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
