769 replies to this topic

[Pidgeon]

So this is 'your' thread, I didn't realise We're all different, and I never understood your motivations, but was so impressed by what you have achieved - and was looking forward to a drive. Money aside, you've put so much time and effort into this car it must be heartbreaking to step away at this stage. I simply don't understand the mega tuning, but we'll put that aspect aside for now, in context, you've had a smooth ride. The odd hiccup is part of the experience. I know the VX is the best car on the road today, but was allways reassured that you had tried the alternatives and returned. You've been a great ambassador for the brand, I hope you come back. On a purely selfish level, I did intend to take you up on the polishing (sorry, 'detailing' ) lesson you kindly offered. Do tell me you'll have something else to polish and I can come along to watch and learn?

[Nev]

Oh no, this is woeful news indeed. Very sorry to hear this, was the bottom end so bad that it needed that much work? Bloody cars can make one bi-polar, I hope you haven't sold it whist on a downer.

Edited by Nev, 22 March 2013 - 09:03 AM.

[Whiteboy]

I am gutted to read this, after all the effort that you have put in, but can understand what a money pit the car was! I hope you do not live to regret selling it. Steve

[Duncan VXR]

you certainly seem set on no more VX, regardless of mine or Daves advice but fully understand also Once the botton end is off it will clear up what has failed and hopefully a reason why, its always hard when something internal on an engine fails and whether that has been down to the build of it or just bad luck we dont know yet. Neither myself or Dave have had the engine open so cant even comment on pre broken state or process followed building it Bloody cars!! You can always have a go in the track beast if it helps Simon in fact feel free to take it or a track day - you will just need to make another seat for your bigger arms DG

[MrSimba]

Cheers for all the kind words guys & yes Andy polisher still here and just let me know whenever your ready!

[jameso]

Sorry to hear si. Thanks for the help you gave others too

[The Batman]

Si gutted for ya bud but to be honest I know exactly how you feel! The stage 'too far' is a dangerous stage and to be honest if it wasn't for .org I would have gone back to a normal stage and returned to original body work etc however the gang is making sure I don't do that! By the sounds of it though you am your decision many moons ago before anyone could talk you back into keeping it I guess you have already found a new baby to buy though pictures!

[Bumblebee]

A new baby? You've bought a new car Si?

[chrisvx220]

Sorry to see this Si, hope you stick around and whatever you get next hope to see you at some future meets

[chrisgold]

Sorry to hear about your car Simba. Just spent the last few weeks under mine. Its running now. Not blown up but its a scary thought after spending so much money. Ive not driven mine for over a year and know how you feel. It used to be fun, now i just spend endless money and never get to drive the thing or enjoy it. I think if I had the same problems you have had i would also be selling up..... there is still time for me tho... haha I know what you mean about the gym etc too, i used to wakeboard, kitesurf, surf etc. Not done any of it for ages. Even missing the gym. Although having a baby is a big part of that too Thats why i sold all my other old cars and bought a brand new vxr with 100,000 mile warranty. Just put petrol in and go. No worries. The vx is all that is left... for now. On a positive note i do have what is basically a brand new fully forged and overbore engine etc gone in the vx now and my aim was always over 400 from a gt28 so its nice to see its possible. Im just really gutted i wanted us to bring the cars together for a track day or something when mine was finished. Which is only a month away. Im driving it now. Just running it in. What car you thinking of next? If I ever sell up I would maybe buy a Porsche Cayman S or R.

Edited by chrisgold, 27 March 2013 - 03:33 AM.

[darronwall]

i feel for you blue!!!! that was the nicest vx i have ever seen

[jonnyboy]

Just spotted this I'm amazed to see you sold up mate. One of the mintest cars on the forums. Me personally I would have been tempted to chill out the tune, fix up for reliability and retain all shiney parts. In another way its also wise to have an exit strategy to avoid it driving you bonkers. As previously mentioned get a standard one and drive it flat out. Works well for me (he says with the VX in bits in the garage having had a new rad lol) All the best fella.

[Dave H]

A bit of an update on the car. Hopefully I can continue the great work put in by Simon and have it back on the road in the not too distant future.

I'm familiar with the car since the Garrett conversion and trailered it to EFI Parts after fitting the cable throttle pedal where it was mapped on the Adaptronic ecu, I have subsequently helped Simon out. We went back to EFI Parts a second time after the engine had done a few more miles where it was found to be down on power. This was traced to a boost leak which was possibly present to a lesser extent when it was initially mapped, once fixed we we tried again and things were showing great promise until the engine misfired at the end of a dyno pull and then refused to start.

I have now removed the engine and stripped it down to find the following...



The three csk screws that hold the toothed wheel on have failed, enter the debate elsewhere as to what caused this!!!!
I'm going to be putting it back together with a standard crank damper fitted.

While the engine is out I decided to clean up the rear subframe, wishbones etc, make a custom engine and ecu harness including moving the relays and fuses from the boot to the cockpit, enlarge the bulkhead access panel and also move the fuel pump and swirl pot to the engine bay. A few photos of the progress so far.

Dave.

[CocoPops]

Don't let JG see that subframe!

[GeorgeBC]

Still cant believe Simon let this go! Good luck carrying it on Dave, looks like its in safe hands. Whats your plan for it? Are you going to track it, use it on the road, or have it to show what you can do as a development vehicle?

[techieboy]

What treatment is that, on the subframe, Dave? I have a strange yearning to take my subframe off, get it cleaned up and re-dipped, or whatever treatment is best.

[GeorgeBC]

What treatment is that, on the subframe, Dave? I have a strange yearning to take my subframe off, get it cleaned up and re-dipped, or whatever treatment is best.

Ive had recent urges to tart my wishbones, subframe and other unseen parts up recently . Really not like me!

[JG]

that subframe. Now i have terrible subframe envy.

[techieboy]

Really not like me!

Much more fun than driving it.

[Dave H]

I can't believe Simon parted with it, I did try and persuade him otherwise and give him the option to change his mind, Simon has visited to check progress and make sure I'm doing a good job!!! As the car has not done a high milage the subframe is in good condition but dull due to weathering, I have cleaned using a mild acidic wash and then etch primed and painted in heatproof silver paint. I also wanted to be sure the interface between the chassis and subframe was not suffering from any electrolytic corrosion and ensure this wasn't going to start in the future. My plans have changed somewhat, I think!!! The Silver VX in the background of one of the photos also has a Garrett fitted and was going to be road/ track day car but now I may use the Black one on the road and leave the Siver one as a track car as although it has only done 7000 miles it is a cat D. Thats my "man logic" .....