Saturday, February 19, 2005

I've driven my Calibra Turbo.. and it's gooooooood

Firstly I'd like to say that this has been one of the most nerve racking things I've ever done... never before have I had so much money, time, blood and sweat invested in something that i've built and had to go run it in myself. Scary as hell.

Jamie.. I can't thank him enough. It's not over (will it ever be?) but I have a usable car!

Okay...


Around 3pm I jumped in the car with the intention of getting fuel. Off up the road I went varying the load and revs and gears as much as possible. Too scared to breathe I really didn't notice much.... except for steam pouring from the bonnet.
The thermostat hose was leaking (hose clip wouldn't tighten enough). I was already at the ESSO station so I chucked £30 of Super in (with the bonnet up!) and headed home hoping for the best; only for the air filter to come off and me run it over!

Back home I swapped out the hose clamp and fastened my "weathered" air filter back on... and tried again.

3 miles in and the ECU light was on. You're seeing a pattern aren't you?

Straight to Jamie's and we sorted that straight away. It was just the lambda sensor wiring coming loose. Phew.. but I have codes 91 (never heard of it) and 73 (AFM) still showing. The AFM is okay now - getting used to the new setup methinks... but 91? Who knows.

So.. finally driving and, I hear you ask, what is it like?

Ever watch Rallying? Well my car sounds like that. In 1st, 2nd and 3rd (hell, all gears) I can change up at 2k rpm and get wastegate chatter (ch ch ch ch chhhhh) and the turbo wails away like some boxed up banshee (never once did it pull more than 1PSI and yet it still whistles more than the KKK ever did!). It pulls VERY strongly despite not actually using the turbo... which is bizarre!

I'm still pooing myself but slowly getting used to it. Tomorrow I'm off to a MIG meet in Fareham to hopefully get the first load of miles done and start using it properly.

Watch this space as things progress

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

I want a mac...

... any kind. mini, e, i, power, book. I don't really care. I just want one.
The mini is tempting. Really tempting. The OS is BSD based (loosly) and can run Linux apps on top too (it sort of emulates it.. sort of). I could use it for all sorts of things. Want.

I have an iPod. Perhaps that's not helping my needs! :)

Joe Cartoon

I have always loved Joe Cartoon but for some reason have never linked it. Weird.
Anyway, here is his latest violent, gerbil featuring, madness. :D

Monday, February 14, 2005

A whole world for sale...

You may have read about it but middle earth is for sale. :)

Quite high so far!