350zroadsterGT

"Only heard the Zs flat out on youtube where they sound truly manic (and epic) - does this get wearing? - what do they sound like tootling along at 1/3rd throttle through gears and not exceeding say 3.5k (midrange exhaust upgrade, not too loud)" 3.5k is about whwhere they sound best... Ive done 10 hrs in the alps or 11 hrs on the motorways and main roads getting there, never have I got out of the car feeling fatigued or tired and on the motorway with the roof down or up you can hold a non shouty conversation with your passenger, you really don't need to worry on that front.

I wanted my car for long gt runs down to the Alps rather than all out track day speeds, drove both and loved the extra sound and sensations of the roadster with the roof and windows down (especially in tunnels) and thought is it worth the extra costs? It came down to me thinking I would probably be out one day in the sunshine and a roadster would go past with its roof down and I'd regret not getting one. I havent regretted the decision so far...

I was lucky enough for work to allow me to do a day release course for two years, tig is deffo best for thin plate work and keeps the warping down, if using a mig I do spot tacking, first to get the panel fixed in place, then every 1 to 2 inches, then fill in the short gaps, alternating around the panel to allow the last section to cool down, it keeps the heat in localised patches and minimises warping. I don't like gaseless wire but to get around the small and pricey CO2 bottle costs, try asking a friendly landlord for a pub CO2 bottle and regulator, you will then need to add some plastic pipe and rig up an adapter to your machines gas regulator, but the bottle will last for months even when used daily.

I reccon the first series, or two... Or three... They will play it safe, everyone will be looking at the ratings and if they don't get them the lineup will change. It took years for the boys to build their relationship, and the banter that passes between them is natural to three friends, could you see Kidd calling Evans a "Co#k"... And what could he say about her? Its the end of an era (for the beeb).

Press has said over the last few days that Netflix are making it and ITV will run it at the same time as tg on the BBC. That'll be interesting in the ratings? Saw today that Jodie Kidd is confirmed in the new line up, sorry but I found her awfull in the classic car show, the gushing descriptions of the 250 gto was a particular low point, it was like Nigella was doing the script. Looks like I will be watching ITV then. http://automotivejustice.com/netflix-deal-brings-jeremy-clarkson-and-former-co-hosts-of-top-gear-back-to-our-screens/

Mine started slipping last year while on the motorway @ 34k miles. £1100 to Nissan for a new OEM one to be fitted... Ouch! Always read lots of stuff saying knock the zed out of gear at lights and junctions, don't ride the clutch, that advice didn't seem to have helped me... They did say the plate was 50% worn though so not sure what caused it to slip so much?

It looks like a good routing, it'll be a busy week. If you have time while you are at stelvio keep driving over the top and do the bormio pass on the other side, its usually a lot quieter and great fun. Here's a vid I shot in 2013, great trip...!

Yea you will be stuck behind a lot of cyclists, lots of fun though and I never get bored of tunnel running . I have done 10hrs straight in the alps in the zed, its a great gt car, nice and comfy but still lots of fun in the twists, I got out at the end of the day wanting to turn around and do it all again. I certainly don't envy the exige guys on the long run down and back, it may not be the quickest, but the zed is one of the best cars for this type of trip, envious! Enjoy it. It would be nice to see a big zed trip one year and meet up with some of the EU groups.

Nice, we did the western pyranees 3 years ago and the eastern side and Andorra 2 years before that, enjoy.. The roads are great

New kitchen, or new garage.... Hmmmm 5k should do for a start í ½í¸±

Saving for my Dura garage... Love Jason Plato's mancave. www.duragarages.com/inspiration-gallery/