The G Man

So Brexit is a disaster, for the nation, for the people, for those that voted for it, for those that voted against it, nae winners, only losers. one things for sure, re Stu post, naebody understands it, but in my opinion, when you start athread with such a controversial subject matter, the OP is looking for provocation and reaction, more trolling than anything else. raw views and emotion follow. My Mrs is a brexiteer, she’s got, by her own admission, nae understanding of the consequence and, no matter how ridiculous the repercussions, she won’t enter into discussion and like most brexiteers, ‘just want it to finish’, well no, not until you have listened to every last excruciating discussion, news item, parliamentary idiocy that YOU started. So there!

Sorry for not paying attention, but is your whole car being wrapped?

Well, my wee performance era started back in the eighties wi an Opel Manta GTE, great car at the time, getting long in the tooth in 1986 tho but did win engine of the decade in the 70’s, or so I was told by a car enthusiast at the time. This was a halcyon time of no internet sh1t, so enthusiasts were harder working Then we couldny stop producing weans , so Manta had to make way for a long line of saloons and hatchbacks, all very mundane and not ‘sporty’ RX8 Weans finally all aff the books roon aboot 2006, so I got me a RX8 231 Unusual, quite quick (very quick by comparison to what I came from), with a whole load of quirky features, top of which had to be the suicide doors, the famous beeb at 9000RPM and the illuminated gear knob . Handling once the REO40’s were changed to 50’s was sublime. You could use ALL the power available and not feel that you were not in control. This car taught me a lot about fast road driving (I had some tuition at Knockhill to help on this). 4 useable seats, gentleman’s toilet bag colour scheme with the leather interior (red and black), practical and took me on many a European adventure. the downfall was the woeful lack of torque, this became most apparent on the climb up the Stelvio Pass, it really was a drivers car then, but you could barely get out of second. So for the lack of Torque, it had to go! 370GT Next up was a 370 GT, reason for buying a Nissan was a demonstrably large increase in torque that was available. Much, much quicker than the RX8, not as refined, more ‘grunty’ and always sounded angry ffs! . Did all the things I was supposed to do to it, lowered, spacered, exhaust, HFC’s, re-map etc, as instructed and tempted on here! I could never really use the maximum power with this car, a combination of fear, lack of ability and running out of road. Tracked it a few times and it was great fun, thrilling without being dramatically fast. Loved the Rev-match thing that it had going on and made for some smooth driving on twisty roads. Loved the interior and the nod to former Z cars with the three dials on the dash. Never quite did the same tours in this car for some reason, but did various UK wide tours, Hebrideas (from south to north), most of the Scottish Highlands, Lake Z, Japfest etc. Only had the steering lock issue to contend with in the 3 years I had it, but the bullet proof warranty dealt with that, albeit inconvenient at the time. Biggest downside? Road noise! F me, it was draining on long motorway drives, great when you’re barrelling along twisting bits, but NHS level of mental health care required after a long motorway stint Still, a great wee car. Mk1 370 Nismo Then Moved on to ma 370 Mk 1 Nismo, controversial in these here parts pardner, when it was first released, got a fair amount of negativity from the community, but some loved it. I think it came from the misunderstanding that when it was released, it wasn’t a fire breathing M3/Porsche 911 killer . It was way more subtle than just outright performance, sure ye got 16 (?) or so extra ponies and some more torque, but the real deal about it was the suspension and wheelbase/chassis tweaks, not groundbreaking but enough to make a difference. Styling was controversial as well, with some major negativity from some parts of the community (from some who then went on to buy one ), but I loved it, that big splitter, big gay wing, and I feel that when I added the, genuine, Nismo graphics to the dark tones and pearlescent white paintwork, made the Mk1 Nismo stand out from the crowd, in a way that the Mk2, might not. All my subjective opinion of course. Again, I didnt do a lot of trips, Euro or otherwise with this car and, unfortunately, I was deployed to Afghan for 6 months of ownership, but during Pre-Deployment training, it was a great ride to get you back home when training allowed, at weekends, fast, capable, comfortable but still had a few issues regards road noise One thing I always got from this car was a tremendous reception from other people, when stopped it was a magnet for camera phones etc (I’d like to say a fanny magnet but I’m happily married ) I should have kept her, not because I regretted my next choice or needed the cash for the purchase of my next car, but because in my opinion, it was a beautiful car. I’d buy it back now in a heartbeat, but practicality might have tae rule that one out. Ford Mustang 5.0 GT I must admit, I never liked the look of the pre release press shots of this car, it was a couple of posts by mad StevoD (you’re not mad, but I’ve got a friend Stevo, who when I type his name, and, because he’s mad, my predictive txt comes up with the word) I’ve never ever, bought a car that wasn’t even in production yet (RHD), and never waited 10 months or so for it to be built. But I did for this wee beauty ha! From the moment I clapped eyes on it, I fell in love, it was awesome looking, colour, Ruby Red, just pinged like a pingy thing, all that flake through it. The side profile is iconic, and from that moment on, I bought into the ethos and culture of the Mustang. 5.0L of naturally aspirated, laconic, laid back driving nirvana. Unbelievably comfortable, a few pleasant baubles in the cabin, some nice retro touches, ‘ground speed’ on the speedo, ‘Mustang Since 1964” on the passenger side etc. once I got over the initial ‘love in’, you do start to notice the less than premium interior, cheap plastics etc, but as the least expensive V8 on the market, that can all be forgiven. This car needed work tho, and all those months of waiting were not wasted, constant research on American forums to gain an in-depth knowledge of modding this beastie and then the purchase of some parts, was warranted. First up FRPP Track Pack, FRPP by Borla Cat Back, spacers, FRPP catch can, the list goes on and on. I’ve modified or replaced a lot on this car and it’s a joy to work with. A lot of stuff that’s been modified is stuff that was left off for the European market, tri-bar DRL’s being one thing. The brakes, Brembo 6 pot on the fronts, are awesome (as was the braking in all of the above) smooth as butter acceleration, great low down grunt, some quirky features, who doesn’t or wouldn’t like line lock. A departure in many ways from the previous three mentioned, a GT car, a mile muncher, a capable alpine pass car. Took me and the good lady to Lake Garda, South of France, Le Mans, NC500, all in comfort and fun. I’ve just had the third service and MOT done, all with no probs, pretty much 24k miles trouble free, mainly and happy motoring. its not the fastest, it’s not the most modern, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it’s a V8 it’s capable and above all, negligible road noise Next on the cards is a Supercharger, I already own the VRN, W11 PLD, to give a clue on the type of SC that’s going on. i was enjoying writing this then I was disturbed by a demanding 18 month old grandson who wants to type as well, so cut a bit short It’s a wee bit better than just a list tho

Any change to exhaust, cats or air flow should be re-mapped to give optimum performance. HFC’s occasionally, not always, play havoc (probably the wrong word) with the MAF sensors that can throw up a CEL, even when re-mapped. Not sure whether there are aftermarket MAF sensors that can cope with the occasional CEL. I used to get the guys at Infiniti to reset CEL when it occurred running Akrapovic and Berks HFC’s, even tho I had an ‘up-rev’ soon after fitting. just to add I had aftermarket air filter as well

I love the noise those little Fockers make

Pirelli’s don’t cut it on a WIDE range of issues I got a spare set of stock wheels from a mate (mine got a colour change), brand new, delivery mileage P Zero’s, got the release rubbed off on a spirited Peebles triangle run a few weeks ago, other night, they tried to kill me on the way home from work. Straight line, gentle acceleration, cold outside temp tho and not warm at all, but generally, unless you are in Italy in the summer, they’re sh1t.

Looks cool Alex, dates nae good for me tho, doin the 6hrs of Spa earlier in the month

That experienced to to tell that a car has a “bit” of “unsprung” weight? Well, we are not worthy sir, or should I call you Lewis?

I’m not being pedantic, but you started it, and are you that experienced?

Confirmed by friends at Stanlow and Fawley. i like to fill with V Power, but have no qualms filling with Momentum. I have no loyalty, other than to the present tune I run that requires 97+ RON. I have filled with all sorts on the continent, but always 97+ RON If you feel that your “sports” orientated vehicle is not worthy, put paraffin in, for all anyone else cares

As I said, at the risk of feeding etc., Can you tell me how I’ll be better off, Brexiting? It’ll be a first And you don’t know what I voted for, but it was certainly to remain in Europe, there’s a bone for ye

It is a second/grandchild/dog moving/cheap/shopping car Not a statement of intent, Maserati, M Car or beyond But, in its present form, beats Ford/VW/BMW/etc., hands down, on comfort, price, spec, performance and economy, which is paramount

What makes “most of us” different from ISIS, is the fact that we will not vilify those that have different views, we will accept that they’re are different views but we will not offer cruel and unusual punishment, especially to our own citizens. We will execute the rule of law, we will recognise the rights and safeguards that we hold dearly, we will not vilify children who, are now a few years older and proclaim that they are terrorists, without exhausting the rule of law. well that was what I was taught

So, we’re going to get one of these, probably the higher spec, probably petrol, but not dismissing a “performance” diesel. The 2.2 we have at the minute is properly capable and very well ensconced with all the baubles

At the risk of feeding deliberate provocation: Well, when we won the war, we set a precedent, no more wars, keep a close relationship with Europe, trade, military, economics, law and order, no more despots, no more nazi right wing politics, no more bigotry or racial inequality. Then, form a union that guarantees this and pulls the “UK” from the depths of economic despair and disaster, like the EU, then make most things fair, know what ye’ve got, not wish for the unknown and make hay while the sunshine’s. Don't destabilise the most stable democracy in the world by pandering to bigoted, anti immigration proposals such as Brexit offers. safeguard jobs in Tyneside, Swindon, Midlands and beyond, keep us part of the deal with Japan that will see no tariffs on Japanese imports to Europe, so we can keep their factories here. Try and avoid Aviva and RBS, transferring huge assets to EU countries with no prospect of coming back to the “UK”. Stop “UK” institutions moving jobs, (Sony, Panasonic etc), to Europeand beyond, (Dyson) etc, etc, etc ive no idea how “survival” will look as we wander off into the bigger world, that is waiting to bite a nation with no negotiable position.

If I’m off work, I might come and have a play wi ye’s

If you were Lewis Hamilton, you’d be hard pushed tae notice wi a set o spacers, never mind the “occasional” “user” spacers = stance only, at our level (complete, untrained amateur), no noticeable difference tae performance

Widely reported, via all major U.K. news networks, including the BBC

Some good discussion here. for what it’s worth, it’s worth bearing in mind, she was radicalised in the U.K., not Syria, not IS controlled Iraq. Maybe the UK has a responsibility to ‘de-radicalise” her? It is abundantly clear that this individual has PTSD. As someone has already mentioned, what if it was your child? For those that advocate that she should rot in that “refugee” camp, would you show the same lack of compassion to yours or a relatives child? Hopefully not.

RX8 - Borla, 370GT - Akrapovic + Berk Technology Hi Flo Cats, Mk1 370 Nismo -Ark GRiP, all lovely sounding, but after replacing back to stock when selling, it was a refreshing change. Running a FRPP by Borla Touring on my Mustang now, truly makes an awesome sound over stock. The two Borla’s are the best sounding exhausts I’ve ever had or heard, on a Rotary and a V8. The combination that Borla offer is astounding, Touring, Sport or Attack, resonated, non res, H or X pipe, outstanding. On a V6? No idea, but would be interesting to find out. Quietest was the Akro, before hi flo cats, loudest? Definitely the FRPP by Borla.

Och, it is a good looking car, with good numbers for those that like that kind of stuff

You can get a low mileage, late 16, early 17 Mustang GT for around £27K. It’s not that large a car, sitting behind the wheel it feels large, but it’s smaller than a Mondeo. An unmodified one does need tweaks to make it a bit more planted, such as a Track Pack or updated sway bars and coilovers, simple set of springs is not enough on its own regarding suspension set up. Budget around £1.5k for either, including fitting and geometry. On the noise front, a set of axle backs or a cat back is a must, the stock is not that great. The stock 16-18 tyres (P Zeros), are shockingly bad in the cold or, from slightly damp! They’re only rated down to 7deg C. Budget for a set of Michelin tyres, to complement a decent suspension set up, so another £8-900. Power wise, out the box is pretty good, some aftermarket tunes can add a few ponies but as a rule of thumb, it’s about £3K per 100hp (18 manifold, headers and tune, for instance, gives @ 100hp for £3k investment, Roush or Whipple stage 2 SC, after importing, fitting and tuning (several experts around the country re fitting/tuning (Lund, the preferred option) much cheaper importing the SC yourself rather than using a trader, will run @ £9K fitted and tuned, depending on deal struck with supplier, this will give anywhere between 720 and 850hp. so now it’s nearer £40k, however, for a £27K base and if you enjoy modifying your car, it’s a great one to play with. The Mustang is more a ‘capable’ GT than what you might want, a ‘supercar’, however, it is more than capable on most roads. It’s not a car, I’d say, for fannying about in town, ‘shooting the breeze’ with the corsa/Golf mob. Having been over the Alps twice and completed the whole of the Route Napoleon (with a few other choice south of France roads), tremendous fun, capable and on the right Autobahn, you’ll be going faster than the ground speed dial goes up to, without too much drama. Apparently, my friend reckons, we’re in the 175+ club I use my car as a daily, winter 17-20 mpg, summer 22-25, motorway/cruising can get as high as 35+, even on an Autobahn at a steady 110-120, the V8 is hardly working in this scenario. It’s not a car for the track IMO, that’s not to say that owners don’t track them, but not dedicated track use. Hope that helps in any decision on a Mustang, it’s coming from an owner of three nearly three years, if you do get one, make sure it’s a GT not an eco boost, you will end up embarrassed when someone asks for a rev . Good of luck with the search

Soul Red My Mrs has the 3 in Soul Red, pops like a poppy thing

thanks very much