Millipede Monaro (it's a bit leggy!)
Discussion
but will tick over 225k at some point during the next tank of fuel.There was a bit of a "fleet" shake up in the second half of 2015.
Out went two Saabs
The 900 as, despite a fresh MOT, it was soon going to fall into the "major project" category and I have enough of those on the go already.
The 9000 was rear ended in August but still running and driving, however when the heater matrix started leaking and I looked into how much grief it was going to be to replace, it was also time for it to go.
In came two very different vehicles:
A '66 Chevrolet El Camino fresh from California, needing paint but ultra solid and running well
A '06 BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0Si Sport which will be sharing commuting duties with my trusty Octavia.
All of the above meant I have had limited time for driving or fettling the Monaro of late and it has only done a little over 1,000 miles since the last update, to just over 226k now.
In November when the 9000 went for spares, I took the opportunity to swap batteries with the Monaro as the one in the Saab was far newer and even after a run the Monaro was sounding a bit strained cranking over. It spins over in a much healthier manner now, even this morning after a three weeks standing. It is at least stored indoors now.
The fuel economy has been dropping recently (only a couple of MPG) but my driving style and routes haven't changed. Checking with a thermometer after a run, the offside front brake was always a good few degrees hotter than the nearside and you could just feel slight "stiction" when coasting to a standstill.
I had freed that caliper off a while back when I rebuilt the front suspension and mentally noted then that it would need doing, so I finally got around to swapping it with a low mileage replacement over Christmas.
Hopefully now I will be able to get the average MPG back over 25...
Finally, for the first time, I needed to top the oil up yesterday. It has done 3.5k since the oil change so I guess a litre in that distance isn't too bad for a big, high mileage engine.
Plans for the year ahead? Just keep the old barge going really. The exhaust is hanging on and still isn't blowing but sooner or later it is going to fail big time!
The arrival of the Z4 has to some extent put the Monaro out on a limb and by most objective measures the Z4 is the better car. The N52 is a peach of an engine and the straight line performance is at least a match for the big Aussie (helped by lesser weight). Throw in a few fast corners and the Z4 would be opening a gap. Throw in a few slow corners with heavy braking and the Monaro would be left floudering.
And yet, good as the N52 is, it isn't an LS1. And ultimately that engine is probably the sole reason this old bus will be staying on the fleet for a good while yet.
Out went two Saabs
The 900 as, despite a fresh MOT, it was soon going to fall into the "major project" category and I have enough of those on the go already.
The 9000 was rear ended in August but still running and driving, however when the heater matrix started leaking and I looked into how much grief it was going to be to replace, it was also time for it to go.
In came two very different vehicles:
A '66 Chevrolet El Camino fresh from California, needing paint but ultra solid and running well
A '06 BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0Si Sport which will be sharing commuting duties with my trusty Octavia.
All of the above meant I have had limited time for driving or fettling the Monaro of late and it has only done a little over 1,000 miles since the last update, to just over 226k now.
In November when the 9000 went for spares, I took the opportunity to swap batteries with the Monaro as the one in the Saab was far newer and even after a run the Monaro was sounding a bit strained cranking over. It spins over in a much healthier manner now, even this morning after a three weeks standing. It is at least stored indoors now.
The fuel economy has been dropping recently (only a couple of MPG) but my driving style and routes haven't changed. Checking with a thermometer after a run, the offside front brake was always a good few degrees hotter than the nearside and you could just feel slight "stiction" when coasting to a standstill.
I had freed that caliper off a while back when I rebuilt the front suspension and mentally noted then that it would need doing, so I finally got around to swapping it with a low mileage replacement over Christmas.
Hopefully now I will be able to get the average MPG back over 25...
Finally, for the first time, I needed to top the oil up yesterday. It has done 3.5k since the oil change so I guess a litre in that distance isn't too bad for a big, high mileage engine.
Plans for the year ahead? Just keep the old barge going really. The exhaust is hanging on and still isn't blowing but sooner or later it is going to fail big time!
The arrival of the Z4 has to some extent put the Monaro out on a limb and by most objective measures the Z4 is the better car. The N52 is a peach of an engine and the straight line performance is at least a match for the big Aussie (helped by lesser weight). Throw in a few fast corners and the Z4 would be opening a gap. Throw in a few slow corners with heavy braking and the Monaro would be left floudering.
And yet, good as the N52 is, it isn't an LS1. And ultimately that engine is probably the sole reason this old bus will be staying on the fleet for a good while yet.
Edited by 99t on Friday 22 January 13:14
Edited by 99t on Friday 25th November 15:22
Well I have officially gone senile!
Commuted yesterday after replacing the OSF brake caliper and right at the end of my journey home I became aware of a new rotational rubbing noise. Worse with a little left lock on and the brake pedal seemed to be getting a little long too. Made it home in one piece though.
Went to investigate today and the wheel nuts were only finger tight
What an utter pillock!
Took the wheel off to check and no harm done. The outer edge of the disk had been lightly catching the stainless pressings that locate the pads, just enough to remove a little surface rust from the unswept area but otherwise all ok.
Must have been enough movement on the wheel / disk to press the pads back in a touch hence the long pedal.
All back together, torqued up and tested ok.
Not like me to be sloppy when DIYing, but must be more careful...
Commuted yesterday after replacing the OSF brake caliper and right at the end of my journey home I became aware of a new rotational rubbing noise. Worse with a little left lock on and the brake pedal seemed to be getting a little long too. Made it home in one piece though.
Went to investigate today and the wheel nuts were only finger tight
What an utter pillock!
Took the wheel off to check and no harm done. The outer edge of the disk had been lightly catching the stainless pressings that locate the pads, just enough to remove a little surface rust from the unswept area but otherwise all ok.
Must have been enough movement on the wheel / disk to press the pads back in a touch hence the long pedal.
All back together, torqued up and tested ok.
Not like me to be sloppy when DIYing, but must be more careful...
B'stard Child said:
Damn was quite hoping you were going to put it up for sale as I'm in the early stages looking for one......
Heh, you don't want this one, it's a bit of a shed!! A shed with character though. As long as the engine still does its thing, I don't think I'm ever likely to sell it.steven said:
I do like this thread. For me it’s like reading a “what might have been” as I remember the advert on autotrader catching my eye a few years back.
I bought a BMW 130 instead (which I have since changed for a family friendly Mondeo estate) but it’s good to read about your ownership experience.
Thanks, always nice to know that some of the drivel I type is of interest.I bought a BMW 130 instead (which I have since changed for a family friendly Mondeo estate) but it’s good to read about your ownership experience.
Missed a little anniversary on 23rd March, I've owned Mille for three years now!
Sitrep: all good. Mileage creeping up towards 227k and other than the ongoing decrepitness of the original exhaust, no issues to report.
Warning!! Bangernomics Bodging Content Follows!!
We spent a weekend around Grasmere recently and travelled in convey with friends around some fairly interesting roads a bit off the beaten track. It was never going to be a speed run, however!
I was aware of the odd knock from the exhaust over some rougher sections, but the fact that one of our group, a total non-petrolhead, felt the urge to comment on how much my exhaust was wobbling around suggested that all wasn't well.
Sure enough the botch weld to the rear hanger I did in August '14 had finally given up the ghost, the ends of the hanger that should be attached to the pipe had crumbled to dust. Got home with the exhaust in one piece though.
Removed the remains of the hanger from the car, and still reluctant to drop £1,200 plus on a wortec system, cut the rusted ends off it, flattened it and welded some new tabs on, which I then bent slightly to mate with the curvature of the pipe.
Quick weld and a spray of paint and I reckon it'll last another 200k now!! Maybe...
Sitrep: all good. Mileage creeping up towards 227k and other than the ongoing decrepitness of the original exhaust, no issues to report.
Warning!! Bangernomics Bodging Content Follows!!
We spent a weekend around Grasmere recently and travelled in convey with friends around some fairly interesting roads a bit off the beaten track. It was never going to be a speed run, however!
I was aware of the odd knock from the exhaust over some rougher sections, but the fact that one of our group, a total non-petrolhead, felt the urge to comment on how much my exhaust was wobbling around suggested that all wasn't well.
Sure enough the botch weld to the rear hanger I did in August '14 had finally given up the ghost, the ends of the hanger that should be attached to the pipe had crumbled to dust. Got home with the exhaust in one piece though.
Removed the remains of the hanger from the car, and still reluctant to drop £1,200 plus on a wortec system, cut the rusted ends off it, flattened it and welded some new tabs on, which I then bent slightly to mate with the curvature of the pipe.
Quick weld and a spray of paint and I reckon it'll last another 200k now!! Maybe...
Edited by 99t on Saturday 9th April 20:25
Thanks Chaps! 
I suppose I should price up a replacement exhaust from Vauxhall really, just for laughs. I bet they never sold many (any?) so perhaps they'll sell one off cheap??
I'm not about to embark on a tuning fest so a standard replacement system would be absolutely fine, even though a little more V8 audio would be nice sometimes.
I suppose I should price up a replacement exhaust from Vauxhall really, just for laughs. I bet they never sold many (any?) so perhaps they'll sell one off cheap??
I'm not about to embark on a tuning fest so a standard replacement system would be absolutely fine, even though a little more V8 audio would be nice sometimes.
Another year, another MOT 
Mileage now 227,208, just under 3,500 in the last year.
Interestingly the list of advisories has gone from four to precisely zero even though I only sorted one of them during the year!!
Although I have four years no claims available to use, LV were kind enough to mirror my full NCD which meant a most agreeable renewal at just over £200.
This means, of course, that I have four years bonus not being used. Would it be stretching man-maths beyond its elastic limit to consider getting something to use it on....?
Mileage now 227,208, just under 3,500 in the last year.
Interestingly the list of advisories has gone from four to precisely zero even though I only sorted one of them during the year!!
Although I have four years no claims available to use, LV were kind enough to mirror my full NCD which meant a most agreeable renewal at just over £200.
This means, of course, that I have four years bonus not being used. Would it be stretching man-maths beyond its elastic limit to consider getting something to use it on....?
I said said:
Although.... what if I get something and then LV are the cheapest by mirroring my NCD again? Return to Square One and do not collect £200!!
And this has proven to be exactly the case. I feel a new Reader's Cars thread coming on shortly!! Anyone want to buy 4 years NCD??!!
CAPP0 said:
I don't know if they are the same but I believe I still have a pair of back boxes from a 6.0 VXR somewhere. Think they're stainless. Willing to donate to Milli if of any use!
That's a very kind offer and much appreciated but if they are from a twin exit system they'll be no good for a big boot CV8 unfortunately.Cheers though
I said:
I suppose I should price up a replacement exhaust from Vauxhall really, just for laughs. I bet they never sold many (any?) so perhaps they'll sell one off cheap??
The last few journeys there has definitely been an increase in the accompanying V8 soundtrack - quite pleasant actually but definitely indicative of an impending end of life situation with the old exhaust!Took my own advice and phoned a VX dealer, just for amusement value really. Bit of umming and ahhing on the other end of the phone so I'm not 100% sure that the right bits were priced up but for the centre section, two rear sections and a rear box it was looking like £3.4k
Plus VAT...So a tad more than I paid for the car then!!!
I had a crawl under the car and one of the pair of boxes just in front of the rear axle is well and truly holed on top. I also discovered what I suspect is the cause of a slight tapping noise from just below the gear lever area - a sheared stud from the gearbox mount to crossmember.
Duly ordered a replacement rubber from the 'Fish. The hunt for a new exhaust starts properly now...
qwertina said:
Surely a "custom" job from the likes of powerflow would be significantly cheaper than £1200?!
Hopefully, yes. I've heard mention of figures around £800 for custom systems. The thing being a custom system is only as good as the chap bending and welding it up, whereas the Wortec seems to be a known quantity, good fit, nice noise etc.So I'm calling the Wortec "Plan B" for the minute, now just need to see if I can come up with a "Plan A" before the exhaust drops off!!
Right, decision made. Millie will be getting a stainless cat-back system custom built.
If lead-time is any sort of indicator of quality then it should be good, the earliest they could fit her in is mid-September!!
[tempt fate]Hopefully the old system can hang together for another couple of months...[/tempt fate]
If lead-time is any sort of indicator of quality then it should be good, the earliest they could fit her in is mid-September!!
[tempt fate]Hopefully the old system can hang together for another couple of months...[/tempt fate]
SturdyHSV said:
On topic, how is Millie getting on mileage wise? Bruce hasn't even broken 70,000 miles yet over here, got a long way to go!
Around 228K now, I'm limiting myself to a tank of fuel a month which gets me around 300-330 miles on average, it's the only way I can keep under my insurance mileage!!Means the total is only creeping up slowly though. Might see 230k before the end of the year, especially if the new exhaust sounds good!
Well just for amusement value, I recorded a clip of the blowing standard exhaust as it currently sounds. I had the phone about five feet from the tailpipes but the noise rather overwhelmed its auto recording level the first couple of times I blipped the throttle so it sounds like a massive misfire when I first rev it and then the level control catches up and it's a bit quiet towards the end. A career as a sound recordist doesn't beckon methinks!
http://99t.co.uk/monaro/monaro blown exhaust.m4a
Otherwise, the new gearbox mount arrived so once more under the car on the drive, I look forward to the neck and shoulder ache later
Gearbox supported, gearbox crossmember dropped
I had never spotted what I believe to be the remote clutch bleed mod before. Assuming that's what it is it must have been done when the PO had the clutch changed to the LS7 type.
Old mount off and it's certainly seen better days. For starters the top metal plate should be flat in the middle!!
Old VS new
Right, had a brew, posted this and unknotted shoulders, time to go fit the new mount...
http://99t.co.uk/monaro/monaro blown exhaust.m4a
Otherwise, the new gearbox mount arrived so once more under the car on the drive, I look forward to the neck and shoulder ache later
Gearbox supported, gearbox crossmember dropped
I had never spotted what I believe to be the remote clutch bleed mod before. Assuming that's what it is it must have been done when the PO had the clutch changed to the LS7 type.
Old mount off and it's certainly seen better days. For starters the top metal plate should be flat in the middle!!
Old VS new
Right, had a brew, posted this and unknotted shoulders, time to go fit the new mount...
Mud_ said:
Check your prop centre bearing and guibos while you're under there
Refitting wasn't quite as straightforward as it could have been.
The holes in the cross-member were enlarged and heavily corroded. Not ideal to firmly locate the rubber to the cross-member.
I had a rummage in my spares collection and was chuffed to find a couple of chunky steel sleeves of the same length as the cross-member is thick. Drilled the holes out slightly undersized to the sleeves and pressed them in
Assembled back together with oversize washers to help secure it all. Will check and re-torque in a few hundred miles.
Right, well I did say a new career as a sound recordist doesn't beckon, reckon the same applies to video maker!!
Anyway, grabbed a quick vid on the way home, again the sound isn't great...
Monaro with stainless cat back
My thoughts?
Fit and workmanship look superb, not had a proper crawl underneath but where the factory system had all sorts of restrictive humps and flattened bits to ensure sufficient clearances within the tolerances of mass production, this looks to fit beautifully.
Pipes are just a tad larger than standard without being too OTT I think.
Angled faces and offset of the pipes follows the curve of the rear valance perfectly
In terms of sound, overall I'm happy. There is no droning at all, just a deep growl when applying larger throttle openings. It is surprisingly quiet at idle and when trickling around town on a light throttle.
To be honest they have given me EXACTLY what I asked for - I said it is a relaxed GT type cruiser and I've outgrown all that overly noisy boy-racer stuff. Also we have very good neighbours and I leave rather early some mornings so consideration is due. So yes, overall very happy and it'll be easy to live with and do the occasional long run in.
My inner teenage chav however, is ever so slightly sad at the loss of some of the naughty nascar noises the blown exhaust had been making near the end!!
Anyway, grabbed a quick vid on the way home, again the sound isn't great...
Monaro with stainless cat back
My thoughts?
Fit and workmanship look superb, not had a proper crawl underneath but where the factory system had all sorts of restrictive humps and flattened bits to ensure sufficient clearances within the tolerances of mass production, this looks to fit beautifully.
Pipes are just a tad larger than standard without being too OTT I think.
Angled faces and offset of the pipes follows the curve of the rear valance perfectly
In terms of sound, overall I'm happy. There is no droning at all, just a deep growl when applying larger throttle openings. It is surprisingly quiet at idle and when trickling around town on a light throttle.
To be honest they have given me EXACTLY what I asked for - I said it is a relaxed GT type cruiser and I've outgrown all that overly noisy boy-racer stuff. Also we have very good neighbours and I leave rather early some mornings so consideration is due. So yes, overall very happy and it'll be easy to live with and do the occasional long run in.
My inner teenage chav however, is ever so slightly sad at the loss of some of the naughty nascar noises the blown exhaust had been making near the end!!
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