The S1 chain reaction...
Discussion
Now, having owned the S1 for a month or so now, I've started to experience the slippery 'upgrade' slope..not all that exciting at the moment, but here's the story so far:
1. Changed shocks & springs all round - easy job, got rid of those manky Koni's
2. Whilst changing shocks, realised that nearside rear toe-link was a bit dubious
3. Ordered toe-link upgrage kit a month or so ago, went to fit it, brackets didn't fit as poorly engineered
4. Supplier 1 couldn't get replacement bracket for weeks, offered to fettle current brackets - no thanks.
5. Sent kit back & ordered elsewhere. Waitied a couple of weeks to arrive - guess what, same crappy brackets but already fettled. Supplier 2 however much more happy to come up with alternative interim solution until 'good' brackets are available as we're desperado to get the toe link fixed before it gives up. Thank's supplier 2, impressive! (This is another story all in it's own - won't go there now!)
6. New suspension highlights that ball joints are knackered - clonking is almost unbearable.
7. Ball joints ordered from a supplier 2, taking ages to arrive, contacted supplier 3, unable to take credit card - cheques & current postal strike = big no no. Found a local supplier and who got 8 shiny new ball joints in 1 day, for less cost -
8. Now, what if after the ball joints are done it still rattles? Hmmm, now looking into bushes...another £200 on the tab...
9. If we're taking the wishbones off, then we may as well get a press to do the job properly rather than struggle with a make-shift tool.
10. What's the best paint to use on the wishbones?
11. Once all that's sorted, time to sort out the Geo - out with the digital camber/caster gauge bought for a previous project..
12. Now we have a civilised ride quality, time for some creature comforts. New speakers desperately required, and time to refit the sub (non-boy racer type thank you!) that I retrieved from the Exige. Maybe a new head unit and dash speakers.
13. Oh, almost forgot to mention Tyres - Have a good set of Advan neova's at the moment but not that impressed. Thinking of flogging to part-subsidise a set of T1R's to abuse on the track, but then with the upgraded toe-link kit...R888's...
..maybe another day. I quite like the friskyness of the S1 and want to get better at controlling it.
14. re-proof shower cap as it's doing a reasonable job, but could be better.
15. Tiny little hole in roof - any suggestions of who can mend - guess it can be filled with some kind of resin. It is literally tiny - 1-2mm.
16. Sort out the floors with ACF50, kindly donated by M7RTV
17. Induction kit fitted not long after having the car - courtesy of Piooly.
18. Aly throttle body fitted just after - kindly donated in exchange for help with an engine re-fit!
19. Service also needed in next month
Phew, is that it?
So, as you can see the slope is quite steep at the moment, lots to do, but enjoying it all the same. It will certainly keep us busy over the winter.
Any advice or recommendations welcomed, but I generally just wanted to share the experience with people who will really understand.
Edited to add 17, 18 & 19!
1. Changed shocks & springs all round - easy job, got rid of those manky Koni's
2. Whilst changing shocks, realised that nearside rear toe-link was a bit dubious
3. Ordered toe-link upgrage kit a month or so ago, went to fit it, brackets didn't fit as poorly engineered
4. Supplier 1 couldn't get replacement bracket for weeks, offered to fettle current brackets - no thanks.
5. Sent kit back & ordered elsewhere. Waitied a couple of weeks to arrive - guess what, same crappy brackets but already fettled
. Supplier 2 however much more happy to come up with alternative interim solution until 'good' brackets are available as we're desperado to get the toe link fixed before it gives up. Thank's supplier 2, impressive! (This is another story all in it's own - won't go there now!)6. New suspension highlights that ball joints are knackered - clonking is almost unbearable.
7. Ball joints ordered from a supplier 2, taking ages to arrive, contacted supplier 3, unable to take credit card - cheques & current postal strike = big no no. Found a local supplier and who got 8 shiny new ball joints in 1 day, for less cost -
8. Now, what if after the ball joints are done it still rattles? Hmmm, now looking into bushes...another £200 on the tab...
9. If we're taking the wishbones off, then we may as well get a press to do the job properly rather than struggle with a make-shift tool.
10. What's the best paint to use on the wishbones?
11. Once all that's sorted, time to sort out the Geo - out with the digital camber/caster gauge bought for a previous project..
12. Now we have a civilised ride quality, time for some creature comforts. New speakers desperately required, and time to refit the sub (non-boy racer type thank you!) that I retrieved from the Exige. Maybe a new head unit and dash speakers.
13. Oh, almost forgot to mention Tyres - Have a good set of Advan neova's at the moment but not that impressed. Thinking of flogging to part-subsidise a set of T1R's to abuse on the track, but then with the upgraded toe-link kit...R888's...
..maybe another day. I quite like the friskyness of the S1 and want to get better at controlling it.14. re-proof shower cap as it's doing a reasonable job, but could be better.
15. Tiny little hole in roof - any suggestions of who can mend - guess it can be filled with some kind of resin. It is literally tiny - 1-2mm.
16. Sort out the floors with ACF50, kindly donated by M7RTV
17. Induction kit fitted not long after having the car - courtesy of Piooly.
18. Aly throttle body fitted just after - kindly donated in exchange for help with an engine re-fit!
19. Service also needed in next month
Phew, is that it?
So, as you can see the slope is quite steep at the moment, lots to do, but enjoying it all the same. It will certainly keep us busy over the winter.
Any advice or recommendations welcomed, but I generally just wanted to share the experience with people who will really understand.
Edited to add 17, 18 & 19!
Edited by MiniDiva on Wednesday 10th October 11:33
MiniDiva said:
piooly said:
Keep going Jules, all worth it in the end ! Central locking must be looming....... Only £20 !
Are you offering to help....
Have you worked out how to trunk the wiring through the door yet?
Hi Mini. Sounding good.
A suspension refresh is my winter 'project' - I suspect what was a weekend's work for you will probably take a month or so for me!
What shocks did you go with and did you replace the bushes with OEM?
I'll be at Bedford next month so if you're still going wouldn't mind a couple of pax laps to see what improvements I can expect??
I'll drop you an e-mail regarding the toe-link upgrade kit - your experience worries me and I shall be doing that.
Tim.
A suspension refresh is my winter 'project' - I suspect what was a weekend's work for you will probably take a month or so for me!
What shocks did you go with and did you replace the bushes with OEM?
I'll be at Bedford next month so if you're still going wouldn't mind a couple of pax laps to see what improvements I can expect??
I'll drop you an e-mail regarding the toe-link upgrade kit - your experience worries me and I shall be doing that.
Tim.
Hi Tim, yep, drop me an email.
I have just ordered a set of Nylatron's actually - they're cheaper than the OEM's, give better handling (apparently) and yes there are horror stories about them cracking etc.. so I'll keep an eye on them and service them annually. The Seloc Wiki articles are fantastic for finding out about things like that.
We went for Protech Shocks after a recommendation & test drive in Piooly's S1. Got the springs separately from Faulkner springs as they're better than the ones that Protech can supply. The protech shocks are a thing of beauty too (as far as shocks go anyway!) and are sooooo light.
Not really seeing the benefits yet as the geo is probably all messed up from the slightly lowered ride height and knackered ball joints. I'm hoping it will all come together eventually and Bedford should be most enjoyable. You're welcome to come around with me, if you're feeling brave!! I still have a lot to learn about the S1!
Thinking that at some point some sump baffles would be a good call...worried after Piooly's engine went dodgy after Bedford last time!
I have just ordered a set of Nylatron's actually - they're cheaper than the OEM's, give better handling (apparently) and yes there are horror stories about them cracking etc.. so I'll keep an eye on them and service them annually. The Seloc Wiki articles are fantastic for finding out about things like that.
We went for Protech Shocks after a recommendation & test drive in Piooly's S1. Got the springs separately from Faulkner springs as they're better than the ones that Protech can supply. The protech shocks are a thing of beauty too (as far as shocks go anyway!) and are sooooo light.
Not really seeing the benefits yet as the geo is probably all messed up from the slightly lowered ride height and knackered ball joints. I'm hoping it will all come together eventually and Bedford should be most enjoyable. You're welcome to come around with me, if you're feeling brave!! I still have a lot to learn about the S1!
Thinking that at some point some sump baffles would be a good call...worried after Piooly's engine went dodgy after Bedford last time!
Paul RN said:
MiniDiva said:
I have just ordered a set of Nylatron's actually - they're cheaper than the OEM's, give better handling (apparently)
...and are far more squeeky, need to keep them greesedAs for the protech shocks, I also can recommend them. my car feels amazing with them on. So much better than the old LSS suspension and fully adjustable. I will also be at bedford so if you want a second car to go in, your welcome.
MiniDiva said:
Now, having owned the S1 for a month or so now, I've started to experience the slippery 'upgrade' slope..not all that exciting at the moment, but here's the story so far:
1. Changed shocks & springs all round - easy job, got rid of those manky Koni's
2. Whilst changing shocks, realised that nearside rear toe-link was a bit dubious
3. Ordered toe-link upgrage kit a month or so ago, went to fit it, brackets didn't fit as poorly engineered
4. Supplier 1 couldn't get replacement bracket for weeks, offered to fettle current brackets - no thanks.
5. Sent kit back & ordered elsewhere. Waitied a couple of weeks to arrive - guess what, same crappy brackets but already fettled. Supplier 2 however much more happy to come up with alternative interim solution until 'good' brackets are available as we're desperado to get the toe link fixed before it gives up. Thank's supplier 2, impressive! (This is another story all in it's own - won't go there now!)
6. New suspension highlights that ball joints are knackered - clonking is almost unbearable.
7. Ball joints ordered from a supplier 2, taking ages to arrive, contacted supplier 3, unable to take credit card - cheques & current postal strike = big no no. Found a local supplier and who got 8 shiny new ball joints in 1 day, for less cost -
8. Now, what if after the ball joints are done it still rattles? Hmmm, now looking into bushes...another £200 on the tab...
9. If we're taking the wishbones off, then we may as well get a press to do the job properly rather than struggle with a make-shift tool.
10. What's the best paint to use on the wishbones?
11. Once all that's sorted, time to sort out the Geo - out with the digital camber/caster gauge bought for a previous project..
12. Now we have a civilised ride quality, time for some creature comforts. New speakers desperately required, and time to refit the sub (non-boy racer type thank you!) that I retrieved from the Exige. Maybe a new head unit and dash speakers.
13. Oh, almost forgot to mention Tyres - Have a good set of Advan neova's at the moment but not that impressed. Thinking of flogging to part-subsidise a set of T1R's to abuse on the track, but then with the upgraded toe-link kit...R888's.....maybe another day. I quite like the friskyness of the S1 and want to get better at controlling it.
14. re-proof shower cap as it's doing a reasonable job, but could be better.
15. Tiny little hole in roof - any suggestions of who can mend - guess it can be filled with some kind of resin. It is literally tiny - 1-2mm.
16. Sort out the floors with ACF50, kindly donated by M7RTV
17. Induction kit fitted not long after having the car - courtesy of Piooly.
18. Aly throttle body fitted just after - kindly donated in exchange for help with an engine re-fit!
19. Service also needed in next month
Phew, is that it?
So, as you can see the slope is quite steep at the moment, lots to do, but enjoying it all the same. It will certainly keep us busy over the winter.
Any advice or recommendations welcomed, but I generally just wanted to share the experience with people who will really understand.
Edited to add 17, 18 & 19!
Just seen this thread, been rather slack lately in reading posts as work has been a nightmare. I agree, upgrades are a very slippery slope to be caught on, check my profile, ive done all this in about a year of ownership lol, i may get to actually enjoy the car soon, will be back with me in approx week and a half 1. Changed shocks & springs all round - easy job, got rid of those manky Koni's
2. Whilst changing shocks, realised that nearside rear toe-link was a bit dubious
3. Ordered toe-link upgrage kit a month or so ago, went to fit it, brackets didn't fit as poorly engineered
4. Supplier 1 couldn't get replacement bracket for weeks, offered to fettle current brackets - no thanks.
5. Sent kit back & ordered elsewhere. Waitied a couple of weeks to arrive - guess what, same crappy brackets but already fettled
. Supplier 2 however much more happy to come up with alternative interim solution until 'good' brackets are available as we're desperado to get the toe link fixed before it gives up. Thank's supplier 2, impressive! (This is another story all in it's own - won't go there now!)6. New suspension highlights that ball joints are knackered - clonking is almost unbearable.
7. Ball joints ordered from a supplier 2, taking ages to arrive, contacted supplier 3, unable to take credit card - cheques & current postal strike = big no no. Found a local supplier and who got 8 shiny new ball joints in 1 day, for less cost -
8. Now, what if after the ball joints are done it still rattles? Hmmm, now looking into bushes...another £200 on the tab...
9. If we're taking the wishbones off, then we may as well get a press to do the job properly rather than struggle with a make-shift tool.
10. What's the best paint to use on the wishbones?
11. Once all that's sorted, time to sort out the Geo - out with the digital camber/caster gauge bought for a previous project..
12. Now we have a civilised ride quality, time for some creature comforts. New speakers desperately required, and time to refit the sub (non-boy racer type thank you!) that I retrieved from the Exige. Maybe a new head unit and dash speakers.
13. Oh, almost forgot to mention Tyres - Have a good set of Advan neova's at the moment but not that impressed. Thinking of flogging to part-subsidise a set of T1R's to abuse on the track, but then with the upgraded toe-link kit...R888's...
..maybe another day. I quite like the friskyness of the S1 and want to get better at controlling it.14. re-proof shower cap as it's doing a reasonable job, but could be better.
15. Tiny little hole in roof - any suggestions of who can mend - guess it can be filled with some kind of resin. It is literally tiny - 1-2mm.
16. Sort out the floors with ACF50, kindly donated by M7RTV
17. Induction kit fitted not long after having the car - courtesy of Piooly.
18. Aly throttle body fitted just after - kindly donated in exchange for help with an engine re-fit!
19. Service also needed in next month
Phew, is that it?
So, as you can see the slope is quite steep at the moment, lots to do, but enjoying it all the same. It will certainly keep us busy over the winter.
Any advice or recommendations welcomed, but I generally just wanted to share the experience with people who will really understand.
Edited to add 17, 18 & 19!
Edited by MiniDiva on Wednesday 10th October 11:33
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