The life of... SharkyUK's Trophy

[Silent_Scone]

That's quite bad!

 

[Keith185]

Good news at last *touches wood* lol

Don't loose faith, once all running fine you'll have the best Trophy ever

 

[Stefan.]

the pictures you or whoever takes are amazing. hope your poorly trophy gets better soon.

 

[oliver.james]

Although it's been a bit of nightmare, it also goes to show the commitment to this car.

As above, once it's sorted, it'll be one the best Trophies out there easily.

 

[Fletcher]

That reminds me of my drive, after my gearbox woes :dapprove:

Good luck getting it sorted Andy.

 

[Pete.]

God Andy, you've not had much luck with that this year. Really hope that TDF sort you out. Kinda puts me off wanting to do anything drastic engine wise. Good luck mate.

 

[TimR26]

Shame you're still having issues.

I think your Trophy must have got an engine built on a Friday afternoon

 

[SharkyUK]

That's quite bad!

It is indeed, mate. But the colours it makes are so pretty!

Good news at last *touches wood* lol

Don't loose faith, once all running fine you'll have the best Trophy ever

Thanks for the reply and encouragement mate. By the middle of November I'm hopeful she will be fixed and back to full health.

the pictures you or whoever takes are amazing. hope your poorly trophy gets better soon.

Cheers, sj - glad you like the pics (I take them myself). I'm certainly no expert but I do enjoy photography. Thanks for reading.

Although it's been a bit of nightmare, it also goes to show the commitment to this car.

As above, once it's sorted, it'll be one the best Trophies out there easily.

Thanks, Ollie. If it ends up half as tidy as your car then I won't be disappointed! Dare I say it... but I think there may just well be a light at the end of the tunnel.

That reminds me of my drive, after my gearbox woes :dapprove:

Good luck getting it sorted Andy.

It makes a mess, doesn't it?!?! I spent about 4-5 hours just scrubbing and cleaning the driveway yesterday. I couldn't really leave it as part of the driveway is also access to the last property in the cul-de-sac (and it was too bad to leave!)

God Andy, you've not had much luck with that this year. Really hope that TDF sort you out. Kinda puts me off wanting to do anything drastic engine wise. Good luck mate.

I think I've just been a bit unlucky mate and the root problem was the fact that the issues were not spotted and highlighted before I went ahead with the engine work. Had I known I would have spent the time and money getting it fixed rather than getting the ITB conversion done. That could have waited a little longer. I still think that the level of mod's I have are fine and generally will give you trouble-free running provided the car/engine is looked after and maintained properly. As I know yours would be.

Shame you're still having issues.

I think your Trophy must have got an engine built on a Friday afternoon

Yes, I think you are right mate. At least it's only the engine and not the whole car (got to look on the bright side!)

 

[SharkyUK]

I was hoping to find a Trophy shaped item in my stocking this Christmas... but it wasn't too be. I'm still without my car and it's been with TDF since November. There appears to have been a breakdown in communication and I'm more than a little disappointed Even more so when I was told to take it back to K-Tec to get the mapping looked at. I know places / specialists get busy but not getting calls returned when they said they would is annoying and I'm always having to chase for an update. For the first two weeks, the car sat with nothing done to it and when I called the workshop they asked me what wanted doing and why was it in?!?!?!?! The oil leaks were eventually fixed a couple of weeks back and all is well mechanically now (as far as I am aware).

I've never had a problem dealing with Matt and he's always gone out his way to help / keep in touch but the workshop folks have left me a bit annoyed and disappointed. It's cost me a small fortune as I've had to rely on trains and buses the last couple of months as the Trophy is my daily driver. I just want my car back as I'm really missing it!

 

[Russ_16v]

Wow, im shocked mate! What is left to do on it? Drop me a text later on (il be home from work then) and il see if I can help at all

 

[Chris205]

That is quite shocking mate I know how it feels to be without a trophy especially when it's down to someone else. Hope all is well soon and back with you

 

[Sir_Dave]

I've never had a problem dealing with Matt and he's always gone out his way to help / keep in touch but the workshop folks have left me a bit annoyed and disappointed. It's cost me a small fortune as I've had to rely on trains and buses the last couple of months as the Trophy is my daily driver. I just want my car back as I'm really missing it!

Feel your pain tbh, i didnt have the M3 for the first 2 months of ownership and it drove me flipping insane!! Ended up threatening to get my solicitor involved, which seemed to put a rocket up their ar5e ... On the flipside, i still had the Trophy to get to work & back luckily.

Personally, i'd be talking direct to Matt, he has a very good reputation on here which im sure he will be looking to protect.

 

[SharkyUK]

Wow, im shocked mate! What is left to do on it? Drop me a text later on (il be home from work then) and il see if I can help at all

Russ, as far as I am aware it is now mechanically sound and the oil leaks fixed. The compression is ok (although down on what it was originally) but within the normal expected range. The only outstanding thing is the flat spot. However, I am told that they are having trouble 'getting in' to the ECU. I'm not sure what the problem is though as Matt did a cracking job the last time he had it for mapping. I need to talk to them again asap as I'm not sure whether or not Matt has the car back from the workshop yet or has seen it.

I'll be in touch soon anyway mate and thanks for the offer (as always). Looking forward to hooking up again soon and getting the clubs together for an even or two in 2012.

That is quite shocking mate I know how it feels to be without a trophy especially when it's down to someone else. Hope all is well soon and back with you

Cheers mate - fingers crossed (still!)

Feel your pain tbh, i didnt have the M3 for the first 2 months of ownership and it drove me flipping insane!! Ended up threatening to get my solicitor involved, which seemed to put a rocket up their ar5e ... On the flipside, i still had the Trophy to get to work & back luckily.

Personally, i'd be talking direct to Matt, he has a very good reputation on here which im sure he will be looking to protect.

It's driving me mad mate so you must have been up the wall waiting for the M3!! I will be getting in touch with Matt shortly as soon as New Year is over and folks are back in work. I don't have any issue with Matt and on the odd occasion I've spoken to him during the last couple of months he has been as helpful as ever. To be fair he hasn't had much to do with the work as it has been in the hands of the workshop but I'll contact him all the same. Cheers mate!

 

[Nafoff]

hope you get this sorted chap, feel your pain of missing a car... however mine is purely down to me...lol

 

[SharkyUK]

hope you get this sorted chap, feel your pain of missing a car... however mine is purely down to me...lol

Cheers mate. Hopefully the coming of the New Year will bring some good news with it. As for your own car... are we going to see it in 2012? Quite looking forward to seeing it finished to be fair.

 

[Russ_16v]

Im hoping it may be mis-communication and Matt hasn't had chance to look at it properly - or the gen90 has a auto-lock so it can only be mapped a few times lol

 

[Jonny1*2]

He is a very busy guy, but he'll see it right. Top bloke. Hope it gets sorted mate.

 

[Nafoff]

Cheers mate. Hopefully the coming of the New Year will bring some good news with it. As for your own car... are we going to see it in 2012? Quite looking forward to seeing it finished to be fair.

i hope so.... as russ said below, as for mine, yeah it might finally get done in 2012.... dollar dependant

Im hoping it may be mis-communication and Matt hasn't had chance to look at it properly - or the gen90 has a auto-lock so it can only be mapped a few times lol

that made me chuckle...lol

 

[Daz_RT_04]

Just read through the entire thread, Love the pictures, write up and general attention to detail!

Very unfortunate about the problems you've had, keep at it though fella, the car looks stunning

 

[Russ_16v]

Honestly, Andy's T is lovely - it is in brilliant condition and drives soo nicely, really tight, and given the issues its had, it does pull very well, im sure Matt will sort it - Id get on the phone, speak to him directly and find out what is happening mate - And id really hope the idea of going back to.. . Ktec... was not his idea (im sure it wasn't)

 

[Silent_Scone]

Knowing Matt I'd be VERY surprised if he had suggested that lol

 

[jenic]

Just read this for the first time, a really nice car but such a shame about the engine.

Hope you get it sorted mate

 

[Jonny1*2]

Knowing Matt I'd be VERY surprised if he had suggested that lol

lol

 

[SharkyUK]

Im hoping it may be mis-communication and Matt hasn't had chance to look at it properly - or the gen90 has a auto-lock so it can only be mapped a few times lol

Auto-lock?!?!? Don't say things like that... LOL! I'll post up an update in my next post that explains things a little more...

He is a very busy guy, but he'll see it right. Top bloke. Hope it gets sorted mate.

Indeed mate - I don't doubt it. It was more an issue with the Track Group workshop as it was being handled by those guys rather than Matt (who was enjoying some time-off). Nothing against TG, mind - I don't want to give the impression I'm dissing anyone here as that is NOT the case! LOL!

...as for mine, yeah it might finally get done in 2012.... dollar dependant

I look forward to following your thread until it see's the light of day! I really could do with a few more dollars at the moment *sigh*

Just read through the entire thread, Love the pictures, write up and general attention to detail!

Very unfortunate about the problems you've had, keep at it though fella, the car looks stunning

Thanks for the feedback and reading through, mate - glad you enjoyed it.

Honestly, Andy's T is lovely - it is in brilliant condition and drives soo nicely, really tight, and given the issues its had, it does pull very well, im sure Matt will sort it - Id get on the phone, speak to him directly and find out what is happening mate - And id really hope the idea of going back to.. . Ktec... was not his idea (im sure it wasn't)

Thanks, Russ - she's not a bad little runner, eh? Glad you enjoyed taking it for a little spin and thanks for the kind words.

Just to clear things up - it wasn't Matt that suggested I go back to K-Tec. And having spoken to Track Group recently it came down to a misunderstanding; there was no need to take it to K-Tec and wires had been crossed. This has been sorted as can be read about in my next post...

Just read this for the first time, a really nice car but such a shame about the engine.

Hope you get it sorted mate

Hi mate - thanks for the reply and taking the time to read through it. Cheers!

 

[SharkyUK]

January 2012

A small update... and some good news!

I recently got in touch with Matt at TDF (who has been enjoying some much deserved time off) with a view to getting some information on the state of my car and when I can get it back. As noted in my previous posts, I had been a little disappointed in the fact that there had been a breakdown in communications with the workshop at Track Group (i.e. NOT Matt at TDF) and I had struggled to get updates and information about my Trophy; plus the fact it had been with them for two months.

Matt got back to me straight away and I explained the situation to him and how I felt and - as always - he got on the case immediately. I was soon contacted by TG's workshop and we talked about the situation regarding the work carried out, the breakdown in communications and 'misunderstanding'. I won't go into detail (it's boring rather than interesting!) but it has all been sorted and no doubt a professional job done as always.

Knowing that I was a little disgruntled about the situation (and not entirely sure initially whether my car was back to full health) Matt kindly offered to pick up my car and is personally giving it a look over to make double sure that all is well. Can't fault the guy, eh? The valves, etc. have been checked out and the cylinders scoped and - thankfully - the Trophy has been given a clean bill of health. With the oil leaks fixed it was dyno'd again and made the same figures as last time - no flatspots and a decent level of power and torque. All I need to do now is to make arrangements to collect it.. which is difficult due to current work commitments! All being well I'm hoping to get over there within the next couple of weeks. I can't wait to get it back to be honest.

So - fingers crossed - it looks like things are looking up and I will soon be reunited with my Pink Frenchie (I think my good lady has one of those, running off 4x AA batteries).

Thanks to Track Group workshop for getting the issues sorted and clearing up the misunderstanding and a big thanks to Matt for getting back to me and helping get it all sorted (as well as looking over my car again). He's lived up to his reputation and I look forward to visiting TDF again in the not-too-distant future for a few further 'upgrades'. His last words to me mentioned something about 421's but I don't have a clue what that's about...

All being well my next update will have a few pics as I'm desperate to get out and drive. Anywhere! Cheers!

 

[BennWilson]

Great read fella

 

[Silent_Scone]

good things take time

 

[Keith185]

Glad to hear everything's sorted and you'll be getting your car back

 

[Nafoff]

good to read that....

...i can't wait til the stage mine goes back up there.... excited

 

[SharkyUK]

Great read fella

Thanks mate - glad you enjoyed it.

good things take time

Well... yes, that is true. I just can't wait to get it home now. Next weekend all being well

Glad to hear everything's sorted and you'll be getting your car back

You and me both, fella. As soon as it's home and I have a good day or two of weather then I'm off out to enjoy some of the local mountain roads and valleys.

good to read that....

...i can't wait til the stage mine goes back up there.... excited

Cheers! I bet you can't wait and - as I said previous - I genuinely hope you can get it sorted soon. If I win big on the lottery I'll happily go halves on the costs of any work you have outstanding! LOL!

 

[DAR]

Read the thread start to finish.

Great read, and glad you seem to be getting somewhere. Coincidental that the engine started to have multiple oil leaks and was a heavy breather? p)??

Also one thing that shines through, is that no tuners are impeccable, all tuners that worked on the car made mistakes. Any ideas why the compression tests were so varied, and suddenly were better towards the end? What was the remedy?

Another thing that shines through, is that you are a very patient man.

Great read.

 

[SharkyUK]

Read the thread start to finish.

Great read, and glad you seem to be getting somewhere. Coincidental that the engine started to have multiple oil leaks and was a heavy breather? p)??

Also one thing that shines through, is that no tuners are impeccable, all tuners that worked on the car made mistakes. Any ideas why the compression tests were so varied, and suddenly were better towards the end? What was the remedy?

Another thing that shines through, is that you are a very patient man.

Great read.

Hi mate - thanks for the reply and I'm glad you enjoyed the read.

Yeah, everyone makes mistakes as you say; we're all human at the end of the day (although I'm not so sure with some folks I've met but that's a different story for a different day...!) The important thing in many cases is how those that made the mistake deal with the 'aftermath'. It's just as important how a dealer / trader / specialist / etc. deals with a situation that has gone bad as well as when things go smoothly, which more often than not they do.

As to why the compression test results were so varied? I really have no idea mate. Maybe a faulty gauge? (Although I'm grasping at straws). The main problem was the leaking sump gasket so this has been fixed (and the engine cleaned up). Subsequent compression tests, examination of the cylinders, etc. and dyno runs all seem to be good now. As long as it's healthy I'm a happy man - although obviously it's another expense on top of what has been a very expensive handful of months!

Patient? Me? LOL! Maybe... or some would no doubt say stupid for sticking with it and not getting rid of the Trophy! Thing is, it drives and handles so beautifully it's worth hanging onto. I always said it was a keeper anyway. Talking of patience, you are a patient man, too... having read all the way through this so thanks!

 

[Fred@BTM]

does that mean i don't get to play with it??

 

[DAR]

I agree it is how a mistake is rectified. The tenacity shown in the face of adversity.

I had a 12 month old VW Golf Ed30, and took the plunge to have a Quaife ATB diff fitted. I chose VW Racing as a reputable Co to do the work.

I collected the car, and drove it for 3-4 weeks, revelling in the traction, and enjoying the car. Sat in a queue on a hot day, I turned the AC on, to be met with a sound like a playing card in the spokes of a bike. I looked and found the engine loom being merrily chewed by the AC fan. I managed to effect a permanent repair.

VWR took the car back, and inspected repair, and said it was better than they could do (I am a Helicopter engineer of 25 years) and serviced it fully as a means of payback for their mistake. Got a free VWR paddock jacket too.

Imagine my surprise to find the Engine oil level about 10mm over the full mark on collection. Excuse was they had checked level with front on a jack..................

Had to have said ATB Diff replaced too, as it was made of chocolate, and was very poor, will never never have another Quaife diff. Lesson learnt.

Patient............

The point is we got there in the end, and despite their workshop ****-ups, VWR were always on the phone, always contactable, and bent over backwards to rectify. Mech got the sack over the oil saga I believe. It is how the regain is achieved IMO.

 

[BIGASH]

Had to have said ATB Diff replaced too, as it was made of chocolate, and was very poor, will never never have another Quaife diff. Lesson learnt.

We've had plenty of issues with quaife aswell for the clio diff and haven't even driven the thing yet! Quaife seem next to useless

 

[Darren S]

Dread to think of the final bill that you've paid, m8. But hopefully now, the end is in sight??!

D.

 

[DAR]

We've had plenty of issues with quaife aswell for the clio diff and haven't even driven the thing yet! The company seem next to useless

After only 500 miles the diff started to clunk really badly on take up of drive, and would snatch. Quaife were none too helpful. Took it out, and found the planet gears were really badly worn. Got there in the end.

OP sorry to digress.

 

[shiftspark]

We've had plenty of issues with quaife aswell for the clio diff and haven't even driven the thing yet! Quaife seem next to useless

No problems with mine and its had plenty of full blooded starts also were quick to get it done for me.

 

[BIGASH]

No problems with mine and its had plenty of full blooded starts also were quick to get it done for me.

Yes i'm hoping now we've finally got one in the box Colin it should be okay!

 

[SharkyUK]

does that mean i don't get to play with it??

Not at all, Fred! I'm still VERY keen to get some bits done as I mentioned to you when I dropped in a few months ago. The only thing stopping me at the moment is simply funds - or lack of. As you know, it's cost me a small fortune. Even so, I have every intention of dropping in again and getting some further upgrades as well as hopefully getting you to change a few bits and pieces that I think could do with a refresh / tidy-up...

I agree it is how a mistake is rectified. The tenacity shown in the face of adversity.

I had a 12 month old VW Golf Ed30, and took the plunge to have a Quaife ATB diff fitted. I chose VW Racing as a reputable Co to do the work.

I collected the car, and drove it for 3-4 weeks, revelling in the traction, and enjoying the car. Sat in a queue on a hot day, I turned the AC on, to be met with a sound like a playing card in the spokes of a bike. I looked and found the engine loom being merrily chewed by the AC fan. I managed to effect a permanent repair.

VWR took the car back, and inspected repair, and said it was better than they could do (I am a Helicopter engineer of 25 years) and serviced it fully as a means of payback for their mistake. Got a free VWR paddock jacket too.

Imagine my surprise to find the Engine oil level about 10mm over the full mark on collection. Excuse was they had checked level with front on a jack..................

Had to have said ATB Diff replaced too, as it was made of chocolate, and was very poor, will never never have another Quaife diff. Lesson learnt.

Patient............

The point is we got there in the end, and despite their workshop ****-ups, VWR were always on the phone, always contactable, and bent over backwards to rectify. Mech got the sack over the oil saga I believe. It is how the regain is achieved IMO.

Ouch - that's not good! But, as you say, you got there in the end. It is reassuring to know that there are folks out there who are genuinely interested in helping folks out with their pride and joys and simply not out to fleece money from folks through poor workmanship and consequently ongoing costs. Sadly I am at the mercy of the specialists as I'm not particularly experienced when it comes to things like the engine, etc. Sure, I know the basics but I'm no mechanic. That's why I'm now VERY careful who I choose to get work done with and am fortunate I have a few friends who DO know what they are on about!

Thanks for sharing your story.

Dread to think of the final bill that you've paid, m8. But hopefully now, the end is in sight??!

D.

Mate - put it this way, I could have bought near on two more Trophy's on what I've spent out since March last year. I've kept a spreadsheet of the costs of getting things done / fixed on the car. I'm half tempted to post it up but... well... it's painful! I might post it up at some point so folks can have a good laugh! LOL!

Regarding the Quaiffe LSD, thanks to you folks for posting up about it. It *is* actually something I was looking into further down the line. I do a few trackdays a year but mainly enjoy fast road driving around the mountains and valleys where I live. I've not driven a Clio with an LSD but would imagine it would improve the fun factor and drive quite a bit.