Lauren

Fantastic stuff. It's always so good to travel and meet other owners in other countries. Sounds like you've been well looked after by Keith. Reminds me of the fantastic time I had in Japan last year with like minded enthusiasts.

Any sign of a review?

No, though my dampers were revalved to increase the rear damping by 20%. I had a custom setup though that I worked with Tein on with Adrian's help.

Well, you'd need to check prices. I didn't pay extra for spring rates I specc'd at the point of purchase, though as I was the first to do this, it had to be checked with Tein in Yokohama and they air freighted the springs over. I know Rob went for the same spring rates and didn't pay extra. Also there was someone else recently that did the same. But obviously if you've bought a set second hand with the higher rates and you want to change them there's not much option but to pay for another set of springs really.

The stock settings have a lower spring rate at the front than the rear. I did it to ensure I could get a good amount of weight transfer under braking as I like to trail brake. I have driven cars with the 6/6kg setup and felt them to have a touch more understeer. It's a 'safe' setup if that's what you want.

The easy solution. Joint account for household stuff and all that. Then I have my own accounts with my own money as does my fiancé. Just makes sense really.

If it's repaired properly it won't devalue the car. There's no reason why it would. Many, many cars have had cosmetic damage repaired.

I'd say it's a bit too stiff. Most run 6/6kg. I run 5/6kg. You can get different springs. If it was me I'd change them before installation as it's a lot easier that way. I've driven Keith's car with his 9/7kg rate and though it wasn't incredibly stiff, it felt like it lost some of the ride comfort compared to mine. From what I recall different springs are around £120 a pair from Tein so it will add to your cost.

I know, but it's just one of those mad things I do.

Yes, I think considering it wasn't your fault, you are far less likely to have an issue with a preferred repairer. The difference with me, was it was entirely my fault. Good luck, I'm sure Richard will take good care of you.

I've never had to explain it to my fiancé. He knew what I was like when I met him. That's enough.

Your insurance may charge you an extra amount for taking it to the repairer of your choice. I had this problem when I took mine to RRG for a repair. It cost me IIRC my £500 excess plus a bonus of £200 to have it repaired by RRG.

That can't be right Keith, as it makes no sense.

No it started with the really expensive more atmosphere friendly stuff that is around £600 to regass or some such. The key with AC is to just use it as much as possible. I have mine on all year round and only turn it off for sprint runs, then turn it back on again. I've done 65K miles in my car and it works a treat. Get it checked out, it's all you can do and hope you just need a top up. But, when you get it fixed use it all the time, just leave it on. The refrigerant lubricates the seals, so you need to run it. The only other thing that could cause this is likely a holed condensor or there is a problem with the compressor, you can open your bonnet and see if it clicks on and off. Can't remember if there is an inspection hole or not to see if there is refrigerant visibly going round.

I once had to try the stock filter when I had initial problems with my injen. The sound generator sounds dire and you lose the induction noise. Injen is way better.

Welcome aboard, I hope you find the club useful.

Welcome aboard, don't be shy, I'm sure there will be some meets coming up!

Great stuff, remember the excitement when I ordered mine, it was almost too much to bear!

I doubt anyone is going to be buyins the Sprintex setup tbh. It's water to air intercooler isn't up to the job and the power delivery is too torque rich at the bottom end runs out of steam at the top end. The HKS is much, much better. In terms of torque comparisons, I admit I do not like big wallops of torque in the mid range, I think it better to feed it in, so a supercharger like the HKS setup is preferable in respect of driveability and still has good mid range torque. These aren't diesel engines!

Best coffee mug is the Contigo, available from John Lewis for £30. Fits perfectly in the door bin. You don't need the alcantara dash binnacle covering if you wear polarised sunglasses as they cut out all reflections.

The 2nd cat will be hot enough if you warm it up properly. I think check the spec Mark, I'm guessing your mileage can vary and cost is also a factor.

They do still service them, don't worry! Was talking to Yukiko about getting mine serviced only last weekend.

If you drive your car on the road you use it, I'd say. It's not just an advantage for track, in fact I use far more range of adjustment for my road settings. I've done over 30K with it on, totally faultless. I don't fiddle with mine anymore now I've got a setup I'm happy with. I just push a few buttons to get my track settings up. Total doddle really.

Watch him when he hits the wine.

EDFC Active Pro next?