Mark-in-Stoke

Wheels are done, I pick them up tomorrow morning! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Excited doesn’t cover it!

Right then, now this threads back open I best update it.
My wife is a legend and bought me a Cobra resonated cat back for Christmas. I'd been waiting to sort insurance before putting it on, and now that's sorted it was time to get on with the install. Props to Chris Knott Insurance for making no extra charge for adding the exhaust, that was a pleasant surprise. 
So the car went on the ramp and I was anticipating the OEM exhaust to be a troublesome so and so to remove. To my surprise it came away easily, and it wasn't long before we'd got the Cobra in its place. The fit was absolutely spot on with no adjustments needed at all; I'd say the whole thing was done in 40-45 minutes. 



 
First fire up was lovely. Not too loud but a definite change to the exhaust note. Much bassier, with a little bit of pop on over run. It's much better now it's coked up and settled in, far quieter, though cold starts are still a bit fruity and not so good for my neighbours! Motorway journeys aren't uncomfortable despite the slight increase in noise. I do wish there was a little bit more snarl to the note from the cabin, but on balance I think it's a good compromise between being OTT and too quiet. Noticed a bit more urgency throughout the rev range, especially at the low end but I wouldn't say it's added a load of power. Couple of extra brake always helps though.  
 
Also since where I work we have a theatre space, we have coloured gels for putting in the stage lights. I came across some unusual gel offcuts in that it was a 'smoke' colour. So, I took a piece and offered it up to the reverse/fog light to see what it would look like. Much better. To my surprise despite not being held in place with any adhesive it's not moved and doesn't look like it's going to fall out any time soon either. If it does though I know that I definitely need to get it tinted, I think it looks much better. 

 
In other news, my CE28's have been sent off for refurb/respray. I managed to pick up some fresh stickers and cheap centre caps off Aliexpress for when they come back (hopefully tomorrow) and picked up some temporary rubber off another forum user. Just need to double check the bore measurements and then order some spigots and nuts from @Lucas@PartBox and then I can think about getting the springs swapped, wheels put on, camber bolts in and getting the alignment done. It's slowly getting there.
 

My blog is pretty crap! But that's because I can't be arse'd to do it all again.

Unlocked them, pick what you want to use.

Cheeky fooker  

I should be able to make this matey.

Having had an HKS Silent Hi-Power exhaust on my supercharged CR-Z, I can attest to the power part, it's through-flow was excellent.  However, despite being resonated it was noisy and had a nasty drone just around motorway cruising speed from 75-85.  My advice would be to hear any exhaust you're contemplating purchasing in the flesh before buying.

The blogs aren't anywhere near as nice to read as a thread, it's very staccato.
 
Don't want to sound like a naysayer, but a standard forum thread is much nicer to read and look at.

That looks really smart. I've not seen anybody hydrodip their interior yet.

Jane's car has had a bit of an inside make over thanks to Adam at Vital hydrographic printing, best I could do in very dull lighting.
 

Jane's car has had a bit of an inside make over thanks to Adam at Vital hydrographic printing, best I could do in very dull lighting.
 

That is lovely Jane and Mark

Nice, huge improvement in the stereo surround and trim above the glove box areas.

Nice

That looks very nice

Jane's car has had a bit of an inside make over thanks to Adam at Vital hydrographic printing, best I could do in very dull lighting.
 

You remove the trim around the radio and there are just two screws (remove them) securing the vent, you then just gently pull the vent off, then gently remove the rear vent box sections with a small screw driver on the tabs.

Jane's car has had a bit of an inside make over thanks to Adam at Vital hydrographic printing, best I could do in very dull lighting.
 

Jane's car has had a bit of an inside make over thanks to Adam at Vital hydrographic printing, best I could do in very dull lighting.
 

Just one thing to note, the void insert made my car ridiculously noisy. I'm not talking a little bit noisier, I mean full on touring car style gearbox whine. I think mine was a bit unusual - I say that because when it was removed, I still had the noise and needed the gearbox slackening off and its position reset. I've still got the bush in the boot, not going to rush to fit that again haha!

For something that light, any polish with a small amount of cut on a small section (like your fingertip) of clean microfibre towel will remove it.

I'll workout a cost for you Mark.
 
Mike

The BRZ is just outside but it's too dark now. My prized Longines Conquest VHP, never taken off.

Made the drive up to RRG Macclesfield this morning for an intermittent service. Ric & Andy were brill! Definitely recommend taking the time to drive up there (about 56 miles for me). 
Thanks again guys! 

The crap fuel map is helpful for far flung places both home and abroad when premium fuel isn't available and you need to "splash and dash".