Posted By: Master_Mariner
Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea! - 04/11/2016 16:07
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
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
Once the clutch is in you will be able to enjoy that torque even more!
