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226

General Car Chat / Re: Alloys and insurance

« on: 13 December 2009, 16:51:31 »

I have had some experience with this. You are correct that they will only replace with a standard wheel unless you have a modified vehicle policy from someone like Performance direct. If they had to replace two 19" wheels on your car at Vauxhall prices, your car would almost certainly be classed as a write off, if you needed 4 it would unbelievably be a cat c,as you would undoubtable need tyres as well. Having dealt a fair bit with alloy wheels and tyres, I would also advise you that I have yet to get in a set of 19s that haven't in some way had buckles in. BMW rims are bar far and away the worst. If you need your speedo readjusting, then the one and only Speedy cables is the only place to go. www.speedycables.com

227

General Car Chat / Re: How long does a standard exhaust system last

« on: 01 December 2009, 22:11:17 »

So at 150k, I'm probably on borrowed time! Guess if you are keeping one long term then GM is the way to go.

228

General Car Chat / How long does a standard exhaust system last

« on: 01 December 2009, 01:10:11 »

I was working on my exhaust on my 1999 Estate. Its on its second engine and the odo reads 150k. Amazingly, the exhausts were in really good shape. They all have GM Vauxhall logos stamped on them, even the backbox! The only thing that's perished are the heatshields on the cat. Do you reckon someone has forked out megabucks and replaced with a standard Vauxhall system or that these could well be the original pipes? :-?

229

General Car Chat / Re: Are V6 cambelt locking kits manufacturer specific?

« on: 25 November 2009, 21:16:15 »

Hi all,

I hear you all mentioning that it is essential to use the locking tool when changing the cam belt on the V6's so the last time I was talking to my mechanic I asked him did he have one and he said that he had.

Is the locking tool the same for all V6 engines or would I need to make sure that he has one specific for the Vauxhall / Opel V6?

Can I just say that I love honest questions like this. All too often you ask something and people roll their eyes as if to say 'Don't you know anything'.

The answers here are correct to a point, certainly with regard to the V6 kit. However, some 4 pot engines require a complex system of locks, for example an Alfa TS requires a TDC tool, dial guage, camshaft locking blocks, something to lock the crank. A laguna locks the camshafts by means of a metal bar screwed to the block at the opposing end to the sprockets. The Daewoo 16v engine (based on Vauxhall Ecotec design requires no tool,just the alignment of markers). The Rover 16v just needs a match.

Its best not to cut corners, get the right kit and do it properly. The Miggy V6 uses a number of tools and the belt has markings that confusingly go out of alignment when you turn the engine (Use the markers on the crank and sprocket)

230

General Car Chat / Re: New 5 series BMW

« on: 25 November 2009, 21:56:58 »

i'd rather have the 6.0l monaro vrx thats on this months abs mag. it looks much sexier

I agree. Now a miggy with a Monaro drive train...Hmmmm?

231

General Car Chat / Re: mini facelift/facelift

« on: 25 November 2009, 21:53:59 »

Dealers had back stocks, available for discounted price. A lot of people preferred the older version initially to the new one according to a dealer friend on mine. Also meant you could get an MV6 for less!

232

General Car Chat / Re: LPG or not to LPG? Thats the question...

« on: 24 November 2009, 10:23:35 »

Sorry to hijack this thread but I was looking at doing this too a while back. I am pretty good with spanners but how difficult is it to do? The kit I'm looking at comes with engine mapping software. Is this best left to the professionals? Its also a sequential kit, isthis the better option?

233

General Car Chat / Re: home servicing, sorry ill rant here now

« on: 31 August 2009, 18:23:26 »

I was taught by my grandad who could literally make something out of nothing (Including casting magnesium sumps for Jowett prototype cars). When he died, I had still got a lot to learn and don't mind admitting failing a lot on the way. I started collecting tools along the way and now have a full garage that almost rivals a workshop including a hoist, compressor, welder and god knows how many specialist tools such as reverse brake winders, flarers, locking kits, C.V. boot tools. Every time I do a job, I learn something new.

If it wasn't for these skills, I'd be in trouble now as I have hit some lean times. Fortunately, I was ableto shoehorn a new engine into an Omega and I now have a car that I am really proud of.

In answer to the theme of your thread, home mechanics are now more prolific than they have been in the last 20 years. How do I know this? Just look how many members this forum has... 8-)

234

General Car Chat / Re: Lowering,the cheaper way.

« on: 29 August 2009, 22:56:13 »

IMHO I don't think you should take shortcuts on brakes or suspension. Save your pennies and get the best spring kit you can afford. I've always found Eibach to be the best and they do progressive rate springs that vary stiffness according to your driving. Re tempered springs won't do this.

235

General Car Chat / Re: bought another miggy

« on: 31 August 2009, 23:59:59 »

Wow! T&T? That's amazing!

236

General Car Chat / Re: Moron of the year - Police please read

« on: 31 August 2009, 21:15:19 »

Funny isn't it how we are up in arms about this. 'Cos I am old, I remember driving about in cars with no seatbelts, lolling in the boots of estates, sitting in the front seat, sitting on people's laps. I agree its totally wrong but it made me smile reminiscing!

237

General Car Chat / Re: V6 Passat Cambelt

« on: 29 August 2009, 22:37:32 »

Passat isn't transverse. TDI needs front removal, not sure about V6. Why not take it out and flush the system anyhow. I always fit a new water pump when doing cambelts so you could make sure the cooling system is tiptop.

238

General Car Chat / Feelin' a little smug...

« on: 29 August 2009, 22:47:22 »

As some of you know, I've just fitted a replacement engine into my miggy. I had the chance to give it a full shakedown today with a 150 mile round trip to my dad's. The trip down the M1 was eventful, traffic stopping and starting but she did well. I then took the train into London and gave my dad the kids and my keys. He was dubious to say the least and I didn't think he'd take it but when I got back, he'd filled her up and said that he couldn't believe how nice it was. I then drove her back on cruise and she just ate the miles. It was the most comfy motorway journey I have had for a long time. As I entered Northampton, I saw the BMW garage where they are offering the 3 series for 'just' £395 a month. That's what I paid for the whole car! I've no doubt stuff will go wrong and I have a few small niggles to sort but at this stage I can only say, 'What a car!' Miggys must be the most underated and best kept secrets in the motoring world. 8-)

239

General Car Chat / Re: Was it worth it?

« on: 24 August 2009, 15:38:38 »

Passed her MOT today. Three advisories: Rear tyre low, low effort on h/b cable and slight corrosion on centre brake pipe. I am chuffed to hell!

240

General Car Chat / Re: Was it worth it?

« on: 22 August 2009, 22:19:33 »

Rear pads done today. They were on the metal. Checked the handbrake pads and they were good, so just going to lube up the cable and tighten the adjuster. Just the brake line to do now.