Recent content by Bowz

Of all the amazing work you've done, I've got a mundane question. What bolts did you use for the sump? Those E8's are a PITA.

Might have mentioned it earlier but I'm having the selector seal replaced in the gearbox, it had a mild leak but the gearbox itself was great, no crunches. I was tempted to drop a diff in at the same time but funds are lacking all things given (the BG182). Fitting a DCI rack, as I wasn't sold...

Update. Had the subframe and a few other bits powdercoated. Dipped the bolts in citric acid, followed by a dip in some bicarb of soda to neutralise the acid. The coated with Zinc Galv spray. They all now have this finish. Also sprayed up some engine parts. Sourced a 197 dipstick...

Yeah, originally I didn't use the open end but this was the second rodeo and I knew it was a shape science hasn't named yet, so placed the open end on it to see how bad it was. In the end I used a smaller sized socket. I googled the cylinder order as I knew/thought I was wrong. Turns out Google...

Progress. Absolute paramount was seeing if I could get the AC working. I booked it in at FitKwik, yes. Well, they are so close to me and they offer a "free test of the system before regassing", which given it's a 20 year old Clio, I couldn't refuse that free test. Good news, there's no leaks...

It's a Quick Jack. So much easier and safer than axle stands.

Looking to refresh the bushes in the lower arms of the 172 Cup. I don't particularly want polybushes tbh. Just an OEM fresh bush. Are these correct? P/N 7700840741 https://www.partsinmotion.co.uk/car-parts/steering-suspension/mountings-bushes/febi-control-arm-trailing-arm-bush-09741-detail...

On the phone I explained the bolts were from a 20 year old car, so I think they knew what to expect. Pissed me off a bit wasting time like that. Didn't help traffic was a b**ch too. Might just give them a dip in citric acid and be done with it.

Called a "local" zinc plating place today, said "yeah drop them in". Hour drive there to be told "go get them shot blasted then we can zinc plate them". Drove an hour home. 2hrs nothing to show for it. F*cksake. I did get the old sump off. This sump bolts E8 pieces of s**t were an arse...

I had some almost brand new injectors laying around from my 172 Cup before going 197 injectors, so I dropped them in. I also fitted new front brembo HC discs and pads. And after all that it's been a right blast. Still needs a gearbox and tyres, but honestly, it's a really bloody good...

Bit of a read, grab a brew or a beer. For a little while the missus and I have wanted a cheap runabout for the school run, shops and on the days I travel to the office I park at the local train station. We have both have our own daily cars but they don't warm up on those journeys, so we agreed...

This weekend @KivsGarage and I (well I watched) took the engine out and stripped most of the usable bits off the old engine on to a lower mileage 172 Engine. Dropped the 197 cams in, fresh cambelt, dephaser and waterpump. Went to do the timing and the Cam Stud started to snap. So we stopped...

Had the EXACT same issue with my Cup recently and I thought of this post. Bought this tool off Amazon and it got it out not bother. https://amzn.eu/d/0aqNum1q

Sorry to hear about your old man Briggsy. ❤️

You know what, it's nice to see something different. Genuinely. You do you man. 💪