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[TheBoy]

Gave up his day off to come an help me put 2 mid sections of exhaust onto my car - I couldn't get to him as some idiot had fitted an LPG tank, so transporting the exhausts would have been a pain.

We were expecting a couple of problems, as the dealer didn't have any exhaust bolts in stock

So the day started with a good hearty, manly breakfast down the cafe. Then jacked up car and plus-gassed the cat/mid bolts, had a cuppa, then undid those. No problems. The hard bit done, so we thought...

Exhaust removed from car as one piece. First mid section came out reasonably easily. We were on a roll. 2nd mid section...   ...well, about 4 hrs . The bugger wouldn't seperate from backbox.

Still, perseverence, and several cuppas later, bingo.

Refit was reasonably straightforward, as expected, but with a little bit of tweaking to get correct clearance from bumper.

Quickly bolting the lawnmower engine back on its deck, then it was curry time - well, its the law, isn't it


Thankyou Mr Gixer, for your help and your company yesterday, I enjoyed being able to do something 'useful' to the car, even if at one point I did overcook the capabilities of my back 

[tunnie]

You fatties had fun then, guess thats the problem of having a chavy back box 

Guess you covered the replacement with copper slip to try and help it next time?

Surprised your bolts did not snap, hoping mine will play ball. 

[feeutfo]

A thoroughly enjoyable day. Lovely weather. Good blast on the way up. Bit of car work, not pushed for time. Good laugh to boot. And of course, Curry. Thank you. 

Stubborn bugger though wasn't it. 


But we won. 

[TheBoy]

Guess you covered the replacement with copper slip to try and help it next time?

I did, then wiped it off, as the sealing paste probably wouldn't work

Surprised your bolts did not snap, hoping mine will play ball. 

Buy some, with washers, and some decent drill bits.

[YZ250]

What a team. 

Always a problem working on zorsts, the parts grow to love each other and don't like to be separated. 

[TheBoy]

But we won. 

Aye, and angle grinder pile of old exhaust in the boot proves the winner


It was a shitty pattern mid section, and noticible how restrictive the bends in it were. Should have taken a pic....

[tunnie]

Guess you covered the replacement with copper slip to try and help it next time?

I did, then wiped it off, as the sealing paste probably wouldn't work

Surprised your bolts did not snap, hoping mine will play ball. 

Buy some, with washers, and some decent drill bits.

Gone with ETS, comes with kit, using that. Got some drill bits, but as exhaust was off last year I'm hoping 

[TheBoy]

Guess you covered the replacement with copper slip to try and help it next time?

I did, then wiped it off, as the sealing paste probably wouldn't work

Surprised your bolts did not snap, hoping mine will play ball. 

Buy some, with washers, and some decent drill bits.

Gone with ETS, comes with kit, using that. Got some drill bits, but as exhaust was off last year I'm hoping 

Check it has bolts and washers, and buy decent drill bits.

[tunnie]

Guess you covered the replacement with copper slip to try and help it next time?

I did, then wiped it off, as the sealing paste probably wouldn't work

Surprised your bolts did not snap, hoping mine will play ball. 

Buy some, with washers, and some decent drill bits.

Gone with ETS, comes with kit, using that. Got some drill bits, but as exhaust was off last year I'm hoping 

Check it has bolts and washers, and buy decent drill bits.

Thinking of this: http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-p-67832-101-piece-accessory-set/96659

[TheBoy]

I said decent drill bits

[tunnie]

Thought they would be good enough 

[TheBoy]

Thought they would be good enough 

No. You've seen my cheapo Ryobi set (grey case, unfolds into 4, loads of drill bits and screw driver bits)? The Makita will be similar quality, only more expensive.

6 x (cheap, nasty) HSS bits aren't going to cut it (excuse the pun) if a bolt snaps.

[tunnie]

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/060232030?da=1&TC=SRC-ryobi%20drill

That do?

[TheBoy]

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/060232030?da=1&TC=SRC-ryobi%20drill

That do?

Nah, another cheapo combi set

Probably a bit overkill, but http://www.toolorders.co.uk/Rotary_Cutting_Tools_DB034_34_Piece_Drill_Bit_Set.asp

Last time we got through it with some Clarke bits, which I have, but may mean removing cat from car.

[tunnie]

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/060232030?da=1&TC=SRC-ryobi%20drill

That do?

Nah, another cheapo combi set

Probably a bit overkill, but http://www.toolorders.co.uk/Rotary_Cutting_Tools_DB034_34_Piece_Drill_Bit_Set.asp

Last time we got through it with some Clarke bits, which I have, but may mean removing cat from car.

How much 

As it was off last year and re-drilled, hoping its not going to be a pig this year. Already soaked bolts in plus gas....

[albitz]

Tunnie. Use Cobalt drill bits.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/13pc-COBALT-HSS-DRILL-BIT/dp/725370066X

[Nick W]

What a team. 

Always a problem working on zorsts, the parts grow to love each other and don't like to be separated. 

That's why you don't see exhaust fitters without oxy-acetylene.

Got a stuck slip joint? Get the whole thing red hot and give it a belt with a hammer. A bit of jiggling and you'll have it apart. Same thing applies to bolts; the hot spanner will make you think that Plus Gas is as useful as WD40. I must get some full cylinders for mine.

I hate paying other people to do jobs that I'm capable of, but spending the whole day under the car for a job that an experienced pro will do in an hour is not for me.

[tunnie]

Tunnie. Use Cobalt drill bits.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/13pc-COBALT-HSS-DRILL-BIT/dp/725370066X

That's much better price 

Poor reviews though 

[albitz]

Maybe that particular type isnt great then Im not sure tbh. I went to my local building suppliers and bought whatever cobalt hss bits they had and they did the job fine. Iirc it was advised by AndyB.

[TheBoy]

And another thanks to that Gixer bloke, for getting me out of a hole after discovering 3 splits on the inner sidewall of a 2yr old Nexen 6000 tyre. Thanks Mr Gixer, for your hospitality today, and for discovering yet more crap wrong with my inferior facelift model

[feeutfo]

Don't you blame that poor car you nasty man.

Poor thing has stood up well all things considered. Just needs sorting a few long standing issues and your there.


Oh, and I still say go elsewhere for your mot's, that guys got his head up his backside.

[TheBoy]

Oh, and I still say go elsewhere for your mot's, that guys got his head up his backside.

As I keep repeating, an MOT is no sign that acar is roadworthy or even safe, whatever others may think.

Trouble is around here, there are 2 places, one that fails everything in the hope to get the work, or monkey nuts who does mine. Other options, such as MOT by post , do not appeal to me.


I did look over the tyres about 3 weeks ago, and missed that (if it was there), although it was a dingy day. I did pressure wash the inner side of the rim and the tyre whilst they were off. I assume a pressure washer couldn't have done that to a 2yr old tyre?

[Radar]

We did have a really cold spell this winter gone - could that be the culprit? I had something similar on my tyres and guessed that was a possible cause?

[TheBoy]

We did have a really cold spell this winter gone - could that be the culprit? I had something similar on my tyres and guessed that was a possible cause?

No matter how cold - and it wasn't that cold this winter (IIRC, I only had frozen pipes once) - a 2yr old tyre should not split its sidewall.

I'll admit to occasionally being a bit boisterous with the car, but even so, no matter how much of a idiot I am in it, it simply should not happen. IMHO.

If it was the outside wall, could argue its rubbed against a curb - although I know it hasn't - but its inside wall.

[Radar]

Agreed it should not happen, but i remember it went down to -20 in buckinghamshire and my rationale for my car at least was that the crap quality tyre (autoguard) wasn't up to it. Last Christmas Chris Gixer commented that the rubber was very hard on them.

Sorry you don't live in bucks, (but close enough if you know what i mean)

[feeutfo]

Cause is one thing, but for an Mot inspector to miss 3 deep splits(2 about 3 inches long and 1 about an inch long 180 degrees further round all about 5 mill deep) in the inner sidewall is unforgivable for a tester IMO.

It's not inconceivable that he'll be the only person to see the inner sidewall throughout a cars/tyres life.

[Radar]

When was the mot done? Is there a chance it wasn't there when it was "checked"

[TheBoy]

When was the mot done? Is there a chance it wasn't there when it was "checked"

Friday

[feeutfo]

Anyway, we've fitted another set of wheels now, so the offending article(s) will be in the skip shortly.

But what tyres to replace them with ...?

Having varified the mileage on mine to some extent, going by the fitters records. I vote sc3's given TB's ... enthusiasm.

[TheBoy]

Anyway, we've fitted another set of wheels now, so the offending article(s) will be in the skip shortly.

But what tyres to fit...?

Thats a good question

Although, I'm disturbed about these splits, as I'm pretty certain they were not there last year, and fairly certain they were not there 3 weeks ago 

Are the Nexen 6000's prone to this type of failure?

[Lazydocker]

Anyway, we've fitted another set of wheels now, so the offending article(s) will be in the skip shortly.

But what tyres to replace them with ...?

Having varified the mileage on mine to some extent, going by the fitters records. I vote sc3's given TB's ... enthusiasm.

And? What was this mileage as I'll be looking for new tyres soon

[TheBoy]

Gayboy reckons 20k. Which I must be honest is impressive. But then he drives like a girl

[Radar]

Looks like the MOT tester should've gone to specsavers

[SMD]

But what tyres to replace them with ...?

Falken tyres, recommend 912 and 452. Brilliant tyres, suit the Omega IMO. 

[feeutfo]

Anyway, we've fitted another set of wheels now, so the offending article(s) will be in the skip shortly.

But what tyres to fit...?

Thats a good question

Although, I'm disturbed about these splits, as I'm pretty certain they were not there last year, and fairly certain they were not there 3 weeks ago 

Are the Nexen 6000's prone to this type of failure?

a pic perhaps?

Ld. Micheldever records show 15k since last visit. Which was when the sc3's where fitted to the refurbed wheels on my current car, going by the recorded reg.

But they where also fitted to my previous car for some time, on different wheels.

So my previous noted figure, that I didn't believe, of just over 20k does seem to be about right. It is a bit vague though tbh. So make of that what you will.

Weather they will hold the same wear rate on a different commute is another story. My journey to work has 12 corners and in time (not miles) is 50% motorway.
Although at 5am

However I do think the grip v wear rate is impressive tbh. Bit expensive, but if they last that long, and perform reasonably well, then it's a cost worth paying.

Note, they are worse than useless in snow.

[TheBoy]

Certainly more impressive than the 6k I got from my rears, fitted in Feb/Mar.  Although I reckon I've had more fun...

[feeutfo]

In fact they had been on for some time at the lakes, year before last meet. Iirc, as Clifo B pointed out the outside edge wear on the fronts.

And as you saw today TB, there is still ample tread depth left in the middle of those two fronts. Although the edges have gone, they still drove quite well with minimal tram lining.

(a bit extra toe setting might be a way forward, to counter the normal inside edge wear)

[feeutfo]

Certainly more impressive than the 6k I got from my rears, fitted in Feb/Mar.  Although I reckon I've had more fun...

6k. So times 4 of those to one sc3 maybe? Do the sums add up?

[Lazydocker]

20k+ does make them appealing... Although I reckon I get similar mileage from the Acceller Alphas I have been using which have provided sufficient grip for the capabilities of the wallowy Elite suspension

[Shackeng]

But what tyres to replace them with ...?

Falken tyres, recommend 912 and 452. Brilliant tyres, suit the Omega IMO. 

I'm heading for the slit trenches! 

[feeutfo]

20k+ does make them appealing... Although I reckon I get similar mileage from the Acceller Alphas I have been using which have provided sufficient grip for the capabilities of the wallowy Elite suspension

so that's no good then, aye. 

[TheBoy]

Certainly more impressive than the 6k I got from my rears, fitted in Feb/Mar.  Although I reckon I've had more fun...

6k. So times 4 of those to one sc3 maybe? Do the sums add up?

But I have the local BP to contend with . Or worse, Shell Leadenhall, they are a bunch of useless 'tards. Plus Milton Queens, roundabout city.

So, the question is, how long would SC3s last me?  I reckon, although its from memory, my SC3s on MV6 lasted about the same as the SP9000, so about 12-15k on a 235/45/17 profile. Suspect a lower profile would wear a bit quicker?

[TheBoy]

20k+ does make them appealing... Although I reckon I get similar mileage from the Acceller Alphas I have been using which have provided sufficient grip for the capabilities of the wallowy Elite suspension

Were those the tyres you had on going to Wycombe meet 

[tunnie]

And another thanks to that Gixer bloke, for getting me out of a hole after discovering 3 splits on the inner sidewall of a 2yr old Nexen 6000 tyre. Thanks Mr Gixer, for your hospitality today, and for discovering yet more crap wrong with my inferior facelift model

Eh? Did not know you had Nexens same as mine?

[TheBoy]

And another thanks to that Gixer bloke, for getting me out of a hole after discovering 3 splits on the inner sidewall of a 2yr old Nexen 6000 tyre. Thanks Mr Gixer, for your hospitality today, and for discovering yet more crap wrong with my inferior facelift model

Eh? Did not know you had Nexens same as mine?

I only had one on my Heinz 57 equipped car. Replaced the lethal Autogrip.

[TheBoy]

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

[feeutfo]

And another thanks to that Gixer bloke, for getting me out of a hole after discovering 3 splits on the inner sidewall of a 2yr old Nexen 6000 tyre. Thanks Mr Gixer, for your hospitality today, and for discovering yet more crap wrong with my inferior facelift model

Eh? Did not know you had Nexens same as mine?

only one. He has a lot of experience with the cheaper brand tyres. In fact he's that tight he's been testing 4 different cheapo brands all at once for months.

All in the name of research though I suspect. Commitment to the oof, all for our benefit should we need advice.

What are they like TB?

[tunnie]

And another thanks to that Gixer bloke, for getting me out of a hole after discovering 3 splits on the inner sidewall of a 2yr old Nexen 6000 tyre. Thanks Mr Gixer, for your hospitality today, and for discovering yet more crap wrong with my inferior facelift model

Eh? Did not know you had Nexens same as mine?

I only had one on my Heinz 57 equipped car. Replaced the lethal Autogrip.

Heinz57 

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

My N6000's are branded "Extra Load" on the side wall.

[feeutfo]

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

Iirc you did increase psi to the lakes etc?

Edit. Sorry, ignore that.

[TheBoy]

What are they like TB?

The winter tyre helps the car stop in the snow. No. It helps one corner stop in the snow. The Autogrip makes one corner act like its almost on ice. The Nexen appears to have longevity issues. So the conclusion is that Sunew and Diamondback are the tyres of choice

All in the name of research

[TheBoy]

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

Iirc you did increase psi to the lakes etc?

Edit. Sorry, ignore that.

Stupid boy Pike.

[feeutfo]

What are they like TB?

The winter tyre helps the car stop in the snow. No. It helps one corner stop in the snow. The Autogrip makes one corner act like its almost on ice. The Nexen appears to have longevity issues. So the conclusion is that Sunew and Diamondback are the tyres of choice

All in the name of research

I reckon your onto something. You have just about every tyre trait covered. There by increasing the average performance overall. Even if it's only one corner at a time.

[feeutfo]

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

Iirc you did increase psi to the lakes etc?

Edit. Sorry, ignore that.

Stupid boy Pike.

yes I'll catch up in a minute.

[feeutfo]

So;

Michelin... Ok that's a no.
Dunlop.... Been there already
Conti....    As discussed
Goodyear f1 ...worth a look?
Kumho...  Not enough grip got a busy TB
Falken .... No. Just No!
Avon....
Pirelli...
Cooper.... (snigger)
Bridgestone... Not impressed with 010 personally
Nexen, Alpha, toyo etc don't think so

Any more?

[Kevin Wood]

What are they like TB?

The winter tyre helps the car stop in the snow. No. It helps one corner stop in the snow. The Autogrip makes one corner act like its almost on ice. The Nexen appears to have longevity issues. So the conclusion is that Sunew and Diamondback are the tyres of choice

All in the name of research

Just need a track day tyre on one corner and you'll have a lovely balanced driving experience.

[feeutfo]

What are they like TB?

The winter tyre helps the car stop in the snow. No. It helps one corner stop in the snow. The Autogrip makes one corner act like its almost on ice. The Nexen appears to have longevity issues. So the conclusion is that Sunew and Diamondback are the tyres of choice

All in the name of research

Just need a track day tyre on one corner and you'll have a lovely balanced driving experience.

yep, all angles from mud and snow to race track covered.

[Lazydocker]

20k+ does make them appealing... Although I reckon I get similar mileage from the Acceller Alphas I have been using which have provided sufficient grip for the capabilities of the wallowy Elite suspension

Were those the tyres you had on going to Wycombe meet 

Nope... I had a mixture on at that time but, unlike you, I refused to keep the lethal "Milanza Hero" tyre even though it was brand new because it was lethal!

[Del Boy]

Sport Contact 3's are one of the best tyres I've come across, however my SAAB mullered a front set in just 7,500 miles, and I mean completely bald, it still handled relatively well though. My son had them on his Corsa D, they lasted nearly 20,000 miles on there, and he's pretty hard in the corners, they were however swapped over (front - back) when they started wearing, so as they all wore evenly.

[05omegav6]

Runway Enduros are my budget recommendation FWIW

They perform reasonably well under all conditions, wear well for the price, nearly 20 k from last set  once all the wheels were pointing in the right direction

They also perform well in snow, didn't get stuck once with them fitted, we had upto a foot of snow hereaboots.

Available in both 225/55/16, and 235/45/17 Extraload, with a decent speed rating. About £65 each, but not sure if available in 18"

 

[TheBoy]

20k+ does make them appealing... Although I reckon I get similar mileage from the Acceller Alphas I have been using which have provided sufficient grip for the capabilities of the wallowy Elite suspension

Were those the tyres you had on going to Wycombe meet 

Nope... I had a mixture on at that time but, unlike you, I refused to keep the lethal "Milanza Hero" tyre even though it was brand new because it was lethal!

The Autogrip had to go, obviously. Not just a bad tyre, its an appallingly bad tyre. Not even suitable for the Daisyest of Miss Daisys. Truely unusable.

The other 4, whilst a bit crap, are usable, and without the marked difference between wet and dry normally associated with nasty tyres. Certainly not premium tyres, though, not even close.

The worse of the ones on there is the Nexen 6000, that was always the first to give up, wet or dry. Quite disappointed with that, as its marketed as a mid range tyre.

Certainly more impressed with the Sunew and the Diamondback. Would I buy either in preference to a premium tyre? Foreskin Earwarmers.

[TheBoy]

Michelin... No, awful range of tyres
Dunlop.... Not ruled out Sport Maxx TT, but wear rate is too high. But (almost) worth it
Conti....    On the list, really depends on if I feel I can live with the Dunlops
Goodyear f1... Considering. Unimpressed with them on a member's car, but too many variables to compare
Kumho...  Considering as a cheap option, grip level is good, but lacks feedback
Falken .... Worth it, to piss of Gixer
Avon....  No. Been there, had fun with zero grip. For about 4000 miles
Pirelli...  Whilst P6000s were fantastic on the Rover, usually a useless set of tyres. Unimpressed with the P-Zeros I have on currently
Cooper.... Not worthy of comment
Bridgestone... Potenza just doesn't suit Omegas. No grip, noisy, and not particularly durable
Nexen, Alpha, toyo etc Kumho would be my midrange of choice

[Lazydocker]

Unfortunately I have discovered today that I need 2 new rear tyres ASAP (well, 1 of them about 1k ago by the looks of the wear on the inside edge ) although they did come from the front.

Anyway, as I'm nowhere near ready to spend £100+ per corner (as I haven't done the suspension setup yet), and my normal choice of Alpha's are unavailable at short notice, I'm going to be testing some other cheapish, midrange tyres on the rear

[TheBoy]

£100 is the lower end of mid range

[05omegav6]

Try the Runway Enduros if you can get them

[Lazydocker]

£100 is the lower end of mid range

Not when you have contacts in the trade I normally pay about £55/corner (fitted) for Alpha's in the correct size (about £80 on most online sites, and he said these are as good but because I don't really want them he'll do me a deal

He's fitted a lot of them and had no issues but did admit that he knows very few people that drive like me

Anyway... While the tyres are being mounted and balanced I'll steal his AC machine and re-gas mine (again ) for my upcoming trip to the land of the cheese

[feeutfo]

Michelin... No, awful range of tyres
Dunlop.... Not ruled out Sport Maxx TT, but wear rate is too high. But (almost) worth it
Conti....    On the list, really depends on if I feel I can live with the Dunlops
Goodyear f1... Considering. Unimpressed with them on a member's car, but too many variables to compare
Kumho...  Considering as a cheap option, grip level is good, but lacks feedback
Falken .... Worth it, to piss of Gixer
Avon....  No. Been there, had fun with zero grip. For about 4000 miles
Pirelli...  Whilst P6000s were fantastic on the Rover, usually a useless set of tyres. Unimpressed with the P-Zeros I have on currently
Cooper.... Not worthy of comment
Bridgestone... Potenza just doesn't suit Omegas. No grip, noisy, and not particularly durable
Nexen, Alpha, toyo etc Kumho would be my midrange of choice

..pretty much what I though. I think you should try the Falkens personally.

Although what are you in about with p-zeros?

[feeutfo]

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

Well..?

[05omegav6]

Despite the perception the Runway Enduros I keep banging on about  Z rated and Extra Load

£85 via WIMs preorder web page in 235/45/17

[TheBoy]

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

Well..?

95, marked Extra Load.

[Lazydocker]

Just had a Eureka moment on the splits...  ...maybe I should check the load rating tomorrow 

Well..?

95, marked Extra Load.

Shouldn't be the issue then

[feeutfo]

Reguardless of the tyre position/orientation on the wheel, do the splits have a similar spacing to the marks on the rim?

Suspect impact damage meself. Aggravated with, er, ahem ..."use".

[TheBoy]

Reguardless of the tyre position/orientation on the wheel, do the splits have a similar spacing to the marks on the rim?

Suspect impact damage meself. Aggravated with, er, ahem ..."use".

I'll have to have a looksie. Not got the energy to lift all the wheels up again - its the 3rd one down...

None of that kind of impact in my ownership. Granted, its come down a bit heavy a couple of times from, errr, "obstacles", but *think* (in my ownership) its always been on the back.

I have tried, and regularly succeeded, in making a high grip surface on the local BP forecourt, but that shouldn't shag it?

[feeutfo]

Reguardless of the tyre position/orientation on the wheel, do the splits have a similar spacing to the marks on the rim?

Suspect impact damage meself. Aggravated with, er, ahem ..."use".

I'll have to have a looksie. Not got the energy to lift all the wheels up again - its the 3rd one down...

None of that kind of impact in my ownership. Granted, its come down a bit heavy a couple of times from, errr, "obstacles", but *think* (in my ownership) its always been on the back.

I have tried, and regularly succeeded, in making a high grip surface on the local BP forecourt, but that shouldn't shag it?

dents aside, can't think of anything that one wheel would have had to endure that the others haven't...? not thats outside the normal use of a tyre anyway.

Could only have been an impact surely?

[TheBoy]

Or just a poor tyre, which is my worry, as I know a couple of members use those