Quaife ATB differential was installed by Stephen Brear Gearboboxes (http://www.stephenbreargearboxes.co.uk/) and returned to Performance Autocare (https://www.performance-autocare.co.uk/), who will reinstall the box back in #138. They will then swap the (heavy) OEM exhaust with a 2bular 8x22 Road System backbox, which was dropped off at Jon’s premises yesterday:
Finally, Performance Autocare will change the supercharger oil, install the Ohlins, carry out the geo (fast road setup, with standard ride height) and then back to Jon’s premises for a road test.
Hopefully, I will be able to take delivery by the end of next week!
Possibly, but since I am yet to meet Jon, I cannot be sure…
Yeah, tell me about it - it’s been over 3 months now since I put the deposit down!
Never has it been this long since I have waited to take delivery of a pre-owned car…
Will post some pics up once I get my hands on it…and my thoughts on #138, my very first Lotus. Can’t wait!
Indeed, will do - given the circumstances, it’s a shame I cannot compare the standard RGB vs the ‘upgraded’ version (Ohlins, Quaife ATB diff & 2bular exhaust).
She’s looking great! The weathers meant to be good at the weekend so hopefully you’ll be able to get some miles under your belt!
Do you know which 2bular exhaust it is? The reason I’m asking is that I have the twin exit on mine and I would like something a bit louder (no tracks days).
Set up needs more work as the rear toe seems to be out as the car appears to be loose on compressions. The Ohlins also may need a minor tweak - opted for a fast road set up (so not too stiff) and standard ride height (130mm) to be absolutely sure that I can get it up the incline on the approach to our house (Alfa SZ would ground out unless its lift system was deployed, which raised the ride height to 130mm).
So, Jon Seal took #138 out on the road yesterday to the check the geometry and setup, and to make sure that, in Jon’s words, “nothing falls off”, and then this happened! Now needs a new windscreen…
So, #138 will not be with be this weekend, and now not until Jon gets back from holiday, and possibly endure 14-days in self-isolation!
Not pleased, but I certainly haven’t given up! If #138 feels anything like my old 964 RS Lightweight then I will be happy. For me, no replacement matched the 964 RS for feel since I foolishly sold it 11 years ago. So here is hoping #138 will be up there…
I feel for you, I think when I bought mine from Jon yours was already being worked on, so that feels like a long time ago! I am looking forward to your report when you finally take delivery.
Indeed it has been a while - 4 months to be precise…
Given that there were 4-5 other companies involved that needed to do their bit, either in supplying parts (Ohlins & LSD being the main items - the Ohlins had to go back to Mick Gardner Racing since they were configured wrong), or doing the specialist jobs (install LSD, suspension and set up), with Jon doing the strip down and putting back together, plus other smaller jobs, and a major service (replace all fluids, filters, belt, etc), some things went better than others. As such, the ‘chipped windscreen’ is yet another spanner in the works that conspired to delay things…
Oh, and the fascinating thing was that #138 had been optioned with a Torsen LSD from the factory. It wasn’t noted in the original sales invoice, and the last owner didn’t know and, of course, neither did Jon! Here is what was removed from #138:
Fingers crossed we will get to the end, eventually…
Ah, good timing - yes, Jon dropped #138 off a couple of hours ago today!
I took it ‘round the block’ for a quick spin, but haven’t driven it properly as yet since it started to rain , and traffic had also built up, so may try early tomorrow morning as it is expected to be dry.
Now going through the history file and all the paperwork checking out what work had been done to #138 over the years, and nowhere does it mention that it was optioned with a Torsen LSD from new!
If I get out tomorrow, I will post up some pics, but the mini blast I had today confirms the visceral feel I was looking for since the 964RS, including the unassisted steering when maneuvering it into m garage. Need to have a proper B-road blast to gauge the handling and the set up of the Ohlins.
The wait was worth it, but wish it had come sooner, but the blasted windscreen replacement delayed things by 2 weeks!
A few things need to be tidied up, such as the inside needs a good clean, then we are good to go.
Yeah, forgot to take any as I was too excited, and wanted to take it for a spin as soon as it rolled off the trailer, and then it started to rain so came back and parked it up in the garage before the rain got worse, but then it cleared up. No fun in traffic so didn’t bother going out again.
Will take some tomorrow - hopefully I will get to drive it before the traffic builds up.
