Its not often that I'm impressed by a car these days...

[CJ]

....but I've just blown the cobwebs off the GX and I'm amazed by the thing. The car wasn't running great when I picked it up, I suspected plugs to start with. Over the past few days, I was getting frustrated driving the think because of the lack of pick up, I thought that the VR-4 had me corrupted!

This evening I ripped off the manifold and took out the plugs, I've pulled a few plugs out of cars over the years but I've never seen a set so badly worn - they was little or no tip left on the rear plugs. NGK Iridiums in and out she goes for a test drive - I couldn't get over the difference. The car pulls right through the rev range and is an absolute hoot to drive. I would go as far to say that I would trade in the VR-4 tomorrow in lieu of the FTO.

Newly fitted Vredestein Ultracs and 4-wheel alignment complete the package, the car is an absolute joy to drive.

Next up, new stereo, droplinks and ARB bushes....

CJ

[Phil GPX]

was considering new plugs myself, nowt wrong with them but dont know when last changed.

[CJ]

was considering new plugs myself, nowt wrong with them but dont know when last changed.

You really need to check the rears to determine the condition but if you're going to the effort, you may as well change them. In my case, standard plugs were used in the rear bank as opposed to platinums, they were probably in there a for long time unbeknown to the previous Japanese owner.

CJ

[sinlessgunner]

Seeing sense again CJ eh?

[CJ]

Seeing sense again CJ eh?

Are you trying to say that owning a VR-4 is senseless?!

FTOs are in my blood, I'm mad for them. I'm biased of course but as a package, they're a cracking car in terms of the driving experience, the V6 roar, the stock handling and the unique road presence. I doubt anyone on the forum would disagree.

The VR-4 can't touch the FTO in terms of looks and driving experience, it comfortable, composed and very sure-footed but it has a massive torque and power advantage over the FTO. That said, I would still go for the FTO every time, the VR-4 was on 'the list' and had to be got! This is the third FTO I've had on the driveway in the past 7 years - that speaks volumes in my view.

CJ

[sinlessgunner]

Ah I know CJ I'm only messing! Believe me if I was offered a VR4 in the morning I would take it ha! We all know you love the FTO just as much as the rest of us!

[Myfeckin FTO]

Had a similar experience when I first bought my GPX. A good service that included an ITG filter, fully snyth oil, denso iridiums all round,a belt change, droplinks and ARB bushes completely transformed the car. There can be massive differences across FTO's to drive -mostly due to maintenance and choice of mods.

[CJ]

Ah I know CJ I'm only messing!

I copped that SG - I'm just looking for a excuse to wax lyrical about the Fresh Tourer

Maintanence is key to good performance. I'd highly recommend an Iridium plug change to anyone who hasn't had the plugs done in some time.

CJ

[GarLaf]

I told you a year ago that the gx was amazing with the 5 speed tip. I still have trouble in the morning deciding between the RX8 and the GX . You can pound the crap out of the v6 and not worry about it. Mivec SHMivec in my opinion.

[CJ]

Mivec SHMivec in my opinion.

I miss the MIVEC roar, when I'm hitting 5.5k in the GX, I feel like I'm been cheated or something! 20bhp is a nice whack of extra power to have on top of 180 on an NA engine. That said, we don't discrimate over at FTO-Ireland - we love all FTOs, MIVEC or no MIVEC!

CJ

[Bernard]

Have you let the missus have a go yet?

[CJ]

Have you let the missus have a go yet?

Its her daily driver, I get to trick about with it in the evenings

CJ