Lauren

American V8's tend to have a crossplane crank, whilst Japanese and European V8's tend to have a flat plane crank. So no, is the short answer. But a flat plane crank is far preferable.

It's just basic maths really as the light comes on when there are 10 litres left. If you want to be safe, check your average mpg and then do that many miles more. The reality is the light comes on pretty early and there is still a fifth of a tank left. If like me, you like using Shell garages, I do at times have to plan trips on the motorway and frequently run with the low fuel light on for 20-30 miles.

Multiply your average mpg by two when the light comes on to know your range left.

Hi Edo, the UK is predominated by manuals as they're more popular in sports cars and well, just generally. But it's all down to personal choice of course. The Auto has longer gearing which blunts acceleration a little. In regard to GT86 or BRZ, it's a matter of which styling you prefer and also there is the slight handling difference between the two.

Well it's certainly true what you lose up the hill you get back on the other side. I know it's more economical without cruise control, though I admit that I use cruise control wherever I can at any speed, even the odd quiet 30. I managed an average of an indicated 50 point something over a drive from Manchester to Chester (M56) with cruise control on set around 90km/h following trucks. That was over 30 miles or so.

Great news. It was painful looking at those pics, made me very sad. But on the other side of it, things are looking up, hope you get a buyer soon for your parts.

That's very good. I've found that to get those kind of figures you need sit around 100km/h on cruise control on a motorway without big hills.

Sounds good. I'd just put the 6kg springs on straightaway, it's too soft on the rear end I thought when I drove Maz's car.

That's not Manchester, Faith! But that's okay, we can meet somewhere for food out of Manchester.

Should be okay, just need to decide where. Wherabouts in Manchester are you staying?

You may want to consider that if you have a remap, you'll need another remap after changing the manifold really, so better to change the manifold first.

Happy to take you for a spin in mine, too Joe.

You can have a go in mine too, if you like, I'm only up the road. That way you can compare and contrast.

Okay finished covering the rally last night. Real shame that my friend in a Millington engined MK2 Escort had to pull out as we were supposed to be having a camera in that car which would have been entertaining no doubt. The Friday night weather was like some kind of torture with a gale blowing off the sea at high tide followed with very heavy rain. It was bloody awful and I was soaked through to the skin. It was a little bit stressful with so much going on, but Saturday was much better despite the persistent rain. I got really into it and it was exciting going out on the stages at Fleetwood Prom, Weeton Barracks which proved to be an absolute car killer. Then we were down to Blackpool Prom again and finishing up with interviews at all the service areas as well as the winners podium. I've got to be honest I was a little nervous as it's a big job to do when you've got no real experience, but talking to drivers about their cars and positions is not something I find difficult and I hope some good banter comes across in the interviews! There's a little taster on the Sideways Media FB page, which can be found here is you scroll down a post. https://www.facebook.com/Sideways-Media-334887776693227/?fref=ts Obviously a lot of editing yet before it's ready for Motors TV, but I can't wait to see the final edit. Overall, I loved it and hope I get to do some more.

Well, a chance FB message from a friend asking if I would be interested in some TV presenting for Sideways Media, I thought I'd find out more. I'm off to Grizedale this weekend for a practice at the Stage Rally. This is in preparation for covering February´s Legend Fire NW Rally. It's a great opportunity to get involved and see some rallying, which is historic, so think Group B and lots of MK2 Escorts. I note there is an AE86 running this weekend. Here's what they do: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxVq4b5yffVB22l95uLMGfA I'm hoping to add something and will be running around sticking microphones into cars and the like. This will be going on Motors TV hopefully.

Sounds like you've come to the end of the road with the auto gearbox stuff, Keith, which is a shame, but what can you do really? Just a question, what is 'n/i'? If I'm reading this right are you going to compete with Stan's old engine then? Do you mean 'naturally aspirated'. And if so, does this mean you will be in my class. If so, I look forward to some competition. I've never found the TSS to be bitchy, quite the opposite in fact.

8" width with stock tyre sizes works well. 8.5" would need 225's really.

Seriously consider going 8" wide, take out some of that sidewall flex, car will feel a fair bit sharper.

Welcome aboard, Don.

Good luck, Jamie, keep us updated with how you're getting on.

As some of you know, I'm getting more involved in presenting this year and will be at the Legend Fires Northwest Stages Rally which is at Blackpool on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th February 2016. It's a tarmac rally and in Fleetwood there'll be a great opportunity for spectating. I'm staying at the Rally HQ hotel, the Norbreck Castle Hotel: https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-norbreck-castle-hotel/?gclid=CjwKEAiA8ee0BRD1l7vV6JHe0zISJADxYItmUkw8iEWCwUY1Hkz-tQ5iZnx8kY-JDTaU6NAIDZ4ENhoC_SDw_wcB On the Friday night. All other press, drivers, marshals will be staying here. http://www.nwstages.co.uk In the run up to the rally Lawrence from Sideways Media has been going around and talking to various entrants. And yesterday, I got to have a go, interviewing rally sponsor and competitor John Stone at Legend Fires HQ: I'm dead excited about the event and doubtless I will be incredibly busy as there are tons of stages on the Saturday, so I will zooming around between service areas catching up with the drivers to get those interviews done. I reckon it's going to be stonking and a great opportunity to see some rallying which is well worth coming to see. Let me know if you fancy it. 1. Lauren 2. 3. 4. 5.

Welcome aboard, Ian. Check out the event at Tuning Developments on the 27th March, looks like it's going to be popular.

The best thing I found was to always ignore the camera. Though tomorrow at the rally I will have to do some introductions so will I have to look at it!

I actually can't believe that this hasn't been posted sooner. But here it is: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/12066136/Who-will-be-Top-Gear-co-presenters-alongside-Chris-Evans.html So Chris Evans as we already knew and two newcomers with Sabine Schmitz and Chris Harris. Also I believe DC will do something of an occasional role. Thoughts? Chris Evans will be a good frontman I think. Sabine, I have a feeling she will do a lot of the silly stuff which is necessary for those that aren't really into cars and what makes TG appealing to the great unwashed. I'm also not entirely convinced as to how good a driver Sabine is. I suspect she'll probably be better than Chris Evans but will be left in the wake of Chris Harris and DC. Chris Harris is the jewel in the crown. Not only is he the best driver of the three, his aptitude to be able to descrive in detail of what is going on in terms of car feel and handling, is a real boon. I think DC will bring his presenting expertise and obvious knowledge as a previous F1 driver. Which is all good. To see how good Chris Harris is, watch this: https://youtu.be/q3YPTkBRaOk Chris used to be an EVO writer, so I've been aware of him for many years. I'm actually looking forward to what they come up with.

So anyone coming then? It starts tomorrow night I will be up there early to do a recce and familiarise myself with the service areas and stages and bag a few interviews before the start on the Friday night. With the rest of the action on the Saturday. If you're coming let me know I'll try and catch up though I will have a very busy day interviewing the drivers etc.