This year, why not make more of England?

That’s a good question, and I’m quoting The Guardian here, where I first saw this. I’m a fan of supporting local business; it makes sense after all. Money spent in this country goes back into the country and that feels ‘right’ to me!

I guess I missed out on the Ibiza craze? I’m now 23 and working, and I was working when  I was 18. I did an Apprenticeship and went straight into work so this may be a reason why I’m inclined to write such a post…

I’ve been abroad a fair few times with parents or school but recently I’ve enjoyed camping in the New Forest, and Norfolk, and have enjoyed some time in the Peak District too and would like to go back there for certain.

I’ve enjoyed staying in Old English Inns and as they have a range of locations across the countries may well look at making those a base!

As I rather enjoy driving, I look forward to exploring this country as much as possible to begin with. Yes the weather is always a problem, but then I will probably look to check out Lanzerote or similar in Winter!

These cars are very good value at the minute. You can get very good examples for between £2500-3500.

So to cut to the chase the following are some of the things you should watch out for:

• Head Gasket – the head gasket is known to go on the ‘K’ series MG Rover engines. Has it been fixed / replaced with the uprated unit. If not how many miles has the car done? It will GO at some point in the future so budget in around £400 for fixing. If it hasn’t gone it can be good for up to 80,000 miles or more but it does all depend on how the car has been looked after.

• Cambelt – the cambelt will need replacing at around 60,000 miles. Has it been replaced? If not this will need doing in the future. Budget between £100-200 for this.

• Water pump – this will normally be replaced when the head gasket gets replaced. Has it been replaced?

• Coolant pipes – the coolant pipes (running from back to front of car) are prone to rotting out from the inside out, and therefore dumping coolant from the car. This can cause headgasket failure. Sometimes the pipes are replaced when the head gasket gets replaced. Stainless steel pipes can be bought for around £60-70.

• Brakes – pretty standard stuff now, what do the disk brakes look like. Are they pretty rusty / ridged?
  What do the break pads look like?Replacing both will cost around /£120-150 all round.

• Tyres – what’s the tread look like? A set of mid-range tyres all round will cost around £250-300 for an MG TF

• Rust – again pretty standard. Have a look at all the wheel arches; especially the lip around the edges. On the MGF there’s a plastic/rubber seal. If you can peel this back and make sure the metal behind isn’t rusted.

• Exhaust – get down on your knees and have a good look underneath. Give the backbox  a good prod. Being a mid-engined car there’s not an awful lot of run for the exhaust system so it’s all pretty much contained.

You’ll really need to take the car for a test drive and give it some good revs to make sure the system isn’t blowing/there aren’t any holes in it….

Replacing the backbox with a standard non-stainless unit will cost around £150 but the system itself is probably fine if the car isn’t older than 13-14 years.

• Heater – make sure it’s blowing hot, so make sure you take the car for a test drive. If it’s blowing cold or doesn’t heat up this can be related to head gasket failure so would steer well clear.

• Hood – make sure there are no tears or big rips and the rear screen isn’t ripped. Can prove costly to repair.

• Oil – Check the dipstick, make sure the oil looks okay and has been topped up – somewhere between the high and low marks is good. Make sure the oil is clear and not creamy coloured (signs of head gasket failure)

• Coolant – make sure the header tank is clear and not cloudy / dirty. Signs of head gasket if the tank is blackened.

And then of course there’s the common sense question: does the car sound ‘okay’ when it’s running. No loud noises, bangs, clunks etc.

If you have any queries feel free to comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

The Longlife exhaust has now been fitted, they had it in a day longer as a part arrived late, and they needed to road test some more. No quibbles at all with the service and Herts Auto Tek kept me well informed.

Here’s a pic of the tailpipe:

As you can see, it looks great. Compared with the factory ‘pea shooter’ twin I’ve replaced with a single oval tailpipe. Hopefully this cat-back system will improve exhaust flow no end. Here’s a video of the car running so you can get a feel of the sound. I’ve also got a before video which you can see on my YouTube account.

I’ve also fitted a K&N panel filter, the last air filter probably hadn’t been changed in a long while. And what a state it was. I’ve not seen anything that bad in any of the cars I’ve owned.

Here’s a before:

You can find the video of before and after on YouTube.

Today I also fixed some of the rubber trim around the sunroof using EvoStick as this was hanging loose. Personally, I think the car had been sitting for some time previously.

The next thing to take place will be a full service (minus the air filter) and the remap.

First things first though, a new job must be found. So, if you know of anyone with a need for a 2nd Line IT Support technician with vast experience please get in touch!

Cheers!

As with all Audi updates – please click here to view more!

Hi All,

Just a little update on the Audi A8.

I’ve been pretty busy with the motor, doing a lot of work myself. I’ve so far completed the following tasks.

• Fixed central locking pump – bought repair kit from eBay (here)
• Unblocked rain water drain at front causing possible flooding over fuse box in passenger footwell.
• Fixed passenger front speakers (rain water corroded connector, see vid)
• Debadged all but the Audi badge on rear
• Fitted rubber car mats
• Replaced rear number plate

Upcoming plans:

• Rolling road at end of March to ascertain current power (factory was 300BHP)
• K&N panel filter ready to fit
• Longlife exhaust being fitted at Herts Auto Tek on 4th April
• Remap scheduled for May (+16BHP, and plenty of torque)
• Maybe uprated fuel pumps etc.

I aim to make 330BHP (in line with the S8 of similar year). We’ll see.

I still have the TF for top-down enjoyment :0
For updates on the MG see here.

Oxford is a lovely, lovely place. I have come to the conclusion of this after only being there a couple of times and both at night / late evening.

The people are different, and it’s definitely more friendly than some places you can visit.

The first time I visited, in December 2012, we were recommended The Living Room to eat at which is absolutely fabulous and probably some of the best food I’ve ever had to eat… in some of the most stylish surroundings. The waitress was hot, the food was hotter and there was live music (guitar and piano) afterwards in the bar area. The drinks they served were also top notch!

On asking the waitress where to go on to drink we were recommended Raoul’s Bar! This turned out to be rated ‘One of the top 50 bars on earth’ – Sunday Times 2012.

On my second visit for my Birthday last weekend, we were recommended Lola Lo’s by some very nice ladies in Raoul’s. (At least I think that’s where we ended up). Ultimately they know how do things properly! I would also highly recommend you try a Bourbon Street! Very tasty!

Both times we stayed at the Victoria Hotel, which is reasonably priced, considering that it’s a 25-30 minute walk from the centre.

I recommend you visit Oxford!

For those of you who know me well, and those that don’t, I’ve been following the 5BX Fitness Plan with rowing and weights and other things thrown in 3 times a week for the last year and a half or so.

I drink protein shakes twice a day and on the days I work out (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) I eat eggs for breakfast.

Now I want to get my body fat percentage down further so I’m cutting added sugar out of my diet altogether and cutting down on unnecessary dairy products. The easiest way of doing this is cutting sugar from tea and coffee and milk from tea and coffee. Some people may think that’s boring but I need to work on something to push that extra bit without changing the way I exercise.

I will update soon to let you know how it goes.

For whatever reason, almost certainly after their death, their music will live on. There are many, many, musicians who’re no longer around and who may have played or performed across various genres but together they have influenced and will continue to influence thousands and continue to please millions of fans.

This post is a token of my appreciation.

I guess simply put, I thank you all for the music and for what you did.

This is as much a to-do list for me as it is for you to keep up to speed with what needs doing.

It’s just flown through an MOT (to my surprise) so no panic then.

1. Exhaust blowing and CAT probably on way out but backbox certainly needs looking at. But only comment on MOT was that the backbox was blowing – on the backburner now then…
2. I would like to fit stainless coolant pipes and replace the coolant header tank (filthy as result of HGF; yes, been there and had that before I bought!)
3. Rust! There is a fair amount of rust on the n/s door and around window frame.  I have paint so just need to destroy that rust!
4. Windscreen seal has had it and needs replacing
5. Rear bumper is cracked and needs replacing (not critical, only cosmetic)
6. Suspension needs pumping up!
7. Electrics are good!

Here’s a pic of the car up on some ramps. I attacked all obvious points with copious amounts of WD40, spray grease, and treated the hood with AutoGlym Hood Cleaner and Protector.

Bluey on ramps

Another year on its way out and really what a year it has been!

I started with two goals:

1. To get a new job – succeeded (now working for Interweave IT, Letchworth)
2. To find a nice girl – succeeded

You can get anywhere if you work hard enough to achieve your goals but the main thing to do is not set yourself goals that are unobtainable.

Other things such as my exercise regime and love of cars has been maintained (with the purchase of an MG MGF for £500 due to an eBay auction not following through – will blog in early 2013).

Computers (and my Freelance work) are still going strong, and my love of music prevails. I aim to do more with my Label in 2013 as I’ve put that onto the back-burner during 2012 and let tick-over, but as always juggling several projects is a headache at times – it’s important to make time!

I also made it a priority to make more time for friends and family in 2012 and aim to continue this trend. I aim to read more too! More books, that is.

Again, and before long, I can see this becoming a lengthy spiel, so will cut short now. To everyone who may read this – all the best for the future!

Best wishes,

-Toby