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Thanks all, great insight from everyone. I had the pleasure of taking a 160bhp 1.8 zetec for a spin at the weekend. It was noisy, smelly, and bl**** brilliant! It didn't feel enormously quick, but then I didn't drive it that hard to test it either. What it did feel though was full of character and emotion in a way that nothing else I've driven has done. The power felt exploitable on the road, but perhaps a bit low for the track. It has been set up by Northampton Motorsport and apparently they said with a few tweaks it would be straightforward to get it to 180bhp+ But the owner was looking for reliability and driveability rather than outright power (plus didn't want to upgrade the injectors). So to answer my own question - I reckon as a road car the 160bhp I've driven will provide an enjoyable and exploitable drive. If I go for a car with this power then at some point I'll get an attack of upgraditis, but I'm sure that would happen whatever I went for! Pure speed was not what this car was about, it was about enjoying the drive and the way the car was set up both regarding the engine, suspension, and interior was all part of this.

I'm sorted now, thanks. Went to my local B&Q, this morning, and they had ferals, nominal 30mm. inside diameter (actually just over that) which will just push over the outside of the pipe, so ideal. Princely sum of £1.50 for 2 of them!

oops! Who’s having trouble now then

@Burgerbob Now that the bug has bit, you’ll need to buy a car! About now is a good time – owners have come to the realisation that the summer (or lack of) is over and they’ve hardly used the car, so it’s time to sell it on. It also gives you the winter to have a fiddle with it if there is things that need attention. There’s a nice handful for sale on the forum at the moment. The trick will be what you want from it, road, track or both, and if it’s mainly road what is necessary and what is luxury (but still wanted?). If you have any touring in mind, wind/weather protection and a heater are welcome additions. And once you’ve got a car, get involved with your local area runs, etc and the club in general. The club is dead friendly, a mine of information, and there’s plenty going on all year, even in winter if you’re a hardy soul. I don’t know if your Westfield yearning is a solo pursuit, but the missus and I have found the whole Westfield ownership experience to be great, she’s a bit put-out if she can't be out in the car with me!

Sorry away on business and flying home. Hope to see you soon Cheers Jon

Interestingly the Westfield XI that I have got which has approx 90 BHP and a 4 speed box is a beautiful handling car that really rewards pushing on as lower speeds and isn't going to lose your licence. And that's from someone who normally drives a race-car with 1140 BHP/ton 🤣🤣

First C&C I've seen advertised at JP Exhausts, here in Congleton, but definitely something to be encouraged, I'm planning on going for a look; full details here. https://www.jpexhausts.co.uk/event-details/cars-coffee-morning "Time & Location 07 Sep, 09:30 – 13:30 JP Exhausts Ltd, Unit 2, Clarke Cable Site, Eaton Bank Trading Estate, Congleton CW12 1PJ, UK About the Event Bring your special vehicle and talk to other enthusiasts for the morning over a cup of coffee. On display will be a range of classic cars, supercars, race cars and bikes. All variations of Cars & Bikes welcome, open to individuals and car clubs."

Out and about in the peaks today.

At last, I have managed to get around to publishing the results for 3 sisters, much to Terry's disgust 😄 😄 Who ever invented 24 hr days needs shooting, anyway, they're are on the following linky, you know the drill. 3 Sisters (R31) - Results Tiggs

Yes she has......... she’s had to put up with tantrum Terry. 🤭🤭😂😂

Having watched the program there were some interesting facts and suggestions. 02 September 2019 https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/poll-public-distrust-in-dishonest-mps-deepening-since-brexit-vote-1-4995368 ComRes poll---a new low of only 9% of respondents said MPs were trustworthy and honest. The poll also found that just 16 per cent people think MPs put the interests of the UK first, with a mere seven per cent of the view that constituents are their priority. It also shows significant support for imposing penalties on rule-breaking MPs – over four out of five (82 per cent) of those questioned believe that imposing severe penalties on those found guilty of breaking rules on behaviour and standards in public life would improve UK politics. A similarly large majority (80 per cent) of those questioned believe there should be penalties in place for any MP found to be sharing disinformation, such as fake news and false claims. Paxman stated half of MPs had to return money in the expenses scandal and 7, including 2 Lords, were jailed. Also half of all constituency seats never change hands. Paxman suggested 'closing the Lords, using the money to double MPs' salaries. To be an MP you must have had a previous job. Maximum 10 years as an MP.' I would add no other job allowed while an MP. After voting against the Government last night (backing blocking a No Deal Brexit) 21 Conservative MPs have lost the whip and could face deselection for a forthcoming General Election (Brenda from Bristol says "not another one"). Imagine going into a used car dealership and telling the salesperson "my wife says I must not leave without a car (no deal not an option); what can I get for £12k?" Any expectation of not getting ripped off? One MP losing the whip is Ken Clarke who entered the Commons aged 29, served continuously as an MP, and is now aged 79. While experience is good, so is new thinking. I reckon the only way to sort out these beggars is to close the Commons bars and lock them in with no food until they come up with an agreed way forward. Any casualties will be accepted as collateral damage.

Make sure you also consider cooling and braking in the upgrade. Very easy to add power and then get frustrated when you can only do a few laps at a time 😊

I’ll decide tomorrow 👍

Booked. I'll be a Billy-no-mates again, unless @Chris King - Webmaster and Joint North East AO manages to get himself sorted. 22 places left.. so just over half full.

At least he's got trousers on now.

Sounds good Dave. As per the monthly meet post, I need to fit the brake master cylinder rebuild kit and get it all working/bled. Might be doing that on Saturday if I don’t get opportunity before. I will let you know if I am coming.

Just a quick reminder, it’s the Cheshire Area Meet this Thursday, the usual time, 7.30pm at the Golden Pheasant, Plumley.

I will try to make it. Might work on the car instead if the brake master cylinder rebuild kit arrives/fits so I can make the coffee and cars event on Saturday (rather than work on the car Saturday).

Today’s route

Hi Rob yes that is the place we will be stopping for breakfast, we should be there about 10- 10-30, hope to see you there Jeff

Great roads today to Baden Baden, no major issues just Lee checking his catch tank and Paul leaning on an electric fence when we stopped for a photo opportunity 😄 We also bumped into two guys from Glasgow in a cateringvan

Yes from me ian

Today’s route 😁

All the gang having pizza for tea

I'm glad you've not posted the pic of my holding his hand 😉

After what you and Glen were up to the day before your birthday, you didn't need to go out in the Westie on your birthday @IanK (Bagpuss) 😂 still killing myself laughing at this photo

SORNED in August, shocking.😂 I've just checked with the DVLA:

Incidentally, there's a Car's and Coffee event at JP Exhausts in Congleton, this Saturday morning, I plan on going, \9it would be rude not to, while I still live in Congleton!) Never been to one of theirs before, so no idea what it will be like, anyone else from Cheshire fancy it? Details here, (I have RSVP'd to register) https://www.jpexhausts.co.uk/event-details/cars-coffee-morning

Last Wednesday on the last day of my holiday just setting of from hotel de France just out side Le Mans

At BMW's HQ in Farnborough... no, I'm not trading it in