Renewable energy still has a long way to go and the depressing alternative of nuclear power is to be avoided if at all possible.
Ali Tait
21-08-2017, 09:35
Not true Geoff, once fusion is sorted. Limitless clean energy.
No doubt they will find a way to make us pay through the nose for it though.
Not true Geoff, once fusion is sorted. Limitless clean energy.
No doubt they will find a way to make us pay through the nose for it though.
been promising limitless clean energy for years. Wont happen and we will just go back to living in mud huts ;)
walpurgis
21-08-2017, 09:46
Not true Geoff, once fusion is sorted. Limitless clean energy.
Fusion is just a pipe dream so far. Cold fusion even more of one.
Ali Tait
21-08-2017, 10:09
It will happen guys. Might take a few years admittedly.
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-uk-has-just-switch-on-its-tokamak-nuclear-fusion-reactor
Car insurance renewal £631 quoted. For a sub 1000cc small hatchback driven by a pensioner with a clean licence and no claims and mileage under 4000 miles a year. Ridiculous. I shall have to haggle with them as I usually do.What?? I pay less than that for my Mercedes E63 AMG with business use!.
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walpurgis
24-08-2017, 17:05
What?? I pay less than that for my Mercedes E63 AMG with business use!
It's the area. Oh. And I forgot to mention my full NCB discount.
For those of you with performance diesel cars, who like to experiment with 'premium fuels'...
Just a heads-up to report that I gave Texaco's version of premium diesel, their 'Supreme', and having used it exclusively now for a few weeks, I reckon it's better than either of the main options, Shell V-Power or BP Ultimate. In the Brabster, it gives more 'poke' and the engine seems to run quieter and more smoothly.
If you're curious, maybe give it a go, if you've got a Texaco station near you! :cool:
Details here: https://texaco.co.uk/motorists/our-motor-fuels
Marco.
That won't work well in my high performance car. :eyebrows:
Ha - 'girly petrols' don't count! :ner:;)
The unleaded version might 'work'. Not seen many Texaco stations around though, whenever I've been in France...
Marco.
For those of you with performance diesel cars, who like to experiment with 'premium fuels'...
Just a heads-up to report that I gave Texaco's version of premium diesel, their 'Supreme', and having used it exclusively now for a few weeks, I reckon it's better than either of the main options, Shell V-Power or BP Ultimate. In the Brabster, it gives more 'poke' and the engine seems to run quieter and more smoothly.
If you're curious, maybe give it a go, if you've got a Texaco station near you! :cool:
Details here: https://texaco.co.uk/motorists/our-motor-fuels
Marco.
Very interesting Marco, thanks for the heads up. I always use premium fuels as I find the car much smoother to drive and with an improved throttle response. Shell pulled out of Northern Ireland about 8 years ago so have been using BP Ultimate but this Texaco stuff now gives me another option. Filled up on Vpower when I was over for NEBO earlier in the year and thought it was better than Ultimate.
Will try the Supreme on next fill and report back. Might be a while as I'm car sharing with 3 other guys so weekly mileage is well down!
No worries, John. Just keep us posted :)
Respect on the car sharing thing, btw. More folks should be doing that!
Marco.
Audio Al
07-09-2017, 09:23
More folks should be doing that!
OK drop your car over on Friday and collect Monday morning :D Cheers :ner:
Lol... I'll invoice you later! ;)
Car sharing, however, is good for the environment. I'm all for it. Too many cars on the road now, with only the driver inside.
Marco.
Ha - 'girly petrols' don't count! :ner:;)
The unleaded version might 'work'. Not seen many Texaco stations around though, whenever I've been in France...
Marco.
There is nothing "girly" about my car compared to a Merc.
I see you have added the word "diesel" to your original post.
I normally fill up at the Total garages, and don't use "premium" unleaded as the car was mapped on SP95.
Yes, when I'm in France I like to use Total Exellium diesel, as the car runs well on it. The "girly" comment was tongue-in-cheek.
I just love the mentalist torque that big turbo diesels produce, which like for like (engine size), petrols just don't do, although they do some other things better. At the end of the day, car engines are a compromise just like anything else! ;)
How do you map a car's engine to perform optimally with a specific fuel? I'm genuinely interested :)
Marco.
Fill the tank with the fuel you are going to use, and perform the rolling road session with it.
The MAP will then be optimised for use on that fuel.
Interesting... Unconsciously, I did that with V-Power, yet the car goes better on Texaco Supreme! ;)
For me, if a specific fuel is genuinely better, the engine will respond to it, regardless.
Marco.
spendorman
07-09-2017, 11:33
I may have mentioned this before, apologies if so. About a year ago my 27 year old petrol Volvo was nearly empty. In the evening I stopped at an Asda petrol station, it was pretty dark around, filled it up. Drove off, all OK, part way down the road engine stated running a bit rough, thought, crap petrol. Further along it got worse, then the awful realisation that I'd filled with diesel. What a idiot, never done this before in over 45 years of driving.
With a horrible amount of engine knocking and hesitation, the old brick got me home. I bought a small electric fuel pump from ebay, very cheap and quite good, disconnected the fuel line at the carburettor (yes that old), and connected it to the new pump. The electric supply of the pump was connected to the cigarette lighter socket, output of the pump into many plastic fuel cans. Took a little while to pump out the 10 gallons or so.
Reconnected everything, put in a gallon of petrol, stated engine, a bit of smoke, but not too bad. Ran engine to deplete this gallon, put in more petrol and smoking almost gone. After a couple of weeks light use of car, back to normal.
My friend with a very old diesel was pleased to take the 10 gallons of stuff I had drained out.
Interestingly, this attack on the health of my engine by silly me, did not effect the emissions readings on the MOT, I was a bit worried about this.
Interesting... Unconsciously, I did that with V-Power, yet the car goes better on Texaco Supreme! ;)
For me, if a specific fuel is genuinely better, the engine will respond to it, regardless.
Marco.
As long as you have the appropriate sensors etc to take benefit of the better fuel.
There is no point me using SP98 as I don't have a knock sensor to optimise the map for it, just a wide and lambda sensor and adaptive mapping. So the car will perform roughly the same on SP95 or SP98.
Fill the tank with the fuel you are going to use, and perform the rolling road session with it.
The MAP will then be optimised for use on that fuel.
Yup.
When I had my Alfa remapped it was drinking V-Power at the time, and I've noticed its got more shove running with that fuel.
I had the ECU reset at the same time of the remap, so could be a factor I s'pose.
That said, tried the Tesco Momentum 99 for the first time and was impressed with it.
The "99" refers to the 99 Ron rating of the petrol, though it has added ethanol to boost it to 99 and doesn't have the same cleaning additives that V-Power has.
Tesco stuff is cheaper mind, and theres a rumour going around its the same stuff just with different additives.
Bearing in mind Shell and Tesco dont own their own refineries, they need to get it from somewhere... :eyebrows:
What I DO know is that BP Ultimate is nothing of the kind...engine feels heavy with a tank of that stuff, never again.
V-Power for us girly petrol drivers is the way forward I think!
HonestJohn agrees:
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/28321/shell-v-power-and-tesco-momentum-99
As little by as you have the appropriate sensors etc to take benefit of the better fuel.
There is no point me using SP98 as I don't have a knock sensor to optimise the map for it, just a wide and lambda sensor and adaptive mapping. So the car will perform roughly the same on SP95 or SP98.
Sure, mate. I also think it's not just about octane or cetane levels, but often about which fuel contains the more effective cleaning agents, which for me is where most (if not all) of the benefit comes from with 'premium fuels', acting independently of any engine mapping :)
Marco.
Yup.
When I had my Alfa remapped it was drinking V-Power at the time, and I've noticed its got more shove running with that fuel.
I had the ECU reset at the same time of the remap, so could be a factor I s'pose.
That said, tried the Tesco Momentum 99 for the first time and was impressed with it.
The "99" refers to the 99 Ron rating of the petrol, though it has added ethanol to boost it to 99 and doesn't have the same cleaning additives that V-Power has.
Tesco stuff is cheaper mind, and theres a rumour going around its the same stuff just with different additives.
Bearing in mind Shell and Tesco dont own their own refineries, they need to get it from somewhere... :eyebrows:
What I DO know is that BP Ultimate is nothing of the kind...engine feels heavy with a tank of that stuff, never again.
V-Power for us girly petrol drivers is the way forward I think!
All interesting and relevant stuff, Gaz. It does appear that some fuels suit some cars better than others, and I agree with you about BP Ultimate, now I've found other stuff that's better.
If you get a chance though, try some of the Texaco fuel, as they also do a Supreme unleaded, and see how you get on :)
Marco.
Theres a Texaco near by me Marco, will stick a half tank of their Supreme in see how it goes. :thumbsup:
All interesting and relevant stuff, Gaz. It does appear that some fuels suit some cars better than others, and I agree with you about BP Ultimate, now I've found other stuff that's better.
If you get a chance though, try some of the Texaco fuel, as they also do a Supreme unleaded, and see how you get on :)
Marco.
Nice one, mate. It's fun to experiment. Be interested in your feedback :cool:
Marco.
walpurgis
11-09-2017, 09:16
That was a painful experience. £586 to renew the car insurance! :eek: And that was after a bit of haggling to get it down from the quoted £651. I'm a pensioner with no claims, driving a sub 1000cc car and insured as driving less than 5000 miles a year.
If I lived out in the sticks, I'd probably pay a third of that.
That dosh could have bought some Hi-Fi! :(
I pay less than that for a Caterham 7 with just over 200 BHP.
walpurgis
11-09-2017, 09:59
I pay less than that for a Caterham 7 with just over 200 BHP.
It's the area. The town's full of useless buggers that can't drive and the car crime is high too, so I get lumbered.
My brother paid a lot less than that last year to cover both a sporty new VW Eos and a new Ssangyong Korando Sport pickup together. He's down in the West Country.
spendorman
11-09-2017, 10:43
That was a painful experience. £586 to renew the car insurance! :eek: And that was after a bit of haggling to get it down from the quoted £651. I'm a pensioner with no claims, driving a sub 1000cc car and insured as driving less than 5000 miles a year.
If I lived out in the sticks, I'd probably pay a third of that.
That dosh could have bought some Hi-Fi! :(
It seems that car insurance has gone up. Several friends remarked about this. Last year my own insurance was £121.60, a few days ago, they wanted £149.11, I said that this was a big increase, they reduced it to £137.11. This is for classic car comprehensive insurance, limited mileage, including breakdown recovery.
You perhaps should shop around, if you find cheaper, I think you have 14 days to to cancel your insurance and get your money back, well nearly all of it as you may have used a few days insurance.
My present insurance company told me of this when my previous company were playing silly bu**ers. I had insurance for a 1.7 Volvo, changed to the same model and year car, but this had only a 1.4 engine. The policy went up considerably, and they would not listen to reason. I took the insurance. Then I phoned another company, told them the story, they said cancel the original insurance, as I had 14 days to do that. I insured with the new company for less.
Strangely, a few years ago third party was not necessarily cheaper than comprehensive, I don't know about now.
walpurgis
11-09-2017, 10:52
Strangely, a few years ago third party was not necessarily cheaper than comprehensive, I don't know about now.
Last year, out of curiosity, I asked my insurer how much TPFT cover would be and the quote was higher than fully comp!
hifilover
11-09-2017, 17:27
Haven't posted on here in ages... I've been quiet when its comes to cars for most of this year TBH. Bottled buying an E61 M5 touring earlier on this year; couldn't bring myself to part with c£20k for a car that may do c2k miles a year... Thought a lot about running it as my everyday car; even with only doing 4k miles a year, but the running costs and maintenance costs would have been silly really... One day though, I will have a V10 :D
So; the latest is that I'm running another BMW E39 530i as my daily car; my last one was unfortunately written off for me in Manchester whilst I was in a meeting! :roll:
It's in for some body work in a few weeks (first black car I've ever owned), other than that, it'll stay as OEM as possible and just be maintained :)
However, I have bought myself a 1988 CRX shell that's been seam welded and had a half-cage professionally fitted along with a new pedal box and new welded seat rails to allow for a fatty like me to sit in it, comfortably :D
It's currently being flocked everywhere and will have 2 seats fitted and a fully flocked rear, empty otherwise
As for the engine, the shell's been converted to RW, so I'm fitting a charged F20C S2K engine in it ;) The engines being cleaned/honed/skimmed as we speak with a potential head re0-build as the engine was 'scrapped' initially for smoking too much. Whoever did it clearly had no idea they were being conned as there's zilch wrong with it, just loose valve seats/valve guides etc, just waiting for the charger kit and bits from over the Pond (sent via snail mail as I'm in no rush)
And I think I'm gonna treat myself to some of these: http://www.icbmotorsport.com/ssrgt175x15o.html
Already bought the Toyo 888s for them :lol:
walpurgis
11-09-2017, 22:05
Interesting new AMG Merc! (it's quite nippy :))
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/mercedes-amg-project-one-photos-and-info-news
No worries, John. Just keep us posted :)
Respect on the car sharing thing, btw. More folks should be doing that!
Marco.
Well I put about 2/3rds of a tank of Texaco Supreme on top of a 1/3rd of BP Ultimate last Friday and have been running it all week. Car feels a bit friskier I think and surprisingly noticeable off-boost, which is below about 1400 rpm for my car, definitely pulls better low down.
Car sharing is working very well. There are four of us sharing a 65 mile round trip every day so it's a serious saving in fuel and depreciation. Whole thing hinges on everyone being on time though.
Nice one, John. Try a full tank next time! :)
Yup, I'm all for car sharing like that. Do you all work for the same company, then? If so, you can all have a good bitch about your bosses and shit that goes on, during the journey... That's what normally happens ;)
Marco.
Nice one, John. Try a full tank next time! :)
Yup, I'm all for car sharing like that. Do you all work for the same company, then? If so, you can all have a good bitch about your bosses and shit that goes on, during the journey... That's what normally happens ;)
Marco.
Yes, all work at the same place. We've moved on a bit now conversation wise to how things will be done when *we* rule the world :D
What we lack in wisdom we make up for in opinion :rolleyes:
walpurgis
23-09-2017, 12:15
Oh dear. M3 by Winchester closed in both directions. That's a bugger of a place for it to happen.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-41371699
Just spent two days driving this Macan S. Extraordinarily good considering the size of the beast. Proves you can get a big SUV type machine to handle well and go fast.
If you ask me do I like it, then the answer is no. It is pointlessly big for my needs. But I was impressed.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/d20e99131f9fb90a5a66ed6e06e86c2c.jpg
rmcin626
03-10-2017, 18:55
Why is it so difficult to buy a decent petrol SUV, and if you find one the price is outrageous . I test drove an Audi Q5 the other day its over £42k new. The diesel was 4 grand cheaper all very strange.
walpurgis
03-10-2017, 19:18
Why is it so difficult to buy a decent petrol SUV, and if you find one the price is outrageous . I test drove an Audi Q5 the other day its over £42k new. The diesel was 4 grand cheaper all very strange.
My brother bought the 3.0 turbo diesel V6 auto. He got stranded miles out in the French countyside with a blown tyre and they don't supply a spare wheel with the Q5, only an electric pump and tyre repair 'goo', which proved to be useless. The car was eventually recovered and the tyre replaced, but he was so annoyed about it, that he disposed of it as soon as he returned to the UK!
rmcin626
03-10-2017, 19:27
My brother bought the 3.0 turbo diesel V6 auto. He got stranded miles out in the French countyside with a blown tyre and they don't supply a spare wheel with the Q5, only an electric pump and tyre repair 'goo', which proved to be useless. The car was eventually recovered and the tyre replaced, but he was so annoyed about it, that he disposed of it as soon as he returned to the UK!
Nice car to drive but a hell of a price
I'm afraid that SUVs do nothing for me whatsoever. Just not my thing. I like being LOW down in a car (for a greater sensation of speed and fun), not HIGH up.
I'd only ever considered one if I lived out in the sticks and needed the 4WD facility.
Marco.
rmcin626
03-10-2017, 20:37
I'm afraid that SUVs do nothing for me whatsoever. Just not my thing. I like being LOW down in a car (for a greater sensation of speed and fun), not HIGH up.
I'd only ever considered one if I lived out in the sticks and needed the 4WD facility.
Marco.
Marco, I prefer the driving position and need the 4 wheel drive to get home in the winter if there is snow, done the low and fast.
Just hate car shopping
My brother bought the 3.0 turbo diesel V6 auto. He got stranded miles out in the French countyside with a blown tyre and they don't supply a spare wheel with the Q5, only an electric pump and tyre repair 'goo', which proved to be useless. The car was eventually recovered and the tyre replaced, but he was so annoyed about it, that he disposed of it as soon as he returned to the UK!
Had he taken out full European breakdown cover with the AA or RAC, Geoff? That's what we always do, when we go abroad with the car. Never had to use it yet, but if the worst happens and your car's toast, they fly you home and get your car back there, too.
The peace of mind is well worth it, and it doesn't cost that much either. Think it was less than £60 last time we went to Germany.
Marco.
walpurgis
03-10-2017, 20:46
Had he taken out full European breakdown cover with the AA or RAC, Geoff? That's what we always do, when we go abroad with the car. Never had to use it yet, but if the worst happens and your car's toast, they fly you home and get your car back there, too.
The peace of mind is well worth it, and it doesn't cost that much either. Think it was less than £60 last time we went to Germany.
Marco.
He had cover Marco, he's often touring abroad. Via the VAG dealership I believe, part of the package as it was a brand new car.
Marco, I prefer the driving position and need the 4 wheel drive to get home in the winter if there is snow, done the low and fast.
Just hate car shopping
Hey Robin, if you need it, you need it., so that's cool. I don't need 4WD, and if you're someone who doesn't and lives in a town, you're a bit of a dick if you drive about in an SUV. Don't talk to me about women driving SUVs and 'school runs' either, just because they 'like to be high up'! :guns:
Marco.
He had cover Marco, he's often touring abroad. Via the VAG dealership I believe, part of the package as it was a brand new car.
Cool. Never understood why some folk cut corners like that, even in the UK. If you take a car out onto the road, then you either know how to fix it yourself in the event of a breakdown or puncture, or take out appropriate breakdown cover.
Marco.
Why is it so difficult to buy a decent petrol SUV, and if you find one the price is outrageous . I test drove an Audi Q5 the other day its over £42k new. The diesel was 4 grand cheaper all very strange.That Macan S was insured by Porsche for £62,500. When I got I back to the garage as my Boxster was in for some work, I told the service engineer what a fine piece of mechanical engineering it was. And it is.
The instant retort was that I couldn't have it because it had already been sold. Was I supposed to look disappointed or was it just a statement of fact?
£62K is insane but it shits all over a Merc GLA at half the price - my wife's new toy. So you get something for the price.
I had no respect for them until now.
rmcin626
05-10-2017, 18:16
That Macan S was insured by Porsche for £62,500. When I got I back to the garage as my Boxster was in for some work, I told the service engineer what a fine piece of mechanical engineering it was. And it is.
The instant retort was that I couldn't have it because it had already been sold. Was I supposed to look disappointed or was it just a statement of fact?
£62K is insane but it shits all over a Merc GLA at half the price - my wife's new toy. So you get something for the price.
I had no respect for them until now.
I'm struggling to get my head round £40k for a car never mind £60k
I could probably think of a hundred cars I'd buy for that money, before I'd touch that Macan, or indeed ANY 'boresville' car of that type, so bollox to it... Woteva yer into, though :)
Marco.
Well I put about 2/3rds of a tank of Texaco Supreme on top of a 1/3rd of BP Ultimate last Friday and have been running it all week. Car feels a bit friskier I think and surprisingly noticeable off-boost, which is below about 1400 rpm for my car, definitely pulls better low down.
Hi John,
Have you tried a full tank of the Texaco yet? :)
This is probably the key to its efficacy (with premium fuels, for me, it's all down to the effectiveness of the cleaning agents used): http://www.texaco.com/fuels.html and:http://www.techron.com/
...and in this case, the repeated use of Techron...
I'm now using their Supreme diesel exclusively, as the Brabster unquestionably performs better with it, both in terms of fuel economy and performance :cool:
Marco.
Hi John,
Have you tried a full tank of the Texaco yet? :)
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Marco.
Yes, still about 1/3rd of it left. Car is running very well on it, only concern is a slight bit of injector noise/knock under load which I don't *think* was there with BP Ultimate. I was planning to fill with Ultimate next time to check/compare. It's a relatively new car to me so I'm still getting a feel for it especially since my weekly mileage is well down. Yes, cleaning agents are key and probably take a few tankfulls to give full gains.
Here she is, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee462/castle48/Superb/DFB95A5C-5631-4E05-83C3-1682DE75BB43.jpg (http://s1229.photobucket.com/user/castle48/media/Superb/DFB95A5C-5631-4E05-83C3-1682DE75BB43.jpg.html)
Interesting... Can't see how a change of fuel would cause such a noise, unless the cleaning additives in the Texaco have dislodged some 'gunk', which previously was hiding an issue needing fixed?
I know that can sometimes be the effect of using an engine flush, prior to carrying out an oil change, as often a load of 'gunk' can to an extent be holding some things together, especially in terms of exposing knocks and rattles that previously existed, but were simply being dampened by said 'gunk'....
Marco.
Interesting... Can't see how a change of fuel would cause such a noise, unless the cleaning additives in the Texaco have dislodged some 'gunk', which previously was hiding an issue needing fixed?
I know that can sometimes be the effect of using an engine flush, prior to carrying out an oil change.
Marco.
Don't know, maybe my imagination. I'll try the BP and see what happens.
Filled with BP Ultimate this evening and the noise is gone. Car feels like it's happier running on Ultimate so I'll stick with it. Definitely some injector knock with the Texaco fuel in my car but thanks for the heads up Marco, well worth trying.
Fair enough, mate. Interesting findings all the same! I'm convinced that some fuels suit certain cars more than others.... BP Ultimate, in mine, is cack in comparison with the Texaco.
Marco.
Techno Commander
08-10-2017, 21:36
Work booked me a car (intermediate manual) to perform a couple of service visits to some of our customers. It would appear the rental gods must have been smiling on me, as I somewhat unexpectedly received this. :)
https://i.imgur.com/Q21bYuo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/57F1GHB.jpg
I could probably think of a hundred cars I'd buy for that money, before I'd touch that Macan, or indeed ANY 'boresville' car of that type, so bollox to it... Woteva yer into, though :)
Marco.They can be made to work well. That's the point. Like it or hate it.
I'm sure they can be made to "work well", Justy; that is if you're seeking that type of "work well" in the first place, but at a stupid price - and arguably not any 'more well' than similar cars at half the price...
I don't hate them, or other cars like them. I'm just simply disinterested in them :)
Marco.
I'm sure they can be made to "work well", Justy; that is if you're seeking that type of "work well" in the first place, but at a stupid price - and arguably not any 'more well' than similar cars at half the price...
I don't hate them, or other cars like them. I'm just simply disinterested in them :)
Marco.You don't need to say that. I think we mutually agreed the breed is shite a while back.
However, I stand by my point.:)
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 13:31
Fair enough, mate. Interesting findings all the same! I'm convinced that some fuels suit certain cars more than others.... BP Ultimate, in mine, is cack in comparison with the Texaco.
Marco.
The ECU needs to learn what octane rating of fuel you are using and adjust the engine parameters accordingly. This can take a couple of tankfuls or more. Probably why there was injector noise.
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 13:33
My car was written off a few weeks ago. Went to see a 407 coupe V6 2.7HDI last week. Pick it up on Friday hopefully.
Work booked me a car (intermediate manual) to perform a couple of service visits to some of our customers. It would appear the rental gods must have been smiling on me, as I somewhat unexpectedly received this. :)
https://i.imgur.com/Q21bYuo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/57F1GHB.jpg
I really like the 3 series GT, great leg room. Bet that goes well!
The ECU needs to learn what octane rating of fuel you are using and adjust the engine parameters accordingly. This can take a couple of tankfuls or more. Probably why there was injector noise.
Interesting, Ali. Never thought of that. Makes sense (although that never happened with me). So John should perhaps persevere more with the Texaco... :)
Marco.
The ECU needs to learn what octane rating of fuel you are using and adjust the engine parameters accordingly. This can take a couple of tankfuls or more. Probably why there was injector noise.
Didn't know that Ali. The noise is audible with the BP but much less so. It's only at certain times though, possibly when the DPF is doing a regen.
My car was written off a few weeks ago. Went to see a 407 coupe V6 2.7HDI last week. Pick it up on Friday hopefully.
Hope you weren't hurt. That sounds like a nice car, pokey and comfortable. Big road tax?
My car was written off a few weeks ago. Went to see a 407 coupe V6 2.7HDI last week. Pick it up on Friday hopefully.
Sorry to hear that, mate. You've been through a few different vehicles in the last few years. Let's hope that the latest one proves to be a keeper! :)
Marco.
Interesting, Ali. Never thought of that. Makes sense (although that never happened with me). So John should perhaps persevere more with the Texaco... :)
Marco.
My mileage is down so much now a tank does me 3 weeks easily so it would take a while!
Not complaining though :)
Nope, not at all! :)
However, do you run your tank almost down to the minimum before refuelling? I never do that, as it encourages any dirt gathered at the bottom of the tank to circulate into the fuel system, which is bad.
Therefore, I never go around with any less than a quarter-full tank of diesel, and mostly I top up to maximum, when the tank reaches half full, which means I can jump into the car knowing that I can go pretty much anywhere, without having to waste time visiting a garage :cool:
I never understand these folk who insist on driving around on 'vapours'!
Marco.
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 16:36
Cheers, no wasn't hurt, though the biker that hit me was. Not my fault I hasten to add. Van in front of me turned right into the path of a bike coming the other way. Bike swerved to avoid him, clipped the back end of the van and veered across the road straight at me. I swerved to avoid a head on collision, he crashed into my rear quarter. Boor bugger broke most of his ribs on one side and a wrist and ankle, as all the damage to my car was caused by his body rather than the bike. Was a vintage 1959 Ariel too. Not a young bloke either, around 60.
Worst thing was, the van driver buggered off. Luckily, I have a dash cam, so they caught the twat. He's being done for dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Yes the coupe is nice, very pokey and probably the quietest car I've driven, petrol or diesel. The tiptronic box suits it well. Bad point is the high road tax as you say..
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 16:37
Interesting, Ali. Never thought of that. Makes sense (although that never happened with me). So John should perhaps persevere more with the Texaco... :)
Marco.
Yes would probably do the trick.
No, never gets below 1/4 tank.
I'm like you, I like to know I have enough fuel in the tank to jump in and go without worrying about running out.
I'm doing about 180 miles per week now instead of 450 and my car will do 700 miles on a full tank! I used to fill up every Friday afternoon but now it's just whenever.
Cheers, no wasn't hurt, though the biker that hit me was. Not my fault I hasten to add. Van in front of me turned right into the path of a bike coming the other way. Bike swerved to avoid him, clipped the back end of the van and veered across the road straight at me. I swerved to avoid a head on collision, he crashed into my rear quarter. Boor bugger broke most of his ribs on one side and a wrist and ankle, as all the damage to my car was caused by his body rather than the bike. Was a vintage 1959 Ariel too. Not a young bloke either, around 60.
Worst thing was, the van driver buggered off. Luckily, I have a dash cam, so they caught the twat. He's being done for dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Yes the coupe is nice, very pokey and probably the quietest car I've driven, petrol or diesel. The tiptronic box suits it well. Bad point is the high road tax as you say..
Ouch!
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 16:48
Looks are a bit marmite, but I quite like it-
https://i.imgur.com/ny7eDxh.jpg
Cheers, no wasn't hurt, though the biker that hit me was. Not my fault I hasten to add. Van in front of me turned right into the path of a bike coming the other way. Bike swerved to avoid him, clipped the back end of the van and veered across the road straight at me. I swerved to avoid a head on collision, he crashed into my rear quarter. Boor bugger broke most of his ribs on one side and a wrist and ankle, as all the damage to my car was caused by his body rather than the bike. Was a vintage 1959 Ariel too. Not a young bloke either, around 60.
Worst thing was, the van driver buggered off. Luckily, I have a dash cam, so they caught the twat. He's being done for dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Haha - serves the fucker right!
I hate twats like that, who think they can cause havoc and then disappear. They need to be made accountable for their actions. Let's hope that it was a company van, and that he was an employee, thus was also suitably reprimanded by his employers for his careless driving, along with him getting at least a six-month ban and a hefty fine!
Anyway, glad you're ok. Sounds like a pretty hairy incident, but thanks to your quick reactions, both you and the motorcyclist have lived to tell the tale!! :)
Marco.
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 16:53
10 speaker JBL sound system as standard too..
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 16:56
Haha - serves the fucker right!
I hate twats like that who think they can cause havoc and then disappear. They need to be made accountable for their actions. Let's hope that it was a company van, and that he was an employee, thus was also suitably reprimanded by his employers for his careless driving, along with him getting at least a six-month ban and a hefty fine!
Anyway, glad you're ok. Sounds like a pretty hairy incident, but thanks to your quick reactions, both you and the motorcyclist have lived to tell the tale!! :)
Marco.
Cheers, yes it was a close thing, he could easily have come through my windscreen.
It was a hire van. Dunno what he does, but I do know he lives in Galashiels, where I'm working at the moment.
Looks are a bit marmite, but I quite like it-
https://i.imgur.com/ny7eDxh.jpg
Guy I worked with had the 2.2 and loved it. Good handling and nice seats.
Cheers, yes it was a close thing, he could easily have come through my windscreen.
It was a hire van. Dunno what he does, but I do know he lives in Galashiels, where I'm working at the moment.
A not so braw lad then. shouldnt have done a runner. maybe pissed.
was looking at an older version of that motor a number of years ago. quite nice
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 17:10
The 406 coupe Grant?
Yes a very pretty car, Pininfarina styled.
Ali Tait
18-10-2017, 17:10
Guy I worked with had the 2.2 and loved it. Good handling and nice seats.
Yes, thought the seats were very good.
The 406 coupe Grant?
Yes a very pretty car, Pininfarina styled.
yup think so. Wife was less keen as it only had the 2 doors and tbh she was right. at time I really was better with the 5 doors. beauty of a motor tho :lol:
walpurgis
05-11-2017, 14:25
Koenigsegg now world's fastest production car.
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/supercars/koenigsegg-has-smashed-worlds-fastest-car-record
That is shifting, and on a public road with off the shelf tyres..
spendorman
05-11-2017, 14:36
Must buy one for travelling around London!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da_qhyWpMjk
spendorman
05-11-2017, 14:43
Some expensive repairs needed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1PBJhmF8_g
Some expensive repairs needed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1PBJhmF8_g
lots of rich guys who dont have a scooby how to drive such things:doh:
spendorman
05-11-2017, 15:31
lots of rich guys who dont have a scooby how to drive such things:doh:
In the late 60's early 70's I worked as an engineer for a Janspeed agency. The owner had many expensive/ classic cars, inc. Aston Martin, Jaguar XK120, E Type Jaguar, Bentley, Daimler Dart, Mini Cooper, Austin Healey Sprite, Austin A40 (with an MGB engine), Mini Van (to Cooper spec and more). Mini racer that I did a lot of work on, but, he had not a clue how to drive. At Brands he spun in his Daimler Dart, ended up travelling the wrong way round the circuit. In his Mini racer, a Jag would not get out of the way, he rammed it, of course that took the Mini racer out of the race as oil spewed out of the front mounted oil cooler.
Always wanted a Healey like this
https://assets.hemmings.com/story_image/111353-500-0@2x.jpg?rev=2
had a scaletrics model and it was my fav as a boy
spendorman
05-11-2017, 16:24
My uncle had a red one, Austin Healey 3000
My uncle had a red one, Austin Healey 3000
lucky man.. at least i had a model one :D
Firebottle
05-11-2017, 16:49
Well I've got 2 models of the McLaren F1, wish I had a real one :D
spendorman
05-11-2017, 16:49
lucky man.. at least i had a model one :D
Not that lucky, died a bit early, in his 50's.
walpurgis
05-11-2017, 18:39
Here's the video of the Koenigsegg record run. I like the way he changes into top at 225mph on the second run!
https://jalopnik.com/this-is-what-koenigseggs-record-278-mph-nevada-speed-ru-1820157256
walpurgis
17-11-2017, 12:14
It may not look much, but I really want this.
http://i67.tinypic.com/outdsk.jpg
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-ANF-125-7-INNOVA-2009-09-2-590-MILES-SUPERB-CONDITION-1495/182902776832?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
These are brilliant. They just go on forever and will take you anywhere.
I had a mint blue one a few years ago. Currently own a mint silver example, but fancy this orange one too.
Yesh, if you fit a shopping basket onto the front it'll be perfect! :D
Marco.
walpurgis
17-11-2017, 14:48
I was expecting something like that! ;)
But slicing past traffic hold-ups and achieving 150mpg has a certain satisfaction. No parking problems and minimal tax & insurance sweeten the deal too. Not to mention it's a hoot to ride. :)
Lol.... Fair enough. And it is a bit of a babe magnet:D
However, would you trust some idiot [of which there are many] on the roads in London not to kill you on one of those things?
Marco.
walpurgis
17-11-2017, 16:08
Been riding around London for over forty years, on some powerful stuff when it suits too. This Honda is well capable of leaving most four wheeled stuff behind in town. I commuted on one of these for some years with no probs. You learn survival instincts.
Fair enough mate, I get that. The traffic situation down there is hard for me to fathom, as up here in North Wales, outside of Wrexham on country roads, I've often got the road completely to myself! :)
Marco.
Minstrel SE
20-11-2017, 17:45
This was my first car in this colour :) Nippy and reliable little 1.2 but mine had the original rostyle wheels. Would have liked the coupe but still liked this saloon...The LHD slight customised version is the nearest library picture I can find
http://www.upload.ee/image/159466/aoagwall.jpg
Always liked the Opel Kadett...you got a bit more for your money than a Vauxhall version.
Theres a collectors club for these now and I gave it away when I got my Astra GTE.
walpurgis
20-11-2017, 17:55
Yeah. Nice. Always liked Opels, loved my Mantas!
http://i64.tinypic.com/oucu8j.jpg
HackneyRF
22-11-2017, 19:01
http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=21965&d=1511374128
http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=21966&d=1511374155
Picked this Beemer up at the weekend. I think I've managed to get a bargain with 16k on the clock, full service history etc. Near mint i would say. Pulls like a train from low down and handles beautifully. Really chuffed to have a Boxer once again, the last one being a R100RS in 1993. Happy days. :)
walpurgis
22-11-2017, 19:30
Nice! Those were well reviewed when they came out. I like the looks.
Now that's a modern bike I like! For me, it's rather more classy/stylish than the Jap varieties produced these days. Nice one, Loz. Hope you have lots of fun on it :cool:
Marco.
walpurgis
22-11-2017, 23:40
The Budget. Diesel drivers to be clobbered again. After many years in the past of previous governments encouraging people to buy diesel cars, they are no longer 'flavour of the month', so their owners are to be further penalised. Seems rather unfair. Why not wait for natural attrition and just let them wear out and be scrapped? More 'justifiable' bucks in the kitty no doubt.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/4971044/budget-2017-new-diesel-road-tax-from-april-next-year-but-fuel-duty-remains-frozen/
HackneyRF
23-11-2017, 08:56
Nice! Those were well reviewed when they came out. I like the looks.
Now that's a modern bike I like! For me, rather more classy/stylish than the Jap varieties produced these days. Nice one, Loz. Hope you have lots of fun on it :cool:
Marco.
Thanks guys. My Suzuki RF6 is currently sitting idle at the back of the garage as a result, unused but not unloved. I should add that the Boxer cost a measly £2300. Absolute bargain. I guess it pays to wait and buy in winter time!
Cheers
Loz
The Budget. Diesel drivers to be clobbered again. After many years in the past of previous governments encouraging people to buy diesel cars, they are no longer 'flavour of the month', so their owners are to be further penalised. Seems rather unfair. Why not wait for natural attrition and just let them wear out and be scrapped? More 'justifiable' bucks in the kitty no doubt.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/4971044/budget-2017-new-diesel-road-tax-from-april-next-year-but-fuel-duty-remains-frozen/
Yup, but it's only for new cars that don't meet the latest emissions standards, and older ones to which that also applies.
If the former is the case, then the car concerned simply isn't fit for purpose, and in terms of the latter, that will be tested for in an MOT - and if the car fails, then the owner will need to do something about it or face the consequences.
For me, that's perfectly justified and fair, as something drastic needs done about current pollution levels, which with increasing levels of traffic, are getting worse all the time, especially in big cities.
It's one of the reasons why I keep the Brabster in tip-top condition, by using the best fuels and oils I can, containing the appropriate cleaning additives (thus reducing carbon emissions accordingly), keep the tyre pressures correct, and generally maintaining the car properly and having it serviced regularly.
Preventative maintenance is also the key, i.e. having your car checked regularly, by a trusted and capable mechanic, and addressing any issues *before* something goes wrong.... ;)
Too many folks these days think that owning a car is simply about driving it, and lazily expecting everything to just 'look after itself'. Or are too mean to spend anything on their cars, other than on fuel - and even that is grudged, so any old shit will do, as long as it's cheap! :rolleyes:
All of the above makes a big difference to how 'clean' your diesel car (or any car) is, and why mine usually sails through its MOT! :cool:
Marco.
Porshe Panamera
There are a couple I see on my way back from work some nights, a black one and a white one.
Never liked the styling of Porshes, except for the 928, but the Panamera looks pretty cool. I think because it reminds me a bit of the cars from UFO:
Porshe Panamera:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=22072&d=1512209941
UFO Car:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=22073&d=1512210282
Obviously the Porshe would look even better in dogshit brown but that doesn't seem to be a colour option.
walpurgis
02-12-2017, 10:40
The Panamera is not a pretty car. I've always thought the proportions wrong. It's fast though. From the Porsche range, I guess the Cayman is the best looking, nicer than the 911.
As for the UFO car. My first thought is why angle the sides in? That immediately makes the cabin cramped. Still, it wasn't intended as a serious design.
You've got the names transposed by the way Martin.
You've got the names transposed by the way Martin.
Your not a reader of 'Private Eye' I guess?
I think it is quite a cool looking car. That's rare these days.
The UFO cars used gas turbine engine I believe.
walpurgis
02-12-2017, 11:04
I think it is quite a cool looking car
THIS is a cool looking car. 1969 Maserati Ghibli.
http://i63.tinypic.com/2dw6o7o.jpg
That is cool but they don't make them anymore.
walpurgis
02-12-2017, 11:15
That is cool but they don't make them anymore.
They don't make these anymore either....But it's just so gorgeous!!
http://i68.tinypic.com/2yuafsx.jpg
Ferrari 275GTB. Sounds amazing too!
Porshe Panamera
There are a couple I see on my way back from work some nights, a black one and a white one.
Never liked the styling of Porshes, except for the 928, but the Panamera looks pretty cool. I think because it reminds me a bit of the cars from UFO:
Porshe Panamera:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=22072&d=1512209941
UFO Car:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=22073&d=1512210282
Sorry, I don't see any resemblance there at all....
Marco.
walpurgis
03-12-2017, 23:20
Just thought I'd bung this up. No particular reason, but it sure is pretty. 1970 Alfa Montreal
http://i63.tinypic.com/2mp0ke0.jpg
Immaculate taste in cars, as usual, Geoff. That is simply GORGEOUS! Never seen one before either :)
Marco.
walpurgis
03-12-2017, 23:45
Fiat Dino 2+2 Coupe. Lovely looking car, with the Ferarri 246 Dino engine. Note the similarity to the original Aston Martin DBS.
http://i66.tinypic.com/2vmcad2.jpg
Here's the Aston.
http://i66.tinypic.com/33kevb4.jpg
Fiat Dino 2+2 Coupe. Lovely looking car, with the Ferarri 246 Dino engine
'Wheeler Dealers' did one of them
73GDuzOG1iw
walpurgis
05-12-2017, 20:21
Just 'cos they're pretty.
Late sixties Bizarrini 5300 Strada.
http://i65.tinypic.com/qzezon.jpg
Iso Grifo 7.0 litre. Also Late sixties.
http://i65.tinypic.com/5f5347.png
Both used American V8 engines.
Minstrel SE
06-12-2017, 19:42
https://www.thecarspy.net/assets/1231-Dom-10Nov052.jpg
https://porschebahn.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/100_0666.jpg
I would have something from the 911 range. I have these in 1.18 scale if I could just sprinkle some magic enlarging potion on them :)
Best looking range of sports cars IMO Superb German engineering! Is there anything better looking? :) This thread is a good excuse to get the pictures up
Pigmy Pony
19-12-2017, 21:46
[QUOTE=Minstrel SE;925964]https://www.thecarspy.net/assets/1231-Dom-10Nov052.jpg
https://porschebahn.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/100_0666.jpg
I would have something from the 911 range. I have these in 1.18 scale if I could just sprinkle some magic enlarging potion on them :)
Or some magic shrinking potion for yourself-lounge to kitchen in 2.8 seconds, bit of drifting round the cat
walpurgis
21-12-2017, 10:48
Things that annoy when driving. Mirror article.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/most-annoying-driving-habits-been-11500523
Beobloke
21-12-2017, 12:55
To bring things back to the crashingly mundane, my beloved Range Rover is not very well and the repair bill is more than I am prepared to pay. Thus it will be going very soon and to replace it I have joined the Mercedes club, courtesy of a 2003 E-Class estate, which I have always fancied, but which a mate of mine took one look at and laughingly referred to as "a bl**dy hearse". (It's dark blue, actually, not black!)
As to engine size, dont ask. It has a supercharger but this is less to do with shredding tyres even faster and more to do with making sure it actually goes up hills...
22238
Just replaced the rear tyres on the Brabster (previously Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 3s), as they were wearing down to the legal limit, with the top new sports performance tyre from Michelin, the Pilot Sport 4s, details here: https://www.kwik-fit.com/blog/introducing-the-michelin-pilot-sport-4s
...and WOW, what a tyre! It's certainly not cheap (£250 each for the size I need), but the road holding/grip and control on cornering, especially in the wet, really is something else - and they're amazingly quiet, too (at high speeds it almost feels like you're floating on air)! :eek::)
Justers (or anyone else with a performance rear wheel-driven car) really need to try this tyre, as it's a veritable game changer!!
A couple of short vids to watch for those interested (scroll down): https://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/michelin-pilot-sport-4-s
And a more detailed one here, and a review:
kasI6HtxcH0 F65rXOlS2f8
If you *really* want to release the full handling potential of your performance car, then these are the babies to fit :trust:
Can't wait to replace the fronts!!
Marco.
They are supposed to be good, but are not suitable for my car.
Too hard and at too big diameter wise. They seem to be available in 19”, 20” and 21”.
In fact Michelin don’t make any tyres suitable my toy car.
Lol... Hopefully Justers will see this and try them on his Boxy :)
Went on a run just outside Chester last night, when the roads were quiet.
It wasn't raining, but the roads were damp, and with any tyres I've used before, I used to get a fair bit of wheel spin, if I accelerated hard from a standing start in damp/wet conditions (as the torque/power on the rears is substantial), but nothing whatsoever with these Michelin - just oodles of grip, allowing the car to accelerate freely and power forward through the gears, whilst staying in full control, going hard round corners, and up to some scary speeds on the straights! :eyebrows:
Major FUN! :D
Marco.
walpurgis
06-01-2018, 14:58
Do you give new tyres a few miles to break in Marco? If find they can be slippy until the surface has been abraded a bit.
Hi Geoff, yeah defo... The journey from my mechanic in Oswestry (where the tyres were fitted, and some 15 miles from home) would've sorted that out. So last night I wanted to give them a bit of stick! :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
09-01-2018, 10:36
Had to give the car its monthly fill-up yesterday. Thirty flippin quid! :eek:
Dare say I'll need to fill the bike soon too, with spring approaching. The tank on that holds nearly a gallon. Another dent in my cobwebby wallet. Still, 0.9G will get me about 150 miles.
Lol - consider that a bargain compared with what some of us are paying for similar fill-ups! ;)
Marco.
walpurgis
09-01-2018, 11:00
Buying a small but decent car for my retirement was a very good move. It does everything I need and costs peanuts to run. I don't even pay road tax, it's free.
Yups... You buy a car that best suits your current needs. No doubt I'll eventually get to where you are, but at the moment I still want some (driving) fun in my life, so the car I have will continue to reflect that until 'old man syndrome' kicks in :D
Mind you, my dad (at 85) is still driving around in his Honda, fitted with K&N air filters and stainless steel sports exhaust!! No-one in our family ever knows when to grow up :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
09-01-2018, 11:11
I'm sure I'd enjoy a bigger car with some poke again, but I have a heavy foot and really don't want another speeding nick!
I have to watch myself even in the little Suzuki, 'cos that can get a reasonable move on if it wants to.
one ive got is only car i can get into with comfort that ive found. got a clean licence tho.
Pieoftheday
09-01-2018, 12:33
My BMW f800r has never liked the cold and the last couple of sub zero nights have sucked the battery almost dry, it's on charge at the moment,it still lives!! Why does the cold do this to batteries?
My BMW f800r has never liked the cold and the last couple of sub zero nights have sucked the battery almost dry, it's on charge at the moment,it still lives!! Why does the cold do this to batteries?
Same with my Merc, James. Had to change the battery recently, after it died, mind you it was nearly 10 years old, so had done its bit. And the one specced for my car is a huge AGM fucker: https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/p/-/-/-/-/?444777006&0&cc5_1020&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqZiy5fzK2AIVVLgbCh3KdwE-EAQYAiABEgIibPD_BwE
Stop/start AGM battery technology: http://www2.exide.com/gb/en/product-solutions/transportation/product/exide-start-stop-agm.aspx
Not cheap! :eek:
Still, it'll outlast the car until I change it :)
Marco.
Pieoftheday
09-01-2018, 13:58
Same with my Merc, James. Had to change my battery recently, after it died, mind you it was nearly 10 years old, so had done its bit. And the one specced for my car is a huge AGM fucker: https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/p/-/-/-/-/?444777006&0&cc5_1020&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqZiy5fzK2AIVVLgbCh3KdwE-EAQYAiABEgIibPD_BwE
Not cheap! :eek:
Still, it'll outlast the car until I change it :)
Marco.
I hate spending money on stuff like that so I'm glad mine is able to charge,only 3 years old!! £200 does seem expensive but I suppose if you're intending to keep your car a long time it's worth it. 4hours on the Optimate and the Beemers ready to take me to work again,:) i got sparks when re attaching the negative terminal though, that shouldnt happen:scratch: yes i did that last
Yeah, I know what you mean about spending money on 'unsexy' stuff like batteries, but needs must. My car is a major passion of mine (more so than my hi-fi), so whatever needs spending on it gets spent...
Aside from the £200-odd on a new battery, I've just spent over £500 on two new tyres! The joys of motoring... :eyebrows:
Marco.
Pieoftheday
09-01-2018, 20:19
Yeah, I know what you mean about spending money on 'unsexy' stuff like batteries, but needs must. My car is a major passion of mine (more so than my hi-fi), so whatever needs spending on it gets spent...
Aside from the £200-odd on a new battery, I've just spent over £500 on two new tyres! The joys of motoring... :eyebrows:
Marco.
A fast motor needs good tyres,:)
walpurgis
09-01-2018, 20:30
A fast motor needs good tyres,:)
So do slow ones! ;)
Pieoftheday
09-01-2018, 20:58
So do slow ones! ;)
Very true but you know what I mean. I had a 1991 cbr600 fm it came with Michelin m59 macadam's I think they were called,God awful even in the summer on a bike that could do 150mph and 0 to 60 in just around 3.5seconds, couldn't feel the road at all
Just thought I'd take a few snaps of the car, with new tyres fitted, as I haven't done so for a while...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/7tbJgh.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/piV7Oy.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/BFT1SZ.jpg
Some sexy 'pipes':
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/jfRM03.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/7SPoi6.jpg
The old girl's still looking quite good I think! :cool:
Marco.
Low profile I see. Very low
There's hardly any tire at all. Does it ride a bit hard over bumps?
Low profile I see. Very low
Yeah (30), almost as low as you can get, which I think is 25. I like the rather 'mean' look (which suits the wheels), plus the grip and 'securely planted' feel on the road low-profile tyres give [in conjunction with lowered sports suspension], especially at high speeds, is superb! :)
Marco.
There's hardly any tire at all. Does it ride a bit hard over bumps?
Lol - well you've been in it often enough! Did the ride feel comfortable? :)
It can be hard over some bumps, but you just try and avoid the big ones, and the Bilstein shocks smooth things out nicely and help to cushion the ride. Fortunately round here the roads are generally well maintained and in good condition.
Marco.
Just thought I would join in.
Currently have 3 vehicles in the family.
Wife's daily is a Focus ST2 (2015)
Mine is an Audi TT (Mk1) 225
Also finishing of a very long rebuild of a VW camper van (which once MOT'd I will be looking to sell).
Have also rode bikes for the last 40 years but not had one for the last 12 and hoping to get one this year (if I can finish and sell the van for the right price)!
A pic of the TT:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Audi%20TT/Spacers/20150421_073410_zpsi1wpu8k7.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Audi%20TT/Day%205/20150405_150334_zpsvqogwslz.jpg
The last bike I owned was a Kawasaki ZZ6R which was good fun - a quick pic:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Motor%20Bike/DSCF0004_zpsfq3wtjhm.jpg
Been test riding a few bikes last year to see in which direction I want to go and very spoilt for choice :)
A quick pic of the van before the work:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/f57f73ad.jpg
Pieoftheday
11-01-2018, 17:15
Just thought I would join in.
Currently have 3 vehicles in the family.
Wife's daily is a Focus ST2 (2015)
Mine is an Audi TT (Mk1) 225
Also finishing of a very long rebuild of a VW camper van (which once MOT'd I will be looking to sell).
Have also rode bikes for the last 40 years but not had one for the last 12 and hoping to get one this year (if I can finish and sell the van for the right price)!
A pic of the TT:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Audi%20TT/Spacers/20150421_073410_zpsi1wpu8k7.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Audi%20TT/Day%205/20150405_150334_zpsvqogwslz.jpg
The last bike I owned was a Kawasaki ZZ6R which was good fun - a quick pic:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Motor%20Bike/DSCF0004_zpsfq3wtjhm.jpg
Been test riding a few bikes last year to see in which direction I want to go and very spoilt for choice :)
A quick pic of the van before the work:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/f57f73ad.jpg
Is that really a zzr,600? I had a stock one for a bit, chuffin quick!! Weren't keen on corners though
Is that really a zzr,600? I had a stock one for a bit, chuffin quick!! Weren't keen on corners though
Sorry - ZX6R not ZZR :doh:
My first new bike ('91) was the ZZR 600 which like you say not too good in corners (toured Europe on it) - found a pic of it:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Motor%20Bike/20180111_130809_zpsfi4mn4xp.jpg
Taken pre-digital days....
Pieoftheday
11-01-2018, 19:04
Sorry - ZX6R not ZZR :doh:
My first new bike ('91) was the ZZR 600 which like you say not too good in corners (toured Europe on it) - found a pic of it:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Motor%20Bike/20180111_130809_zpsfi4mn4xp.jpg
Taken pre-digital days....
Looked like a very well sorted zxr6, lovely:) I did like the zzr6, great engine. Not long after I sold it I got a recall, apparently the swing arm was prone to snapping:eek:
Sorry, these soulless modern Jap motorbikes do nothing for me.... :o
Red camper van and Audi TT, yes! :thumbsup:
Marco.
walpurgis
12-01-2018, 14:58
Sorry, these soulless modern Jap motorbikes do nothing for me.... :o
Marco.
Try riding one Marco. You may find the looks unappealing, but the 'plastic rockets' definitely have something. The sheer poke available is totally beyond the comprehension of the average car driver. Even from a 600. Get to 900cc or more and you enter timewarp territory!! :eek:
Pieoftheday
12-01-2018, 17:04
Try riding one Marco. You may find the looks unappealing, but the 'plastic rockets' definitely have something. The sheer poke available is totally beyond the comprehension of the average car driver. Even from a 600. Get to 900cc or more and you enter timewarp territory!! :eek:
The zzr6 was anything but soulless, fantastic engine that could keep up with 750s of the day, it could hurl you toward 100mph and beyond in an eye wobbling kind of way, you could feel it too,in your wrist and pants, Ahem:)
The zzr6 was anything but soulless...
I'm talking about in terms of looks - just not my thing. Geoff knows what is (he used to own one;)), or scroll back to earlier on this thread to find out what bikes I find sexy...
Don't care much about performance, because I would only be posing/cruising around in them anyway, so with bikes, for me it's really ALL about the looks! :)
Marco.
Pieoftheday
12-01-2018, 17:24
I'm talking about in terms of looks - just not my thing. Geoff knows what is (he used to own one;)), or scroll back to earlier on this thread to find out what bikes I find sexy...
Don't care about performance, because I would only be posing/cruising around in them anyway, so with bikes, for me it's ALL about the looks! :)
Marco.
Ah well that's fair dooz, used to borrow my dad's zephyr 750 occasionally, all soft n squidgy it was with a pretty gutless engine, made me smile every time
Each to there own Marco - no problem with that.
For looks and fun I test rode this last year which was fun an not too fast so good for posing:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/gninnamag/Motor%20Bike/20170723_112312_zpsqsa7cc46.jpg (http://s15.photobucket.com/user/gninnamag/media/Motor%20Bike/20170723_112312_zpsqsa7cc46.jpg.html)
BMW R90T Sport
Ah yes, now that's *much* more interesting, although I'm not into gold things, so the shocks would have to be changed or painted black! :)
This is where it's at for me, in terms of something new (the street twin): http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/street-twin/2018/street-twin or perhaps a nice cafe racer: http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/thruxton/2018/thruxton
...and all I'd do is cruise around the town or countryside, at no more than 80mph, just enjoying the scenery and/or the noise of the engine... :cool:
I'd also mod it to the max, and fit the extras available, which I liked (perhaps also do a custom paint job), to make it more personal/bespoke, as I like to be different! :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
13-01-2018, 11:20
My preference would be for a 'real' Triumph. A Meriden model, say a TR6 like this 1961 example. Avoiding the rather more highly strung Bonneville.
http://i68.tinypic.com/rvhobn.jpg
Modern Triumphs may borrow styling cues from the classic older models, but otherwise there is no similarity. In thirty years the current ones will be unwanted wrecks or have been torn down for parts. The real Triumphs will just continue to be appreciated and be appreciating.
Yeah, I agree, but I'd want something with a nice big engine (1000cc minimum), so when I 'pooter about' the place, it's all nice and smooth and effortless (not too revvy), and accompanied by deep, growling engine noise! ;)
That's one of the reasons why I love the Brabster, and why I often don't listen to music in the car: so I can enjoy the sound of that lovely 'grumbling' from its fat quad sports pipes!! :D
Marco.
walpurgis
13-01-2018, 11:34
Trust me, that old 650 twin engine has more than enough grunt for pootling about. A nice, broad, punchy midrange and a solid, traditional bark from the exhaust. You do get some vibration from parallel twins, but it's only really intrusive on the higher revving models. It's just their character. I quite like it. Like the thump from a big single. A big Velo being thrashed is one of the all time great sounds from motorbiking!
Perhaps it would be fine, but I'd probably rather have use of modern engineering techniques, incorporated with classic styling, to obtain the benefits of the former, rather than something 100% vintage - and I don't think Triumph currently do engines any smaller than 1000cc.
Anyway, it's all pie in the sky, as I've no intention of buying another motor bike. Those days for me are over, especially with the weather here in the UK (I was always more of a fair weather biker). I'm more into my creature comforts now, so I prefer my mode of transportation having four doors, four wheels and a roof! ;)
Marco.
Ah yes, now that's *much* more interesting, although I'm not into gold things, so the shocks would have to be changed or painted black! :)
This is where it's at for me, in terms of something new (the street twin): http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/street-twin/2018/street-twin or perhaps a nice cafe racer: http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/thruxton/2018/thruxton
...and all I'd do is cruise around the town or countryside, at no more than 80mph, just enjoying the scenery and/or the noise of the engine... :cool:
I'd also mod it to the max, and fit the extras available, which I liked (perhaps also do a custom paint job), to make it more personal/bespoke, as I like to be different! :eyebrows:
Marco.
I know what you mean.
Regarding cars, was hoping to swap an Audi S8 (V10 D3) for the wifes Focus ST but he wants a soot chucker...
Had a couple of Audi A8's - the V8 ones, and loved the sound from the intake and the exhaust when you planted your foot in the carpet :)
Lol... Nothing wrong with a "soot chucker" (done well) - my Brabster's one! :eyebrows:
I just hate having the same thing as other folks, whether it comes to cars, bikes, houses, hi-fi or whatever. I *need* to be different!! ;)
Marco [unique and original].
Pigmy Pony
15-01-2018, 18:46
Lol... Nothing wrong with a "soot chucker" (done well) - my Brabster's one! :eyebrows:
I just hate having the same thing as other folks, whether it comes to cars, bikes, houses, hi-fi or whatever. I *need* to be different!! ;)
Marco [unique and original].
Show me how you do it, so I can be unique and original too!
Pieoftheday
25-01-2018, 14:00
Any bike riders had trouble with heated grips? I was just doing a reccy to find a hospital where I have an appointment later and as I was approaching a junction I let off the throttle to let the engine do the braking and quickly realised I wasn't slowing down,the throttle was stuck:eek: I wasn't going fast so was easily able to close the throttle and brake safely. For next mile or so the throttle kept sticking ,anyhoo on the way back I turned off the heated grips as my hands were quite toasty and almost immediately the throttle became nice and loose as it should be? Could the heat be causing something inside the throttle grip to expand? Jim
if they are cables then they could do, yes. best getting them checked out or replaced.(the cables most likely)
Pieoftheday
25-01-2018, 14:31
if they are cables then they could do, yes. best getting them checked out or replaced.(the cables most likely)
Ta Grant, a quick Google search and it seems a common issue with heated grips, many different answers!! I'll have a look at it at the weekend, if I do it now I'll no doubt balls things up and miss my appointment:)
a lot of cables can dry out and need re lubing unless they are lined. grease the nipple too:eyebrows:
Pieoftheday
25-01-2018, 15:10
May have found the answer on the bmw f800r forum, it seems I need to move the throttle assembly slightly away from the bar weight end,it may have moved ever so slightly and thus when things warm up it's catching a bit, a washer between the two may be needed, cheers Jim
cpjvej2012
01-02-2018, 15:28
Here's my new car, and I must say I rejoice in the power and refinement.
22623
Pust a smile on my face everytime!
walpurgis
01-02-2018, 15:36
S Type. Nice motor. :)
Which engine?
cpjvej2012
01-02-2018, 15:38
S Type. Nice motor. :)
Which engine?
The best one.
3.0 V6 - Auto.
Rare colour too.
She's been resurrected from being parked up on a farm for ni-on a year. Despite this, She was MOT'd about 3 weeks ago. I picked her up back end of December. 2x new front tyres and she had a clean pass.
Oh... More importantly, Premium Sound System!!!!!!! WHich I have added bluetooth too and it sounds great. Old Iphone permanently in the glove box.
Absolutely lovely drive.
Here's my new car, and I must say I rejoice in the power and refinement.
22623
Pust a smile on my face everytime!
Great stuff, Chris! :)
I echo your sentiments completely. For me, if getting in your car and driving it doesn't put a smile on your face every time, you're driving the wrong car! Driving (and life in general) is about having some FUN, when you can, in a world today that is so often painfully devoid of it!
Lovely car. You enjoy it, my friend :cool:
Marco.
walpurgis
01-02-2018, 16:10
My car is a small eco tin box, with virtually no character. It gets me where I need to be. No less and certainly no more.
One day I'll be like that too, mate - just hopefully not for another 30 years! :eyebrows:;)
Marco.
Zoidburg
01-02-2018, 18:52
My car is a small eco tin box, with virtually no character. It gets me where I need to be. No less and certainly no more.My car is just a car. It does a job of getting me about from a to b. My motorbike on the other hand is a toy and far more important in terms of putting a smile on my face.
Sent from my CUBOT CHEETAH 2 using Tapatalk
Only car I enjoyed driving was my Skoda. Beautiful motor.
Old mans xj6 old type was nice too in its way. 4.2 litre engine
My car is just a car. It does a job of getting me about from a to b. My motorbike on the other hand is a toy and far more important in terms of putting a smile on my face.
Yup, I totally get that. The point for me is that, as the old saying goes: "Life's too short for [insert favourite saying here]" - mine would be either: "boring hi-fi", or "boring food", or in this case, "boring cars"... Yours would be bikes ;)
For me, car or bike, it doesn't matter, as long as whatever is, PUTS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE! :exactly:
:hotrod:
Marco.
walpurgis
01-02-2018, 19:21
Old mans xj6 old type was nice too in its way. 4.2 litre engine
I had one. It was a heap and drank loads of juice. Went OK though.
I had one. It was a heap and drank loads of juice. Went OK though.
Even worse with a caravan on back. Lol. About 9 miles to gallon
I'd NEVER EVER tow a caravan :nono::nono:
It's a fucking horrendous experience, on ALL levels!! First, you've just strapped a huge obstacle onto your car, which it was never designed to take, and which has completely upset every aspect of its handling, and secondly, you have to drive everywhere at 50 fooking miles per hour!!!! :doh:
I'd die of BOREDOM within half an hour!
Marco.
Was how you got a holiday back then if you had a family and didn't want to go to butlins. Wouldn't want to bother with one now but Enjoyed the caravan and the boat hols at time A lot of towing tho but it teaches you a lot. Preferred driving a lorry tbh
walpurgis
01-02-2018, 19:50
Anybody remember the Top Gear 'Caravan Holiday' episode. That was outstandingly comical, but summed up caravanning pretty well.
Yeah I saw some of it. Lol
It's not all bad with the right pairing you can motor pretty quick. Might have altered the law on speeds now tho. Used to drive a big merc van with an even bigger trailer for a long time too. Was the designated trailer man and lorry man with another few jobs. After a while you lose your love of motoring
Was how you got a holiday back then if you had a family and didn't want to go to butlins. Wouldn't want to bother with one now but Enjoyed the caravan and the boat hols at time A lot of towing tho but it teaches you a lot. Preferred driving a lorry tbh
Yeah, lorries are cool, or at least some of them are... In terms of caravans, when "back then" are you talking about? I've been going abroad on holiday since the early 70s, either by car or plane, but mostly car - and my parents long before that.
I guess it's a British thing, like Butlins! :doh:
Marco.
We started going abroad probably about then too. Mum tried it and decided that it was for her. Flew tho and hired a car But we kept the caravan especially for the boat. Dad liked fishing hols so we would tow both around.
This is my old nugget, 323CI. Poor old thing is looking very sorry for itself at the moment as I haven't used it for just over a year and it's got a green film over it from being parked under a tree. At the last MOT the main central brake pipe that runs under the tunnel had to be replaced, apparently one of the worst jobs on the E46 models as the gearbox and rear axel have to be dropped out. I'm planning to get it back on the road and to start going out again after I've been housebound for so long, just as long as the MOT isn't too scary.
http://i66.tinypic.com/1616b7.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/snpcac.jpg
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2018, 13:15
I'd NEVER EVER tow a caravan :nono::nono:
It's a fucking horrendous experience, on ALL levels!! First, you've just strapped a huge obstacle onto your car, which it was never designed to take, and which has completely upset every aspect of its handling, and secondly, you have to drive everywhere at 50 fooking miles per hour!!!! :doh:
I'd die of BOREDOM within half an hour!
Marco.
Not EVERYWHERE at 50 mph. I'd slow down a bit near schools
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2018, 13:18
Caravanners talk about the freedom and joys of the open road. Course it is! All the pissing traffic's behind them.
Not EVERYWHERE at 50 mph. I'd slow down a bit near schools
Good idea ;)
Although I'd probably have slashed my wrists before then, out of sheer boredom...
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2018, 14:17
I know it may sound callous, but if I see a car towing a caravan that is on the hard shoulder, either broken down or pranged, I smile a little bit.
walpurgis
06-02-2018, 20:21
Forget the car. Get yourself one of these. Looks amazing!
https://www.mirror.co.uk/science/step-towards-flying-cars-stunning-11977439
Pieoftheday
06-02-2018, 20:46
Forget the car. Get yourself one of these. Looks amazing!
https://www.mirror.co.uk/science/step-towards-flying-cars-stunning-11977439
What's the point in that? Helicopter s already exist?
Firebottle
07-02-2018, 08:07
Helicopters are inherently unstable, this looks brilliant.
Pigmy Pony
09-02-2018, 20:43
And having your alloys nicked overnight won't leave you stranded :)
Helicopters are inherently unstable, this looks brilliant.
Give 'em some lithium, works a treat
Personally, I prefer this...
https://youtu.be/uy0G208rS0A
paulf-2007
10-02-2018, 09:16
I'd NEVER EVER tow a caravan :nono::nono:
It's a fucking horrendous experience, on ALL levels!! First, you've just strapped a huge obstacle onto your car, which it was never designed to take, and which has completely upset every aspect of its handling, and secondly, you have to drive everywhere at 50 fooking miles per hour!!!! :doh:
I'd die of BOREDOM within half an hour!
Marco.drive faster then much faster, see how boring it is then
Well well.
Just MOT’d my Alfa and it passed ok, but advisory on the exhaust rusting.
Car has twin backboxes theres a crack in the Y-piece and Ive been advised to get it fixed pronto.
So...
aftermarket exhaust time I guess.
Specific options available, Wizard, Ascari, Ragazzon, but thinking to get a custom stainless one made, and theres a highly recommended guy local.
Anyone done something similar before?
Cars been remapped, sports air filter fitted, and while it goes down the road pretty well and makes a nice noise, it doesnt sound as ‘Alfa’ as I’d like it, so chance to fix that.
Wondering too if a new exhaust will let the engine breath a bit better?
Planning on running the car till it drops, so maybe a good investment going forward.
walpurgis
10-02-2018, 09:46
Anything with the name 'Ascari' on it has to be interesting. The circuit, the car and maybe even an exhaust? ;)
Pigmy Pony
10-02-2018, 16:27
If you modify the exhaust, it may need remapping again, to get the best from it.
Always liked Alfas, but never owned one. Cool, without being flash, a real driver's marque.
This is my old nugget, 323CI. Poor old thing is looking very sorry for itself at the moment as I haven't used it for just over a year and it's got a green film over it from being parked under a tree. At the last MOT the main central brake pipe that runs under the tunnel had to be replaced, apparently one of the worst jobs on the E46 models as the gearbox and rear axel have to be dropped out. I'm planning to get it back on the road and to start going out again after I've been housebound for so long, just as long as the MOT isn't too scary.
http://i66.tinypic.com/1616b7.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/snpcac.jpg
Quick update, Nugget passed it's MOT with the minimum of fuss, just needed new wiper blades, couple of minor advisories and that was it. Not bad considering it hadn't moved for over 14 months. Next job remove the layer of moss and green stuff left by the trees and then just start going out again.......look out local-ish AOSers, I might be inviting myself for listenings :cool:
Pigmy Pony
10-02-2018, 16:50
Welcome at mine. I'd invite Gazjam too, also 200 miles away, BUT he drives an Alfa :D
Welcome at mine. I'd invite Gazjam too, also 200 miles away, BUT he drives an Alfa :D
Thanks for the invite, dont want to run the risk of her catching fire on the hard shoulder though.:D
I'd love to visit, I think the car is up to the journey just not to sure about myself, I think I'd need medical attention lol
Interesting Steve, didn't know that would be a thing.
I'll look into it.
Been to see my exhaust guy today?
He kinda swooned over the Brera's engine note when I revved it...Hadnt seen a car like mine before and loved it's "Song" as he put it.
Because of this, He advised NOT getting a full new stainless system but keep the Prodrive Brera back boxes and manufacturing a straight through system.
He said it would be a mistake to change the character of the car by going "Boy Racer", but design a system for more "Alfa-ness" and let whats already there come through a lot better.
Sure, will be noticeably louder and have more snarl, but will still have that Alfa magic.
To anyone who knows their exhausts, does a straight through system sound noticeably louder?
Looking for a bit more oomph and to get the Brera sounding more in line with how it looks.
Thanks. :)
He kinda swooned over the Brera's engine note when I revved it...Hadnt seen a car like mine before and loved it's "Song" as he put it.
Because of this, He advised NOT getting a full new stainless system but keep the Prodrive Brera back boxes and manufacturing a straight through system.
Good advice, Gaz, but as I understand it, a straight-through system involves doing away with the back boxes... That's certainly what happened on the Brabster, when I had a straight-through quad SS system fitted, and once the job was done, the old back boxes were left lying on the floor, so I'm not quite sure how they're going to achieve what has been suggested?
In my view, a good exhaust fitter should be able to create a bespoke system, tailored to produce the sound you want, by tuning how the pipes are installed. However, if the back boxes are key to the 'Alfa sound', then those could be retained and used in conjunction with stainless-steel pipes, thus preventing ordinary ones from rusting again in future. That's what I'd be doing.
Also, in terms of mapping, fitting the new exhaust system shouldn't make too much difference. You should feel a small improvement in performance afterwards, simply due to having allowed the engine to 'breathe' better. If necessary, you can always take the car back to whoever mapped it, and ask them if they think any further adjustments are necessary, in order to fine-tune and maximise performance.
Are you still filling the engine with proper petrol? ;)
Marco.
Hey Marco,
By "straight through" he was meaning removing the mid-box and running a pipe straight to the back boxes.
The Brabster will still have back boxes probably, just better than stock ones maybe?
Otherwise your car would be 100+ db without any kind of muffling!
Aye, V-Power for this guy, occasionally Tesco 99 when I cant be arsed driving longer to the Shell petrol station. :)
You really notice the difference between the good stuff and the "whatever" stuff.
My exhaust guy does bespoke design work, he's famous for it and has replaced stock exhausts in some rather exotic cars, so I trusted his judgement when he said "use what you have, just make it better".
He seemed genuinely surprised when I gave it the beans, big confused smile on his face. :)
Good advice, Gaz, but as I understand it, a straight through system involves doing away with the back boxes... That's certainly what happened with the Brabster, when I had a straight through quad SS system fitted, and the old back boxes were left lying on the floor after the job was done, so I'm not quite sure how they're going to achieve what has been suggested?
In my view, a good exhaust fitter should be able to create a bespoke system, tailored to produce the sound you want, by tuning how the pipes are installed. However, if the back boxes are key to the 'Alfa sound', then those could be retained and used in conjunction with stainless-steel pipes, thus preventing those from rusting again in future. That's what I'd be doing.
Also, in terms of mapping, fitting the new exhaust system shouldn't make too much difference. You should feel a small improvement in performance afterwards, simply due to having allowed the engine to 'breathe' better, and you can always take the car back to whoever mapped it and ask them if they think any small adjustments are necessary, in order to fine-tune and maximise performance.
Are you still filling the car with proper petrol? ;)
Marco.
Hey Marco,
By "straight through" he was meaning removing the mid-box and running a pipe straight to the back boxes.
The Brabster will still have back boxes probably, just better than stock ones maybe?
Otherwise your car would be 100+ db without any kind of muffling!
It's different on a diesel, Gaz, as you can't get the same noise out of them, with a bespoke exhaust system, as you can with a petrol car. Plus, Mercs are designed to be mega-quiet, as they're seen as a 'sedate' kind of car, certainly in stock form.
Therefore, I got away with removing the back boxes on the Brabster, so that the exhaust system is completely straight-through, without it being too noisy. It just produces a rather nice 'burble', when the engine's ticking over, and a deep, throaty roar when you accelerate! :eyebrows:
It's also had a DPF delete [a MAJOR performance bottleneck], but not an EGR one (as that would make the exhaust emissions too smelly) - and that, in conjunction with the sports remap and straight-through quad SS performance exhaust system, made a BIG difference to the power that the engine produces. A further improvement again was achieved when I had the turbo fully refurbished, with new bearings fitted, etc, and the injectors professionally cleaned and serviced.
It's a total rocket ship now!!:D
Aye, V-Power for this guy, occasionally Tesco 99 when I cant be arsed driving longer to the Shell petrol station. :)
You really notice the difference between the good stuff and the "whatever" stuff.
Nice one - keep it up! You've had it Terracleaned too, haven't you?
My exhaust guy does bespoke design work, he's famous for it and has replaced stock exhausts in some rather exotic cars, so I trusted his judgement when he said "use what you have, just make it better".
He seemed genuinely surprised when I gave it the beans, big confused smile on his face.
Lol - quality... Fair enough, I was just thinking of permanently sealing the system (excluding the boxes) from rust, which would be the case if you had SS pipes fitted. The performance SS exhaust system I chose is from Longlife: https://www.longlife.co.uk/performance
Marco.
Hear you on sealing the system mate, the backboxes are already stainless, whats rusted and (now) cracked is the stock Y-Piece fitted to the car from the factory.
Getting the rest of the system rebuilt so will be rust proof, all good.
An MOT advisory has flagged this up, and I'm planning on keeping the car till it dies so probably a good investment going forward.
Yup, Terracleaning did the business for me, got it repmapped and a K&N sports air filter fitted soon after and enjoyed the improvement.
Hoping a more efficient exhaust will bring some benefit too?
Maybe a "synergy" thing with all the other stuff done to it, who knows...
,
It's different on a diesel, Gaz, as you can't get the same noise out of them, with a bespoke exhaust system, as you can with a petrol car. Plus, Mercs are engineered to be mega-quiet, as they're seen as a more 'sedate' kind of car, certainly in stock form.
Therefore, I got away with removing the back boxes on the Brabster, so the exhaust system is completely straight-through, without it being too noisy. It just produces a rather nice 'burble', when the engine's ticking over, and a deep, throaty roar when you accelerate! :eyebrows:
It's also had a DPF delete, but not an EGR one (as that would make it smelly) - and that, in conjunction with the sports remap and straight-through quad SS exhaust system, made a BIG difference to the power that the engine produces. A further improvement again was achieved when I had the turbo fully refurbished, with new bearings fitted, etc, and the injectors professionally cleaned and serviced.
It's a total rocket ship now!!:D
Nice one - keep it up! You've had it Terracleaned too, haven't you?
Lol - quality... Fair enough, I was just thinking of permanently sealing the system (excluding the boxes) from rust, which would be the case if you had SS pipes fitted. My performance SS exhaust system is from Longlife: https://www.longlife.co.uk/performance
Marco.
Hear you on sealing the system mate, the backboxes are already stainless, whats rusted and (now) cracked is the stock Y-Piece fitted to the car from the factory.
Getting the rest of the system rebuilt so will be rust proof, all good.
Yup, that's why it makes sense to have SS pipes fitted *now*, including a Y-piece, thus permanently sealing the whole system from rust. I'd defo discuss that point with your man :)
Hoping a more efficient exhaust will bring some benefit too?
Maybe a "synergy" thing with all the other stuff done to it, who knows...
It should provide a bit more 'shove', when you accelerate, and also improve smoothness, but defo speak to your re-map man and ask him if he thinks that some fine-tuning to the map will be needed after the new exhaust system has been fitted.
If you want to tweak things further, you can get success by playing around with different engine oils, and just like with fuel, finding those that work best with your car's engine (check out the ester-based racing oils, of the correct viscosity, for max performance), and that also applies to coolants. I use this stuff in the Brabster: http://www.evanscoolants.co.uk/Coolants/Performance/power_cool_180
Not cheap, but a water-less coolant system is permanent, so saves you money in the long run, especially in your situation where you're going to be keeping the car for a while, and I've found that the Evans stuff also improves performance.
And of course with a petrol engine, the world of 'performance' spark plugs is opened up to you... NGK Iridium IX is what I'd be using in your car: http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/spark-plugs/iridium-ix
:cool:
Marco.
All good, thanks mate.
Yup, that's why it makes sense to have SS pipes fitted *now*, including a Y-piece, thus permanently sealing the whole system from rust. I'd defo discuss that point with your man :)
It should provide a bit more 'shove', when you accelerate, and also improve smoothness, but defo speak to your re-map man and ask him if he thinks that some fine-tuning to the map will be needed after the new exhaust system has been fitted.
If you want to tweak things further, you can get success by playing around with different engine oils, and just like with fuel, finding those that work best with your car (look at the ester-based racing oils, of the correct viscosity, for max performance), and that also applies to coolants. I use this stuff in the Brabster: http://www.evanscoolants.co.uk/Coolants/Performance/power_cool_180
Not cheap, but a water-less coolant system is permanent, so saves you money in the long run, especially in your situation where you're going to be keeping the car for a while, and I've found that the Evans stuff also improves performance.
And of course with a petrol engine, the world of 'performance' spark plugs is opened up to you... NGK Iridium IX is what I'd be using in your car: http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/spark-plugs/iridium-ix
:cool:
Marco.
If you think that coolant makes a difference to the performance, then remove the mechanically driven one, and fit an electric pump. That will make a bigger difference...
Lol.... Aye, I'll throw that one past my specialist mechanic next time I see him!:eyebrows:
The Evans stuff does seem to improve performance, as I felt the difference when the previous water-based coolant was flushed out and replaced with it. See here: http://www.evanscoolants.co.uk/PDS/4pp_PDS_power_cool_180.pdf
Maximise BHP. Evans Waterless Coolants eliminate pre-ignition and detonation caused by overheating - thus increasing combustion efficiency and delivering more power.
That's certainly what I discovered :)
Marco.
Do you not think that Mercedes and Brabus would make sure that the cooling system of your car worked correctly?
It’s also a diesel, so pre-ignition does not happen, as there is not sufficient heat to ignite the mixture until you arrive at the correct point of compression.
Do you not think that Mercedes and Brabus would make sure that the cooling system of your car worked correctly?
Sure, but that would've been the case with the engine, before it was re-mapped, or the exhaust system, the wheels, brakes, suspension or anything else I've modified and successfully improved since. There's a difference between 'working correctly', and working optimally! ;)
Most cars possess some degree of latent performance potential, waiting to be judiciously released...
It’s also a diesel, so pre-ignition does not happen, as there is not sufficient heat to ignite the mixture until you arrive at the correct point of compression.
Fair point, but as they always say: 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating', and I definitely experienced an increase in engine responsiveness after installing the Evans coolant, so it must've improved something. It's the same with hi-fi... After all, some folks don't think that cables make a difference!:eyebrows:
I don't give a toss what anyone thinks; ultimately I'll always trust my own senses and judgement more than anything else, so care not a jot about what *should* happen, only what my experience tells me has happened - and that applies to everything in life.
Marco.
Gaz, for reference, this is what I use in the Brabster. It's really good stuff, and Opie are fab to deal with:
https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-867-motul-300v-power-racing-5w-30-ester-synthetic-racing-car-engine-oil.aspx
Next time a service is due, fire some of that in and fit a set of those NGKs - and you'll give the Brera even more va-va VOOM! ;)
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-02-2018, 18:05
Thanks for the invite, dont want to run the risk of her catching fire on the hard shoulder though.:D
If you want to come home to a real fire, leave a Zafira on your drive!
Pigmy Pony
11-02-2018, 18:09
Interesting Steve, didn't know that would be a thing.
I'll look into it.
Been to see my exhaust guy today?
He kinda swooned over the Brera's engine note when I revved it...Hadnt seen a car like mine before and loved it's "Song" as he put it.
Because of this, He advised NOT getting a full new stainless system but keep the Prodrive Brera back boxes and manufacturing a straight through system.
He said it would be a mistake to change the character of the car by going "Boy Racer", but design a system for more "Alfa-ness" and let whats already there come through a lot better.
Sure, will be noticeably louder and have more snarl, but will still have that Alfa magic.
To anyone who knows their exhausts, does a straight through system sound noticeably louder?
Looking for a bit more oomph and to get the Brera sounding more in line with how it looks.
Thanks. :)
Didn't know it's a Brera, lovely looking cars, a real gem
Pigmy Pony
11-02-2018, 18:22
Hi Marco,
You mention in a previous post something called "terraclean", is this some kind of fuel additive? Reason I ask is that after 10 years of running my FireBlade on bog-basic unleaded, it has become very lumpy and stuttery below 300rpm. On the advice of my local dealer, I put something called Wynn's in the tank, and since then exclusively V-power. But the problem persists. Any thoughts? Sorry to be hi-jacking this thread, I promise I'll leave you to the car stuff after this :)
walpurgis
11-02-2018, 18:28
Did you mean 3000 rpm?
Here's TerraClean: https://www.terraclean.co.uk/how-terraclean-works
Hi Steve,
For your delectation: http://www.terraclean.co.uk/
It's usually a car thing, but it may also be possible to apply the process to motorbikes :)
Marco.
Didn't know it's a Brera, lovely looking cars, a real gem
And here she is:
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/gazjamster/IMG_1299_zpspnuuxi2z.jpeg
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/gazjamster/IMG_1304_zpsreifr5uw.png
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/gazjamster/IMG_1300_zpsr1m84gcf.jpeg
Done a lot of upgrades to it, be good to get a better soundtrack to match its looks and performance. :eyebrows:
Just looking at the pic, Gaz, another wee tweak-ette you could try, is next time she's due for a new set of discs, fit some drilled and slotted ones, as IME they provide better (more positive) and smoother braking, plus they'll look sexier used with those lovely wheels and calipers!
I use EBC GD Sport rotors on the Brabster: https://ebcbrakes.com/product/3gd-sport-rotors/ with Yellowstuff pads: https://ebcbrakes.com/product/yellowstuff-street-and-track-pads/
It's a fantastic combo, stopping you near-instantly stone-dead, when necessary, or smoothly and controlled at all other times, giving you great confidence and reassurance braking in all types of driving conditions :)
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-02-2018, 18:52
ooh, lovely, now where's my box of tissues? There are some cars, that when you park them and go to your front door, you have to turn for a last look before going indoors. This is one of those cars.:)
Already upgraded the brakes Marco, that was a pic the dealer took in his Ad.
The existing ones were a bit worn and rusty, so fitted a drilled and slotted set of Tarox discs and pads, really noticed the improvement.
Still need to get the calipers repainted though!
Going to change from the red though and go a deep Yellow.
Really like this colour combination and not too dissimilar to my paintwork colour?
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7c/c8/83/7cc883c2db9ed2c90d0d381a5f3d1066--terracotta-brown-interior.jpg
Just looking at the pic, Gaz, another wee tweak-ette you could try, is next time she's due for a new set of discs, fit some drilled and slotted ones, as IME they provide better (more positive) and smoother braking, plus they'll look sexier used with those lovely wheels and calipers!
I use EBC GD Sport rotors on the Brabster: https://ebcbrakes.com/product/3gd-sport-rotors/ with Yellowstuff pads: https://ebcbrakes.com/product/yellowstuff-street-and-track-pads/
It's a fantastic combo, stopping you near-instantly stone-dead, when necessary, or smoothly and controlled at all other times, giving you great confidence and reassurance braking in all types of driving conditions :)
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-02-2018, 19:15
Hi Steve,
For your delectation: http://www.terraclean.co.uk/
It's usually a car thing, but it may also be possible to apply the process to motorbikes :)
Marco.
Thanks guys, I've messaged my "local operator" to ask the question. There are some sports bikes in their gallery, so it seems likely. Oh, and yes, I meant 3000rpm! I used to know someone who had a BSA Goldstar which ticked over slower than that. Sounded like a Gatlin Gun
Yeah, I think yellow calipers would be a cool move, Gaz! :)
You need to take some up to date pics of the Brera, and post them, dude.... ;)
Marco.
Thanks guys, I've messaged my "local operator" to ask the question. There are some sports bikes in their gallery, so it seems likely.
No worries, the process certainly 'does what it says on the tin', so keep us posted! :cool:
Marco.
Yeah, I think yellow calipers would be a cool move, Gaz! :)
You need to take some up to date pics of the Brera, and post them, dude.... ;)
Marco.
Will post some when the calipers are done. :)
Might get her machine polished and properly detailed at the same time.
Sounds like a plan :)
Btw, the other small thing you should get done is this: https://www.atseuromaster.co.uk/consumer/tyres/tyre-services/nitrogen-inflation
I've found it maintains the correct pressures for longer, and maintaining correct tyre pressures at all times is important. Oh look, there's an ATS in Bellshill:
https://centre.atseuromaster.co.uk/811396-bellshill
Get ye along there... ;)
Marco.
Nitrogen filled tyres in my future...
Nice one, mate. Just keeps the tyre pressures correct for longer, and if the pressures are right, your tyres will wear less, the car will handle better and also use less fuel. Not bad for an outlay of just over a fiver! :)
There's also an ATS in Wishaw, but I thought that the one in Bellshill might be nearer for you.
Marco.
https://s20.postimg.org/8j430xjgd/FB_IMG_1508069481815.jpg
https://s20.postimg.org/sqhit897x/IMG_20171025_104418.jpg
https://s20.postimg.org/ek1ry0dsd/IMG_20171028_111929.jpg
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HSV GTO LS2 (aka Monaro VXR)
Today is the 14th birthday of my E46 320d touring.
Today was also it’s sixth contrôle technique.
Today it passed with flying colours with an advisory that the front fog lights are set too high.
The guy testing the car says it looks like new. Oh happy days....
Today is the 14th birthday of my E46 320d touring.
Today was also it’s sixth contrôle technique.
Today it passed with flying colours with an advisory that the front fog lights are set too high.
The guy testing the car says it looks like new. Oh happy days....
I really like the E46, I've got a 15 year old 323CI. BMW recalled it last year for new airbags and while the dealer had it they did a mini service free of charge. Even the dealer said the E46 was one of the best shapes BMW made.
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