It started just before xmas, I noticed my car started using huge amounts of oil. It was driving fine but being cautious I had my engine pressure tested to be told that there was virtually no pressure in no4 piston.(that old story)
So after checking out various comments on Scoobynet concerning API I decided to give them the job of doing a rebuild. Right from the start I had it in mind to uprate the engine internals and to get my 6 speed box sorted because it was crunching gears .So after a couple of conversations with David it was agreed ,they would collect my car, give me the API wagon to wonder around in and David would ring me to let me know what was actually wrong with the engine and gearbox when it was stripped down.
The phone call comes and David informs me that the gearbox is shot except for 1 & 2nd gear and the engine is just wornout.
So I decide to go the hog and completely rebuild the gearbox and uprate my engine, forged pistons, steel rods, bearings etc.
After the initial shock when David gave me the price for the works, I then had to wait while it all was done. ( you know what it’s like)
Finally it’s done and I can go and collect it. They have done a real nice job and even tidied up the engine bay. David has warned me that it’s going to be noisy when starting due to the different metal expansion rates .It is but it gets quieter after a few minutes. Now comes the running in, I set the rev limiter to 3500 and turn the boost down to .8 bar. It’s hell , 1000 miles of pootling about , but I stuck to it ,I wanted my engine properly run in.
As per usual the modding bug has now bitten ,so now I’m thinking ,what can I do to up the power to match my engine capabilities. I know big turbo,remap .
Once again I talk to API who offer me a MD321T turbo, API competition injectors, fuelab pressure regulator, new induction pipe to suit the turbo, a new 3” exhaust system and a remap to suit.
I once again have to wait but this is even worse this time because I’ve got an idea what I’m getting back.
It’s Saturday and I’m going to collect my car, all the work has been done, it’s been remapped and all I’ve got to do is go for a test ride with David. We drive off his estate ,my car is a little quieter with the new exhaust (my neighbours are pleased),there is a bit of popping on the over run,nice.
We pull onto the road and head off, David then says “what do you think of this then?” and puts his foot down in 2nd.
“f**k me” was my rather inadequate reply as we hurtled down the road .
It is ferociously quick and as he changes gear I notice that the noise on gearchange has changed ,but I can’t describe it (you need to hear it). As we slow down the turbo chatters . ”we removed the dumpvalve because you don’t need it”, fair enough.
I finally get to drive my car ,at lower speeds it is perfectly mannered but push on and it becomes a monster with its own insane soundtrack. I love it .
If you are thinking of getting any work done I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend David and his Lads at API for their workmanship and advice.
I even managed to get one of the fabled bacon buttys ,result.







burns.

 

Sweet

 

sounds great but what was the final bill if you dont mind me asking?

 

Burns, great read mate, i`m really pleased for you sounds a right monster now, you`ll have to give me a blast in it mate? engine bay looks stunning too, can`t wait to collect mine off them, even though mines on a smaleer scale to yours i`m looking forward to it. I think over the winter i`ll probably go the same route as you fella. Agree aswell API are all top people


Get some proper pics up now aswell..



........Pete.

 

Final bill....

Gear box rebuild, built engine, labour, turbo, etc etc + VAT

Would £7K be close?

 

£8500 my guess.

I'm thinking...

£3000 for mods (turbo, exh, inj, reg, remap)
£3500 for engine
£2000 for gearbox

 

you mean like this one

ha ha

 

not too far away but I did have a new clutch , lightweight flywheel and some other work done as well samco hoses,wheel bearing etc.

 

you'l have to get a sound/video clip of the beast!!!!lol

steve

[QUOTE=burns;6867997]

David then says “what do you think of this then?” and puts his foot down in 2nd.
“f**k me” was my rather inadequate reply as we hurtled down the road .
It is ferociously quick and as he changes gear I notice that the noise on gearchange has changed ,but I can’t describe it (you need to hear it). As we slow down the turbo chatters . ”we removed the dumpvalve because you don’t need it”, fair enough.

QUOTE]

 

Thats what i like to hear...my beast is in there at the mo! Full rebuild and power upgrades.

 

Fantastic sounding job carried out by API. You lucky sod, as said earlier, need a sound track

 

T**T, not long now and it`s off...

 

Chuffed for you mate. Enjoy it!

Great bunch at APi, especially David, who is a down to earth and no BS as you're likely to find!

They made my MY99 into a 320bhp mini monster!
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I didn't get a badge though!!!!

Does this mean an extra bacon buttie for me next time I pop by David?



Ns04

Ns04

 

£8000++

Forgive me, but a 4 year old Scooby comes for that - doesn't it?

I fixed the wifes Micra Gearbox - well, had it fixed by a Transmission Specialist for £86.

A New Clutch was £32 for the kit.

Did the work myself and Bobs your Aunty ....

But, £8000++ .................................................. .... ??????????

I am utterly shocked - I'm so glad I can hold a spanner and know what to do with it - even at my advanced years

But I'm glad you are happy, and API are happy, so all is well with the world

 

You forgot to thank Transmission Specialist.

 

I know that dbm spoiler from somewhere

 

thats just cos your a cheap barsteward

 

I`ll give you 5k to build mine Mr Lewis...

 

Mr Lewis thank you for your kind thoughts,as you say we're all happy with the outcome.Having read a number of your past posts (research of course)you will ,I hope, be pleased to note that I have resisted the urge to fit a "cocklink".

 

hi m8, have you got any pics of your air box please

 

sure,but it's only something I knocked up out of .5mm stainless steel and heat sheet.I'm having a proper go at a new one this weekend,but those HKS pipes are a pain to work round.

 

That`s as bad as my roof vent Burns

 

I used to live in the Midlands and API are without doubt the best.


Yes the bacon butties are the biz

 

I know but at least I can cover it up

 

Yep sorry I couldn't get anymore of your car in mate 'cause somebody put a bungalow in front of it.

 

F*** off

You wait til you see it in about 3 weeks time new wheels arrive tomorrow aswell

 

Burns, are you going to the meet at the OAK in Coventry sunday??

 

looks nice mate ;-)

 

API are highly respected ... I doubt very much that they would recommend fitting a 'CockLink'!!

 

I wish you lot would NOT post this kind of stuff!
You all know i need one rather than want one!!

Fab car Burns, guess you can remove those ??? in your title now?
David is stripping mine now for Rob (transmission) to remove the front lsd even though David recons its all ok.

Graham.