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  1. Womble72

    Womble72

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    GibletPH

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    FTBBCVoodoo

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  4. wantaisf

    wantaisf

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Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 05/13/2018 in all areas

  1. Well Iโ€™m back home and back in the fold! Letโ€™s see how long it lasts this time around
    4 points
  2. Hello All, Thought I would post up my 3 year long hunt for a V8! I first registered here 3 years ago! Within my sights were the usual suspects: 1. E92 M3 2. Lexus ISF 3. Audi RS4. So after reading and watching tons of reviews, I was convinced that the M3 was the one to go for, due to the usual stuff - how exciting it is, that it's the best car on track, that it's the fastest. Also to me it was the best looking. Slightly cliched , but I loved the coupe in white with black Competition pack alloys, and I was set on getting one in manual. As I was 100% determined not to have an automatic. So cue test drives on the manual V8 M3, now it may well have been the examples I drove but I found them a bit uninspiring and also very unsettled. The car didn't get going til higher up in the rev range (but I am used to VTEC, as have owned virtually all of the Type R models.) I also was not blown away by the sound either, and how it sounds is very important to me. Maybe I had too high an expectation, as I somehow thought all V8's would sound like a Ferrari V8. During this time, I on and off looked at ISFs. And actually bought other cars such as the Z4MC, E46 M3, S2000. My first test drive with the ISF left me disappointed, it was at a Lexus Main Dealer but the example was poor and slow. (No Sports mode, or in to manual) The auto kick downs when i put my foot down was really slow in that particular example. Anyway, I gave up with the ISF for a bit and started to look at RS4s. RS4s sound great, but there was something that I couldn't put my finger on, I had this feeling that I would get bored with it very quickly, coupled with the fact that maintenance costs were eye watering. DRC = Talking ยฃ3k upwards, unless you go Bilsteins. Carbon Clean and Stage 2 map = ยฃ2.5k. Clutch change = Over ยฃ1k. Everything just costs an astronomical amount of money for the car. And then there was the theft factor which put me off buying it altogther, it was a magnet for break ins - due to the desirable recaros, which I actually didn't get on with: gave me back ache. So I thought it was back to the M3's then, maybe get a DCT one. everyone raved on about how good they were, and I've warmed to automatics ever since my back injury about 1.5 years ago, and driving them in USA - hmm actually pretty good in traffic. In the mean time I bought a 335i in manual. And this cemented it. The ergonomics of the car made me realise the M3 is not for me. I just hated the small footwell space in that cabin. So now it was back to the ISF, but in the mean time another contender had entered the fray the C63 AMG had dropped massively and was within my budget. However the hunt had been long, and I was set on the ISF. In summary M3 Positives: Looks great with comp alloys and in certain colours. Thrilling in high rev range. Sound better with modded exhaust, otherwise doesn't sound like a V8 IMO. Manual was poor. (probably me spoilt by Honda gear boxes) Maintenance not too bad apart from rod actuator, usual cost on brakes and tyres. Negatives: People do moan about the MPG. I couldn't get this car because I didn't like the noise or the ergonomics of it in the main, and didn't like how the back end can squirm quite easily. Also, too many M3s about. RS4 Positives: Sounds really good. I like the way it looks too. More comfortable than the M3. Felt planted with the quattro system. Nicer manual than the M3. Quite fast. Negatives: I was struck by how many Audi A4s look just like the RS4 (not so much in sprint blue, but black ones, meh they all look the same, especially with the alloys speced up.) Maintenance costs was silly and really put me off. Lastly was the theft thing, I couldn't get over this poor chap on the M3cutter forum (only last year) bought a RS4 within a week it was off his drive and into a container somewhere. C63 AMG I was tired from looking at cars by this stage, and was fed up with driving my wife's Mazda 6 (even though I do quite like it) So even though a test drive on the Merc might have swayed me but in the end reading up on them - MPG/Tyres and people shifting them on quite quickly made me forget about looking at a C63. In conclusion: Getting older and deciding on an automatic. Maintenance costs. Comfort and ergonomics. Rarity. Still fast! :) Sound. Made me decide on the ISF. And after driving it some more on Friday! It was the right decision!
    3 points
  3. @wantaisf sounds like a similar journey to me. I have had 2x DC2 Type R's, 1 x DC5 Type R and an S2000. Went on to a 350z (loved that) then when family time came along I went for a 335i. Hated it. It blew up. Every day. Tested an RS4 Avant and loved the looks but found it boring. Avoided M3 due to 335i experience. C63's were too much dollar. Mate at work mentioned ISF's to me. Created a new autotrader filter. Bought 1st one I saw as fell in love straight away. 2.5 years later. Still love her.
    3 points
  4. I had back to back test drives in an RC300h and an NX300h yesterday, courtesy of Snows Lexus Hedge End, Hampshire. Both very impressive but very different cars. First the RC300h, the most comfortable car I have ever sat in, the seats seem to wrap around and cosset you, with heated and cooled functions, lumber support adjustment and electric everything. My 6โ€™3โ€ was fine for headroom. A really good driving position gives a good view of the road ahead, the car feels planted around corners and wafts along effortlessly, switching between petrol and electric power imperceptibly, very impressive. I tried a few low speed reverse parking manoeuvres, the mirrors and rear view camera are very good. Most reversing seems to be electric mode and is silent. Then back to the showroom and out in the NX300h SUV. The NX feels a much bigger car, I drove the same route to get a like for like comparison, and was aware of the size of the NX at all times. It was a very nice car but just didnโ€™t give me the luxury feeling I had in the RC. It felt clunkier over potholes and sleeping policemen, my reverse parking manoeuvres taking more planning and greater care. The RC coupe felt plush, planted and looks gorgeous, I donโ€™t really need a big car so I bought a 5k mile 2016 RC300h, black with red interior. I have joined the ranks of Lexus ownership. Looking forward to getting it in a couple of weeks.
    2 points
  5. Long overdue update but i have managed to get loads done! Since the last update i have also been to japfest with a friend who was part of the rx7 FD owners clubs, fair to say for a couple of days after i was pretty much deaf ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚!! Had a class day, there was a huge lexus stand there on the infield but i couldnt find the name of that particluar club, there was quite a few modified is200s and 300s too. 1 in particular was a is430, v8 swapped, had loads of other work done to and sounded amazing!! I also spotted a few is200 turbos and a couple of 1jz swapped is's too but didnt find a build like mine which did make me happy..... unless the bonnet was down and out of sight. Anyway enough of that and on to the update.... ive finally finished the loom! the only bit not done is the long green and red wires as these go to the gearbox and until the box is back in im not sure how long they have got to be. I had to lengthen the ignition coil wiring, crank sensor, tank vent valve and alternator plug aswell on top of the 1s ive already had to do. Also found a percect place for the tank vent valve on the bulk head. I attached the hose from the metal line from the tank to the valve, just need to sort the hose from the valve to the inlet now. Then pulled the engine back out and attached the loom, this is by far the best way as i could get all the way around it, tie up and tidy the loom. Whilst the engine was out i fitted the inlet take offs for the boost gauge, tank vent, brake servo.... Also fitted the fly wheel pilot bearing Then decided to fit the aircon lines back in as this would be a pain with the engine in, also secured the extended section of loom i made. It worked out quite well as i had some left over loom clips and a couple long studs which i screwed into some perfectly placed threaded holes. Then threw the engine back in and connected the loom up to the ecu box, had a good look around made sure the loom and air con lines are not rubbing on anything. over the moon with how this has come out!! Starting to look like a proper engine bay again now. The ecu relocation has come out better than i ever imagined, all lined up perfectly and looking very OEM! Next on the agenda, valve clearances..... been putting this off way too long!! Get the crower cams fitted, valve covers powder coated, cambelt and covers fitted and sort the power steering bottle, lines and cooler.
    2 points
  6. There are definitely more exciting cars than the ISF, but the MASSIVE plus point to ISF ownership is reliability and cost of running. For me the ISF was a bullet proof V8 - that was all that mattered. I know many would disagree with me regarding the gearbox, but I would only ever drive the car in auto if I was pottering around. Otherwise manual EVERY time.
    2 points
  7. The owner of the LFA came back as we were passing, he reversed out and revved it for our enjoyment, it being under ground it sounded more like trackside, was fantastic
    2 points
  8. I am glad you are happy. Still waiting for the test drive. Hehe...
    2 points
  9. @DAW Strangely enough when I drove over that way to pick up the Quicksilver exhausts I came back through that tunnel in my Trusty Transit....... I got her up to the dizzy shimmering speed of 56mph...... smashed it down from 6th to 3rd........mashed the throttle to the floor dropped the windows....... Mrs Rat simply looked over......and said โ€œOh pleaseโ€๐Ÿ˜‚
    2 points
  10. I have been pretty critical of the poor throttle response on your IS300H over the years, but after spending the last fews days in a 1 month old Volvo XC60 as my own car is in for a service, I have to say compared to the IS300H the brand new 2018 Volvo XC60 is simply awful!! The engine rattles like a tractor, itโ€™s got an 8 speed auto box that never seems to know which gear it should be in, it makes a noise like a donkey when you press on, the throttle lag makes the IS300H feel like a sports car, and even though the โ€˜officialโ€™ mpg rating is 49, real life use is not much over 20!!! I than looked up the price of the thing, with decent spec ยฃ50K!! Holy cow, if I had spent ยฃ50K on a car that drives this badly I would banging on the door of the dealer asking for a refund before I even drive the thing out of the show-room. So I apologise to our IS300H, nearly double mpg, alot cheaper, and a much more sublime rideโ€ฆ..Honestly cannot believe people are still buying things like the Volvo enmass, and how journalist can give the thing 5 stars and describe the power train as 'seriously impressive refinement' is really beyond me. I can only think their brain have temporally been affected by the NOX pumped out by the 4 cylinder tractor engine upfront :(. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volvo/xc60
    1 point
  11. Did that private road have an 'M' in front of it?
    1 point
  12. Hello.. Thanks for that information, I will give him a ring, and I will let you know how I get on..............Thanks once again. Roy.
    1 point
  13. WELL DONE LEXUS and Colin Have registered and paid 2 hr subscription for access to the support as suggested by Colin. Cost is not inc tax hence 6Euro becomes 7.20euro. Well worth it - caution needed to differentiate between pre2009 and post 2009, also LHD and RHD. Able to download and print diagrams whilst researching which was brilliant. Worth reviewing the Maintenance Manuals as diagnostics info worth reading, although confidence in using Multimeters and access to diagnostic reader required.
    1 point
  14. BZ's knees (Reg no!) So, you have just a FEW plans for it then........ I recently thought trekking to Aran was a bit far, but 615 miles! Are you still in europe up there? (-: Ducks quickly...... Am still hoping we in the 'soft south' might somehow still be in Europe in years to come. I love Iberia, but don't have enough of the language. though the thought of driving an SC430 on Spain's empty roads is tempting.
    1 point
  15. Iโ€™m off to the Nurburgring with a couple of fellas and with the German F club. Will update some photos on my return with what looks to be a fantastic weekend with the Lexus endurance team ๐Ÿ‘
    1 point
  16. ๐Ÿคข thankfully not her! Same bloke owns a CGT amongst other exotica. Plan is to feature in a LFA v CGT rev off. A battle of 2 V10 engines. Not really a contest in my opinion as the LFA wins.
    1 point
  17. Looking forward to seeing your progress. I would expect to find a complete black interior out there somewhere on one of the breaker yard/salvage sites. If you're not keen on the colour of the interior, there's little point trying to restore it I suppose. I do like the black leather with silver but I think the light interior on the dark coloured cars suits them best. I have found leather cleaner and a lot of effort does work but it takes ages. Before I owned it, my car was serviced regularly by Lexus but neglected in other ways. Scuffed wheels and light bodywork scratches, filthy seat belts, etc.Traffic film remover and tar remover is cutting through the grease on the belts gradually, again a lot of effort. A good car upholsterer could probably restore all the soft stuff but it is difficult to keep the light carpet looking fresh when the car gets a lot of use.
    1 point
  18. The LFA is a very special thing. Iโ€™m meant to be meeting up with an LFA owner at some point soon, rather excited!
    1 point
  19. Yes it was a lovely 615ml return trip and enjoyed every minute of it...
    1 point
  20. All above jobs you mentioned have been done very recently prior to me buying this meister r coilovers recently fitted new upgraded disc and pads custom made exhaust... lovely growl to it and a little extra mod fitted that gives the devil control of car when accelerator pushed.... 2 setting extremely fast and warp lol for me to buy a SC in the 1st place ...it had to be different than stock look,
    1 point
  21. Come on... Admit it. s*x wee? ๐Ÿ˜‰
    1 point
  22. The isf is not slow in sport manual mode, locked in a gear anything above 3000 rpm and it will jump forward with a lot of torque when stamping on the throttle.
    1 point
  23. that might be euros 9950 with the dark under the curve of the price card ! many big road tax ROI cars are I understand a lot cheaper than in the UK Malc
    1 point
  24. That is a lovely looking car and I've also been looking at the 460SE-L recently in the UK. Would it not make sense (looking at the price advertised on the screen EUR20k) to take a trip to the UK? The prices vary enormously here between traders and a few private sales but some are very competitively priced with FLSH.
    1 point
  25. Looks superb. Nice pics as well.
    1 point
  26. @Womble72 Magical moments there Paul Iโ€™ve tried to hit the โ€˜likeโ€™ button for each pic but it didnโ€™t work ๐Ÿ˜‡ Big Rat
    1 point
  27. If it`s good enough for starfleet it`s good for me๐Ÿ˜‰.Maybe not for everyone but i never take my cars too seriously. ps When in sport mode i`m getting more than warp 9.
    1 point
  28. @Wellsey Hi Rickey that looks like the Lewis tunnel run - done that a fare few times on my way to Goodwood with friends from Uckfield/Heathfield. The exhaust sounds great๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป Looking forward to running the Quicksilver exhaust through the Lewes tunnel at some point ๐Ÿ˜‰
    1 point
  29. Unfortunately all the new RXs are on trendy 20" wheels which give poor ride and high noise, unless you go with the base model.
    1 point
  30. My 2013 Luxury has the auto dimming rear view mirror. I've also got Premium Nav so you get upgraded 10 speaker stereo, and DAB, but not ML Mileage wise I wouldn't worry, I'm on 144K nw with nothing other than servicing
    1 point
  31. Divorce ๐Ÿ™„.....mine paid off, I actually have some money for me! Yay.......๐Ÿ˜‚, .......have fun at Spa, love the classics too, donโ€™t forget the pictures too ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
    1 point
  32. Thats a pathetic way to look at things. If you don't want issues, buy a new car with a warranty, simple as. You've bought a car that's reaching almost 10 years old. What did you expect? These things are bulletproof but still have wear and tear components like top suspension mounts, bushings etc
    1 point
  33. If you are using the standard Sat Nav it probably won't make a difference ;-) Enjoy :-)
    1 point
  34. Managed to tackle a couple of problems today, i picked up my relocation union for the power steering from toyota in the week. But this then presented another problem... the throttle attachment for the cable would not be able to go fully open due to it hitting the relocation union, so i decided the flip the throttle 180 degrees.. I then had to flip the throttle position sensor 180 degrees too as with the connector pointing down this would have hit the power steering pipe to the pump. Not ideal as i wanted to keep the exposed wiring to a minimum to keep it all looking clean and clutter free, on the plus side the throttle cable will now be completly hidden under the manifold. But i still have 1 more problem, the union i have fitted is close to the manifold so im going to need a 90 degree silicone hose and see if it clears. If not im going to trim the union down slightly to make clearance, this union is not under pressure as its just pulling fluid from the bottle so even if the lip on the pipe is cut off it should still hold a pipe clamped on. I could always get a small lip welded on if its not going to hold too well.
    1 point
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