johnmacdonald

Hello and welcome!

Welcome as a member! I had one of those...

Hi Debs, We still miss our 06 hawk PPP!

I think my classic Prodrive RB5 was probably the most raw and exhilarating of our many Subarus. Noisy, uncomfortable but somehow perfect...

Don, those pics bring back so many memories. Can't believe nearly 21 years ago...

First meet with Richard was a SIDC skid pan event featuring an old Sierra patrol car with a welded rear diff at Essex Police HQ at Chelmsford- scary or what, but he totally mastered it. Me, not so good. Then a friendly chat in the car park when he pointed out that the front inside tyres on the RB5 were spent. Embarrassing, but I didn't get a ticket!! He was a great character...

Any old donkeys gone missing locally?

Move to the USA and not only have access to Peterbilts and other similar beasts, but masses of Subarus and the strong likelyhood they will get the new STi. Also get away from the Brexit fiasco!

Not quite the same, but for my 60th was treated to a session of driving a Renault tractor unit plus 40 ft tri axle trailer somewhere in Lincolnshire. Performed perfectly through the 16+? gearbox and roundabouts, but disaster at trying to reverse into tight corners. But it was pouring down and couldn't see from the mirrors (my excuse)!

Hi and welcome. Good to see a rare STi variant!

Very welcome and here is a photo of Richard ready to compete in one of his sprint events.

Andy, if ever passing SG11 2PQ, call in for a chat and a cuppa!

Can finally put this one to bed. Four wheel alignment carried out this morning at Stortford Performance Tyres and fronts found to be pointing in opposite directions! Not surprising having regard to previous info posted! Hopefully can now rest in peace, but again full marks to Cambridge Subaru for the way in which they reimbursed me for all expenses incurred for the incorrect fitting of the Eibach spring kit.

Welcome new friend.

Hi Andy, We knew Richard for many years and were so sad to hear of his passing. From the days of servicing and adding performance extras to our Turbo 2000, RB5 and WRX Hawkeye, he never failed to impress. His attention to detail and professionalism was next to none and of course, in addition to being an Essex Police pursuit trainer, he was a qualified motor engineer. He would often call in on us when in the area for a cuppa. Very sad, especially having lost Yvette a few years ago. John

MOT passed today. So, that's insurance renewed, road tax (£540 ouch), legal expenses and breakdown cover sorted, all on this month's credit card bill. Oh, and new Redstuff front pads... Looking forward to a less expensive April!!

So, yet more "mature" Subaru owners. Excellent!!

Hi Debs, Our involvement with fast cars goes back to 1975 when we took proud delivery of hand built Ford Escort Mk 1 RS2000, no. 25 from Ford AVO. Soon it was fitted with a Janspeed four branch exhaust manifold and extractor system! Following were various performance saloons, including two Ford Scorpio Cosworths. Interest in Subaru commenced when the Legacy began winning and then the subsequent success of the Impreza WRCs. Our Subaru ownership began in 1998 with a new Impreza 2.0 Sport, soon equipped with Turbo suspension, WR back box and almost every extra in the brochure! Then a 2000 Turbo, a heavily breathed on RB5 (heavily breathed on by Prodrive- 385bhp), the Hawk WRX PPP, the WRX STi PPP and now the 2015 WRX STi. I'm now 71 and Mrs Mac 68, but can't imagine driving anything else! Do Subaru manufacture quick mobility scooters? John Meant to say, we have visited Prodrive on three occasions, including as part of the Lands End to John of Groats Richard Burns memorial relay. Met Richards Dad and Dave Richards...

For interest, our 2005 Hawkeye WRX PPP only had a H&S straight through centre pipe with integral sports silencer and Prodrive back box. Improved sound without being too intrusive in the car. Being greedy, also running a 2006 2.0 STi PPP with H&S desilenced straight through and afterburner 5" Jap style box. Ridiculously loud. Being thoughtful of neighbours, replaced it with retained Prodrive box. Current 2015 WRX STi only has H&S straight through centre with OEM quad pipe back boxes retained. Perfect combination. If you need helpful advice, speak to Ian at Haward & Scott. John

Hadn't thought about that!! However, a quick resolution I wasn't expecting.

I agree Floz. I was expecting some resistance, but "boss" Rupert is a really top guy at Cambridge Subaru...

Yes Tony, that's some old fashioned customer care. Apparently the young "technicians" involved have been given some meaningful advice, like listen to old geezers who know a little about Subarus!

Definitely recommend H&S. Have fitted their systems/part systems to our last five Imprezas and current WRX STi.

To my surprise and delight, had a call from Cambridge Subaru this afternoon to confirm that they are reimbursing me for all the charges made by Quenbys plus the cost of four wheel alignment. Top marks to Cambridge Subaru...

Shouldn't be a MOT issue as I believe they will only check that the brakes are working to the required standard...