Varelco

That's a shocking fit. Far too close, from the photo it looks like it's actually touching, it may even be closer if the manifold expands with heat. Then when the engine rocks it's going to fret the wrap away again.
Why is it necessary go so far up and over that it's practically in contact with a radiator hose? It's not like it's needed for performance given all the others which sit much further away. 
Surely TD cant say thats fine? seeing as its a modular design it's not even like you need a complete new manifold, just the loop section.

That's a shocking fit. Far too close, from the photo it looks like it's actually touching, it may even be closer if the manifold expands with heat. Then when the engine rocks it's going to fret the wrap away again.
Why is it necessary go so far up and over that it's practically in contact with a radiator hose? It's not like it's needed for performance given all the others which sit much further away. 
Surely TD cant say thats fine? seeing as its a modular design it's not even like you need a complete new manifold, just the loop section.

I will add that if you don't want this problem to manifest itself again glue the pin in, then you aren't just relying on a press fit.
 I had the same issue, for those who do this don't go mad with pushing the pin back in either, being tapered and made of metal it will split the plastic case of the arm rest! I just noticed mine had a crack in it before I went any further. Superglue works just fine.

Yes I drove into the Gravel Pit for the sheer hell of it

I will add that if you don't want this problem to manifest itself again glue the pin in, then you aren't just relying on a press fit.
 I had the same issue, for those who do this don't go mad with pushing the pin back in either, being tapered and made of metal it will split the plastic case of the arm rest! I just noticed mine had a crack in it before I went any further. Superglue works just fine.

Changing to stiffer anti roll bars has an infamous effect of making the ride harsh on these cars as you have discovered on both set of springs. You would have been better off leaving the lowering springs on and replacing the ARB back to stock, you would get the aesthetics and comfortable ride back with minimal loss of body roll (lets face it these cars are very planted stock and even better just on a set of lowering springs). Sorry it doesn't help your knock problem, but I also have a very similar knock from the front, its only evident at speeds less than 20mph and small bumps in the road. Anything faster or more aggressive and its silent. I've checked everything for play and tightness and all is good, the only thing I intend to do now is loosen the ARB and top mount nuts, lower the car so the full weight is on the suspension then retorque it back up.

Changing to stiffer anti roll bars has an infamous effect of making the ride harsh on these cars as you have discovered on both set of springs. You would have been better off leaving the lowering springs on and replacing the ARB back to stock, you would get the aesthetics and comfortable ride back with minimal loss of body roll (lets face it these cars are very planted stock and even better just on a set of lowering springs). Sorry it doesn't help your knock problem, but I also have a very similar knock from the front, its only evident at speeds less than 20mph and small bumps in the road. Anything faster or more aggressive and its silent. I've checked everything for play and tightness and all is good, the only thing I intend to do now is loosen the ARB and top mount nuts, lower the car so the full weight is on the suspension then retorque it back up.

Totally understand, if you do change your mind at any point however, drop me a PM. Good luck with the sale.

Funny that, after seeing your car it spurred me on to treat mine. It also got a coat of fk1000p on it! Great stuff that, it's the first time I've used it on my 86.

Ta mate
 
Sneaky pic of when I had freshly DA polished it and applied a fresh coat of finish kare 1000

@gavin_t on a side note. Thats a seriously glossy car! Looks ace.

Love it. Wouldn't suit the majority of 86s but the way your car is modified it really suits it. 

A V8 M3 is mundane?
Interesting.

Its just a feel thing. The shift spring is one of the best mods for the 86, it gives the gear change a rifle bolt feel, its lovely and you don't get bored of it.

Its just a feel thing. The shift spring is one of the best mods for the 86, it gives the gear change a rifle bolt feel, its lovely and you don't get bored of it.

It's bit of an unusual thread. You normally mod a car based on what you as the owner feels it's missing or falls down on. Asking other people what you should blow your cash on is, well, different. Is there anything you don't like or think needs improving? Because none of us can tell you what you think.

Nor is he English. He is German.

Nor is he English. He is German.

Switched to an M2 from the BRZ a month ago. 2 track days in and 3000 miles later, no regrets apart from the heavy bill for consumables 

If you go looking for reliability problems you will find them. Like you would anything else you search for. You will find issues with any car.
 
In a nutshell the car is reliable and is no different to any other. All your major concerns are rare occurrences. Dig deeper and you will have a better understanding. If you don't buy one based on this, shame, will be your loss really as there isn't much to be concerned about.

If you go looking for reliability problems you will find them. Like you would anything else you search for. You will find issues with any car.
 
In a nutshell the car is reliable and is no different to any other. All your major concerns are rare occurrences. Dig deeper and you will have a better understanding. If you don't buy one based on this, shame, will be your loss really as there isn't much to be concerned about.

If you go looking for reliability problems you will find them. Like you would anything else you search for. You will find issues with any car.
 
In a nutshell the car is reliable and is no different to any other. All your major concerns are rare occurrences. Dig deeper and you will have a better understanding. If you don't buy one based on this, shame, will be your loss really as there isn't much to be concerned about.

As an idea this is a comparison of an et40 17x7 (top) and an et35 18x8 (bottom) wheel. The 17x8 et50 would sit around the same in the arch as the 17x7 et40. 

Hmmm I wouldn't be so sure. You can sound deaden and seal the doors in a day. Makes a huge difference and it's not very costly nor heavy. Fortunately you just have to sneeze and the 86 interior comes apart. 

For a 17, 18 year old to get an insurance premium below £2000 on anything is quite an achievement. Ridiculous as it is it is the norm and not by choice. So to get a quote on such a car for that age is very good.
 
My first premium was £1250 On a car with the same value (1200cc 45bhp Corsa) that was over 11 years ago. I don't envy those first looking to drive nowadays it's certainly more expensive.