I've neglected this page a bit. Time for an update...
So late April and days before the Snetterton TD, it failed it's MoT...
1. Emissions.
2. Bulb out.
3. Headlamp wonky.
4. Rear brake compensator seized.
5. No air bag.
Of course, I shouldn't have booked a track day before sorting the MoT, but I wanted to go on the day, saw that it was getting booked up, panicked, booked the TD and then cracked on with the MoT.
The MoT man sorted out the headlamp and bulb, whilst my Dad (works for a motor factor) sorted out a new cat and lambda sensor.
Getting the exhaust on and lined up was a pain, and I'm still not entirely happy with the fit, but it is safe and passed. With an aftermarket 4 brancher, aftermarket cat and aftermarket system all from different vendors, it's a right bitsa. I'll get a pipe spreader from eBay (£25) and make the extra space such that I can get the sleeved section fully home and have some exhaust based happiness.
The compensator was a piece of piss in the end. I grabbed a guide off this forum, which stated that it was a pig, I saw an easier way than the guide suggested and with loads of WD40 and a bit of leverage it was freed off. Updated the guide to include my method.
I presented the MoT man with two different print outs on the topic of air bags and he passed it.
I also treated it to two new wipers, Bosch no less.
So off to Snetterton!
A really great day, one of my favourite TDs ever. I really like the circuit, the day (Javelin) was very well run, no notable circuit closures and the weather was a good combo of a dry/wet morning and a dry afternoon. I know some people hate the rain, but I love it! Empty circuit and fun playing with lines, weight balance, etc.
But God was I slow in the morning. I don't know why, but I just couldn't commit to the fast stuff. I probably owe my mate Nige a beer for the brake test on the infield section! But I slowly grew a pair, knocked some rust off my driving and really felt on top of things in the afternoon. Much of the TVR owners club crowd were relatively easy fodder (the ones still running, anyway) and tackled some machinery well above my station. Good! Not that they much fancied moving out he way for a Saxo... Yellow VX220 you know who you are!
I've got relatively little experience in FWD and it was great to learn how to get the most out of the car; trying to trail brake to the apex, get the car rotating and then getting on the gas to fire it out. When it worked, it felt great! Completely risk free as well; get it wrong and it is scruffy, the back end might wander a bit, but ultimately all you do is lose a little time. Not exciting like gently over steering a RWD car from turn in to exit, but a enjoyable technique all the same.
Car ran faultlessly, apart from a minor wiper mishap. Apparently I hadn't quite seen it home when I replaced them and it half detached itself as I bounced over the kerb at Murrays. Yes it was raining, but pitted in to sort it with no drama.
A few pics:
The faster I got, the more a couple of limitations in the car began to show. The tyres were one; the T1Rs are a great all rounder, didn't die, gripped well in the wet, but they are no R rated tyre. I've got my eye out for something on the used market; there are enough Pugs out there being mucked about with and 15s with slicks, R888s or whatever will come up at the right price, in the right location. I will need to get that harness bar in though, because with the straps mounted as they are, there is not enough room for a spare set of rubber inside. Plus a harness bar will improve the shoulder strap angles no end.
I also agree with many that track 106 / Saxos that the stock brakes are marginal. I know that mine is still on rubber hoses, cheap 5.1 fluid, Yellowstuff pads on the front and non-determinate discs. So nothing special. They've never faded, but never feel really strong and just don't quite inspire confidence. So I've since picked up some GTi-6 calipers, allowing a significant upgrade in disc size from 247mm to 283mm. Bargain £45 delivered. I'll fit the braided hoses that I've had for months with some shiny new discs and probably another set of Yellowstuff pads. They are heavy though (when they arrived, my first thought was that there was a set of discs in the box as well), so I can see why some go the 266mm route, off a 206 or some such. However the 283mm are meant to be the nuts on these. I did get offered some 4 pots (Hi Spec), but they were too spendy for this. If the 283s upset the balance, I'll look out for some lighter wheels. Pro Races or something.
Verdict is out on adding ducting... Apparently the 283s don't need it and apparently the air can stall in the arch on these, rendering it ineffective anyway. Be keen to get opinions on whether ducting *always* works and that the Internet is lying too me.
Over and out!
Linear Mode
