Not in the least, Jamie's a mate and an excellent co-pilot, just banter.

Your post however Jabo.....................

A spy would never admit to being a spy...

Or having machine guns in the front wings.

I really hope the Green machine is at bedford to see how it goes against the pink Golf 

 

 I might have to ask BossFox for a lend of one of his cameras so I can mount rear facing so we have some footage of said Green beasty 

 

 

 Whatever it is Mark, I am sure we will all find out in due course. All the best with whatever it is.

Ok so, can now talk about this. Reason for car possibly having to go.

Work were trying to sweet talk me into relocating to Uruguay, South America, had to be careful sharing this information as I work for a public AIM listed company and could have in theory got in trouble if someone off here bought shares before the news. Like getting sacked trouble.

Anyways, after finding out what it would cost them to relocate me it seems they have acquired cold feet :( So I will remain a UK resident.

The thing is the whole coming to terms with maybe selling the Fabia has left me feeling a bit cold towards the car. Contemplating still selling off the mods and making a change.

Odd one, but looking at VW Caddy's or closest Skoda equivalent Roomster?

thought you were really on track tomake one of the better modded mark II track cars! that made clio 200's look silly!

 

not my project though mate do what your heart tells you

thought you were really on track tomake one of the better modded mark II track cars! that made clio 200's look silly!

 

not my project though mate do what your heart tells you

 

I may have been hasty with the statement anyway Dave, once again resale values make the prospective financial hit more than a little unappetising.  Just looking at a few Mk2 guys who recently sold up I think I would get pennies for my car, so instead, onwards and upwards etc.  50k service due in a week.

 

I was just stewing over having been messed around about the move abroad.

This is good news, now please resume where you left off! :-)

So Blyton Park and HowFast? still a go?

We will just have to wait and see.

Oooh, good-ish news. Hoping your car does something to rekindle your love...

Ordered some replacement flexible ducting for my intake as the old stuff is looking a little tired and has been wearing a band of duct tape since I bought it.  Auto Silicone Hoses, who I was surprised to find are only based a few miles from me, looks to be good kit and they have an ebay store with free postage.

 

www.autosiliconehoses.com

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/autosiliconehoses_outlet?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

 

Also spoken to ITG about part codes for a new filter so I can swap the two around during cleaning.

 

Other spends this month are:

 

ITG Foam Filter Cleaning Kit +JDR2 Oil

set of 4*NGK BKR7EIX Spark plugs to do the 10k change

5litres of Motul Sport 5W50 Oil

Oil Filter

Pollen Filter

Set of rear brake discs

Set of rear brake pads

 

With the new filter that shouldn't be far off £300.00 and then I will need to pay for the service itself to be carried out.

 

Guess the RSR's will be bought just before the national meet, not this month anyway.

 

 

I know your pain! Trying to sell the results of garage clear-out now to fund the addiction  :peek:

 

Motul 

The thing is the whole coming to terms with maybe selling the Fabia has left me feeling a bit cold towards the car. Contemplating still selling off the mods and making a change.

Odd one, but looking at VW Caddy's or closest Skoda equivalent Roomster?

Yeti time!

Right then, I think I am going to call time on this build thread, I keep going backwards and forwards over the decision, but a combination of things are steering me towards the decision:  family life really needs me to have a bigger car and I think if I push on any further then the total cost of modifications that I will want to do plus involved cost of track days etc is going to be more than I should be spending on the car.  So I have the car booked in for a service on Saturday and I will be asking for them to strip all the mods except the springs and dampers which I will leave on the car until the last.

 

So coming soon to a for sale thread near you:

 

Brembo's with two sets of pads, near brand new EBC 323mm ultimax discs and HEL Braided lines.

15mm/17mm spacers (ideal to accompany the Brembo's)

ITG intake, just had some new ducting arrive in the post which I will include with the sale.

H&R Rear Anti Roll Bar.

Vibratechnics lower engine mount.

and anything else I have forgotten.

 

It's been fun, but timing wise this is the right thing to do.

 

I will of course remain a faithful Briskodian and will be upping the activity with my detailing venture and attending the meets (sadly probably not going out on track though) and naturally any new motor will certainly feature on here as it will be difficult not to tinker.

It's official sales thread here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/321370-modified-mk2-fabia-returning-to-stock-brembos-itg-intake-rarb-suspension/

 

Parts being stripped on Saturday.  Anyone wanting to meet me there to collect parts, I can have my friend fit anything for you at mates rates as he strips my car.

Sorry to hear that you've put a halt on your modding, i always enjoyed keeping up to date with your build thread but sometimes you have to stand back and really think about thing's ..i'e .family, finances, work and the like.

I know it sounds boring and a whole lot of hassle but i hope it all turns out good for you and your family, good luck to you Mark, hope you're going to keep up the detailing threads because i enjoy reading them as well.     

^^ couldn't have said it better myself! I've always enjoyed following the progress of this thread and certainly got some inspiration and knowledge for tinkering with my own car from it. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to get next.

Cheers!

^^ couldn't have said it better myself! I've always enjoyed following the progress of this thread and certainly got some inspiration and knowledge for tinkering with my own car from it. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to get next.

Cheers!

Thanks mate, currently on the Trader looking at Focus ST estates and possible Mountune upgrades

And in that one statement I have suddenly become very jealous! Focus ST estates are certainly on my list for possible future cars! They look great and who doesn't love a centre exhaust?!?

Funnily enough was admiring one of these last week. A wee bit of reading for you.. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/octavia/84930/skoda-octavia-vrs-estate-vs-ford-focus-st-estate

Funnily enough was admiring one of these last week. A wee bit of reading for you.. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/octavia/84930/skoda-octavia-vrs-estate-vs-ford-focus-st-estate

Good comparison. According to the test data there Octy Estate vRS costs less, cheaper to ensure, lower road tax, more economical, accelerates faster, has bigger and more practical boot, servicing is cheaper, price tag is lower... choice is simple! 

edit: Octy even looks better!

Stay in the fold buddy!

Good comparison. According to the test data there Octy Estate vRS costs less, cheaper to ensure, lower road tax, more economical, accelerates faster, has bigger and more practical boot, servicing is cheaper, price tag is lower... choice is simple! 

edit: Octy even looks better!

Stay in the fold buddy!

 

But...

 

 

1st place - Focus ST

The Ford’s storming performance and entertaining handling have survived the transformation from hatchback to estate. Few family cars are as much fun to drive. The brash looks won’t be to all tastes and it’s not as roomy as the Skoda, but in this test, driving thrills count for more.

 

2nd place - Skoda Octavia vRS

A vast boot, roomy interior and relatively low running costs combine to make the Skoda a fine choice. It’s also fast

and composed on the road, while its stealthy looks are unlikely to attract unwanted attention. Yet it’s a bit dull to drive and the manual costs £695 more than the entry-level ST.

 

I'd rather have a Skoda than a Ford, but the simple fact is that the sporty Ford versions are just far better cars to drive.

If you buy a car that's sporty with decent performance surely you want an entertaining chassis and great steering feel.

That's the only reason I bought a Ford.  I'd rather it had a Skoda badge but I'm not prepared to accept a car that's nowhere near as good to drive.

 

If it’s real-world performance and driving fun you’re after, look no further than the Focus. A combination of higher torque and shorter gear ratios meant the Ford blitzed the Skoda during our in-gear acceleration tests, while its razor-sharp handling always raised a smile. The Octavia is far from slow, but it never feels as eager as the ST, while its engine sounds more muted. And although the Skoda always stays planted and secure, its chassis lacks the Ford’s feedback and adjustability.

 

The Focus would have me too! Never really been interested in an Octy!

^^ boss and toxic sum it up well, the Octy's have good engines and practicality but they have never convinced me as sporty cars (unless we are talking big modification investment) the stock car is a very drab drive. I admit I haven't tried a Mk3 though.

Crucially the focus has been out a little longer than the Mk3 Octy so more second hand bargains about.

The brief is a fast load lugger, as I enjoy a spot of surfing and camping etc, there is still a huge appeal to getting a Caddy or some kind of Transporter T4/T5 based shenanigans, these retain VAG engines and potential future tuning fun etc. but they clearly are not much fun to drive. Focus has good carry potential, seriously good handling out of the box while retaining good refinement.

Oh and warranty friendly Mountune...........................

^^ boss and toxic sum it up well, the Octy's have good engines and practicality but they have never convinced me as sporty cars (unless we are talking big modification investment) the stock car is a very drab drive. I admit I haven't tried a Mk3 though.

Crucially the focus has been out a little longer than the Mk3 Octy so more second hand bargains about.

The brief is a fast load lugger, as I enjoy a spot of surfing and camping etc, there is still a huge appeal to getting a Caddy or some kind of Transporter T4/T5 based shenanigans, these retain VAG engines and potential future tuning fun etc. but they clearly are not much fun to drive. Focus has good carry potential, seriously good handling out of the box while retaining good refinement.

Oh and warranty friendly Mountune...........................

VW Transporter Sportline Kombi?