Car History (17-21) & Current Fleet
Discussion
Afternoon all,
Decided I'm far too hung-over to attempt anymore dissertation work or fill in grad job applications, so taking my procrastination towards starting my first thread on PH despite being signed up for a couple of years.
Anyway enough jibber jabber onto the cars; it started off pretty well with first cars I drove being a BMW e39 535i and a Mini 1275 GT around private land, trading estates etc. Later did my learning in a e36 320i, which my old man later found out was impossible to insure, despite claiming that insurance wasn't that ridiculous. Unfortunately, I only got to drive it as a learner, and the only photo I've got of it on my laptop is this one, on the far right.
Then entered a 52 plate Fiat Punto in silver that I've got no photos of either as it only lasted a month, as it developed electrical problems, so punted it on to some guy who was confident he could sort it after many of our failed attempts.
After that came my first proper car; a Volkswagen Lupo 1.0 E, with an insane 49bhp from new..... and in proper povo spec with only luxuries being a radio. But was only on 42,000 miles, one owner, FSH, but got it for only £900 as it was insanely filthy, covered in dog hair inside and needed it's illegal ditch finder tyres changing.
I ended fitting Bathurst alloys from a Lupo GTi and colour coding the bumpers, desperately wanted to lower it but my old man wouldn't let me due to the Admiral multicar and them not approving of young drivers lowering their cars for some reason. Anyway it served me well for about 15 months, and probably have more memories with this car than any other being my first car and being at college (or not, once the car arrived). However, there was no denying that having this car as my first car fuelled my need to get more power; will never forget a learner out accelerating me up to 70 in Hyundai i30. Anyway when the time came I sold it on for £1,675 to a girl that had just moved to the area.
After sitting in one at the NEC when I was about 14 and falling in love, plus natural progression from the 1.0 I moved onto my Lupo GTi. Would say I had first car syndrome with this one and took a lot of banter off my mates because if I wasn't driving it I was cleaning it, tinkering with it etc. But thoroughly enjoyed every moment with this car, yes there are far better hatchbacks for the money like renaultsports etc; but I loved the way it looked and just generally loved chucking it around a bit like a hoonigan with its close ratio 6 speed box it just put a smile on my face. Only thing I disliked was how soft it felt for the GTi version, but was determined to keep it standard so had to overlook it. Fortunately, the girl I bought the car off didn't really know what she had, bless her. Didn't even list that it had a/c and 6 disc cd mulitchanger; also by more luck than judgement it had full colour concept interior specced from brand new which still to this day I haven't found another one, but the original invoice proved it. Anyway after 18 months (the longest I've owned a car) I sold it on for £6,200 after buying it for £3,000, which was a massive profit after only really looking after it and general maintenance.
Eventually, only driving a VW Lupo became boring, plus as much as I loved driving it, it was disappointing that in straight line if things like 2.0tdi's decided to flex their right foot I was left in a cloud of soot. Also looking back I got a lot of banter for Lupo's being a girls car and cute etc, considering bought both mine of girls and sold one to girl I can sort of see it. Saying that, if I came across my old GTi I would buy it again and shouldn't of let it go. But I had an Alfa itch!!!
I almost fell off my chair when I saw how cheap it was to insure a Alfa GTV 3.0 V6 at 20 and just couldn't resist owning a Busso V6, also they all say you aren't a real petrol head until you've owned an Alfa.
It was a shame I sold this as it was such a mint example, with no rust anywhere and the paintwork was like the car was only a year old not 13 (when I had it). But unfortunately I wasn't working when I was at uni and I couldn't afford circa 15mpg so ended up only owning this for about 6 months. But despite it looks and the way it sounded, which I must congratulate the guys at alfaholics for their work of genius on the exhaust, which sounded insane, the Alfa was a little disappointing. It wasn't very rewarding car to drive and definitely not a drivers a car, but somehow gets under your skin. It wasn't even that quick, I remember my dad's Maserati just disappearing on all sorts of roads, I knew I would be slower but not by that much of a margin. However, I learnt a lot in terms of the mechanics of the car, as in true Alfa fashion there was always something the needed changing, repairing, sorting out etc. Despite all these flaws, I was truly upset when this left, but I had no choice as it was that or have it just sat there not getting used, it was also the only car I made a loss on so far and I still loved it after buying it for £3,100 and selling it £3,400 but probably spent nearly a grand on it in those 6 months.
Moving on, I was looking at Civic Type R's (EP3) ignoring all the advice of my parents to just buy a cheap runabout while I was at uni. After at looking at countless Civics within my budget, I came to the conclusion that any sub £5000 Civics were all sheds and barryed. Anyway I was then back at uni and didn't have time to go around viewing cars so settled for a close alternative, enter a Renault Clio 182 with both cup packs on it. Now, I'm bracing myself for the absolute onslaught I'm about to receive for what I'm going to say, as the Clio's are a bit of a PH sweatheart, but it was just crap!! Even though I rushed it a bit, I bought one of the most expensive ones for sale, was a two owner 50k miles, 05 plate, FRSH, no paintwork, came with warranty etc all the things that grab your attention, so it wasn't a shed. It only felt pretty when pushing it right to the limit, where it performed quite well, but I certainly wouldn't go as far as saying that it defied the law of physics. But other than that it was awful, build quality was bad, sitting inside it was like being sat back in a povo spec first car again, the engine sounded like a bag of nails especially on idle, it was disappointing that it only had a 5 speed box (silly I know), it didn't even feel that quick. Worse of all was whenever I went on the forums, everything was a "common fault", it was if nothing on it actually lasted i.e the exhaust rust, steering wheels melt etc; and even though everything else probably fuelled this judgement but it was really quite ugly aswell. Thankfully, apart from the windscreen washers breaking and the headlights misting up, that I fixed I was lucky as I moved it on quickly breaking about even after buying it for £4,000 and selling for £4,150; so glad I didn't buy a stainless steel cat back for it. Anyway rant over and pics.
Which now brings me to my current car which I've had since February, and I would say it's my first proper car as it's RWD
. Going from opposite ends of the scale from Renault to Honda with an AP1 S2000, the earlier model for those of you who hate using codes.
One from at my uni house
So far I'm very pleased with it and can't really find much wrong with that I can't put up with like it being noisey on the motorway and that it gets even louder with the roof down for some reason.... Regardless of hairdresser and puff remarks I get I'm sold on roof down motoring; and even though I should of grown out of this at 21 there is nothing I love more than blarring up to 9,000rpm with roof down coming out of campus (once the engine is warm). I've already done about 6,000 miles in it and the addiction of whining through the gears redlining it in every one still hasn't grown old. RWD is by far much better than FWD, even when driving at like 7/10 it just feels more exciting just getting a slight (deliberate) wiggle of the hips as you come of roundabouts. The only problem with loving my car this much means I've spent a small fortune on it already, including my most recent purchase of a new gearbox and now in turn a new clutch, as man maths told me when it was offered to me almost as cheap as low mileage used ones it would be rude to say no. With my next purchase being a new roof with a glass rear screen, I did buy a hardtop but I felt it didn't make a big enough difference to warrant the money. The early s2000s are renowned for being twitchy, but since replacing suspension bushes and having the geometry set up, it gives a lot more confidence even though there is little steering wheel feel its direct enough to make up for it. It feels quicker than anything I owned but that may be down to the delivery but who cares who is quicker when it revs to 9,000rpm in a tunnel with the roof down. Finally, did I mention it revs to 9,000rpm
Now for a quick summary of the fleet as there have been a few changes all round recently, plus work just isn't on the agenda this evening....
Firstly, my younger brothers have thankfully done quite well, after talks of running a diesel which was scary.
This is my brothers Alfa Romeo Mito 155, which I've only driven a couple of times. It looks pretty schweeet, well it's an Alfa and it's a nice place to sit, nicely finished with plenty of toys and more refined that what I'm used to. It's quite nippy but the turbo quicks in from like 3,500rpm but then from about 4,800rpm to the redline it runs out of puff. Plus even in dynamic mode it feels quite heavy and a lot of body roll with light steering. But it isn't an out and out sporty version, and I'm not going to say it to his face but I'm quite jealous that my younger brother has that as his second car.
Secondly, my other brother also has a better car than me, not looking good!!
The Suzuki Swift Sport is car I have a bit of a soft spot for and possibly considering buying it off him at a later date if I have to do more travelling for a job. It's a lot like the Lupo, just a fun, chuckable car that puts a smile on your face when you drive it. Plus it has some of the comfiest seats I've ever come across in a car, feels like a more modern, refined and easier to live with version of the Lupo. He has it lowered on Eibach springs, removed the secondary cat and fitted a Raggazzon catback; which even though considerably more expensive than other exhaust for the Swift you can see where the money has gone as thankfully it doesn't sound 'boy racer'. He is thinking of remapping it, which I'm trying to put a halt to incase I do end up buying it.
Next up is what is known to us and my mates as the Belgrano. The only car to survive a few years with us, never put a foot wrong and stood up to whatever we have thrown at it. Doesn't always receive the appreciation it deserves, but thoroughly enjoy just throwing in car parts, plants, uni stuff whatever in the back and just sitting back and let it pretty much drive itself. Even though it's a big heavy car, it's got more than enough torque and performance for an old wagon. It's a Mercedes C320 CDI.
Finally, if I haven't caused too many early Sunday nights, the newest addition to the household and its the old farts car so no doubt shadows the rest the ones I've just rambled on about.
Obligatory, reppin da xenon's in da car park shot
As you can imagine, I haven't been let loose with it....yet..... I hope. I've only pottered in it on a 15 miles drive home from the pub when the old fart had a few too many. However, from the passenger seat, first impressions; it's quick end of, made surprisingly easy work of an E63 and a 997 GT3 RS (in a straight line). It simply looks and sounds glorious, but likes a drink, more so than my dad it appears. Anyway not much more I can add than Chris Harris really.
Finally, my favourite angle of the 599, as it goes into storage.
Anyway, thank you for your time, a lot of it.
Joshua
p.s no longer hungover which is a plus
Decided I'm far too hung-over to attempt anymore dissertation work or fill in grad job applications, so taking my procrastination towards starting my first thread on PH despite being signed up for a couple of years.
Anyway enough jibber jabber onto the cars; it started off pretty well with first cars I drove being a BMW e39 535i and a Mini 1275 GT around private land, trading estates etc. Later did my learning in a e36 320i, which my old man later found out was impossible to insure, despite claiming that insurance wasn't that ridiculous. Unfortunately, I only got to drive it as a learner, and the only photo I've got of it on my laptop is this one, on the far right.
Then entered a 52 plate Fiat Punto in silver that I've got no photos of either as it only lasted a month, as it developed electrical problems, so punted it on to some guy who was confident he could sort it after many of our failed attempts.
After that came my first proper car; a Volkswagen Lupo 1.0 E, with an insane 49bhp from new..... and in proper povo spec with only luxuries being a radio. But was only on 42,000 miles, one owner, FSH, but got it for only £900 as it was insanely filthy, covered in dog hair inside and needed it's illegal ditch finder tyres changing.
I ended fitting Bathurst alloys from a Lupo GTi and colour coding the bumpers, desperately wanted to lower it but my old man wouldn't let me due to the Admiral multicar and them not approving of young drivers lowering their cars for some reason. Anyway it served me well for about 15 months, and probably have more memories with this car than any other being my first car and being at college (or not, once the car arrived). However, there was no denying that having this car as my first car fuelled my need to get more power; will never forget a learner out accelerating me up to 70 in Hyundai i30. Anyway when the time came I sold it on for £1,675 to a girl that had just moved to the area.
After sitting in one at the NEC when I was about 14 and falling in love, plus natural progression from the 1.0 I moved onto my Lupo GTi. Would say I had first car syndrome with this one and took a lot of banter off my mates because if I wasn't driving it I was cleaning it, tinkering with it etc. But thoroughly enjoyed every moment with this car, yes there are far better hatchbacks for the money like renaultsports etc; but I loved the way it looked and just generally loved chucking it around a bit like a hoonigan with its close ratio 6 speed box it just put a smile on my face. Only thing I disliked was how soft it felt for the GTi version, but was determined to keep it standard so had to overlook it. Fortunately, the girl I bought the car off didn't really know what she had, bless her. Didn't even list that it had a/c and 6 disc cd mulitchanger; also by more luck than judgement it had full colour concept interior specced from brand new which still to this day I haven't found another one, but the original invoice proved it. Anyway after 18 months (the longest I've owned a car) I sold it on for £6,200 after buying it for £3,000, which was a massive profit after only really looking after it and general maintenance.
Eventually, only driving a VW Lupo became boring, plus as much as I loved driving it, it was disappointing that in straight line if things like 2.0tdi's decided to flex their right foot I was left in a cloud of soot. Also looking back I got a lot of banter for Lupo's being a girls car and cute etc, considering bought both mine of girls and sold one to girl I can sort of see it. Saying that, if I came across my old GTi I would buy it again and shouldn't of let it go. But I had an Alfa itch!!!
I almost fell off my chair when I saw how cheap it was to insure a Alfa GTV 3.0 V6 at 20 and just couldn't resist owning a Busso V6, also they all say you aren't a real petrol head until you've owned an Alfa.
It was a shame I sold this as it was such a mint example, with no rust anywhere and the paintwork was like the car was only a year old not 13 (when I had it). But unfortunately I wasn't working when I was at uni and I couldn't afford circa 15mpg so ended up only owning this for about 6 months. But despite it looks and the way it sounded, which I must congratulate the guys at alfaholics for their work of genius on the exhaust, which sounded insane, the Alfa was a little disappointing. It wasn't very rewarding car to drive and definitely not a drivers a car, but somehow gets under your skin. It wasn't even that quick, I remember my dad's Maserati just disappearing on all sorts of roads, I knew I would be slower but not by that much of a margin. However, I learnt a lot in terms of the mechanics of the car, as in true Alfa fashion there was always something the needed changing, repairing, sorting out etc. Despite all these flaws, I was truly upset when this left, but I had no choice as it was that or have it just sat there not getting used, it was also the only car I made a loss on so far and I still loved it after buying it for £3,100 and selling it £3,400 but probably spent nearly a grand on it in those 6 months.
Moving on, I was looking at Civic Type R's (EP3) ignoring all the advice of my parents to just buy a cheap runabout while I was at uni. After at looking at countless Civics within my budget, I came to the conclusion that any sub £5000 Civics were all sheds and barryed. Anyway I was then back at uni and didn't have time to go around viewing cars so settled for a close alternative, enter a Renault Clio 182 with both cup packs on it. Now, I'm bracing myself for the absolute onslaught I'm about to receive for what I'm going to say, as the Clio's are a bit of a PH sweatheart, but it was just crap!! Even though I rushed it a bit, I bought one of the most expensive ones for sale, was a two owner 50k miles, 05 plate, FRSH, no paintwork, came with warranty etc all the things that grab your attention, so it wasn't a shed. It only felt pretty when pushing it right to the limit, where it performed quite well, but I certainly wouldn't go as far as saying that it defied the law of physics. But other than that it was awful, build quality was bad, sitting inside it was like being sat back in a povo spec first car again, the engine sounded like a bag of nails especially on idle, it was disappointing that it only had a 5 speed box (silly I know), it didn't even feel that quick. Worse of all was whenever I went on the forums, everything was a "common fault", it was if nothing on it actually lasted i.e the exhaust rust, steering wheels melt etc; and even though everything else probably fuelled this judgement but it was really quite ugly aswell. Thankfully, apart from the windscreen washers breaking and the headlights misting up, that I fixed I was lucky as I moved it on quickly breaking about even after buying it for £4,000 and selling for £4,150; so glad I didn't buy a stainless steel cat back for it. Anyway rant over and pics.
Which now brings me to my current car which I've had since February, and I would say it's my first proper car as it's RWD
. Going from opposite ends of the scale from Renault to Honda with an AP1 S2000, the earlier model for those of you who hate using codes.
One from at my uni house
So far I'm very pleased with it and can't really find much wrong with that I can't put up with like it being noisey on the motorway and that it gets even louder with the roof down for some reason.... Regardless of hairdresser and puff remarks I get I'm sold on roof down motoring; and even though I should of grown out of this at 21 there is nothing I love more than blarring up to 9,000rpm with roof down coming out of campus (once the engine is warm). I've already done about 6,000 miles in it and the addiction of whining through the gears redlining it in every one still hasn't grown old. RWD is by far much better than FWD, even when driving at like 7/10 it just feels more exciting just getting a slight (deliberate) wiggle of the hips as you come of roundabouts. The only problem with loving my car this much means I've spent a small fortune on it already, including my most recent purchase of a new gearbox and now in turn a new clutch, as man maths told me when it was offered to me almost as cheap as low mileage used ones it would be rude to say no. With my next purchase being a new roof with a glass rear screen, I did buy a hardtop but I felt it didn't make a big enough difference to warrant the money. The early s2000s are renowned for being twitchy, but since replacing suspension bushes and having the geometry set up, it gives a lot more confidence even though there is little steering wheel feel its direct enough to make up for it. It feels quicker than anything I owned but that may be down to the delivery but who cares who is quicker when it revs to 9,000rpm in a tunnel with the roof down. Finally, did I mention it revs to 9,000rpm
Now for a quick summary of the fleet as there have been a few changes all round recently, plus work just isn't on the agenda this evening....
Firstly, my younger brothers have thankfully done quite well, after talks of running a diesel which was scary.
This is my brothers Alfa Romeo Mito 155, which I've only driven a couple of times. It looks pretty schweeet, well it's an Alfa and it's a nice place to sit, nicely finished with plenty of toys and more refined that what I'm used to. It's quite nippy but the turbo quicks in from like 3,500rpm but then from about 4,800rpm to the redline it runs out of puff. Plus even in dynamic mode it feels quite heavy and a lot of body roll with light steering. But it isn't an out and out sporty version, and I'm not going to say it to his face but I'm quite jealous that my younger brother has that as his second car.
Secondly, my other brother also has a better car than me, not looking good!!
The Suzuki Swift Sport is car I have a bit of a soft spot for and possibly considering buying it off him at a later date if I have to do more travelling for a job. It's a lot like the Lupo, just a fun, chuckable car that puts a smile on your face when you drive it. Plus it has some of the comfiest seats I've ever come across in a car, feels like a more modern, refined and easier to live with version of the Lupo. He has it lowered on Eibach springs, removed the secondary cat and fitted a Raggazzon catback; which even though considerably more expensive than other exhaust for the Swift you can see where the money has gone as thankfully it doesn't sound 'boy racer'. He is thinking of remapping it, which I'm trying to put a halt to incase I do end up buying it.
Next up is what is known to us and my mates as the Belgrano. The only car to survive a few years with us, never put a foot wrong and stood up to whatever we have thrown at it. Doesn't always receive the appreciation it deserves, but thoroughly enjoy just throwing in car parts, plants, uni stuff whatever in the back and just sitting back and let it pretty much drive itself. Even though it's a big heavy car, it's got more than enough torque and performance for an old wagon. It's a Mercedes C320 CDI.
Finally, if I haven't caused too many early Sunday nights, the newest addition to the household and its the old farts car so no doubt shadows the rest the ones I've just rambled on about.
Obligatory, reppin da xenon's in da car park shot
As you can imagine, I haven't been let loose with it....yet..... I hope. I've only pottered in it on a 15 miles drive home from the pub when the old fart had a few too many. However, from the passenger seat, first impressions; it's quick end of, made surprisingly easy work of an E63 and a 997 GT3 RS (in a straight line). It simply looks and sounds glorious, but likes a drink, more so than my dad it appears. Anyway not much more I can add than Chris Harris really.
Finally, my favourite angle of the 599, as it goes into storage.
Anyway, thank you for your time, a lot of it.
Joshua
p.s no longer hungover which is a plus
Edited by JoshV8 on Wednesday 12th March 14:22
won't hear a bad word about RS clios. you either got a bad one or it just doesn't suit your driving style. my 172 gets abused at the track where it embarrasses much more fancied machinery then is thrown back into daily duties and not a single problem in 4 years of ownership. I have had 911s, MX5s, WRXs many more and of all, it is my clio that has been most enjoyable and satisfying overall. fantastic cars.
Aused said:
won't hear a bad word about RS clios. you either got a bad one or it just doesn't suit your driving style. my 172 gets abused at the track where it embarrasses much more fancied machinery then is thrown back into daily duties and not a single problem in 4 years of ownership. I have had 911s, MX5s, WRXs many more and of all, it is my clio that has been most enjoyable and satisfying overall. fantastic cars.
Like I said, when pushing on it isn't too bad and for the money they go for its a lot of performance. But other than, living with it on a daily basis just wasn't for meJoshV8 said:
Yeah I'm still 21. Insurance isn't exactly cheap, its £1100 fully comp. Hence why I might get the Swift as that's only £400
I was getting insurance quotes at 21 for double that for a 99' Mazda MX-5! Although, to be fair, it was about the highest rated postcode you can get! 
NIce car history!
JoshV8 said:
DannyScene said:
Why is the 559 going into storage?
Or do you mean before it was pulled into the garage?
We are having an extension that includes a new garage, so it would be on the drive which is less than ideal with bricks flying around!Or do you mean before it was pulled into the garage?
I wondered if you'd bought it and were storing it in the hope the price rocketed and you could sell for a tidy profit
So yet more procrastination from my assignments, I thought it would be worth doing a little update as a few things have changed.
Firstly this month marks a full years ownership of my S2000 and have covered 12,000 miles in that period. The new gearbox and clutch have been fitted, serviced 4 times this year and replaced a few parts of the interior that were looking a bit tired like the carpets, floor mats and gearknob. Then I paid a small fortune of the brakes, as it turned out the two rear calipers were seizing up and the brake lines needed changing as the corrosion on them was an advisory on the previous MOT. So ended up replacing all 4 calipers as the fronts had seen better days too, which followed with new pads, discs and hoses all round, then having the brake lines replaced by a local garage. After also putting two new Bridgestone Potenzas on the front and on a student's budget I've been left a bit strapped for anything else that I wanted to do, so the new soft top has been put on hold which is next, hopefully followed by a mugen front lip, carbon airbox and some new bigger wheels (getting too many pram wheel comments from my brothers, so if anyone has any suggestions of 17" wheels that look similar to the standard wheels it would be much appreciated).
Finally the only other work I've managed to get done on the car is fitting a the UK exhaust mod, which completely transforms the exhaust note which only cost 99p for a used s2000 exhaust (which had done less miles than mine so win win) from fleabay and £30 for stainless steel tube. Finally a bit of help from the old man and the use of his cutting gear and TIG welder and the end result was:
Then a quick polish up and it was fitted all for £30.99 and about two hours work getting the old exhaust off and the new one fitted. I can't recommend it enough, it sounds great without any of the drone of some aftermarket systems or ricer sounding systems.
I haven't got any pictures or videos of it but if you search the S2000 UK exhaust mod there are plenty of videos on youtube.
While on the topic of exhausts the 599 is back home now the extension is finished and the old man managed to get hold of a GTO exhaust as somebody has sent there car to Dick Lovett to fit a Larini to their GTO as it wasn't loud enough
. Anyway for £800 and a bit of labour they were fitted which wasn't bad. Apologises for the awful iphone sound quality but I hope you get the general idea.
Other than that, it's just been taxed again last weekend, and will hopefully be making an appearance at the PH midlands run this weekend.
However the biggest update is my brother has changed his Swift Sport for a BMW Z4 Coupe. I've only briefly seen it, but will get to go in it properly tomorrow when I go over to his new house. Anyway his is smitten with it and paid as much for a 1 owner good condition manual one, as you can pay for an auto which seem to demand more of a premium. However, I told him the premium is worth paying for getting the nod from PH for buying a manual over an auto anyway. Anyway some pics he sent me:
Plans are to keep it pretty standard for the time being, but knowing him he will probably end up changing something sooner or later, he just can't help himself!
Other than that the hunt is currently on for a new shape C350 cdi estate to replace the old C320, and the old man was looking at 147 GTAs to use in the winter instead of just the Merc and the boring company barge. However, in the space of 6 months both my brother have bought their own places and I've managed to secure a job after uni so will be moving out also, so a house move imminent and my mum's bid to no longer need an estate and for her to get a old SL500 Roadster are looking more likely. Maybe I can persuade the old man to get back into motorsport once I can give a little financial backing also, sounds like anything could happen!
Anyway, I am now really clutching at straws to stay from my work so guess I must face the inevitable.
Thanks Joshua
Firstly this month marks a full years ownership of my S2000 and have covered 12,000 miles in that period. The new gearbox and clutch have been fitted, serviced 4 times this year and replaced a few parts of the interior that were looking a bit tired like the carpets, floor mats and gearknob. Then I paid a small fortune of the brakes, as it turned out the two rear calipers were seizing up and the brake lines needed changing as the corrosion on them was an advisory on the previous MOT. So ended up replacing all 4 calipers as the fronts had seen better days too, which followed with new pads, discs and hoses all round, then having the brake lines replaced by a local garage. After also putting two new Bridgestone Potenzas on the front and on a student's budget I've been left a bit strapped for anything else that I wanted to do, so the new soft top has been put on hold which is next, hopefully followed by a mugen front lip, carbon airbox and some new bigger wheels (getting too many pram wheel comments from my brothers, so if anyone has any suggestions of 17" wheels that look similar to the standard wheels it would be much appreciated).
Finally the only other work I've managed to get done on the car is fitting a the UK exhaust mod, which completely transforms the exhaust note which only cost 99p for a used s2000 exhaust (which had done less miles than mine so win win) from fleabay and £30 for stainless steel tube. Finally a bit of help from the old man and the use of his cutting gear and TIG welder and the end result was:
Then a quick polish up and it was fitted all for £30.99 and about two hours work getting the old exhaust off and the new one fitted. I can't recommend it enough, it sounds great without any of the drone of some aftermarket systems or ricer sounding systems.
I haven't got any pictures or videos of it but if you search the S2000 UK exhaust mod there are plenty of videos on youtube.
While on the topic of exhausts the 599 is back home now the extension is finished and the old man managed to get hold of a GTO exhaust as somebody has sent there car to Dick Lovett to fit a Larini to their GTO as it wasn't loud enough
. Anyway for £800 and a bit of labour they were fitted which wasn't bad. Apologises for the awful iphone sound quality but I hope you get the general idea.Other than that, it's just been taxed again last weekend, and will hopefully be making an appearance at the PH midlands run this weekend.
However the biggest update is my brother has changed his Swift Sport for a BMW Z4 Coupe. I've only briefly seen it, but will get to go in it properly tomorrow when I go over to his new house. Anyway his is smitten with it and paid as much for a 1 owner good condition manual one, as you can pay for an auto which seem to demand more of a premium. However, I told him the premium is worth paying for getting the nod from PH for buying a manual over an auto anyway
. Anyway some pics he sent me:
Plans are to keep it pretty standard for the time being, but knowing him he will probably end up changing something sooner or later, he just can't help himself!
Other than that the hunt is currently on for a new shape C350 cdi estate to replace the old C320, and the old man was looking at 147 GTAs to use in the winter instead of just the Merc and the boring company barge. However, in the space of 6 months both my brother have bought their own places and I've managed to secure a job after uni so will be moving out also, so a house move imminent and my mum's bid to no longer need an estate and for her to get a old SL500 Roadster are looking more likely. Maybe I can persuade the old man to get back into motorsport once I can give a little financial backing also, sounds like anything could happen!
Anyway, I am now really clutching at straws to stay from my work so guess I must face the inevitable.
Thanks Joshua
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff