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A number of weeks ago, Luke and Chris from Plays - Kool commenced works to Buttercup, to ensure she will stay in good condition for the future. What has been done is not so important but I believe that the level of service that I received throughout the works needs to be known. I have been kept updated throughout and this has been through regular telephone calls, text messages and numerous photographs. Luke and Chris both kept a close eye on costs to ensure that I received value for money and I was not met with costs that I was not aware of. A number of surprises where met along the way and it was not a case of "cheapest is best" or "just get that because its in stock". They both spent the time to source parts that where within budget but also provided longevity and for this I was extremely grateful as without their close eye to the costs then this work would not have been completed so smoothly. During the works, I spent the day at Plays - Kool and I was made to feel extremely welcome and the work they had carried out was explained to me. The thing that I noticed was that all the parts that had been removed from Buttercup where all protected with sheets or bubblewrap to ensure no damage. this was also the case with Buttercup herself. Masking tape & dust sheets where visibly in use and this care to prevent any damage was evident throughout the works. During the day I was there, a "rattle" became evident on Buttercup. Luke and Chris must have been around 5 hours trying to locate the rattle and cure it. The amount of parts that came off the car was unbelievable but they both stated that the car would not leave the worksop unless it was right. During the rebuild, a number of items where found that extended the build time but both lads where working to a deadline that they wanted to achieve to meet my needs. Both lads worked an incredible amount of hours and I was still receiving update after 11.00pm one evening. BUT, the biggest thing that stands out above everything is the fact that both lads care about what they do and this is clearly evident in the way that Luke is building and runs his business. If you care about something then you really want to do your best and this has clearly been the case every step of the way. Everything that has been done to Buttercup has been so worthwhile and she drives beautifully. All the lads hard work has paid off and it clearly shows. I dont really know how to end this other to say that I am so, so happy. Here are a few pictures of some of the work in progress.

I had a strange thing happen to me today. Someone threw a jar of Omega-3 capsules at me and they hit me on the head. It’s okay though, I was lucky. I only received super fish oil injuries.

Hope you enjoy it. I loved my Citroen zx 16v track car. I got it down to 1050kg with half cage. It was almost totally stripped out. However it kept the heater and hrw. These are great for damp mornings and road legal usability. When you strip the interior there is lots more condensation from bare steel so these are invaluable. I removed the headliner which obviously lost weight but did mean lots of condensation which collects in voids and then drenched you when you first apply the brake. You have been warned Lighter weight means less wear on brakes and suspension so you should be able to save money and enjoy less brake fade now? I didn't use expensive brakes just normal stuff but I fitted front spoiler hoses to duct air to the brakes Lots of wheels are useful too. Are you going to try slicks ? I loved them !

@Jonathan.edwards looks like the weather is totally unpredictable, it might be hot and sunny here and 5 miles down the road it might be torrential rain. Doesn't look like anyone is moving about, the good news is that I had devised a wonderful route that incorporates the 13 bends, the Crowdecote road and the Elton Esses, all finishing up 7 miles down the road in Darley Dale. It is a cracking route on a dry day, pointless in rain. I have filed it under 'next time'

As some of you will know, life after the Westfield for me is in the guise of a dedicated cheap track car, which is a 2002 Mini Cooper S. I bought it a few weeks ago. It has already been modified with a reducer pulley on the blower, an uprated air intake system and an alleged tweak on the Ecu. The guy I bought it from reckoned it is running 210bhp. I don't think it it is quite that high, but no doubt will find out at some point. I took it to the speed series celebration at Shelsey and discovered a seized rear brake caliper, so I replaced the rear calipers, discs and pads with new. I took it to Blyton and totally shagged the front brakes. It is an R53 model, and the front brakes are a known problem for track use. I thought I would test this known problem to see if it is true, and can confirm it is . I went from a progressively softening pedal to melted caliper seals and no pedal at all. The recommended upgrade is the facelifted R56 discs and calipers, which I now have in stock ready to fit. Blyton was a real test of the car for me. If I didn't enjoy it on track, it was destined for sale. If I liked it, it would be a keeper and a little project. You all know I like a project, so it's a keeper.

Whale Oil Beef Hooked

Tonight I did a well documented exhaust mod. The Mini has two boxes at the rear, one is a resonator box and the other is a silencer. The "One Ball Mod" is basically the removal of the resonator box, a bit of pipe rerouting and welding. The result is a slightly deeper exhaust note and more pops and bangs. But most importantly, a weight saving of 8.8kg. 10.25kg saved so far

So as I am keeping it and it is a dedicated track car, it's time to take some weight out of it. I started with the radio, 1.45kg

I’ve had similar on my Zetec - from what I’ve read on here, it’s down to heat soak into the starter motor - there’s a few methods of preventing, or at least reducing the problem - mine has a heat jacket around the starter motor, which slows down the heat soak a bit

Brilliant. See how/where he's written the O in his name.

I would mak an o fish oil complaint

Haha wasn’t me so I reckon you did it yourself whilst unde the influence

I look forward to it.

Front brakes next Then it's the interior I need my go in the ****ter first before you get another go

On another note, just seen my signature. Did I write that, or has some tricky nefarious being been at my account???

What a load of codswallop

You could always speak to Siltech I believe they may be able to help although not local

Sorry Julie, Sue is still poorly so we can't commit to anything. Hope to see you soon.