Dream Machine has Arrived

[PeterC]

Sold my S3 couple of weeks ago and now thanks to James Agger Autosport I took delivery of a mint condition W reg. 4.5 ltr Chimaera last Friday evening.

I've always hankered after a V8, so buying the Chimaera is really a dream come true. The car has done only 6,300 miles from new and drives like it just came from the factory.

I now want to keep it that way and will get dealer servicing (to date TMS)to retain full TVR service history. Will probably do any minor repair & maintenance jobs myself to keep costs down. Have already bought "bible" and as I used to fully service the S3 anyway, I do not foresee too many problems. Comments so far?

I want to get under the bonnet as clean as possible and would welcome any advice here. The engine bay is clean without any evidence of leaks and drips. Some of the polished parts show evidence of tarnishing. Chassis was waxoyled by JAA prior to delivery to me.
Cleaning regimes for the bodywork are well publicised, but what about cleaning & improving the look of the engine area? I do not mean spending a fortune on braided hoses etc., I am looking for proven techniques and advice for under the bonnet.

Any help appreciated.

[MajorClanger]

PeterC said: I want to get under the bonnet as clean as possible and would welcome any advice here. The engine bay is clean without any evidence of leaks and drips. Some of the polished parts show evidence of tarnishing. Chassis was waxoyled by JAA prior to delivery to me.
Cleaning regimes for the bodywork are well publicised, but what about cleaning & improving the look of the engine area? I do not mean spending a fortune on braided hoses etc., I am looking for proven techniques and advice for under the bonnet.

Any help appreciated.

There was an earlier link about cleaning the engine bay. If you've the time and patience a tooth brush (preferably someone elses!) works well for the covers and awkward places.

To keep it looking like it is, just opening the bonnet and cleaning the bodywork in the bay when you do the rest of the car makes a huge difference. Squirting water hap-hazardly in to the engine bay is not really advised but judicial, minimal use to rinse after using a proprietary cleaner is OK.

If you want to spend money on the engine to tart it up there's always magnecor leads, silicone water hoses, ACT Plenums, ceramic coatings for manifolds and vast quantities of stainless braided hoses not to mention Leven caps for oil, power steering and water and painted covers etc... but you stated that you don't want to go this route.... me neither. A general clean of engine bay works wonders and a minimal amount of time spent tidying up cable wraps etc helps.

MC

>> Edited by MajorClanger on Tuesday 20th May 14:27