I'm not a regular forum poster-but been an official club member for around 5 years and a regular forum reader.

If this post is in the wrong section-or breaks one of the many forum rules - then apologies in advance.

I know there is a fantastic amount of knowledge and specialism about the Coupe out there through this forum- but wanted to thank Joe for saving my coupe. And Leighton for...well giving her a mid life boost!

Earlier this year I took my coupe (now known as The Red Special) to Joe, as it was feeling v tired, and crying out for a full service. And new suspension. Joe imediately found she was down on pressure on a couple of cylinders- and she needed to have her engine opened up...she wasn't feeling well!

It became clear that The Red Special (TRS) needed much TLC! which Joe lavished on her- and you can read and see in detail on the fccs facebook page. Engine opened up, removal of head and sump for full inspection of cylinders, honing of bores, new ring set, pressure test of head, full skim/strip and rebuild, with new cut valves,stem seals, new inlet doughnuts, new rad, new pipework.. some work to the electricl fuses, kiss of life to the long dead a/c unit, and that was before he turned to what I had first asked to be looked at- the suspension-which needed a full refresh and a full service.

I left FCSS feeling like I'd betrayed the old girl! How could I have let her get in this state?

Joe could see I was a bit crest fallen-and was there at every step of the way- well out of working hours, with email/phone call and a practical words of advice.

TRS may not have been well - but she was in good fettle in other ways- no rot, and one of the cleanest underneath he had seen in ages...she could be saved!

So we both agreed to take the long route-and get her back where she should be -with me finally picking her back up from Joe a few weeks ago. Crisp, sure footed, fast...and quiet. Oh so so quiet at tick over!

TRS had always been standard - but given her engine had been given a new lease of life, and I lived so far away from joe, but Leighton was so close- I rang Leighton and booked her in for tuning.

I wasn't sure what to expect really- i've never had a car tuned before. And hearing TRS revving to the limit so soon after all the open heart surgery...very worrying!

But TRS arrived with better then stock power. And after Leighton had spent some time asking me how I wanted her to be (better on pick up/acceleration/torque, and fuel economy-but no boy racer mad thing. A refined and fast GT car) Leighton got to work!

And he has transformed the car! The engine always used to purr-now it growls but in a refined manner. Lightining fast. No lag-ever! She just goes! Leighton was fantastic! And without thinking, I'd never have another coupe without tuning her- as the difference is so amazing! And of course, you don't have to use any of the extra performance, as your right foot is in charge of her at all times.

She eats up the road now!

I shared with joe and leighton the truly special long journey home. With TRS happier then she had been before....but with new battle scars of slipping clutch, and possible coil pack failing. !

Leighton and Joe, have both given advice on resolving both small issues- both totally unrelated to any work they have done.

I'm now arranging for a new clutch that can keep pace with the sheer energy of my little Coupe! Then turning my attention to her paintwork...and better seats!

I wanted to publicly thank Joe and Leighton for -without a doubt -saving and transforming The Red Special!

MM

Thanks Rob, it's been a pleasure and I must admit since restoring Rosa and working on The Red special the colour is seriously growing on on me

You've a very smart looking VT6, many people have commented positively on it's condition and original looks as most go the way of skirts/lips but you've kept here completely standard so fair play to you

For the members who don't frequent Facebook you should be able to see the pictures in the link below without having to register/log-in, if you can't I can link you to the Photobucket file.

https://www.facebook.com/fiatcoupes/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1052425281518984

You should post more often. Nice to read such positive things from a true enthusiast. Big respect for looking after your coop and to those who have done the work.

Nice write up. Good story with a (Almost) happy ending.

Will try Barney!

But the conversations on the forum regularly get out of my technical depth so quickly. Must do better lol!

french-coupe,

Watch this space...new clutch and plans for paint refresh next year well under way. New clutch by end of month I hope.

And I've always been jealous of those with see through coolant bottles.....lol you never finish with a coupe do you!


regards,

MM

That's a nice Coupe. Convinced me to do my sills in speed red when I do the respray as standard black at the moment.

Great to hear to Rob, and nice to such a good example being well looked after Once the clutch is in you will be able to enjoy that torque even more!

Can't wait Leighton,

She's transformed in fuel economy too btw - I know that may not be the most exciting announcement to all the dedicated petrol heads on here- but I like a win win scenario!

Thanks again- to both you and Joe - massive transformation!

Regards

MM

Great testimony, this is stuff of legend

Looking forward to some similar, if not so extensive perhaps, treatment before too long

Both Joe and Leighton have done a great job on mine also.

Yep, can't say enough about Joe and Leighton, driving Rosa is a real pleasure since all Joe's hard work.

The Leighton chip in Rosa is awesome, will get over 440 miles in Rosa on a long trip.

John

Agreed. A Flea remap on a standard car is how they should have come new. I've had it done to both of mine. They are far too polite standard. Also thanks to Joe who also answers any query I have put his way.

Leighton, how about a little flea window sticker for those that have had the treatment?

I've got the itch already

I will see what I can do

Cool let us know.

Great write up MasterMariner. Sounds like you have been truly smitten all over again!