Monday, June 14, 2010 - 11:05 am, by: Kieren Wuest(Hambulance)
Hi there guys and gals,
I have to say; I'm happy there is a site like this, there are some great tutorials and info here. So many Aussies too, I'd like to join a local drive day next time one comes up.
Just bought the Soarer; from what I can tell, over all, it's still in good condition for the most part - most things are small fixes to medium cosmetic fixes.
I don't know much yet about Soarer's, except that I wanted one back in high school in the 90's. I'm a very quick study and I'm mechanically minded and I love to tinker. In saying that I've enough experience to know what things not to touch, haha.
I'm going to go through the beginner and how to tutorials here and do as much as time and tools will allow.
Here's the new girl:
I'm looking for some advise, and simple feedback - will make more specific posts in the relevant forums when the time comes for more detailed conversation.
In order of priority:
1. - The front bumper has a scattering of chipped paint and is cracked down low, does not exactly match the original paint colour. There are about 5 little dents around the car (small like an old 1 cent piece) and a couple of small scratches (one on the edge of the door down to the metal). The rear bumper has only very slightly sun damage (could probably cut and polish out). I believe the bumpers are called "kits". I don't like the crazy spaceship body kits and would like some advise as to how to keep it as much the same as possible.
Any good recommendations for a good value (price vs quality), reputable body detailer / paint colour matcher, that could fix or source a new bumper in Adelaide. Want to keep the original colour.
2. - From what I have read the Torsen LSD's make a big driving difference, and I like this idea of more low down take off (apart from the ECU mods and fixes). I've seen one for sale interstate for 1150 but have read people buying them for 800ish. How can I tell if mine is LSD or not (from driving it I don't think it is)
3. - Mechanically and electrically it's in great shape, I'd say 90% from perfect with 179K km's a bit high but the price was right and in good nick.
There is a bit of a wobble in the forward momentum when in Overdrive at about 100km/h and slight acceleration, kind of feels like the power is not smoothly being delivered to to wheels (only at this speed though) and with the cruise control.
From what I've read here so far it could be a fix for the cruise control and throttle cable (as per the tutorials) or I think maybe the trans needs a flush. Anyone here had this same issue?
I figure do the cable maintenance, flush the trans, and possibly replace the diff anyway should hit the problem somewhere here.
Things I've got sorted to do:
1.- Wheels, I don't mind the rims it came with and my housemate/cousin works at Wheelworx so might send to him to put some spacers and new tyres. It already has the aftermarket full adjustable suspension.
2.- Headlights - errgh, it has water in the passenger side one and they're of course yellowish. have read all about how to clean and reseal these and it looks very tedious and fiddly. Oh boy fun
3.- Interior detail; a few components have a crack here or there and might look around wreckers for those parts. Of course the seat has wear on the kidneys, not sure the best way to replace/reupholster this. Besides this I'd rate the Interior 90%
I've quickly calculated the need of about 5K for this and I'm about 2K short of that, so looking for good quality deals where ever they can be found. Particularly the body work which can range from 1.5-10K (for a full body pro respray, which I don't think is needed in this case). I really hope I can get the exterior detailing done for 1.5 to 2K, instead of 3-4K with some prep work done from me.
Later on:
Headers and Extractors - I'm not about making the thing race spec, and I like to not be a target for canaries. But I do love some sports performance and a nice exhaust note. While keeping a conservative look.
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From what I can see it's a great community here and look forward to getting involved, with help, connections, humour and drives.
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 12:07 pm, by: Brett Cutts(Boof390)
welcome to soarer central, not many gold ones in Adelaide nice looking car. I am in Mount Barker and wreck the odd soarer here and there so can probably help you out with some bits and pieces if you are in no hurry. I have seen a fair bit of work from quality crash at Lonsdale and they are reasonably priced however after saying that he has had a problem painter who has been sacked and my tt soarer is back there for rework at the moment along with 2 cars belonging to a workmate. But I will say this though, there was no problem with him admitting it was a crap paint repair and he even spotted a couple of things I hadn't so I guess we will have to wait and see what it comes back like this time.
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 03:07 pm, by: Kieren Wuest(Hambulance)
Hey cheers guys.
Thanks for the heads up Brett, I think I'll take you up on checking out what parts you have available or can get. I'm in the Hills (Uppersturt) so you're just down the freeway from me
Today I just tightened up the throttle and cruise control cables (which had about 1.5cm of slack in them), and also reset and had a go a re-training the ECU.
It is now a bit more responsive and cruise control is smooth up and down hills.
I'm still getting this acceleration wobble. although only slightly improved from what I've just done, only when about 10 - 15% throttle is applied at speeds between 60-110 the car shudders slightly. As if the power (from the engine - not electric) is cutting in and out.
My cousin says I should get the thing on a diagnostic - Anyone know a place in Adelaide where they can plug it in and diagnose this issue?
Straight up I'm going to stick with these rims and get some spacers for it to fill the guards out a bit more. Detail the body and get the car Audio sorted for my sub and an mp3 player (line in).
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 03:59 pm, by: Darren Driscoll(Dazzadee73)
Be sure to put up some photos once you've put in the spacers, I've been meaning to get some for mine, so it'd be good to have someone else do it first and get the spacer size correct first time around!
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