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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 01 November 2020, 20:38:00

Title: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 01 November 2020, 20:38:00
Earlier today, I drove the Range Rover up onto the ramps and had a look underneith. The MOT fail is fair - the rear wishbones are rusted through enough that you can put your fingers through them. Thankfully they can be changed, at least it's not the chassis!

Thankfully, however, the rear subframe doesn't look nearly as bad as the tester described, there is only one rusty bit about 1.5 x 1.5cm.

I've left the car with our good friend Serek, to sort out and MOT and test as his leisure. SOS automotive are the only garage in the UK that I 100% trust with the jobs that are beyond me.

Serek is so helpful and honest - a rare find, and a credit to the motor trade :y :y
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: STEMO on 01 November 2020, 21:04:55
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 01 November 2020, 21:10:58
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

Best £3,600 I've ever spent.... comfy, reliable.... no regrets at all :y :y

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: STEMO on 01 November 2020, 21:13:41
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

Best £3,600 I've ever spent.... comfy, reliable.... no regrets at all :y :y

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!
I'm sure you're right, James, but I only own one car, and I need it to drive around in.
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 01 November 2020, 21:18:21
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

Best £3,600 I've ever spent.... comfy, reliable.... no regrets at all :y :y

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!
I'm sure you're right, James, but I only own one car, and I need it to drive around in.

When it failed, I looked at options, including Land rover / Range Rover / Volvo "subscriptions".

£900+ per month, with 8,000pa mileage.

Fick off  ;D
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Viral_Jim on 01 November 2020, 21:20:03
You got a P38 James, or an L322?
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: STEMO on 01 November 2020, 21:25:15
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

Best £3,600 I've ever spent.... comfy, reliable.... no regrets at all :y :y

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!
I'm sure you're right, James, but I only own one car, and I need it to drive around in.

When it failed, I looked at options, including Land rover / Range Rover / Volvo "subscriptions".

£900+ per month, with 8,000pa mileage.

Fick off  ;D
OOOOO  Touchy  ;D
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: johnnydog on 01 November 2020, 21:38:03
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!

I used to have a Triumph Stag with it's original V8 - tremendous V8 burble :y Even better when you drove past a high wall or through a tunnel - the engine sound of that V8 was unrivalled and you can't help blipping the throttle...
Any V8 is a beautiful engine sound - an Audi RS4 or RS6 immediately come to mind as great V8 engine sound contenders :D
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Nick W on 01 November 2020, 22:54:10

I used to have a Triumph Stag with it's original V8 - tremendous V8 burble :y Even better when you drove past a high wall or through a tunnel - the engine sound of that V8 was unrivalled and you can't help blipping the throttle...
Any V8 is a beautiful engine sound - an Audi RS4 or RS6 immediately come to mind as great V8 engine sound contenders :D


Is it? Really? The traditional cross-plane V8 burble at low rpm is interesting, but hardly beautiful. Once the revs rise its inherent unbalance and inefficiency become obvious, and it's just industrial noise.


The modern German V8s just make a ghastly racket all the time, and lots of it. V8 F-types hve fallen into the same trap, which is even more frustrating when you consider how much more pleasant the engine sounds in a Range Rover.


V8s with flat plane cranks are much better, but are rare.


Straight six for me, unless a V12 is available.
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Rangie on 02 November 2020, 08:00:55
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!

I used to have a Triumph Stag with it's original V8 - tremendous V8 burble :y Even better when you drove past a high wall or through a tunnel - the engine sound of that V8 was unrivalled and you can't help blipping the throttle...
Any V8 is a beautiful engine sound - an Audi RS4 or RS6 immediately come to mind as great V8 engine sound contenders :D
.   


Got to agree that there is definitely no better sound than a V8 I'm on my third now and I'm afraid its a diesel in the RRS 3.6 V8 but the sound is intoxicating.
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: VXL V6 on 02 November 2020, 09:50:58
Have to say that the Viscous fan made more noise in my old SD1 than the V8 unless you were giving it the beans.
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: YZ250 on 02 November 2020, 10:13:59
Have to say that the Viscous fan made more noise in my old SD1 than the V8 unless you were giving it the beans.

Just before going on holiday one year the middle box rotted out on my SD1 Vitesse V8 TP and being short of cash I cut the box out and welded on a sleeve. It sounded the mutts nuts so I never did replace it.  ::)  The exhaust on that car was ridiculous as the back box was much too far away from the rearmost hanger.

With regards to the original topic, I would definitely use Serek if he was a bit closer to me.  :y
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 02 November 2020, 10:20:36
I have used Serek for a cam belt change and replacement of the front wishbones.

I was absolutely satisfied with the work and the price, so although it is a fair journey away from me, I will definitely be using the wonderful services of Serek again. A great guy who, as James said, is totally trustworthy (I very, very rarely say that about anyone, let alone a garage man!)  and can be left with your car without any reservations.  What he tells you is what it is, no bull but the truth.

Highly recommended is our friend Serek!! :-* :-* 8) 8) :y :y
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Rangie on 02 November 2020, 11:00:12
The first owner treated the RRS to a stainless steel system so I would imagine that enhances the sound of mine , quite honestly you would never know that its a diesel.
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 02 November 2020, 11:29:04
Met Serek a few times several years ago, we did a little bit of business. It was very obvious to me that he was a really honest and decent fella.  :y
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 02 November 2020, 13:36:58
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!

I used to have a Triumph Stag with it's original V8 - tremendous V8 burble :y Even better when you drove past a high wall or through a tunnel - the engine sound of that V8 was unrivalled and you can't help blipping the throttle...
Any V8 is a beautiful engine sound - an Audi RS4 or RS6 immediately come to mind as great V8 engine sound contenders :D

My V8 sounds better than it did. Following the remap by Viezu the 'soft limiter' which restricted the revs to less than 4000RPM, is no longer there. :y
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: TheBoy on 02 November 2020, 16:28:44
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

Best £3,600 I've ever spent.... comfy, reliable.... no regrets at all :y :y

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!
Reliable? I thought you had the BMW 4.4, famous only because of its insistence that the fluids should be outside of the engine.


I'm guessing that the 5l Ford derived V8 L322's are actually becoming quite affordable now, and I havent fully gotten over the urge to own one...   ...but practicality would mean the tractor variant (real one, not the hopeless PoS beemer straight 6 one thats monumentally underpowered in that application).
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 November 2020, 13:01:23
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

Best £3,600 I've ever spent.... comfy, reliable.... no regrets at all :y :y

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!
Reliable? I thought you had the BMW 4.4, famous only because of its insistence that the fluids should be outside of the engine.


I'm guessing that the 5l Ford derived V8 L322's are actually becoming quite affordable now, and I havent fully gotten over the urge to own one...   ...but practicality would mean the tractor variant (real one, not the hopeless PoS beemer straight 6 one thats monumentally underpowered in that application).

Well, at least you've got over the urge for BMW tractor engines. ;)
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: johnnydog on 06 November 2020, 11:07:15

I used to have a Triumph Stag with it's original V8 - tremendous V8 burble :y Even better when you drove past a high wall or through a tunnel - the engine sound of that V8 was unrivalled and you can't help blipping the throttle...
Any V8 is a beautiful engine sound - an Audi RS4 or RS6 immediately come to mind as great V8 engine sound contenders :D


Is it? Really? The traditional cross-plane V8 burble at low rpm is interesting, but hardly beautiful. Once the revs rise its inherent unbalance and inefficiency become obvious, and it's just industrial noise.


The modern German V8s just make a ghastly racket all the time, and lots of it. V8 F-types hve fallen into the same trap, which is even more frustrating when you consider how much more pleasant the engine sounds in a Range Rover.

It's all a matter of opinion on whether the V8 burble is 'attractive' - ask my wife for her thoughts... ::) ::)
However, the normally aspirated B7 RS4 (420 bhp) engine and exhaust note was amazing, the B8 V8 (450bhp) to a lesser degree. Even the V8 S4 engine (344bhp) had a beautiful engine and exhaust note. The later cars sound unfortunately is all electronically enhanced which, in my opinion, does sound extremely false.
However, many modern German (Audi included) 'performance' engines with these artificial exhaust sounds are nothing like the true V8 sound, with their false engine / throttle blipping on down changes and false farting and burping at every gear change....but they are bowing to the 'fur coat and no knickers brigade' of the so called 'car fanatics', not purists....
Now, back on topic....
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: deviator on 06 November 2020, 12:46:09
If you search websites like Gumtree for V8, you'd surprised by the cars it returns.

Mostly because people don't seem to realise that 8v and V8 are not the same thing. ;)
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 06 November 2020, 14:19:47
Ah yes, that V16 Saxo is a thing to behold ;D
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: TheBoy on 06 November 2020, 18:01:57
I've heard he's very good, but a bit far for me, so I have to use plan B. Don't buy any old rust buckets  ;D

Best £3,600 I've ever spent.... comfy, reliable.... no regrets at all :y :y

That V8 Engine note is unrivaled.... if I have kids, I doubt they'll get to experience that, it'll all be electric, hybrid, eco 'dangle berries'!
Reliable? I thought you had the BMW 4.4, famous only because of its insistence that the fluids should be outside of the engine.


I'm guessing that the 5l Ford derived V8 L322's are actually becoming quite affordable now, and I havent fully gotten over the urge to own one...   ...but practicality would mean the tractor variant (real one, not the hopeless PoS beemer straight 6 one thats monumentally underpowered in that application).

Well, at least you've got over the urge for BMW tractor engines. ;)
Admit it, you had such fun on that (surprisingly cold once it started raining) September day, and have such fond memories of it. I can tell ;D


That Beemer straight 6, dated now, was a nice drive in a car. In fact, I miss that car.  However, the later "3l" variant I drove in one of joshwyatt's L322 RRs was absolutely bloody hopeless. The loud pedal did nothing at all, except make a strained noise.  I guess it just wasn't man enough for nearly 3t of India's finest.

Still a pleasant drive though, I just opened the window and shouted at the peasants to get out of my way.
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Viral_Jim on 06 November 2020, 19:20:51
You should try the 2.5d in the P38.

A combination suitable only for those with Zen-like patience. And ear defenders...
Title: Re: SOS Automotive - Serek - Top Garage
Post by: Nick W on 06 November 2020, 19:57:10
You should try the 2.5d in the P38.

A combination suitable only for those with Zen-like patience. And ear defenders...


That's because the peasants are yelling at you to get out of their way.


2.5d P38s were worth borrowing for a laugh at how comically terrible they were. Like 2CVs. And Marinas :)