- Messages
- 24
Hello all,
I have been residing here for a while and thought I would introduce myself. I've also been more active on the Facebook pages, but have found some threads on here really useful and insightful. It's great the admins are so active too
A few months ago I picked up this 57 FN2, on 88k. This is my first hot hatch, moving from a 1.4 Astra, so finding it great fun. Ironically this has been owned by 2 colleagues where I work, which I didn't know until I bought it! I've no aspiration to do anything forced induction etc, but I do want it to sound a little better, have some subtle visual mods ideas, and to get a bit more low & mid range torque. It is my daily - short 1.5 mile journey to work, but I also play in a band. So it lugs my gear around to rehearsals and gigs across the South West, yearly mileage 11k.
Quite good condition aside from the usual swirl marks, stone chips and scratches here and there. The interior and bay are all quite good, aside from some trim clips that have fallen out. Obvious minor kerb rash too, but nothing horrific.
I've spent some good time cleaning and polishing it and this makes a huge difference, despite the state of the some of the panels due to stone chips! Hoping to take it out to local meets & shows, but want the engine bay dressed a little more before I do.
*Work, mods & maintenance*
In my ownership it has already:
- Passed MOT, including new discs and pads all round (MTEC / Mintex), gearbox oil change.
- I have fixed the boot leak. I wrote a fairly comprehensive how-to on the facebook forums, so need to get that content + pictures over here, as I see a lot of questions about it.
- K&N Panel filter fitted
- 2 stage polish (DA & by hand)
- Heko deflectors
I plan to:
Get new H badges front and rear
Fit footwell lights
New exedy clutch - to be fitted by myself and friend/mechanic/neighbour!
Valve clearances (never done, service due next month).
MJC Slam Panel studs
Paint calipers silver/black/red
Mods:
- I'd like a slightly nicer tone without being raspy, but nothing as loud as the Martelius, have been considering Japspeed catback and some kind of induction kit. Don't want to take fog lights out, like the appearance of the HKS/TTS. Could also keep my panel filter and change to a silicone pipe for visuals. Not sure which way round to do it, or whether to do one and not the other... Won't be de-catting.
- Uprated brakes: I would like better response and bite from current set up. Considering PBS / DS2500 pads. Need to have good bite from cold due to commuting. Car won't be tracked, so need to be suitable for road / fast road.
- Considering eibach lowering springs + FRSU, but due to driving down lanes, occasional fields etc i'm not sure I want it any lower. Not sure I need any of this done really, I do enjoy the car the way it is.
- Also thinking about a few visual mods such as rear wing, and some kind of rhino lip skirts. Don't want to go crazy, but IMO, don't want the spoiler on a totally stock car!
Won't be doing any mods until around May, when I turn 25 and get better quotes for insurance with mods. However, I am happy to purchase and get some of the kit ready over the next few months. Happy to do £100-200 of spending each month on this until then, or save it over that time for more expensive parts.
Thanks all, look forward to chatting with you... I will get tapatalk and get some pics up shortly.
Charlie
I have been residing here for a while and thought I would introduce myself. I've also been more active on the Facebook pages, but have found some threads on here really useful and insightful. It's great the admins are so active too
A few months ago I picked up this 57 FN2, on 88k. This is my first hot hatch, moving from a 1.4 Astra, so finding it great fun. Ironically this has been owned by 2 colleagues where I work, which I didn't know until I bought it! I've no aspiration to do anything forced induction etc, but I do want it to sound a little better, have some subtle visual mods ideas, and to get a bit more low & mid range torque. It is my daily - short 1.5 mile journey to work, but I also play in a band. So it lugs my gear around to rehearsals and gigs across the South West, yearly mileage 11k.
Quite good condition aside from the usual swirl marks, stone chips and scratches here and there. The interior and bay are all quite good, aside from some trim clips that have fallen out. Obvious minor kerb rash too, but nothing horrific.
I've spent some good time cleaning and polishing it and this makes a huge difference, despite the state of the some of the panels due to stone chips! Hoping to take it out to local meets & shows, but want the engine bay dressed a little more before I do.
*Work, mods & maintenance*
In my ownership it has already:
- Passed MOT, including new discs and pads all round (MTEC / Mintex), gearbox oil change.
- I have fixed the boot leak. I wrote a fairly comprehensive how-to on the facebook forums, so need to get that content + pictures over here, as I see a lot of questions about it.
- K&N Panel filter fitted
- 2 stage polish (DA & by hand)
- Heko deflectors
I plan to:
Get new H badges front and rear
Fit footwell lights
New exedy clutch - to be fitted by myself and friend/mechanic/neighbour!
Valve clearances (never done, service due next month).
MJC Slam Panel studs
Paint calipers silver/black/red
Mods:
- I'd like a slightly nicer tone without being raspy, but nothing as loud as the Martelius, have been considering Japspeed catback and some kind of induction kit. Don't want to take fog lights out, like the appearance of the HKS/TTS. Could also keep my panel filter and change to a silicone pipe for visuals. Not sure which way round to do it, or whether to do one and not the other... Won't be de-catting.
- Uprated brakes: I would like better response and bite from current set up. Considering PBS / DS2500 pads. Need to have good bite from cold due to commuting. Car won't be tracked, so need to be suitable for road / fast road.
- Considering eibach lowering springs + FRSU, but due to driving down lanes, occasional fields etc i'm not sure I want it any lower. Not sure I need any of this done really, I do enjoy the car the way it is.
- Also thinking about a few visual mods such as rear wing, and some kind of rhino lip skirts. Don't want to go crazy, but IMO, don't want the spoiler on a totally stock car!
Won't be doing any mods until around May, when I turn 25 and get better quotes for insurance with mods. However, I am happy to purchase and get some of the kit ready over the next few months. Happy to do £100-200 of spending each month on this until then, or save it over that time for more expensive parts.
Thanks all, look forward to chatting with you... I will get tapatalk and get some pics up shortly.
Charlie