Another hunting a Manual Vantage Roadster!

[mikey k]

I've recently joined the hunt for 1-2 year old manual V8V roadster.
For those that are already in V8V's what sort of cost are dealers charging for 20k/2yr services?
For those of you with roadsters how do you find the chassis and suspension whne "pressing on" on B roads?
I've already had a chat with Rick (thanks for the advise) and will get him to inspect it.
From an owners experience is there any thing I need to watch out for or avoid when selecting one of these!?

If anyone is thinking of selling please let me know

[mikey k]

Rick suggested trying to find a Sportpack car.
What does it consist of? stiffer springs & match dampers? Larger ARBs? Different geometry?
I guess most of that could be done easily to a none sport pack car?

[mikey k]

Thanks again Rick!
Slight curved ball!
I have a set of Nitron Track coilovers that I could get reconfigured for V8V.

http://www.nitron.co.uk/nitron09/index.php?main_pa...

They are superb for unsprung weight and very well thought of on 911's, Lotus and TVR.
Those, an N400 rear ARB and decent geo ought to do the job around the Alpine passes and North Wales.

I'm looking at two cars on Saturday. One has the later lighter alloys on as well!

[mikey k]

What the likely cost of front arms?

Edit - I'll call you next week to discuss it and price it all up

Edited by mikey k on Friday 14th May 12:56

[mikey k]

It is the set up from the N400's
IIRC lighter alloys (now MY10 10 spokes), lighter lower arms, different compliance bushes, revalved and springed Bilstein, siffer rear ARB, different geo setup and I think steering tweaks

[mikey k]

Wow that is cheaper than Honda S2000 arms!

Looked at 4 cars in the last week and done ~1200 miles!

1. 1 engine no was different to V5 and it was suffereing from corrosion of all sorts (stb, door & bonnet latches, mirrors!) I have had bad experiences with cars used of the winter, stored outside and not having the salt washed off
2. 2 looked like good value until I saw how a wrap had been removed
3. 3 sold with in a day of it coming on sales and me booking a 400 mile round trip to see it
4. 4 Had a dubious history

This is not as easy as I thought, only about 3 in 10 are manuals and some are very poorly looked after!
Plus prices are firming as the weather get better

[mikey k]

Bit of an updatelooked at another two;
Meteorite Silver Manual - another sold before I could get to it!
Decided to try a Black sportshift car and I actually liked it and got on well with it! Not keen on the colour and it had a few too many issues for my liking
Good news is I've haggled a bit on this one and put a holding deposit on it until I can see it tomorrow

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1719975.htm

Really pleased as I didn't think I'd get a 4.7 with the sports pack as well!
Colour is the only compromise it wasn't my first choice but the wife likes it.
Needs some clear rear lights though I think

Edited by mikey k on Monday 24th May 16:36

[mikey k]

Deal done just got to wait to pick it up now!

[mikey k]

Currently twisting the dealers arm on the clear lights
If he won't do it I'll get a set from the US
Fuse 22 and front no plate holder are both going!
Bring on the sun!

[mikey k]

deal done for clear lights £1200 fitted
Cheaper than I can buy them for!

[mikey k]

Hi Rick
Thanks for that and the coversation!
I'll give you a call when I have the keys!