New member in derbyshire

A

andyfanshawe

Member
 Chesterfield UK
Hi all.
I am a retired maths teacher at 54 years of age after 33 years! (Dont ask! - although you can guess most likely!)

I have opened up my own restoration/repair shop (Andys American Kustoms, www.lowcamaro.com).

I was lucky enough to have a 2005 2.0 Z4 in for repair a couple of months ago. Had it in for 6 weeks and absolutely loved it. Never thought I would buy a BMW, but it looks as if I am going to!!!

I run a 400 bhp 5.7 litre small block chevy V8 Camaro, but actually enjoyed the Z4 more!! Can't believe it!

So, I am looking for a 2005 or 2006 Z4 roadster. The 2 litre one, because I have all the big american V8 engines I can handle in my shop. And dont want anymore!! Is that even possible? Thats like saying "too much money" :-)

Black would be nice, but I am in no rush. Damaged, non runner or whatever. Wanting one by mid to late february.

Anyway, I am hoping to add some expertise to the forum because I specialise in engine management systems and full custom work.

I will certainly need everyones help when I do get one!!

Andy.
 
Welcome Andy. Your new career sounds interesting. I went for the 3.0 we and have never regretted it. Bullet proof engine. You will be in demand with your knowledge of engine management systems
Loving the cobra on your web page. I'm assuming it's a replica?
 
Not to far away from me
Woodhouse Sheffield
Do you do the paint yourself
If anything can help with let us know
Be happy to help or try an help
 
rossonr said:
Loving the cobra on your web page. I'm assuming it's a replica?
Click to expand...

I'd have thought so by the registration.

Welcome Andy and good luck with the career move.
 
Hold on . . . .
I had a 2 litre and loved it despite now having a 3.0si. If you've had and continue to have access to large capacity large volume engines then I can understand why you enjoyed the 2.0 litre. I was in a quandary when I went to the 3 litre as I really enjoyed thrashing the 4 pot at high revs - it was brilliant fun on the back roads of Northumberland and I did wonder whether I would miss this.
If I was you Andy I'd try a 6 pot just to see if it offers the same fun before confirming you want a 2 litre.

The 4 pot has the reputation of splitting exhaust manifolds and throwing up engine warning lights (due to over sensitive sensors?). I had mine for 18 months and it got used thoroughly every drive and just kept coming back for more. My specialist independent said that he would simply weld the exhaust if there was a problem (never was) and I never had an engine warning light. I found the engine very smooth and free revving (a slightly lumpy tickover is normal), The jump from 2nd to 3rd gear is a bit annoying (especially when changing down - spacing seems more suited in the 3 litre 6 pot. In the 4 pot you change down and 2nd is at too high a revs with little left to play with). But I found it fabulous fun in 2nd 3rd and 4th at licence friendly speeds.

Lots available and many not so well looked after as they are not as sought after and cherished, so a cheap buy should be available. Go for a facelift version as I believe there were some early prefacelifts with the 2 litre engine but I believe the 4 pot was brought in to replace the 2.2 6 pot which needed working hard. Performance of the 4 pot is good despite the 150 bhp. Corner speed excellent and on the road great fun to be had thrashing them to keep up with the 6 pots and ///Ms! :driving: :thumbsup:
 
Hi there Andy,

You're only 10 miles from me as well as Markplant.

Very best of luck with your new venture, I go into Chesterfield fairly often so I'll pop in and say hello if that's ok. :thumbsup:
 
Welcome Andy

Good luck with the career change.
Good luck with your search for the right Z.

Not far from me you may come in handy Andy
:D
 
Thank you all for your welcome words.

I drag race the camaro so not interested in any 2.2 or 3 litre 6 cylinder engines. No disrespect to them or their owners intended. When I feel the need to smoke some tyres, the camaro comes out of my workshop and off I go to the dragstrip! No street racing for me.

Basic 2 litre, 4 cylinder is ok for me. I will enjoy the search in a few weeks.

Anyone is welcome to pop in at any time. I have a 2 post lift so if any members want easy access under their cars, and its not being used, they are quite welcome to use it. Bear in mind, it is a business I run, but will do my best to help anyone in need!

Russ59: you have good taste...hahaha
grumpyowl: welcome anytime! Interesting username!
hilly30si: Not really an expert, but do my best.
john-e89: You will be very welcome
paulgs1000: Wow, good advice! Thank you.
rorybeanbutler: I dont need the z4 for speed, just cruizin'. But I hear ya!
rossonr: Yeah cobra was a replica. Built for a customer in London. Build a kit car? No thanks..never again!!
markplant: Thank you.
tr4man: Assuming you are a classic car owner with that name!
buzyg: Yeah, good age. Still feel young, and in good health :-)

Andy.
 
Market is awash with decent 2.0s for cheap money so you should find yourself in a good position , however worth bearing in mind the same budget will get you into a 6cyl :wink:
 
Forgot to say, welcome to a fellow ex teacher (I had 33 years in a large comp in Newcastle before taking early retirement at 55 - went from classroom teacher all the way through to member of the Leadership team and I loved it).

Sounds like you've got a superb second string to your protractor though! Nice one!

Always had motorcycles but always wanted a V8 (and would love an early basic open top Ford Hot Rod (did you used to read 'Custom Car' magazine in the 70s as well?) and owned a TVR Chimeara for a short while but the reality didn't quite fit the daily driver need at the time and I went to an MX5 (brilliant little fun sports car and so reliable!) then on to Zeds. I think of my 3.0si as a reliable and sophisticated TVR.
 
Hi Andyfanshawe.
What a great introduction,sounds like you will be having a great time.
Very generous offer of the 2 post lift use,if I drop my Zed off can you sneak V8 under the hood :evil:
Also another neighbour not too far from you.
Good luck with your venture :thumbsup:
 
Hi paulgs1000. Yeah I used to read hot rod magazine and custom car magazine back in the mid to late 70's. Thats where it all started. Now i build that type of stuff!! Weird.No SLT for me. Was classroom teacher all the way to the end. And also loved it. Too much marking/observations/deadlines/18 hour days. Kids were brilliant though. I had an incredible career, but its now over, and another started.
You will have to get your V8 one day.

Thank you for your welcome :-)
Andy.
 
Got one!
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2007 2.01 sport.

Had to travel from derbyshire to Wembley in London to get it.

Got loads of things wrong with it, which is fantastic!! Because I get to fix it. Wooohoooo. And its mine! And its beautiful.

L may produce a project thread on this car. With loads of pictures :-)

Andy.
 
Nice ,,get a project thread going.you will need one just trying to keep the black shiny and the cream clean. :wink:
Good look with your venture and your right I will have my v8 one day. :thumbsup:
 
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