Long overdue update, my camera phone pictures are terrible I know but please stick with it as I'll get some nice DSLR snaps of the car soon hopefully, its just I cant have good camera gear lying around in a dirty work shop in the off chance I'll get some time to work on a side project.
Engine arrived back from API, turned out it had a damaged ring and piston on number two cylinder, both were replaced under warranty.
Brakes finally arrived minus some bolts which eventually arrived a week later, Not surprisingly the AP brakes have made a huge difference to the stopping power, you can brake so hard on a dry day that you can hear the tyres squealing slightly at that point of almost "lock up" all the way down from high speed. Anyone toying with a brake upgrade should look no further.
Once the engine was refitted and all was well, it was on with the interior, cleaning and prepping then painting with white aerosols.
The alloy bonnet arrived as well as the bucket seats and harnesses.
Rant/ I would never use Sportseats4u again the seats were late, when I complained they accused me of having recieved seats and harnesses that were not for me and I should return them right away. When I politely told them I had recieved nothing they persisted I had another customers stuff so I sent them an absolutely scathing email they eventually looked into it and agreed I didnt have anything after all with out so much as an apology.
Then it was on with replacing the restrictive 2 1/2" exhaust with a custom 3". After looking at various options I decided to use Meercat in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire firstly because they have a fantastic reputation having made exhausts for some big names in motorsport and secondly because I only live about ten miles from them
I'm pleased to report they didnt let me down, the exhaust they fabricated is beautifully made and well worth the money. At £975 its cheaper than a lot of the top imported brands but without compromising the quality. The headers are triple sleeved Grp A rally style, no clamps they just pull apart when cold. From the turbo back there is as few turns as possible to improve flow. Unfortunately the improved flow means I'm going to have to get it remapped again so another trip to Lancashire, had to be done anyway as I'd like to again push for 400hp.
So now all that remains for the first phase of this project is to have the car remapped and resprayed as it looks bloody awful with a white alloy bonnet and unfinished repairs to rear wheel arches. After its mapped its going to the paint shop to be re-sprayed white. Then hopefully sometime soon a track day to try the old girl out and no doubt break something
