I’d loved owning my first Mini, modifying it, breaking it, fixing it, driving it like I stole it and there was just no other car I really wanted. But my first Mini was all I could afford at the time and it was cheap for a reason, many reasons actually. I wanted something better and […]
After the suspension refresh I did a full wheel alignment and eventually got to doing the corner weights (more on that another time). When going round the car, checking the ride height I also kept an eye on how the bodywork sat in relation to the floor particularly as the front was now a bit […]
As a child all my time went on building Lego Technic models and the odd model car plus riding, falling off and fixing bikes. So my interest in cars and building them isn’t a great surprise. In my teenage years though I sort of lost interest in those things and wasn’t particularly into cars. So […]
The wheels that were on the Forester when I bought it are proper GC-010E Prodrive/Bridgestone branded forged items made in the Rays factory in Japan. They’re quite a desirable wheel, look good and are about as light as a set of 18’s are going to get so they drive very well. Me being me though, […]
When I fitted the new exhaust manifold and downpipe setup I couldn’t refit the lambda sensor that was in the exhaust I removed as it had been butchered by a previous mechanic/owner (see here). So I had a look through the spares I have from various donor/previously owned Rovers and Minis and found one to […]
As spring was on it’s way and the Elise would soon be allowed out of the garage again it was time to get some fresh oil in the engine and a new oil filter on. Oil, filter and sump plug washers. I had already removed the filter for better access when replacing the exhaust manifold […]
While I was replacing the exhaust manifold and heat shielding I had a general look around where I was working, particularly those places that are otherwise impossible to see with everything in place. The only thing I found was a possible slight water leak from the gasket between the engine head and the coolant outlet […]
There was a bit of play in the gear change. To be honest it wasn’t too bad but I really hate feeling any slack in a cars controls so I took a look at the linkage to see if I could find anywhere with any slack and if I could do anything to tighten up […]
Whenever I get a car I tend to change all the oils early on so I know it’s all fresh and decent quality stuff. The Forester was no different so I got myself some Millers oils for the engine, gearbox and differentials and a genuine Subaru engine oil filter and sump washer. For the engine […]
Having test fitted all the parts I fabricated to be sure I was happy with them (see here, here and here). The exhaust, exhaust heat shield and alternator heat shield could all be fitted for the last time with new gaskets and fixings. Everything ready to fit. New exhaust manifold gasket in place. Engine mount […]