kaisegeberger

Fair point about the number of hands; you kind of expect the garage mechanic to be superhuman when it comes to this sort of stuff. Was one lad supervised, but on his own so I'm happy enough; expensive though. Like I said, it was a fair price, but he's previously lost my trust so I wanted to be sure. One benefit of getting the engine out is that the 'blowing over a bottletop' turbo noise has now gone

My gearbox bearings were on the way out so I sourced a replacement box and booked it in to be swapped. I could do this myself, but don't fancy going under a gearbox on my own. I assumed they would drop the box from underneath as thats all they were doing (clutch etc is relatively new). Instead, they took the whole engine out and are charging for 5 hours labour instead of the 2-3 I was expecting. He gives me a good rate so 5 hours for engine out doesn't seem unreasonable and he reckons the 'book' says you have to do it this way. This guy is generally quite helpful, but has been known to try and fabricate work (although backs down pretty quick when challenged). I don't want to piss him off unnecessarily as he is one of the few competent mechanics around here, but equally, I also don't want to be taken for a ride. Is he taking the mick, or is it just good practice to take the engine out? I'm probably going to mark it down to experience, but want some ammo if he starts b ullsh it ting. Andy

I want to replace my current ecu setup on by my97 wagon (bleed valve and 'superchip'/fuel cut defender; on car when I bought it) with something a bit more controllable. I've no complaints about the superchip, but the boost control at different ambients is not great and I do get boost spiking and overboost occasionally. I'm sure a dedicated ecu change is going to be kinder to the engine in the long run. Simteks obviously cost a bit, but with the option of 2 maps there is an opportunity to make it pay. Hypothetically, if the second map was used as an 'economy map' to run super-unleaded but with minimal or no boost and frugal fueling/timing etc, how much extra mpg do you think I could get over the superchip setup. I commute in the car and can eke about 300miles out of a tank. By my reckoning an 5mpg increase would pay for the simtek in 2-3 years. Does this sound right. Is +5mpg realistic and has anyone done this before? Also, is it right that with a switchable map I turn it over to 'balls-to-the-wall' map at the flick of a switch when I get stuck behind Mr '45mph everywhere' man? Any informed thoughts much appreciated.

As a relatively tall (6"2' and normally proportioned!) '97 Impreza owner I'm finding the driver position is not ideal. To get my feet in the right place for heel and toeing and enough clearance between knees and steering wheel I have to have virtually straight arms even with the seat bolt upright. Not really uncomfortable, but enough to give some some shoulder ache. Is there anything 'easy' I can do to get the steering wheel nearer to me or the pedals further forward. I could get a steering column extension, but I'm not sure this is a great idea if the airbag is removed and normal seatbelt retained. Would lifting the front of the seat up help? Any ideas much appreciated.

I'm a new impreza owner having acquired a highish mileage my97 UK turbo wagon (slightly fettled engine) as a project/practical car. Previously had highly fettled Polo G40 which was very funbut is now too small. I want to sort the worn out suspension out with new bushes, shocks, springs etc that are a bit firmer than standard. If I want to keep the standard ride height (or close to), but get the firmer setup, what are my options? I've done a bit of research and came up with the following: Poly bushes where appropriate (still need to research this) 22mm rear anti roll bar drop links BC coilovers + topmounts Maybe an anti lift kit, but unconvinced on this atm Geometry setting I think I can live with coilover hardness with a softish spring rate, but will the coilovers extend enough to get standard ride height? I've looked at dampers and performance spring kits, but its more expensive and lowers the car which I don't really want. Roads around me are awful and I'm done with scraping the road every half mile (like the polo). Any advice warmly welcomed thanks Andy