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Have been using A-Plan for the last 3 years for 2 cars plus home insurance. The level of service is impressive, nothing is ever too much trouble and they always call back when I have questions regarding renewals, modifications, etc. Currently going through a claim for my wife's car which was rear-ended in traffic and again the support has been superb. Not only their advise at the time of the accident but also the service since, almost daily calls or emails regarding the status of the claim. Wife's car is currently at SWB in Bathgate and we have a shiney Passat estate as a loaner! Cheers, Mark

Quick update.... Had my BC's & ALK fitted yestersday! Great job by Extreme in Whitburn. Difference in ride quality is amazing. Have initially set the dampers to 12/10 and that feels great, much more comfortable than standard STI, no more banging and crashing over bumps & ruts, no rattles from the rear, etc. A bit harsh on poor roads, so I'll try 10/8 when I drive into Edinburgh this afternoon. The difference in handling is almost disturbing! Understeer seems to have completely disappeared, the car feels much more alive and on it's toes. The raod were wet, greasy and covered in leaves this morning but the front end response seems greatly improved. My only concern is that the back end now seems very keen to join in the fun! Ride height is almost unchanged from the standard STI dampers and Prodrive springs which suits me fine. In terms of geometry I've had the car setup as recommended by Whiteline / Extreme. Can post the settings if anyone is interested. Cheers, Mark

If AndyF had £1 for everytime he's said 'your neutral position switch is knackered' he'd be a rich man! Mine was just flickering on and off and I just had the standard 2mm washer replaced with a thinner one. I watched the mechanic fit it using a 4 post lift and it still looked very akward even after dropping the gearbox mount. On the six speed STI gearbox the switch is right on top and the clearance between the box and the shell is very small. I think it would be a real bitch as a DIY but don't let me stop you trying! Mark

Yes, car currently has the standard STI dampers and Prodrive springs which lowered it a little. One rear damper was replaced under warranty for knocking and at the last MOT I had an advisory for the other rear damper. However Subaru wanted £270 just for one damper! Hoping to keep the ride heght similar to present or maybe slightly lower to avoid the mudflaps scrapping on all the speed cushions they have installed around here! The BC groupbuy was too good to miss! Mark

Car is an MY02 STI and I'm told uprated front ARB and droplinks aren't necessary. I've already replaced the rear ARB and drop links with Whiteline items. Wasn't planning on roll centre adjustment because I'm aiming to keep close to the standard ride height. One ALK on order then.... Look forward to comparing notes next week! Cheers, Mark

Getting mine fitted on Thursday at Extreme Motorsport in Whitburn! Trying to decide if I should get an ALK fitted at the same time? Mark

Rich, I'm also waiting for my BC coilovers from the GB. Have you had any quotes to get them fitted? So far Extreme in Whitburn have quoted £300 + vat for fitting incl a full geometry alignment. Would appreciate any suggestions for other options.... Cheers, Mark

Two points to check before fitment: 1) Make sure they use the right colour & tint (it's not always obvious!) 2) Make sure they use a new rubber seal. It's not uncommon for them to turn-up with the wrong one and then reuse the old one which is a sure path to leaks in the future. Cheers, Mark

Hi, Thanks to Gus & co for a great day yesterday! Nice to meet all you "new" members of the SIDC. Hopefully I'll get out to a few more meets now the children are growing up. Cheers Mark PS: for those who asked, the children's car seats are Jane Indy Plus Racing Team with an isofix mount

Had the alloys wheels from my wife's 2003 Honda Civic Type S stripped down & powder coated. They were very poor considering I'd already had them replaced once under warranty. The results were remarkable to say the least! Total cost was £250 but that included same day service, removal & refitting of wheels from car, wheel balancing & VAT. Very pleased with the results and great service, they even washed my mountain bike for me when I went to collect! Cheers, Mark

Leon at Kwikfit in Broxburn is an SIDC member and has been very competitive in the past. His number is 01506 856586. Mark

Steve Walker Bodyshop in Bathgate are very good and always get recommended on here. I used them myself last year for two cars and they did an excellent job on both. Mark

Great service from Leon & the guys at Kwik-Fit Broxburn! Would recommend especially at these prices! Cheers, Mark

Hi Leon, That's a great price, I've give you a call in the week. Thanks, Mark

Hi Leon, I live just around the corner from Kwik Fit so you might see me around too! MY02 blue bugeye Prodrive R555***. Do you have a price for a pair of Bridgestone RE040's 225/45/17 90W (Subaru fitment, not Lotus!). Cheers, Mark

Does any one have contact details for Steve Whitson? I'm in need of a price for a new clutch. Thanks, Mark

Steve Walker Bodyshop in Bathgate!

If you've got flaps...... STI Bugeye, MY02, 45k miles, Genuine Subaru mudflaps fitted from new: Behind the plastic wheelarch liner was absolutely full of mud. Almost up to the level of the mudflap screws. I assume it's supposed to drain out of the slot at the bottom but this was completely choked. Not helped by the piece of foam insulation added by Subaru which seems to just retain moisture! You can just make out in the photo where the metal is split by the bolt hole. Don't know if this happened when the mudflaps were fitted or after it started to corrode. The two OEM mudflap bolts on the edge of the wheel arch had to be cut free, the clip nuts on the inside were completely corroded and broken. The two lower self tapping screws on the inner wheelarch were fine. Interestingly the passenger side was also completely choked but no corrosion visible. This might be helped by the lack of foam insulation on that side. Strange! Car is booked into the bodyshop next week for repair and I've bought a set of new stainless steel fasteners to reattach the mudflaps. Not sure I'll be putting the piece of foam back in though. Local parts dept were very helpful supplying replacement clip nuts & plastic rivets. Would be very interested to know if anyone else has had this problem. Cheers, Mark

That's because he doesn't !!!

I posted the Reporting Scotland news item here:

Just in case you want to see it again!

Car is now booked in at Steve's for a few weeks time! Thanks for the help, will let you know how it goes. Mark

Thanks Guys! Steve Walkers was recommended by all the Scottish Elise drivers too so I guess I'll take a trip down this afternoon. I popped into the Eastern / Western bodyshop in Broxburn yesterday. It's HUGE! 35,000 square foot! They do all the bodywork, PDI, etc for all their franchises around Edinburgh. Very slick, very professional, will get a quote from them too as a backup. Cheers, Mark

Any suggestions? Found some rust on my front wheel arch where the mudflaps have been attached. I guess the bolt used to secure the mudflap has corroded and it's spread to the wheel arch. Need somebody to remove the mudflaps, treat & repaint the wheel arch & refit the mudflaps. Thanks, Mark

I'm between Newbridge & Broxburn - blue STI bugeye Did you used to have the white STI? I think we met once outside the Co-op in Kirkliston. Mark