4722 replies to this topic

[Nev]

In the mean time, I have installed my aux vacuum brake pump and taken Nipper for a test drive. I have written about it here with some pics and results.

Just out of interest has the increased pressure/braking affected the ABS?
Do you get Ice mode more often braking hard?

Indeed, I have had it switched off for about 3 months now, but will turn it on just to see if its improved; I doubt it though.

[Nev]

Oh man, just went for a wonderful 100 mile blast on A and B roads.

I absolutely caned it on dozens of occasions in 3rd and 4th gear and couldn't get the clutch to slip at all - hoorah. The car feels so sorted now, I think I can actually say the project is completed really, at last all my expectations from my original plan have been met (and exceeded), so I am very very happy.

The new tyres inspire a lot of extra confidence, I can only imagine that my old ones must have been pretty knackered. I also skimmed over a dead fox that brushed against the underside of the car, it made me wonder if fitting a front splitter is actually wise...

[Goosenka]

Oh man, just went for a wonderful 100 mile blast on A and B roads.

I absolutely caned it on dozens of occasions in 3rd and 4th gear and couldn't get the clutch to slip at all - hoorah. The car feels so sorted now, I think I can actually say the project is completed really, at last all my expectations from my original plan have been met (and exceeded), so I am very very happy.

The new tyres inspire a lot of extra confidence, I can only imagine that my old ones must have been pretty knackered. I also skimmed over a dead fox that brushed against the underside of the car, it made me wonder if fitting a front splitter is actually wise...

Nice one Nev glad your happy! Dare I ask was the video on?!

[VXT Tim]

Still waiting for this video!!! If it was predominantly track orientated then I'd say arse about with wings, fins, splitters etc all you want. Road, the furthest I'd go is a fastback and that's about it. Glad to hear the clutch is holding up btw.

[Ormes]

Glad the clutch seems sorted

[techieboy]

Glad the clutch seems sorted

Fingers crossed, that's an end to it.

[Nev]

The issue with videos is that I cant find a way to strap my quite bulky mini SLR camera to the dashboard. I have tried duck tape and brown/parcel tape but it just rips off with the forces. I really need to buy one of the eBay DV type cameras, can anyone recommend a cheap but good one, which gives a good pic, has batteries that last more than 15 minutes and decent sound quality ? However, the camera will only tell 1/2 the story, I think the g-forces and insane noise makes the experience twice as fun/scarey. When my brother was in it, he was visible cringling every time he heard the turbo spooling up for a squirt. However, when I took Corey out in it, we were just laughing our heads off with the sensory overload of it all. If anyone wants a ride, all they have to do is ask and come on down to Bristol. Am most happy to oblige . I think Alex (Ormes) is turning up on Wed afternoon for a good chin wag and blast about.

Edited by Nev, 05 November 2011 - 02:13 PM.

[Ormes]

The issue with videos is that I cant find a way to strap my quite bulky mini SLR camera to the dashboard. I have tried duck tape and brown/parcel tape but it just rips off with the forces.

I really need to buy one of the eBay DV type cameras, can anyone recommend a cheap but good one, which gives a good pic, has batteries that last more than 15 minutes ?

However, the camera will only tell 1/2 the story, I think the g-forces and insane noise makes the experience twice as fun/scarey. When my brother was in it, he was visible cringling every time he heard the turbo spooling up for a squirt. However, when I took Corey out in it, we were just laughing our heads off with the sensory overload of it all.

Come on rain gods, I pray to you

[Nev]

Ok, ok, ok, I've finally forked out £6.47 for a mini DV camera. Once it lands from China I'll install it and get some footage up.

[Glambee]

can't wait to see it

[Nev]

I took my 78 year old dad out in Nipper last night, understandably he got a bit nervous and I didn't give the full beans as he had his hands up in front of his head to 'protect' himself whilst shouting at me at one point. His 2 most notable comments later that evening were: "how can I enjoy a car like that" (refering to it not being very smooth !) "what were those explosion sounds behind us" (refering to the turbo and recirc valve I think). The brakes and acceleration was so voilent he mistaken thought I had missed some gears when changing It's always such an event getting into Nipper, particularily so as my normal daily driver is just a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (which is a marvelous car to plod to work in BTW).

Edited by Nev, 06 November 2011 - 12:01 PM.

[Vespa]

Very much looking forward to going out for a spin mate! Apparently garrett have released a gtx version of the 28 series turbo so that's going on my Xmas list )

[Nev]

I imagine that would be a great 'mate' for a VX for minimal lag and moderate power, I tried looking up it's spec, but I could only find hearsay on the unit. Hopefully it will be release soon. I expect it will be good for around 460 BHP on a nicely flowed setup. I took a few of the Birmingham chaps out for a little test run today and as I was unused to having the weight of a passenger, the car felt quite sluggish. I am hoping my mods to the airbox and TB will yeild another 20 or 30 BHP for free, otherwise I think I will nip the boost up a bit for an extra 50 BHP with a remap. I had my foot flat on the floor a few times today and not a lot seemed to be happening.

[Ormes]

I had my foot flat on the floor a few times today and not a lot seemed to be happening.

Think it could be a heat issue?

[Nev]

I had my foot flat on the floor a few times today and not a lot seemed to be happening.

Think it could be a heat issue?

More of a 'heavy passenger' (adding 10% to the GVW) and not enough BHP issue I think, as my ACTs didnt go over 22 degrees C. Also, Im getting more used to booting it with the new tyres, I reckon I could handle another 50 BHP now that Im more familiar with the car.Though, Im not sure the gearbox and clutch could. It amazes me that the gearbox hasn't exploded yet, a testament to solid German engineering thank God.

Edited by Nev, 06 November 2011 - 08:17 PM.

[spuk87]

believe me, by normal person standards plenty was still happening! My 13.5 stone frame does add 10% to your car's weight though in fairness

[MrSimba]

Brutally, staggeringly fast Nev!!! Many thanks for the pax ride I think you'll manage without any more bhp tho!!! It sounds awesome as well, even at tickover it's lumpy, snarling and just sounds evil!!! Well done again for all your perceiverance!

Edited by MrSimba, 06 November 2011 - 08:31 PM.

[Nev]

Do any of you chaps at the Midlands meet happen to have enough track/noise experience to know if Nipper would pass a 105 dB drive by limit when I'm giving it full beans ?

[Goosenka]

Do any of you chaps at the Midlands meet happen to have enough track/noise experience to know if Nipper would pass a 105 dB drive by limit when I'm giving it full beans ?

I have an iPhone app which does fairly good db readings? May not be perfect but it's not bad....

[chrisgold]

Do any of you chaps at the Midlands meet happen to have enough track/noise experience to know if Nipper would pass a 105 dB drive by limit when I'm giving it full beans ?

I have one of these

http://www.ebay.co.u...4#ht_2105wt_989

It is really good! Borrow mine or buy one