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Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
#1587870
04/11/2016 17:07
04/11/2016 17:07
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,009 Behind Enemy Lines
Master_Mariner
OP
Club member 583
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OP
Club member 583
Enjoying the ride
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,009
Behind Enemy Lines
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I'm not a regular forum poster-but been an official club member for around 5 years and a regular forum reader.
If this post is in the wrong section-or breaks one of the many forum rules - then apologies in advance.
I know there is a fantastic amount of knowledge and specialism about the Coupe out there through this forum- but wanted to thank Joe for saving my coupe. And Leighton for...well giving her a mid life boost!
Earlier this year I took my coupe (now known as The Red Special) to Joe, as it was feeling v tired, and crying out for a full service. And new suspension. Joe imediately found she was down on pressure on a couple of cylinders- and she needed to have her engine opened up...she wasn't feeling well!
It became clear that The Red Special (TRS) needed much TLC! which Joe lavished on her- and you can read and see in detail on the fccs facebook page. Engine opened up, removal of head and sump for full inspection of cylinders, honing of bores, new ring set, pressure test of head, full skim/strip and rebuild, with new cut valves,stem seals, new inlet doughnuts, new rad, new pipework.. some work to the electricl fuses, kiss of life to the long dead a/c unit, and that was before he turned to what I had first asked to be looked at- the suspension-which needed a full refresh and a full service.
I left FCSS feeling like I'd betrayed the old girl! How could I have let her get in this state?
Joe could see I was a bit crest fallen-and was there at every step of the way- well out of working hours, with email/phone call and a practical words of advice.
TRS may not have been well - but she was in good fettle in other ways- no rot, and one of the cleanest underneath he had seen in ages...she could be saved!
So we both agreed to take the long route-and get her back where she should be -with me finally picking her back up from Joe a few weeks ago. Crisp, sure footed, fast...and quiet. Oh so so quiet at tick over!
TRS had always been standard - but given her engine had been given a new lease of life, and I lived so far away from joe, but Leighton was so close- I rang Leighton and booked her in for tuning.
I wasn't sure what to expect really- i've never had a car tuned before. And hearing TRS revving to the limit so soon after all the open heart surgery...very worrying!
But TRS arrived with better then stock power. And after Leighton had spent some time asking me how I wanted her to be (better on pick up/acceleration/torque, and fuel economy-but no boy racer mad thing. A refined and fast GT car) Leighton got to work!
And he has transformed the car! The engine always used to purr-now it growls but in a refined manner. Lightining fast. No lag-ever! She just goes! Leighton was fantastic! And without thinking, I'd never have another coupe without tuning her- as the difference is so amazing! And of course, you don't have to use any of the extra performance, as your right foot is in charge of her at all times.
She eats up the road now!
I shared with joe and leighton the truly special long journey home. With TRS happier then she had been before....but with new battle scars of slipping clutch, and possible coil pack failing. !
Leighton and Joe, have both given advice on resolving both small issues- both totally unrelated to any work they have done.
I'm now arranging for a new clutch that can keep pace with the sheer energy of my little Coupe! Then turning my attention to her paintwork...and better seats!
I wanted to publicly thank Joe and Leighton for -without a doubt -saving and transforming The Red Special!
MM
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Master_Mariner]
#1587874
04/11/2016 17:35
04/11/2016 17:35
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Barney
Unregistered
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Barney
Unregistered
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You should post more often. Nice to read such positive things from a true enthusiast. Big respect for looking after your coop and to those who have done the work.
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Master_Mariner]
#1587875
04/11/2016 17:44
04/11/2016 17:44
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 642 Bulgaria
french_coupe
Club member 773
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Club member 773
Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 642
Bulgaria
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Nice write up. Good story with a (Almost) happy ending.
lost in space
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Master_Mariner]
#1587895
05/11/2016 02:55
05/11/2016 02:55
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 575 Ayrshire
ScouseCoupe
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 575
Ayrshire
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That's a nice Coupe. Convinced me to do my sills in speed red when I do the respray as standard black at the moment.
1999 Rosso Corsa 20VT ( Restored ) 2000 Rosso Alfa 916 Spider 2.0 T.S Lusso ( Under Restoration)
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Master_Mariner]
#1587896
05/11/2016 08:53
05/11/2016 08:53
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frary
Unregistered
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frary
Unregistered
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Master_Mariner]
#1588011
07/11/2016 14:18
07/11/2016 14:18
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Brigham
Unregistered
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Brigham
Unregistered
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Yep, can't say enough about Joe and Leighton, driving Rosa is a real pleasure since all Joe's hard work.
The Leighton chip in Rosa is awesome, will get over 440 miles in Rosa on a long trip.
John
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Master_Mariner]
#1588221
09/11/2016 18:22
09/11/2016 18:22
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chipped
Unregistered
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chipped
Unregistered
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Agreed. A Flea remap on a standard car is how they should have come new. I've had it done to both of mine. They are far too polite standard. Also thanks to Joe who also answers any query I have put his way.
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Master_Mariner]
#1588222
09/11/2016 18:24
09/11/2016 18:24
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chipped
Unregistered
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chipped
Unregistered
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Leighton, how about a little flea window sticker for those that have had the treatment?
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Re: Thanks Mr Country Cruising and Mr Flea!
[Re: Flea]
#1588297
10/11/2016 16:31
10/11/2016 16:31
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chipped
Unregistered
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chipped
Unregistered
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