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What to do? #1522386
20/01/2015 17:01
20/01/2015 17:01
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,294
Sandhurst
Begbie Offline OP
Ex El Presidente
Begbie  Offline OP
Ex El Presidente
I AM a Coop

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,294
Sandhurst
Well the inevitable happened today.

Driving to Sheffield and less than half a mile from my destination the car conks out at the lights and won't restart. A call to the AA and 2.5 hours later, my worst fear has been confirmed. Cambelt has had the teeth stripped off and it currently going to Torque Automotive.

It's only really just starting to sink in what has happened and not sure if I'm in the right frame of mind to even be at a clients site today (till Friday).

I still had a shed load of debt paying off (5 figures) and this year was going to be the year to try and clear a lot of it down, but now this has happened, I don't know if I even want to continue with the car.

What to do
single choice
Votes accepted starting: 20/01/2015 17:01

Originally Posted by Jonny - After being taken out at Spa
Your car is Usain Bolt with wellies
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522388
20/01/2015 17:10
20/01/2015 17:10
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,330
Leeds
phil_20VT Offline
Competition Level
phil_20VT  Offline
Competition Level

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,330
Leeds
Sorry to hear this.

What percentage of the five figures you spent will it cost to rectify?


Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522389
20/01/2015 17:10
20/01/2015 17:10
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
magooagain Offline
Club Member 259
magooagain  Offline
Club Member 259
Forum is my life

Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
Thats very bad luck mate. I just love your car. Chin up and sleep on it mate.



Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522390
20/01/2015 17:11
20/01/2015 17:11

I
ice900
Unregistered
ice900
Unregistered
I



That is sad news mate, is she your daily driver and how long ago was the belt done?
BTW voted for repair

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522391
20/01/2015 17:13
20/01/2015 17:13

N
nismo
Unregistered
nismo
Unregistered
N



break it and sell all the good bits to me thumb .

you know in your own heart that its going to be repaired and back on the road for Spaitalia 2015 wink .

gutted for you mate cry

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522393
20/01/2015 17:20
20/01/2015 17:20
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,553
Berlin
barnacle Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
barnacle  Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
Forum Demigod

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,553
Berlin
Damnit Alexis, that's not good news.

It's a head-scratcher... you can still get a replacement engine, or all the bits to rebuild, but would you want standard after the last one? Or you're paying even more of a fortune to rebuild to the standard you already had...

My own experience is that there will be lots of bent valves (special from GR in your case?) plus probably some tiny dents in the pistons you can ignore, plus you'll want some new big end bearings. The crank and cams and head will probably be OK.

If you do rebuild it, you might consider the deltaparts 25mm belt conversion. The only reason it's not going on mine is that I want to keep the balance shafts. (It's around five hundred quid, but on an engine as expensive as yours it's probably good insurance.)


[Linked Image]
Don't get no respect! Coupe Fiat 1994-2000 - an owner's guide <-- clicky!
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522395
20/01/2015 17:23
20/01/2015 17:23
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,960
west bromwich
C
coupedummy Offline
Je suis un Coupé
coupedummy  Offline
Je suis un Coupé
C

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,960
west bromwich
Gutted for you mate. Take it into storage for a while and commence rebuild in your own time. For me the debt reduction would come first.


[Linked Image]
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522396
20/01/2015 17:24
20/01/2015 17:24

P
pjdm
Unregistered
pjdm
Unregistered
P



Can you get the car to my garage in chesterfield?
Guarantee to be cheaper than anywere, unless you doing work yourself?

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522397
20/01/2015 17:28
20/01/2015 17:28

P
pjdm
Unregistered
pjdm
Unregistered
P



if it went at lights on tickover damage will be valves, pitons and bearings should be fine.
Worth taking a chance and just do cyl head.

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522398
20/01/2015 17:49
20/01/2015 17:49
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,650
Dark side of the Moon
H_R Offline
My life on the forum
H_R  Offline
My life on the forum

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,650
Dark side of the Moon
Really gutted for you Begbie!

My head is with coupedummy! if it was me, i know i would be repairing it to be stronger and better! but probably over a long period of time on a budget not a "repair now, money's no object"

Definitely debt and money comes first if its bad enough to worry about it
Just shelve it sort your head out and buy bits here and there when they present themselves at decent prices and then sort it out when the times right!
All the best! thumb

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522399
20/01/2015 18:02
20/01/2015 18:02
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,241
Sevenoaks
mrc Offline
Club member 25
mrc  Offline
Club member 25
Competition Level

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,241
Sevenoaks
Very sad news mate, don't rush this one, I think you would regret it if you got rid of it, plus I can't see you driving an M3! smile


[Linked Image]
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522400
20/01/2015 18:05
20/01/2015 18:05
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
E
Emjay Offline
Forum is my life
Emjay  Offline
Forum is my life
E

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
Alexis, really sorry to hear this.

What you don't do is bung money at it.

Either get what you can for it, focus on getting rid of the debt, then come at this again if the itch still needs scratching.

Or Sorn it, focus on getting rid of the debt, and then if the itch does not need scratching get what you can for it.


Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing? (John 7:51)
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522402
20/01/2015 18:17
20/01/2015 18:17
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,252
Windsor/ Reading
knight7660 Offline
Competition Level
knight7660  Offline
Competition Level

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,252
Windsor/ Reading
Repair it mate don't split such a nice 16vt


LE53 (452BHp & 389ftlb's with Quaife)
Wine red VIS FOOFY
Audi RS4 B7
Re: What to do? [Re: mrc] #1522409
20/01/2015 19:51
20/01/2015 19:51

P
proccy
Unregistered
proccy
Unregistered
P



Originally Posted By: mrc
I can't see you driving an M3! smile


As a current, mapped, M3 driver coming from a 355bhp coupe, i agree the M3 isn't for you imho - it would feel gutless, but then anything will if you trash/break it. Same dilemma i faced 3 or 4 times and as you know i was stupid/brave enough to repair it every time.
Now its gone i miss it so much, to the point i nearly bought it back recently.........however we're all different and you're your own man with responsibilities, i just feel sorry its happened and would support whatever you decide frown

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522416
20/01/2015 20:57
20/01/2015 20:57
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,466
Kent
Submariner Offline
My job on the forum
Submariner  Offline
My job on the forum

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,466
Kent
flog the parts and buy a nice standard car.

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522419
20/01/2015 21:29
20/01/2015 21:29
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,367
Staffordshire
Nigel Offline
Forum veteran
Nigel  Offline
Forum veteran

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,367
Staffordshire
I feel your pain Alexis - been there myself on more than one occasion

However, as you well know, the car is worth very little in its current state (TBH, we all know that a modded Coupe running perfectly isn't worth very much either)

My recommendation would be to park the car up somewhere safe and dry and spend a year or two throwing the same money at your debt as you have done with the Coupe. Get yourself a half-decent oil-burner, such as an Alfa 156 or 147 - 50+ mpg will help with the cashflow and you won't feel the same traitorous feelings that you must have done driving that bloody Clio for all those years wink

The LAST thing you need to do is to make a decision in the next few days - walk away from it and see how you feel when the emotions have died down a bit - there's less chance you'll do something daft (like sell it)

Good luck


[Linked Image]
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522420
20/01/2015 21:37
20/01/2015 21:37
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,057
Southsea
G
Gunzi Offline
Club member 189, Former Club President
Gunzi  Offline
Club member 189, Former Club President
Je suis un Coupé
G

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,057
Southsea
Sorry to hear this Alexis. Ive only seen your Coupe a couple of times but it really was quite the monster at the SRR day and left an impression on me!

I hope you can find a way to fix it, even if not right away, rather than break.

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522423
20/01/2015 21:46
20/01/2015 21:46
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,719
My name is Daniel
Burbum123 Offline
club member 1891
Burbum123  Offline
club member 1891
I need some sleep

Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,719
My name is Daniel
Sorry mate what wAs reason? Im sure belt change wasn't so long ago was it ? Was it power /torque ?.my vote was repair but as you say I haven't spent what you have.

Last edited by Burbum123; 20/01/2015 21:48.
Re: What to do? [Re: Burbum123] #1522427
20/01/2015 22:01
20/01/2015 22:01
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,829
kidderminster
nick_d Offline
My life on the forum
nick_d  Offline
My life on the forum

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,829
kidderminster
First dibs on manifold and exhaust... laugh
Gutted for you mate, without doubt the best spec'd modded 16vt on this forum for sometime!
I very much doubt that alexia would just swap his cylinder head for another one as the head is probably the most special/costly part of his car due to all the head work he had done by guy croft!
I think you need to work out the exact cost of repair before making any decisions bud, isn't it possible it could just be valve damage??
What I do know is that if anything major like this happens to mine after new turbo is fitted it WILL be broken this time, I'm already on my 2nd forged engine.... I estimate my 16vt has cost 12k plus since ownership, I won't be rebuilding engine again that is a certain fact!
Good luck buddy!!!

Nick



368bhp @ 1.5 bar
Re: What to do? [Re: Nigel] #1522429
20/01/2015 22:05
20/01/2015 22:05
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,252
Windsor/ Reading
knight7660 Offline
Competition Level
knight7660  Offline
Competition Level

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,252
Windsor/ Reading
Originally Posted By: Nigel
I feel your pain Alexis - been there myself on more than one occasion

However, as you well know, the car is worth very little in its current state (TBH, we all know that a modded Coupe running perfectly isn't worth very much either)

My recommendation would be to park the car up somewhere safe and dry and spend a year or two throwing the same money at your debt as you have done with the Coupe. Get yourself a half-decent oil-burner, such as an Alfa 156 or 147 - 50+ mpg will help with the cashflow and you won't feel the same traitorous feelings that you must have done driving that bloody Clio for all those years wink

The LAST thing you need to do is to make a decision in the next few days - walk away from it and see how you feel when the emotions have died down a bit - there's less chance you'll do something daft (like sell it)

Good luck



Well said thumb


LE53 (452BHp & 389ftlb's with Quaife)
Wine red VIS FOOFY
Audi RS4 B7
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522433
20/01/2015 22:22
20/01/2015 22:22

M
Marco20ValveT
Unregistered
Marco20ValveT
Unregistered
M



Evening all.

As I've been talking to Begbie all day on the phone. I can honestly say I'm gutted for this man.

He is in the sh*t luck club that me proccy, Nigel, Mario and a few other have been in.

All I can say is, If you break it for parts, you will still be out of pocket regardless.
If you repair it, you will have to spend out a fair wack again.

But.. One thing you will never EVER get back is that feeling of YOUR coupe.
You can strip it, and crush the shell ect
But you will miss it.

You will never be able to get it back.

And you Will miss it.
I will do what ever I can to help you mate!
Just sitting by the phone waiting for the AA to let me know it's there!

Chin up mate..

Re: What to do? [Re: ] #1522436
20/01/2015 22:34
20/01/2015 22:34
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 735
Yorks (near Rhubarb Triangle)
Robotrish Offline
Enjoying the ride
Robotrish  Offline
Enjoying the ride

Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 735
Yorks (near Rhubarb Triangle)
Take the financially sensible route, keep emotions out of it

Remember you've been there and done it

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522441
20/01/2015 23:02
20/01/2015 23:02

M
Marco20ValveT
Unregistered
Marco20ValveT
Unregistered
M



Begbie is far too attached to that coupe to not be emotionly evolved

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522447
21/01/2015 01:42
21/01/2015 01:42

L
Linton
Unregistered
Linton
Unregistered
L



I'd repair it, but over a period of time. You'd buy another car, but every time you saw a Coupe you'd be kicking yourself. Sensible route not an option, or you wouldn't be driving a coupe in the first place.

Re: What to do? [Re: ] #1522449
21/01/2015 02:06
21/01/2015 02:06
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23,300
North Wales
Theresa Offline
Former Presidentessa Club member 58
Theresa  Offline
Former Presidentessa Club member 58
Forum Fossil

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23,300
North Wales
Gutted for you Begbie cry I haven't voted in the poll as I really couldn't decide.

I dread the day this might happen to mine. I wouldn't have the money to fix mine, but I would still keep it (even if it never got fixed and rotted away on my driveway) and get a cheap runaround until I could sort mine.

The above is probably my advice to you too - don't break, repair or sell until you're absolutely certain you have made the right decision.

Whatever you do, you have my support and again, so gutted for you frown

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522520
21/01/2015 16:25
21/01/2015 16:25
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,786
Auld Reekie
Edinburgh Offline
Club President, member225
Edinburgh  Offline
Club President, member225
Forum veteran

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,786
Auld Reekie
Gutted to hear this news Begbie, I mean it was nothing short of great pleasure being blown off course by your yellow peril at Spa, even if you went slightly down that road yourself so to speak laugh
Have my video to catch the flash of broom anyway to always remind me smile

From what I've read your time and patience that's gone into this car is only to be surpassed by that which you will eventually afford, when the time is right, to nurse her back to health.

Although I had a temporary (near) lapse of faith, I'm glad I stuck with the BumbleBee, life just wouldn't be the same.


BumbleBee carer smile
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522521
21/01/2015 16:31
21/01/2015 16:31

B
Brickfoot
Unregistered
Brickfoot
Unregistered
B



Really gutted for you Begbie.
That said, if youre breaking it im interessted in the engine with everything from the air filter to the back silencer and will pay good money for it..
Pm if intrested..

And as said before, take your time to think before making any desision on this..

Last edited by Brickfoot; 21/01/2015 23:38.
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522539
21/01/2015 19:24
21/01/2015 19:24
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,159
,
S
samsite999 Offline
I AM a Coop
samsite999  Offline
I AM a Coop
S

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,159
,
For all your effort and time thats gone in to this, id be inclined to agree with Theresa. Don't make a rash decision. Buy a oil burner or a cheep small petrol car and use this as the daily. Park up the Coupe some where secure and when you have the money start again.
More important than any car is your long term financial goals. Meet these then come back to the car.

Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522598
22/01/2015 13:37
22/01/2015 13:37
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,845
Darlo / Leeds
Darlo_Nick Offline
My life on the forum
Darlo_Nick  Offline
My life on the forum

Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,845
Darlo / Leeds
I almost voted but then changed my mind! I think this is something you have you have a good think about, even if it means parking it up somewhere for a few weeks/months/years.

If it was me I would do all I could to keep it, but you need to make sure your finances are in a fit state too.


Instagram : Nick16vt
Re: What to do? [Re: Begbie] #1522694
22/01/2015 21:42
22/01/2015 21:42

P
Pondman
Unregistered
Pondman
Unregistered
P



Alexis,
I can only say how sad I am to hear of your BIG problem cry
As others have said, another car will not be your car. It is unique and no other car will really replace it, at least in your mind. It will always be your "first love". You've put too much energy and emotion into your car already, to do that all over again with a different car!?
Head, cut your losses and move on.
Heart, sort it when the time is right.
Either which way, not an easy desission nono if you have time to make it, decide once the emotions and a clear head and heart prevale. Good luck mate wink

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