My LCR Since '05 with Static+ Front Air Lift - Project Gone to a New Home.

[worzel]

Hi James,

Haven't posted for a while as my project has stalled temporarily. This is because I have to pay someone to do the work i.e. engine out for new rods, gearbox for new clutch and diff etc, stuff I would not attempt myself. Unfortunately the only mechanic I trust, his mothers sister passed away recently so he had to travel back to mainland UK to consol his mother (we live in Jersey in case you weren't aware)...all understandable but as yet I don't know when he will be back and we can progress. Small point I want to make is two fold, one; you have carried out most if not all the work on your car and turning it in to the very fine specimen that it is, serious attention to details, and two; you refer to others (peers) and their fine examples, well my friend as you have probably gathered others refer to yours in the same way - I certainly do.

On a personal note, I'm 38 have a 3yr old boy and a girl due in Jan...my LCR was a replacement for an RX8 as we needed more space for a family. The wife gave me cart blanche to go and get a family car and was seriously upset when I rolled up in the LCR (she was typically expecting a 4x4)....and she has hated it ever since, that was 3 years ago. I noted from some of your previous posts maintaining motivation and direction can be an issue as everyday life throws up its challenges that puts it all in doubt. As you can imagine I too have been through this and so have many others on here, but that is what is good about this forum (in particular), as you have highlighted already. I'm not getting any younger (old in comparison to most on here), but I now have direction (BT build with view to track) and you and the others on here keep me motivated. Please keep it up

Chris

PS. not very busy at work hence the waffle

 

[James23Parkin]

Hi James,

Haven't posted for a while as my project has stalled temporarily. This is because I have to pay someone to do the work i.e. engine out for new rods, gearbox for new clutch and diff etc, stuff I would not attempt myself. Unfortunately the only mechanic I trust, his mothers sister passed away recently so he had to travel back to mainland UK to consol his mother (we live in Jersey in case you weren't aware)...all understandable but as yet I don't know when he will be back and we can progress. Small point I want to make is two fold, one; you have carried out most if not all the work on your car and turning it in to the very fine specimen that it is, serious attention to details, and two; you refer to others (peers) and their fine examples, well my friend as you have probably gathered others refer to yours in the same way - I certainly do.

On a personal note, I'm 38 have a 3yr old boy and a girl due in Jan...my LCR was a replacement for an RX8 as we needed more space for a family. The wife gave me cart blanche to go and get a family car and was seriously upset when I rolled up in the LCR (she was typically expecting a 4x4)....and she has hated it ever since, that was 3 years ago. I noted from some of your previous posts maintaining motivation and direction can be an issue as everyday life throws up its challenges that puts it all in doubt. As you can imagine I too have been through this and so have many others on here, but that is what is good about this forum (in particular), as you have highlighted already. I'm not getting any younger (old in comparison to most on here), but I now have direction (BT build with view to track) and you and the others on here keep me motivated. Please keep it up

Chris

PS. not very busy at work hence the waffle

Thanks Chris Good luck with the arrival of your daughter in Jan. I think it's not until you become familiar with your parenting commitments that you're able to work out how time is going to factor into hobby time. Seems a bit overwhelming atm. Work is very busy too, so that sways things a bit. I'm content with it sitting in the garage. It's better than letting somebody else owning it, that's for sure.

If money was freely available this car would be miles away from where it is now, but it'll get there. Full top notch respray for 2013 for sure. Maybe Jult time when we buy our new car.

I still need to source the 2.0L coilpack conversion kit...

 

[James23Parkin]

I've never liked 911s so much!

Guys,

Please Please Please check out the videos within the below link. It's of a chap named Magnus Walker who, originally from Sheffield, is now a bit of a Legend in LA/America. It makes me want an early 70s 911T. You'll know that I mean...

http://www.magnuswalker911.com/

Click videos

The driving videos are just amazing!

The next link is a cool 32 min video about him and his cars.

http://www.reelhouse.org/MOS/URBANOUTLAW/

Just super cool. Enjoy

 

[James23Parkin]

Genuine LCR Armrest

I've wanted one for ages and the other day a Genuine armrest came up on eBay. It seemed to be in good condition so I bid on it and won It cost £67 which I think is reasonable price.

Hopefully it should be with me for the weekend. If it has the fitting bracket, I'll hopefully get to fit over the weekend. Very happy

 

[Murdered LCR]

Not a bad price mate but hate to say it seat web site had a brand new one for £59 reduced from £ 160

I'm looking for one for my R32 but want the lid done in carbon

 

[James23Parkin]

Not a bad price mate but hate to say it seat web site had a brand new one for £59 reduced from £ 160

I'm looking for one for my R32 but want the lid done in carbon

Bugger... Oh well, it seems to be in pretty good condition and I have one now, but BUGGER

 

[CharlieRCupes]

Well done on the PVW slot mate, car looks good. Dont often see R's in there.

 

[James23Parkin]

Well done on the PVW slot mate, car looks good. Dont often see R's in there.

Thanks Charlie

In other news, my centre LCR armrest arrived this morning. It was purchased knowing that it was in used condition. On removing it from the packaging, the plastics were dirty but not scratched and the fabric was heavily marked with what looked like a pull in the fabric.

I washed the plastics with Megs Gold Class shampoo with a detailing brush, wiped it down and applied Megs Plastics treatment, before giving it a final buff. The cloth was treated with Rug Doctors Fabric Cleaner, using a ratio of 1:3 with hot water, using a brush to apply it and aggrivate the dirt. Loads came out and all the fabric markings turned out to be superficial.

It has come up really well and looks pretty much perfect now. The armrest came with all the fixings, which I didn't think it would do, so happy days on that front. Looking at the fitting guides on here, I just need to cut the coin pocket out of the centre console with a Dremel, fit the base and then slot on the armrest. I'll fit it when I can get down to the garage. Wanted one of these for as long as I've had the car, so chuffed with my latest purchase

Couple of pics of it all cleaned up...

A picture that I haven't posted before, reminding me what it looks like when the car is at its best, and the sun is out...

Thanks for reading

 

[James23Parkin]

Not much of an update really. I haven't been down to the garage to see the car in ages. The armrest is still sat in the spare room and waiting to be fitted. I haven't bought new coilpacks yet... The list goes on really

I'm away with work for another 3 week stint, so there's not going to be much opportunity to do anything this side of Chrimbo. Plus we move house in late Jan/early Feb, and with the baby due just after that, the car is being justifiably neglected, but that's ok.

I was given this little munchkin to drive whilst away with work. Drives really nicely. I think it's a 1.4L.

All my money is pretty much going towards the baby's stuff now; it's our first-born and you want to naturally do your best, so the cost of an engine rebuild, for example, went on a pram and car seat... Baby furniture will cover the cost of the car getting a respray... We're over the moon; it's a pretty magical time really.

It's bonus time with work in June so, along with a new A4 estate, the car will defo get some attention then. I think I might just have to bide my time. Problem is, others' cars are coming on really well and it makes me sick with envy Top work guys by the way!!

This is a weekend car and it's an enjoyable hobby, so what would I want to achieve with it? Job list (pie in the sky maybe)...
1). Top class full Ovni respray with mega depth and gloss (show worthy standards) along with a few subtle deletes here and there.
2). Send off callipers to be serviced and powercoated.
3). Rear beam to be removed, powdercoated, with the inner arches being stone chipped for future proofing. Oh and get the Powerflex rear bushes fitted... At this point, I think all the rolling stuff would be A1 and ready for many miles ahead.
4). At the very least, I need a new turbo back exhaust. I would love to have the engine rebuilt and a new turbo fitted, along with a diff, new clutch and all that fitted. Once it's looking nice, I want it to be able to drive like the clappers. 4WD would be a true dream, but I think it would be beyond my budget. I have no intention to track day it, but fast road would be amazing.... A true all rounder...

I know a lot of 'talk without action' can go on. I'd like to think I've been pretty consistent in my commitments to date, so I've written the above to make sure that I don't drop the bat. We'll see where it leads me...

James

 

[t0m]

Cracking update as usual mate

Full respray is a must for the ovni's I think. Would look stunning, especially the way you keep your car!

4WD I wouldn't bother with, just make it an even more mint example than it is now and keep going with the upgrades, clutch, diff, new exhaust. By the way, which one do you think you'll go for?

I looked at those links you posted a few posts above mate, all I can say is WOW... pure epic! Really fancy a 911 now. Attetion to detail by that Magnus guy is amazing.

Great finds

 

[James23Parkin]

Cracking update as usual mate

Full respray is a must for the ovni's I think. Would look stunning, especially the way you keep your car!

4WD I wouldn't bother with, just make it an even more mint example than it is now and keep going with the upgrades, clutch, diff, new exhaust. By the way, which one do you think you'll go for?

I looked at those links you posted a few posts above mate, all I can say is WOW... pure epic! Really fancy a 911 now. Attetion to detail by that Magnus guy is amazing.

Great finds

Tbh Tom, my knowledge on Diffs is pretty limited. However, I think you've gone the right way with the wavetrac; they seem to get such good reviews. The only other 02A variant I know of is the Peloquin diff, which doesn't sound like my cup of tea tbh. I would probably get the Awesome-GTI uprated clutch kit, which has a good torque rating with an OEM feel. Nice combo me thinks. But I honestly don't know if I'll get the chance to take the car that far in the next couple of years with a mortgage and young family. I want to try and buy our next car outright, so trying to save super hard at the min. Boring but sensible...

I went to the classic car show the other day and I was like a moth to a flame when looking at the early 911s, and I've disliked Porsches up until this point. There was a 250,000 quid 1973 there which was sexual. Wouldn't it be great if we had the canyons nearby. Super cool videos...

Tom, I don't like your car at all by the way...
I hope the install goes well over the next few days buddy

 

[t0m]

Tbh Tom, my knowledge on Diffs is pretty limited. However, I think you've gone the right way with the wavetrac; they seem to get such good reviews. The only other 02A variant I know of is the Peloquin diff, which doesn't sound like my cup of tea tbh. I would probably get the Awesome-GTI uprated clutch kit, which has a good torque rating with an OEM feel. Nice combo me thinks. But I honestly don't know if I'll get the chance to take the car that far in the next couple of years with a mortgage and young family. I want to try and buy our next car outright, so trying to save super hard at the min. Boring but sensible...

I went to the classic car show the other day and I was like a moth to a flame when looking at the early 911s, and I've disliked Porsches up until this point. There was a 250,000 quid 1973 there which was sexual. Wouldn't it be great if we had the canyons nearby. Super cool videos...

Tom, I don't like your car at all by the way...
I hope the install goes well over the next few days buddy

From all the watching on threads and opinions I've come across, Wavetrac get the nod ahead of the Quaife for LSD's for these MK1's. From my understanding the Peloquin is just a copy of the Quaife but not as good... but they both use slightly older technology in parts than the Wavetrac. Al with the MK2 LC has made some good posts on the LSD effect in my RR thread mate. Worth a read.

The Awesome GTI heavy duty SMF clutch kit is the one that El runs and I know how he drives So it can take some hard use! The kit is perfect for me and the price is superb, as was the service from Awesome GTI.

Nothing wrong with saving and being sensible mate. I will be spending less on my car next year to save more also.

I'd love to have some of those roads nearby mate. Really want to take mine upto the Lake District next year to have a blast Suburban roads just don't suit these cars too well.

Thanks mate, I'm missing the car already, lol!

 

[RDS]

Definately get it sprayed mate, OVNI is such a nice colour when it's fresh:

 

[James23Parkin]

Wow

I'll start searching for a sprayer properly in Jan. It'll look immense that's for sure. It's just finding someone who I can trust to do a perfect job. 3K is a lot of money to part with to be left disappointed. I got some contacts from UD earlier this year, so will probably go with those; show winning standards... mmm...

 

[MI 55UTH]

What an awesome read, congrats on the progress keep it up! Always had a secret soft spot for the yellow, but this is just sexual

 

[James23Parkin]

What an awesome read, congrats on the progress keep it up! Always had a secret soft spot for the yellow, but this is just sexual

Hahah... Thanks

 

[t0m]

Great pic posted by Rich Ovni does look mint when it's re-done and well. Look at JamJay's old car, looked stunning once done.

£3K is a lot mate, I'm sure you can get it done for less, but obviously you don't want a bodge job at all. Not for this car no way.

 

[James23Parkin]

Well Christmas is upon us, so I would just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

One of those days….

I managed to get down to the garage this morning to do a few things. I haven’t seen the car in about 7 weeks and boy did it show! I can see why people make such a big deal about having a heated garage! I arrived to the car and discovered that the garage roof had a slight leak, so everything was damp with pools of water in the corner of the garage Even though the battery had been disconnected, it’s flat as a pancake; its 4 years old so it’s probably time for a new one. The biggest shocker was the realisation that the carpet of the interior had been damp (failing door seals I think) from when it had hammered it down in October prior to going into storage, and opening the car up, mould was everywhere, and I mean everywhere

So with my original plans out the window, I set about wiping down the interior with a dry cloth (wearing a mask) and thankfully it all came off with ease and without any lasting marking. Reassuringly, the carpet is now dry so I’ve left one of the windows open ever so slightly to give some ventilation. Nightmare.

I then wiped down the outside of the car with a mitt and some quick detailer to get rid of the muck from the leaking roof, before bringing the car out of the garage. Oh wait, I drove it in front first when I put it in the garage in Oct, and with a flat battery, It wouldn’t budge

My intention had been to fit my Genuine LCR Armrest which I bought a while ago. I'll put that on when I've got some time at then end of next week.

Now on to the important stuff… I finally have a bit of an update!!!

Hhhmmm… What could this be for?

2.0TFSI Coil Pack Upgrade…
I mentioned in an earlier post that the car had started to run rough, and the culprit was a failing Coil Pack. This is only the second set I’ve bought in 8 years of ownership, so I’ve been quite lucky I guess. As Christmas is coming, my wife has bought me a set of Awesome 2.0T Coil Pack adapters in silver, a set of ECS Tuning Red Ignition Coil Packs (2.0TFSI) and X4 Bosch Platinum Spark Plugs, which Awesome recommend/use. This seems to be a good future proof upgrade, as the 2.0TFSI Coil Packs have less of a tendency to fail; running on idle is meant to be smoother and can improve general running, whilst running a spark plug which is one step colder with advance can improve performance. They should be with me next Friday.

Other Performance/Maintenance Upgrades…

TIP It had been my plan to remove my Forge TIP today, which is in excellent condition I’ll remove it next Friday/Saturday. I am going to sell this and put the proceeds towards a Badger5 V3 K04 80mm TIP. I’ve looked at Bill’s V2.2 and the SFS Performance one, reading some guides/reviews along the way. I’ve always been impressed with Bill’s products, workmanship and forum input, so it was a no-brainer really. I know the V2.2 achieves ‘best flow’ but the V3 is a very close second and suits my needs/wants perfectly.

Diverter Valve Like a sheep in the herd, I’ve decided to give the Forge 008 valve a go. I had the 007p originally before moving to the Split-R, and I really like it. However, thinking of future plans, the 008 will perform better with increased PSI/flow. Again, it had been my intention to remove the Forge Split-R today, so I’ll remove it on Friday/Saturday and will be given a clean and Service; it is in excellent condition This will be sold and proceeds will be put towards a new 008.

MAF In all the years that I have owned the car, I’ve never invested in a new MAF. I did buy an aftermarket one from eBay but I haven’t bothered fitting this and it will probably just sit in the Shed. I’m going to buy a new Bosch one and fit that in conjunction with the other bits.

Service In Feb, when we move house, the car will have to drive 50 odd miles. It’s in winter storage ATM, so the engine will have an engine flush and change of oil along with a new filter. I’ve decided to move away from Valvoline Fully Synthetic Oil and will be going through OPIE Oils and buying Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 5W-30 Ester Synthetic Engine Oil, which comes highly recommended by many on here.

As always, it’s steady progress. I’m in desperate need of a turbo back exhaust as it’s in a rather poor state. I’ll probably buy a Milltek non-res system and get a Revo Linear stage 2 map put on before moving onto a full respray in July… Makes sense really!

I’ll post up pics of fitted pieces as and when they arrive/get fitted. Thanks for reading

 

[RDS]

Nightmare with the mould mate, it's quite lucky that you didn't just leave the car unattended all winter. It's good to see this is still progessing, I'm sure you'll love it with the Revo map on it.

Have a good Christmas and New Year

 

[t0m]

Shame about the mold dude Bring on the warmer months.

Great plans mate, really liking all that work coming up. You going to get an SPS controller with the Revo 2?

Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the TFSI coilpack setup. I will take this route IF one of my oem one dies. Like you I've been quite lucky (touch wood) and haven't had one go. They tend to fail is the spark plugs aren't very good and I've had the Iridium's on the car for almost 2 years now since mapped so it's probably those that have prevented them from going.

The 008 is an upgrade from the 007 I can vouch for it feeling better now I've done some miles with mine. Seems to hold boost better higher up for sure. All to do with the smaller internal chamber design I believe.

Great choice of oil too