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The life of... SharkyUK's Trophy
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
I don't have much else to write about at the moment
It's a bit of a busy time for all involved!
Darren S
ClioSport Club Member
Helping to bump this thread past the 3k mark.....
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
Darren S
ClioSport Club Member
Money draining aside (which someone clearly as intelligent as yourself, knows that you'll never get back) - my main concern would be the CBA Factor kicking in.
There comes a point where you just can't be bothered to see the end result through - even if that finish line is within reach. I've thought about what car(s) I would have an restore and perhaps improve upon, if money was no object. It's easy to have a fantasised idea that you have a car that you're attached to - throw it to some mechanical wizards behind closed doors - and wait for the large bill and awesome car to come out, a short while after.
When things take longer, or break, or go completely FUBAR'd - I can understand how you'd want to throw in the towel. I just hope that little old 78-year-old Deirdre doesn't drive into your Trophy, soon after you get it. I think you'll be on the verge of beating her to death with one of her own limbs, should that happen.
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
I beg to differ... have you read through this thread?!?!?! ?
Fair point, D. I've had all manner of thoughts going through my head with respect to the car and the prolonged build times. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's been a bit of a roller coaster at times. Right now I'm seeing a bit of progress and it goes a long way to renewing the enthusiasm for it. But that's not always been the case, especially over the last 12 months. I've come closer than ever to cutting my losses and just crushing the whole thing. Seriously. No breaking, no selling of parts (which would bring in a fair wedge). Just crushing it into a cube and videoing it for future sh*ts and giggles. I have run through the whole gamut of emotions; from wanting rid to being resolutely strong and determined to see it through. Right now (at the time of writing) I am in a reasonably happy place as we're now at a point where things can start to move again. However, it's not without the downsides.
I'm extremely annoyed FOR Mick and this is something constantly playing on my mind. He took on the work despite the amount of work that was left to do on it. Yet, the more attention the car gets, the more he finds missing and still needs doing. Inevitably there are going to be hiccups and hurdles but the cars'd development is so far behind where it should be it's, well, frankly taking the p!$$. Whilst Mick is on the case and is determined to see it through with me I do feel it's a burden. It's easy for folks to say, "it's only a turbo build" and should be easy to throw together. That's not the case. There's no cutting of corners, top-spec components, considered upgrades, etc. There's been no compromise on the spec list and that is something that will translate through to the final result. It's just a crying shame that it's ended up in such a mess and so much money and time has been wasted. Even more disappointing is the fact that there has been no offer of help from a certain specialist (no, not Woody Woodford!) who, let's be honest, brought us to this point. I'm not sure where he is or what he's up to these days but - despite all that's gone on - his input (even verbal) would have been incredibly useful. After all, a large part of the spec and design was his idea and some thoughts and guidance would help out no end. Originally I also recall talks about how this build would also be a bit of a showcase for his business and I daresay, in my car's current state, it's a pretty close match. Well, neither are running. It's hard not to be bitter about it and lash out.
I worry about whether or not I'll truly enjoy the Trophy once it's home. I genuinely hope so. On the plus side it will very much be a fun weekend / track toy so it won't become boring through being used as a daily. Then again...
I'm not sure turning up to meet my clients in a 300bhp+ Clio sets the right image... I also worry about the components. Steve M kindly checked my engine over and it's in perfect health so I'm happy on that. I'm hoping everything else is at it should be as all the parts, that were brand new, are now several years out of warranty. I've got my brand new MaxxECU, sensor array / harness and digital dash for example. That's not a cheap setup. Already the MaxxECU V1 has been discontinued and replaced with a newer unit. I don't know, there's a lot to be angry about but I'm past getting wound up about it. I think.Things are going to break. There will be niggles and teething problems. It will probably chew through gearboxes unless I drive with a decent amount of mechanical sympathy. I'm prepared for, and aware of, those negative aspects of ownership. I just hope that Deirdre stays well clear. For her sake.
What will be, will be.
If you were going to give up you would have done so a long time ago. You must still get a tingle thinking about what it will be like when it's done? It may still be a way off but at least it's making progress, just look at the shiny studs in that rusty old turbo! ??
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
Yes, there's truth in your comment mate.
That 'excited anticipation' - I think - is what ultimately stops me walking away from it. Rusty old turbo?! It's bloody brand new and unused!
dann2707
ClioSport Club Member
Just think how many likes you're going to get on that post when you post photos of it complete and on your driveway though
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
Oh yeah, probably a good 7 or 8 likes with a bit of luck... ?
On the plus side, the Trophy will have a lovely new homecoming thanks to the house move and finally having a decent size garage to keep it in! I can't wait to tidy-up and paint the garage... proper workshop! Not that I have the slightest clue about anything.
Seat Leon Cupra R
Sadface. I know it'll be tucked away in the bay and largely unseen, but it's a real shame that events have led to it looking sorry for itself like that. Bit of an overnight soak in some white vinegar might help clean up the housing before it goes back on. Otherwise a light media (soda/walnut) blast would bring it back, externally at least - be careful on the inside of course!
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
Agreed, I'm sure it can be cleaned up a little.
As long as it works and all is good internally then I don't mind a little bit of 'weathering' externally!
A shed
Wouldn't even bother wire brushing it, once up to temp on the car it will very quickly oxidise again.
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
You tell him, mate!
Everyone thinks he works all day but the truth is he knocks off at lunchtime and spends all afternoon sipping cocktails whilst watching catch-up tv on his multitude of Apple devices. Allegedly.Yeah - exactly mate. As long as it's not damaged and working as new then all is good.
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
You're replacing the Megane already?! Mind you, I have my eye on a white Megane Trophy 275. Time to replace the Type-R? Hmm...You tell him, mate!
Yeah - exactly mate. As long as it's not damaged and working as new then all is good.
I know he’s Lying as I’ve spent hours FaceTiming (Apple only) him when he should be working - he just waves my concerns off with a “don’t worry I’ll just add a 0 onto this mugs bill” and carry’s on!
The guy runs his business like apples WWDC
(He’s gonna kill me if he reads this ?)
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
It's surprising how many folks say the same and end up back in a Clio! I think I might stick with the Type-R in truth. It's never let us down, still goes like stink, gets looked after and is a lot of fun (although not quite at the Clio level of fun!) Keeping the ITB's on the Cup I'm assuming and still running in hillclimbs?
Don't worry, @MicKPM will never know... sssh!
As for the extra zeros... I don't mind if they come at the start of the number that is labelled, "Total"... ?
FLOL! You have a very valid point mate! ? That said, this is the last push and - if things don't work out - I won't be pursuing it any further.
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
I spoke to Mick earlier this week and he had planned to push on with it this week. I've been so busy with stuff of my own I don't know how far he got on with it. He's looking to push on and get it finished sooner rather than later though. He's probably sick of it messing up his workshop! I'll report back when I've had chance to find out where things are at.
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
No mate, the parts arrived some time back. It's now lining everything up with the engine / gearbox in place and rerouting the fuel lines, brake lines, lining up the exhaust, working out what new brackets / mounts are needed, that sort of thing. There will no doubt be a few bits needed along the way but I think all the major stuff is sorted now. I hope.
MarcB
ClioSport Club Member
182 Trophy & 197 F1
I really want to see this car finished but like its been said before its just a shame that you know there is going to issues with it being such a high spec build / car and the reliability of it and thats a shame as it would pi$$ me off having to repair it over and over again.
You will have small teething problems and then much bigger problems and thats the thing that puts me off doing any upgrades to any of my cars (Engine Wise)
@SharkyUK I truly wish you all the best with this and hope that things do happen and work out for you but I personally think I would have gave up a long time ago.
You will have small teething problems and then much bigger problems and thats the thing that puts me off doing any upgrades to any of my cars (Engine Wise)
@SharkyUK I truly wish you all the best with this and hope that things do happen and work out for you but I personally think I would have gave up a long time ago.
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
Thank you mate - what will be, will be!
Yeah, there will be lots of niggles and things to sort out but I'm in so deep I need to see it through to some sort of conclusion. I'm prepared and ready to deal with the problems as they come up, whether that be a gearbox rebuild or similar. As you say, there will always be something that crops up that will need attention but - believe it or not - I'm prepared and ready for that. The car is purely a weekend toy now as I wouldn't trust it as a daily commuter or on one of my jaunts around Europe! Well... I might risk a Euro trip in it but I'll make sure I have good breakdown cover! The main thing I want to avoid is complete / catastrophic engine failure. If that happens then I'm simply going to take the whole car to be crushed (which will be caught on video). It's being built a very high spec in the hope that a lot of risks can be mitigated and to help ensure longevity of components, etc. Fingers crossed...
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
It's not going great fella, but it is progressing slowly. I'm hoping to get an update when 'my mechanic'
gets back off holiday.
davo172
ClioSport Club Member
TCR'd 172
You
You Have owned 76 different cars while this has been goin on!!
You Have owned 76 different cars while this has been goin on!!
It's not going great fella, but it is progressing slowly. I'm hoping to get an update when 'my mechanic'
In my opinion gingers shouldn’t be allowed on the beach!
scotiamr2t
ClioSport Club Member
Mazda 2, Ph1 172
I honestly do not have any idea how you can still be bothered with this build. Surely it has to be finished soon!?
SharkyUK
ClioSport Club Member
He'll be burnt to a crisp before he gets anywhere near a beach.
Too much invested in it really so I just check up on it now and again. The plan is to get it finished for around mid-September but it's just one thing after another and also fitting it around other work.
I really hope you get the enjoyment you truly deserve out of this car once its complete .
I went through a similar story on a smaller scale years ago with a escort cosworth , it was away for over a year getting work done including some new developments. I had the car back and a few small niggly faults were enough to push me over the edge and I broke the car a few months later. Next time around with my second escos I went for a tried and tested method , car was off the road for under a month and had hassle free fun out of it.
I went through a similar story on a smaller scale years ago with a escort cosworth , it was away for over a year getting work done including some new developments. I had the car back and a few small niggly faults were enough to push me over the edge and I broke the car a few months later. Next time around with my second escos I went for a tried and tested method , car was off the road for under a month and had hassle free fun out of it.
davo172
ClioSport Club Member
TCR'd 172
Not wanting to hi jack sharkys post
AVA on the first one including switching the ecu to one they could map, and all other parts for 600 bhp
2nd one myself , Sitech and MSD on the mapping on standard ecu.
imprezaworks
ClioSport Club Member
Mk5 Golf GTI :)
davo172
ClioSport Club Member
TCR'd 172
He won't tell you what it is he's too embarrassed ???
imprezaworks
ClioSport Club Member
Mk5 Golf GTI :)
I know
davo172
ClioSport Club Member
TCR'd 172
???I know
