Post 1000 mile service :)

[cjfc]

Just got my car back after it’s 1000 mile service. Can’t wait to find some open road so that I can fully enjoy the fact I can now revel in the post 6200 rpm power without fear of voiding the warranty.

And of course to ensure I do this all in a safe manner I’m off to North Weald on Thursday for some driver training. Though I’m the only one currently signed up ... hope this doesn’t mean I get bumped to a later date.

One question regarding induction kits. There is quite a lot of talk about these on the boards but I’m not entirely sure what they do (I clearly know v little about engines). I understand there is an improvement in the sound of the engine but what do they actually do for the car / engine?

Many thanks
Christian

[iccees]

Nice one Christian! Now don't go too mad just yet...
You'll def have fun at North Weald and hopefully learn something along the way.
Induction kit's are to replace the existing standard air filter arrangement. A way of helping the engine breath easier. Not much power is gained by this modfication alone and I doubt you'll notice much difference. However, as said, the sound will def leave you with a bigger smile on your face when you use the right boot.

[Hollywood Wheels]

cjfc said:

JustI’m off to North Weald on Thursday for some driver training. Though I’m the only one currently signed up ...

Not anymore! I'm bringing the missus along to 'drive' as well, so at least we'll have something to laugh at! (for my safety don't tell her i said that.....) Let's hope the weather will be good, it's great fun up there and you can just enjoy learning new stuff with no pressure. You will be close to tears as you shred your new tyres though, I've recently had a new set of Advans put on. Oh well, all part of the fun. See you bright and breezy on Thursday!

HW

[cjfc]

Fantastic.

Though as this will be my first time doing this sort of thing I think you might be laughing at my ineptitude with a car more than at anyone else.

As for the tyres, I think my bridgestones need a bit of “bedding in”

[Hollywood Wheels]

I think Christians tyres got well and truly 'bedded in' at N Weald today folks! Andy was cool as a cucumber, as usual, and we had a great laugh. I also discovered that my suspension is a bit low and the front arches need 'filing down'. There is now a small chunk out of the front offside arch, which nearly made me cry considering that the bodywork is (was) literally mint.

[cjfc]

Was a great day. I always thought that when it came to properly handling a car I wasn’t any good and yesterday certainly showed me that was the truth. But Andy and lots of practise certainly showed that I can improve, bit by bit.

Thought the highish speed 90 degree turn was the best part of the day for me. After a couple of spins I did start to learn how to control the over and under steer – I often managed to get both going at different times. Will have to go back in the next six months so that I can learn more

Hollywood wheels, great to meet you and the missus. Before you get someone to repair / file the chip in the wheel arch I think a bit of black marker pen will make the damage unnoticeable to any passer by.

[S Works]

Hollywood Wheels said:

I think Christians tyres got well and truly 'bedded in' at N Weald today folks! Andy was cool as a cucumber, as usual, and we had a great laugh. I also discovered that my suspension is a bit low and the front arches need 'filing down'. There is now a small chunk out of the front offside arch, which nearly made me cry considering that the bodywork is (was) literally mint.

I've seen this on some Sport 160's. Are you running very low? If so nothing needs filing down, you just need to get the ride height raised on the LSS and get the car re-geo'd. Mine never fouled but were getting very close. Plans sorted that out and it was perfect ever since. Chunks out of the front wheelarches cost more to be repaired than an adjustment and geo. You might want to consider fitting Exige springs (IIRC £40 a corner), which stiffen things up a little and reduce roll.

[S Works]

cjfc said:

Was a great day. I always thought that when it came to properly handling a car I wasn’t any good and yesterday certainly showed me that was the truth. But Andy and lots of practise certainly showed that I can improve, bit by bit. Thought the highish speed 90 degree turn was the best part of the day for me. After a couple of spins I did start to learn how to control the over and under steer – I often managed to get both going at different times. Will have to go back in the next six months so that I can learn more Hollywood wheels, great to meet you and the missus. Before you get someone to repair / file the chip in the wheel arch I think a bit of black marker pen will make the damage unnoticeable to any passer by.

It's great isn't it. I'd suggest getting yourself onto an activity day if you can, much cheaper and you can practise what you learned with Andy. I'm going to be booking one up soon and can't wait. A day with Andy is fun, and incredibly satisfying.

[Hollywood Wheels]

S Works said:

I've seen this on some Sport 160's. Are you running very low? If so nothing needs filing down, you just need to get the ride height raised on the LSS and get the car re-geo'd. Mine never fouled but were getting very close. Plans sorted that out and it was perfect ever since. Chunks out of the front wheelarches cost more to be repaired than an adjustment and geo. You might want to consider fitting Exige springs (IIRC £40 a corner), which stiffen things up a little and reduce roll.

Cheers Tim, i think the suspension might be a better route. It's a shame because i love the ultra low ride hide of the car, I'm quite fortunate because as Christian said it is a very small chip which only the trained eye would notice. It was Andy who suggested the filing-down route as a quick fix. It also only happened on full lock as the car spun, so for the time being it shouldn't be getting any worse. You know what it's like on an older car, there's always little niggles that need soting...

I was pretty pleased when i asked Walshy for his opinion on it, and he said it's a sorted little car other than the front height and slightly worn dampers, so not too much to complain about. It also needs a brake fluid bleed which i'll probably get sorted soon. I think it'll be a case of giving the car to Sinclaires or Hanger 111 for a couple of days with an open cheque book!!

[S Works]

I'd highly recommend getting the dampers sorted and getting the ride height and geo done. If you file down the arches you risk damaging the clam and that's not worth it. Mine was lifted to stop it fouling and you'd hardly say it was sitting high (just pinching a pic from it's new owners post on SELOC - hope you don't mind Paul, great pic!):



Seriously, get it done well and you'll be amazed at how better it'll handle, and actually how good it still looks (I'd highly recommend Plans in Guildford if you can travel that far). The last thing you want to be worrying about on track or on a fast road is if the wheel's going to wrench a chunk out of the clam!

[Hollywood Wheels]

You've convinced me! Gonna get a geo done on next days off! Will use touch-up paint on the damage for now. It was so funny being in Christians 111R, i said to him it was like getting into a Rolls Royce after being in mine! I wouldn't have it any other way though.....

[cjfc]

Cheers Hollywood Wheels. Though not sure about being too much like a rolls in comparison . Especially as a couple more rattles have developed since the day at north weald. Plus the passenger side seat belt bolt clip on cover (the top belt fixing) fell off and landed behind the passenger seat during the day . Seems the only way to get it out would be to remove the seat … not something I think I can be bothered to do. Will probably end up being a trip to the dealer to get a replacement.

Christian