MartinT

Today I decided to try to improve my bonnet, which is full of stone chip repairs with ill-matching paint and also suffered from an accident with a paint spillage.
I clay barred a long curved mark on the bonnet with the recommended clay and clay lube. Then I used the orange buffer with my orbital machine and Meguire's paint compound, being careful to apply it exactly as in the video.  I then used isopropyl alcohol to clean and check the area. I repeated this, then cleaned and polished the area. No sign of the mark, just a nice and evenly shiny area of the bonnet.

This may seem like amateur hour to some of you but for me it was a big deal.  It's given me the confidence to do some more areas tomorrow.

Normal working from when it was new varied from +15C at speed to just above +20C when in traffic.
So far, still no leaks and it's holding at good iAT on these warm days.  I can feel that acceleration under boost is pulling well.

Normal working from when it was new varied from +15C at speed to just above +20C when in traffic.
So far, still no leaks and it's holding at good iAT on these warm days.  I can feel that acceleration under boost is pulling well.

I think more muck was blown out as today it ran at no higher than iAT - ambient = 15C.
I'll check the coolant level on Saturday.

I think more muck was blown out as today it ran at no higher than iAT - ambient = 15C.
I'll check the coolant level on Saturday.

So far so good.  I tried reverse jetwashing it this evening to blow as much muck out of the front as possible.  I'll let you know if the fluid level remains constant this week.  None lost at all last week.

If you are looking for a grille to protect the radiator for future, the best brand is Zunsport. They make one for the First Gen..
https://www.zunsport.com/en/subaru-fr/subaru-brz-–-unterer-grill?filter=295
For the facelift, its worth asking them if they can bespoke or if the first one fits.
On another note, normally how frequently do you need to top up intercooler coolant? Assume its not a sealed unit.

No, the dongle isn't needed and I have my Scangauge gauges plugged into the OBD2 port.
You can ask for different programmes for the four modes, too.  I have these:
1. Full power
2. Full power plus auto-blip
3. Lower power for standard fuel
4. Shutdown (will not start)

Thanks, Luke.
After talking with @SimonG68 I've ordered some QuikSteel epoxy putty from Amazon.  As the radiator is junk, it's worth a shot.  The water isn't under pressure, unlike the main coolant radiator, so it might work.
I'm also thinking of installing a protective mesh afterwards.

Ive experienced Martins ‘big rig’, and it is truly amazing sound, could sit in that room every night getting comfortably numb to music! 
 
So today they did seem a bit better, i dont know if this is a break in period, or because i had upped the volume and maybe that had ‘loosened’ them up somehow… 
Ive looked at the various settings / EQ etc in the headunit and tried various combinations to little avail. As mentioned though they were sounding better now so im gonna keep an ear on it! 

Noted - thanks.

Event Title: Breakfast at Denbies
Event Author: VAD17
Event Date: 07.05.2022

Breakfast at Denbies
Saturday, May 7th, 08:30-11:30am
Denbies Wine Estate London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA
By popular demand and thanks to Covid being (almost) over, we'll do breakfast at Denbies on Saturday, May 7th. Restaurant should be open for breakfast at 9:00am, so aim to arrive between 8:30-9:15am to park and chit-chat before breakfast. See you there! 
Breakfast at Denbies

If you want an OE like clutch able to take the torque from a supercharger, I can recommend the Exedy Stage 1. It feels exactly like OEM.

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I use Sainsburys super unleaded 97 now because it's much more convenient for me and cheaper. I average 500 miles per week. The mpg is currently reading 33.2 (Harrop supercharged).

I put some Lucas fuel additive every 2-3 fill-ups to keep the fuel system and injectors clean and that keeps it running sweetly.

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Welcome to the AP racing club. You’ll enjoy the pad rattle going from forwards to reverse. But the front will really dive when you bury that pedal. Such a worthwhile mod because the brake pedal just feels so solid.

Thanks Martin - it’s the first car I’ve owned in a long time that makes me just want to go out for a drive.


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You won't be disappointed Martin!

Welcome, Darrin. Enjoy your car.

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Gosh, Tapatalk didn't do a very good job with image reduction!
They feel great, Simon.  Things were just starting to grind upfront and I left it knowing they were going to be replaced shortly.  Apparently, PFC Z rated pads are very aggressive and I guess that's why they were effective, but my 1-year-old discs were shot!  All good, now.
The rear discs will need changing by my next service, so Abbey are ordering matching rear AP discs for next time.

Looks great Martin


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Sadly not this one, Simon, as we'll be setting off to Yorkshire to a remote cottage for some R&R.
Hope it goes well and the 'pen' is clear for you guys.

Good news: my MOT and AP Racing 330 front brakes are due this Friday at Abbey.
Bad news: got a horrible dent when (presumably) a branch fell on my car during the storms.  It's not terrible, on the nearside rear wheel arch, but it's enough to upset me.  This, together with my bonnet looking a mess from stone chip damage and (my) poor touch-up repairs, means a probable trip to Popo's in Basingstoke soon.

The car is boosted well with the Harrop/Rogue/TD performing beautifully, it handles just right with the H&R Super Sport springs and Bilstein B8s, there's plenty of grip balanced with playfulness from the 235/40 PS4s on 18 x 8.75" XXRs, and I've adorned it with some subtle personalisations.
What next?  Time, finally, for a big brake kit.  I'm keeping it sensible.  After all, my car is strictly for road use as my daily commuter.  After discussing it with Scott at Abbey Motorsport, I'm going with an AP Racing 330 kit for the fronts.  Just braided lines for the rears, keeping the stock calipers/discs and Cosworth Streetmaster pads.
It's booked in, together with the MOT, for 1st April as I try to make each visit to Abbey a worthwhile one.  At least the car should be clean by then.