Hi All

[MaxD]

Have owned the FTO for the past year and am keenly scouring the net for those rare parts. Just thought I'd say hi.

www.mcdcs.co.uk/images/FTO/current2.jpg

[colm_mcm]

That's very original looking

[holio]

Hi and welcome.
Nice, very tidy example.

[optical illusion]

Nice, welcome.

[StewyD32]

[MaxD]

That's very original looking

I quite like original with subtle mods. I bought it 40-50mm ish on lowered springs and black tinted rear window/rear quarters. Thanks for all the welcome messages.

However, since April 2011, I've done a few things to the GPX:
> fully rebuilt all brakes calipers/carriers and painted red (a dull red)
> replaced all discs (drilled/groved)
> replaced all pads (EBC Yellow Stuff)
> all belts, pulleys, tensioners changed along with waterpump and timing the damn thing
> replaced front and rear bumpers
> replaced headlights, fog lights, rear lights (did brake light mod - not the standard way as didn't want to lose the inner lights)
> new bonnet and tailgate
> refurbed the alloys
> new tyres all round as the previous owner put on the wrong size and they rubbed
> new arch liners and engine covers
> Momo leather steering wheel
> Real leather black seats with white piping
> Kenwood dab radio
> Infinity speakers 165mm fronts / 6x9 rears
> replaced broken stereo surround
> fixed all the water leaks (pretty much replaced all water hoses in engine bay)
> fixed the gearbox oil leaks
> electric mirror/alarm mod
> Thatcham Cat 1 alarm and immobiliser installed
> Stainless slam panel
> Pipercross induction kit (custom alloy mount using OEM air box fixings)
> replaced all brake pipes front to rear with copper (took a weekend - MOT req)
> replaced lambda sensor (MOT req)
> replaced stepper motor (MOT req)
> Eurospec rolling road pumped out 184.3bhp
> personalised plate
> Waxoil underseal
> sound deadening in doors, quarter panels and boot
> Volvo V70 washer jets
> 8000k HIDs (dipped beam)

Waiting to go on:
> BR Racing Coilover kit
> front/rear Version R braces
> Magnecore 8mm cables
> Hel braded brake line hose set
> Full set of Iridium spark plugs (when the time comes, I've got them ready)
> D-Speed repeaters with chrome bulbs
> heated mirrors
> speed adjuster screw (waiting on delivery)

Needs doing:
> small amount of welding above exhaust
> underseal before next winter

Considering (mods):
> heated seats
> one-touch passenger window (waiting on delivery)
> popup washer jets (from RX8)

I'm on the look out for the version r spoiler, which is one of the reasons I signed up to this group.

And a few more photos:




I think that's it.

[Bernard]

Very nice.
That's the way to do it, get everything mechanically right and keep the mods subtle
What's the advantage of the volvo washer jets?
Personally I wouldn't be too keen on a vR spoiler on a prefacelift but personal preference and all that...

[colm_mcm]

What's the advantage of the volvo washer jets?

This video sums it up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5XkmrieffU

[MaxD]

The Volvo jets produce a fan spray pattern and cover more of the windscreen.

Spoiler wise, I'm umming and arring on that one. Until I see one in the flesh on a pre-facelift, I can't confirm if I will like it. So until then, I'm on the look out for one.

Today, I've been battling the insurers trying to get something sub-500 quid. It's a real struggle!! Currently, the insurance is more than the original purchase price.

[goz_83]

Welcome to the insurance nightmare of the fto.

Also, you could just put a facelift bumper on. Looks much better.

[MaxD]

Cheers.

Facelift front bumper (in X08 black) is waiting to be collected - the guy I'm buying from is using it as a mould at the moment. I've already pre-ordered the halo indicators and fogs. So, it's just a waiting game at the moment. When the bumper is available, the halo's will be ordered.

Insurance is a nightmare - to get it insured last year was guaranteed to be painful as I was transferring my insurance from one car to another... £731. The renwal is £670. However, if you were a new customer, you'd get it for £567!! Where did loyalty go? So far the lowest quote is from Admiral. However, Adrian Flux offered £584 with less benefits and a higher excess. I was hoping for sub-500, but that's looking less likely.

What do you guys and gals pay?

[goz_83]

Around that price for me. €800 fully comp i think I am paying. Full NCB. Not sure exactly because I swapped over twice. Original price was circa €630 for me tpft on a gr.

If you're gettin a facelift bumper, why worry about what a VR spoiler looks like on a pre-facelift? Sounds like you're doin ok.

[Bernard]

The vR spoiler with a facelift bumper makes a lot more sense, especially on a black car, not that I'm biased or anything.
Off topic but I spotted some refurbed original alloys on ebay going for small money you might like.

[MaxD]

I have to admit I'm happy with my refurbed OEM 16s. No kerb damage either and I think black wheels on a black car don't work, but that's just me.

I'm umming and arrring on both the facelift bumper and spoiler - lost job before heading off to Egypt last week. It's more a cashflow issue than anything else.

[MaxD]

Renewal quote came in at £670. After a bit of battling, I got it dropped to £476 + breakdown cover which brought the total to £546.12. Result.

Have also sourced a relatively good condition facelift bumper for £95. Hopefully off to take a look in a couple of days. All I'll need then is the spoiler... Does anyone on here have one?

[goz_83]

Not a vr. A top mix one I have. The car is still attached to it though. Will be a couple of weeks before I have it removed.

[MaxD]

Have you got a piccy?

Edit: Found one. Think I'll hold out for a vR as prefer the agressiveness.
Just received pics for front bumper - the guy has dropped the price to £30 due to all the damage and expected repair costs.... so still on the look out, but could be lucky (more money, but in better nick)