Neil's Roadster

[NeilP]

After a week being sat on the drive (thanks to needing to take the train to Milton Keynes everyday this week...she needed a drive today!)

A98A3852 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

A98A3854 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

[Taz]

what is the reg on the coupe?

[NeilP]

what is the reg on the coupe?

Ends in BP

[Taz]

what is the reg on the coupe?

Ends in BP

so matching

i have T15 PVW on the coupe and T15 WPV on the roadster, if i get an Alpina or an E89 i will have to get T12 WPV

[NeilP]

so matching

i have T15 PVW on the coupe and T15 WPV on the roadster, if i get an Alpina or an E89 i will have to get T12 WPV

Yep!

How are your plates supposed to be read? I've been trying to figure this out for a while!

[Taz]

so matching

i have T15 PVW on the coupe and T15 WPV on the roadster, if i get an Alpina or an E89 i will have to get T12 WPV

Yep!

How are your plates supposed to be read? I've been trying to figure this out for a while!

to me T15 is TIS or t'is - this is, PVW are my initials
similar T12 is Tiz

not much sense to a lot of people but i see a lot like this now, i got my first plate probably near 20 years ago

[NeilP]

Ordered new suspension for this.

Looking at 2 weeks lead time for them. Excited doesn't begin to describe it!

Next I need to find some cool wheels for it.

[NeilP]

Had the delivery yesterday. Excited doesn't begin to cut it!



For those that are following me on Instagram, you'll already know what's arrived.

I ended up ordering BC Racing's BR kit for the e85. Height and damper adjustments as well as camber plates on the front. (New rear top mounts as well)

Of course, a huge thank you to Henry from Slam Sanctuary for all his help with ordering my kit. For anyone else that's considering a kit, get in touch with him!

Of course, pictures to follow. Once they're fitted, I think I'll be rocking my tigerclaws again.

[NeilP]

Finally fitted.



Installation was pretty painless. The most difficult bit was actually getting access to the top of the rear struts.

Before:

A98A7188 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

After:

A98A7216 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

The plan is to put some miles on the kit now to allow the kit to settle properly. Once that's all done, I shall finalise the height etc.

As of right now though, the drive is completely different. Unsure on the history of the OEM bits but the car soaks up road imperfections well now and when pushed hard, doesn't feel like it's moving about as much. It's actually highlighted how unsupportive the seats are!

Some more pictures now...

A98A7201 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

A98A7211 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

A98A7227 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

A98A7231-2 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

A98A7231 by Neil Patel, on Flickr

[STUBOY2UK]

Looks great

[mr wilks]

I must be over the hill but i preferred the stance before Neil
As in this pic


What spacers are you using with the 108s ?

[Beetlegav]

The shocks are a great bit of kit for the money I think, obviously mine will ride slightly different to yours but they are a massive improvement over standard.

Didn't you have any issues with the 225 tyre on the front? Mine sat too close to the strut but 15mm spaced the 225 too close to the outside arch. Was a pain in the arse

[NeilP]

Looks great

Thanks!

I must be over the hill but i preferred the stance before Neil
As in this pic
What spacers are you using with the 108s ?

10mm front and back.

The shocks are a great bit of kit for the money I think, obviously mine will ride slightly different to yours but they are a massive improvement over standard.

Didn't you have any issues with the 225 tyre on the front? Mine sat too close to the strut but 15mm spaced the 225 too close to the outside arch. Was a pain in the arse

Yes! My oem springs and shocks were on their way out but this is a huge improvement.

No issues thanks to the 10mm spacer front and back.

Things will get interesting when I start going for track tyres I think.

[NeilP]

A week later and some miles on the kit...still in disbelief at how much better the car is to drive.

Sorted out the ride height as well. I was sick of looking at reverse rake on a daily basis.

Found that the 19" X5 wheels wouldn't fit with my 10mm spacer so I just dumped the front.

A98A7233 by Neil Patel, on Flickr



Next step is to sell a set of 108's I've got laying about the place and sort out a few other bits and bobs on the car but five months into roadster ownership, it's been pretty interesting!

[MACK]

A week later and some miles on the kit...still in disbelief at how much better the car is to drive.

Sorted out the ride height as well. I was sick of looking at reverse rake on a daily basis.

Found that the 19" X5 wheels wouldn't fit with my 10mm spacer so I just dumped the front.

A98A7233 by Neil Patel, on Flickr



Next step is to sell a set of 108's I've got laying about the place and sort out a few other bits and bobs on the car but five months into roadster ownership, it's been pretty interesting!

Hi Neil,

When you say better to drive, do you mean handling or ride quality as well. Its just I thinking about these as an alternative to Eibach springs and bilstein replacement shocks on mine