The life of... SharkyUK's Trophy

[davo172]

2 years and a shagged engine after several thousand spent on trophy ( not to mention all the stress ) and then You paid out FOUR grand on his own car too for tyres servicing and repairs ! Wow !

I am staggered sounds like someone did REALLY well out of that !

You are far to nice Andy you don't deserve to be treated like a cash cow :rage:

 

[NorthloopCup]

@SharkyUK if you want all the bullshit removing just give me a nod mate.

 

[-Rob]

To be perfectly honest, if this car takes any longer to build im going to come down there with @Budgie and whoever is left of failsport & put the thing together myself. F*ck knows how many cars ive owned in the time this has been off the road.

I have been on this forum for years, lurking in the background and I have followed this thread from the start and seen everything unfold.

I've never seen a more understanding person with everything that's gone on. Massive props to you for remaining hopeful for #165's future.

Cars really are a labour of love, but your dedication is second to none over the years.

Name a time and a place and I'll be there to help.

 

[Djw John]

With notice, if was free, I'd be up for coming down and throwing things at it and seeing what sticks.

 

[cs_dave]

With notice, if was free, I'd be up for coming down and throwing things at it and seeing what sticks.

this^

 

[Djw John]

this^

I'll even bring my favourite hammer.

 

[cs_dave]

I'll even bring my favourite hammer.

get a bbq on the go be a right laugh

 

[SharkyUK]

And that'll be why he's not built one since, then lol

LOL! He's currently building V8 engines for the Oz supercars I believe, with a bit of Porsche stuff thrown in as well.

2 years and a shagged engine after several thousand spent on trophy ( not to mention all the stress ) and then You paid out FOUR grand on his own car too for tyres servicing and repairs ! Wow !

I am staggered sounds like someone did REALLY well out of that !

You are far to nice Andy you don't deserve to be treated like a cash cow :rage:

Most of that cost was the insurance mate - had to pay a lot as I was not the owner but wanted fully-comp insurance. It was still cheaper than hiring a car for a year and meant I got added drama wherever I went in it! Of course, I could have bought a banger for a grand or two but I wasn't going to give up the opportunity of the V6 as a courtesy car; especially after being given free-rein to enjoy it as I wished. The only proviso being that if I binned it, I paid for it So it wasn't quite as bad as it sounded.

@SharkyUK if you want all the bullshit removing just give me a nod mate.

Thank you mate - if it veers further off-course then I'll give you a shout. Cheers

I have been on this forum for years, lurking in the background and I have followed this thread from the start and seen everything unfold.

I've never seen a more understanding person with everything that's gone on. Massive props to you for remaining hopeful for #165's future.

Cars really are a labour of love, but your dedication is second to none over the years.

Name a time and a place and I'll be there to help.

Ah, thank you sir. That's extremely kind of you to say so and I appreciate the support Thanks for taking the time to reply and for following the thread; it means a lot if I'm honest with you Cheers! If it comes to a point where I get some guys together to help get it finished then you're top of the list!

With notice, if was free, I'd be up for coming down and throwing things at it and seeing what sticks.

this^

Thank you gentlemen - genuinely grateful for the support. Without wanting to sound like a drama queen, it's positive and encouraging feedback like this that keeps the enthusiasm up and the desire to see it finished. I've come very close to throwing in the towel recently, even though I said I wouldn't due to what #165 owes me, but I've been treading a very fine line! Thank you

I'll even bring my favourite hammer.

Clarkson's school of spannery? It works for me...

get a bbq on the go be a right laugh

I think there may well be a celebratory BBQ when it's finally finished. There'll be an awful lot of people to invite at this rate!

 

[Djw John]

He says BBQ, but really it'll be make or break for 165. Make sure it's insured before we start

 

[mitch1503]

Jesus i can't believe this is still on going, in regards to the old ITB build i still remember to this day when you posted the dyno graph which in all honesty looked s**t.

Rather than being a nice smooth curve like you tend too see with ITB's it was like a mountain range, still remember it to this day how up and down it was

Hope you finally get this finished soon and ate actually able to enjoy the car

 

[SharkyUK]

Jesus i can't believe this is still on going, in regards to the old ITB build i still remember to this day when you posted the dyno graph which in all honesty looked s**t.

Rather than being a nice smooth curve like you tend too see with ITB's it was like a mountain range, still remember it to this day how up and down it was

Hope you finally get this finished soon and ate actually able to enjoy the car

Thanks mate.
Yeah, it wasn't great and I wasn't particularly happy. I was never expecting big power/torque with it being NA, but I expected a little more from a high-comp / forged / overbored / etc. build. Considering the spec it was disappointing that it also struggled to get over 160lbft.

(It didn't drive all that well either, unless you were giving it 10/10ths).

 

[davo172]

Thanks mate.
Yeah, it wasn't great and I wasn't particularly happy. I was never expecting big power/torque with it being NA, but I expected a little more from a high-comp / forged / overbored / etc. build. Considering the spec it was disappointing that it also struggled to get over 160lbft.

You are one of the most genuine nicest people ever mate . I really hope it all comes out well in the end and you get the car EXACTLY as you want it . :up:

 

[SharkyUK]

You are one of the most genuine nicest people ever mate . I really hope it all comes out well in the end and you get the car EXACTLY as you want it . :up:

Haha, I've got you fooled... Seriously, thanks for that mate. Very kind of you and - yes - fingers crossed it comes back meeting expectations and, importantly, sometime soon!

 

[Akay]

Anyway... when you get it back, whats the plan? Track it? Wrap it in cotton wool? Any future plans for it?

 

[imprezaworks]

Break it.

Cs logic.

 

[SharkyUK]

Anyway... when you get it back, whats the plan? Track it? Wrap it in cotton wool? Any future plans for it?

Use it and abuse it mate! That's always been the plan with any 'performance' car I've had. My main passion is driving challenging and/or scenic roads and routes - whether local or, as done in the past, Euro-trips and similar. However, I also enjoy a track day or two along the way so it will also see a bit of circuit action :smile: It might be a 'cherished' Trophy but I don't see it as an investment; I see it as something to be driven and enjoyed.

EDIT: Nope - no further plans for it, other than maintenance and repair to keep it in top condition (with an engine / gearbox parts refresh now and again as required).

Break it.

Cs logic.

FLOL! Harsh, but 100% true!

 

[imprezaworks]

People break them for a buckled wheel. No one would blame you lol

 

[Greeny.]

This reads like abit of a sad story One thing that always make me laugh though is that over the years of being on CS various traders are loved then hated, startup and shutdown but there is one that has always has been around despite some bad press and thats KTEC. They must be doing something right to keep going, ive never had any first hand experience of them doing anything hap hazard and when I have heard something bad about them its usually second or third hand information. Engine Dynamics are another example of a company that's been going for years but for some reason only started being used or at least acknowledged on here as somewhere people should go in the last few years, I didn't even know they existed until a couple of years ago but was pleased to hear it as they are under an hour away

 

[Budgie]

Take a leaf out of @Cub. 's book IMO. Find a garage, invite 10-12 select people over to do a 2 hour shift each on the thing. Put the BBQ on and keep everyone well oiled. Watch the thing drive out next weekend.

 

[Cub.]

Take a leaf out of @Cub. 's book IMO. Find a garage, invite 10-12 select people over to do a 2 hour shift each on the thing. Put the BBQ on and keep everyone well oiled. Watch the thing drive out next weekend.

Yep.

I for one am happy to come and help. In fact, you can even use my garage.

 

[Cub.]

This reads like abit of a sad story 😧 One thing that always make me laugh though is that over the years of being on CS various traders are loved then hated, startup and shutdown but there is one that has always has been around despite some bad press and thats KTEC. They must be doing something right to keep going, ive never had any first hand experience of them doing anything hap hazard and when I have heard something bad about them its usually second or third hand information. Engine Dynamics are another example of a company that's been going for years but for some reason only started being used or at least acknowledged on here as somewhere people should go in the last few years, I didn't even know they existed until a couple of years ago but was pleased to hear it as they are under an hour away :smile:

I have had first hand experience of the bad side of k-tec.

They have a branding / image / size element to them that protects them more when things go bad.

 

[SharkyUK]

This reads like abit of a sad story 😧 One thing that always make me laugh though is that over the years of being on CS various traders are loved then hated, startup and shutdown but there is one that has always has been around despite some bad press and thats KTEC. They must be doing something right to keep going, ive never had any first hand experience of them doing anything hap hazard and when I have heard something bad about them its usually second or third hand information. Engine Dynamics are another example of a company that's been going for years but for some reason only started being used or at least acknowledged on here as somewhere people should go in the last few years, I didn't even know they existed until a couple of years ago but was pleased to hear it as they are under an hour away :smile:

Fair points, mate. Reputations have been built and destroyed through forums (and, more recently, social media). In the 'early days' I, too, had a bad experience with K-Tec that put me off. That said, I have to say that the situation seems to have improved considerably in the years since. I still think they are a little expensive but they are still going strong and have an increasing number of satisfied customers. However, when you've been burnt, it's sometimes hard to get over that.

I will reiterate now, and this IS important (given how fickle and cliquey the car scene can be), I have absolutely no qualms with the work or abilities of those involved in my current situation The issue is the time taken. I know I sound like a broken record but I don't want readers of this thread to think I have issues with their workmanship, etc. nor do I want their reputations tarnished. I think they simply over-committed.

Take a leaf out of @Cub. 's book IMO. Find a garage, invite 10-12 select people over to do a 2 hour shift each on the thing. Put the BBQ on and keep everyone well oiled. Watch the thing drive out next weekend.

I don't think I even have 10-12 friends, nevermind being able to choose a select bunch of them to help out... Joking aside, this may well be an option. I know there are incredibly talented and experienced folks out there who are kind and generous enough to offer their time and help. I'm no BBQ chef (more Michelin Pilot Sport then Michelin star chef) but I'm sure something could be arranged if things get to that point. Certainly food for thought (no pun intended) - cheers.

Yep.

I for one am happy to come and help. In fact, you can even use my garage.

Thanks mate - that is very kind of you to offer and I'll 'bear' it in mind. Seriously - thanks!

 

[Silent_Scone]

This reads like abit of a sad story 😧 One thing that always make me laugh though is that over the years of being on CS various traders are loved then hated, startup and shutdown but there is one that has always has been around despite some bad press and thats KTEC. They must be doing something right to keep going, ive never had any first hand experience of them doing anything hap hazard and when I have heard something bad about them its usually second or third hand information. Engine Dynamics are another example of a company that's been going for years but for some reason only started being used or at least acknowledged on here as somewhere people should go in the last few years, I didn't even know they existed until a couple of years ago but was pleased to hear it as they are under an hour away :smile:

If David is good at two things, it's business and damage control. That and I genuinely think they've learnt to play to their strengths and stopped trying to be a one-stop shop.

 

[matty w]

Surely you could have put a replacement engine in the car and had it back on the road in no time. I think part of the problem is with how big you've gone with the build. Especially when all the work is being outsourced

 

[SharkyUK]

Surely you could have put a replacement engine in the car and had it back on the road in no time. I think part of the problem is with how big you've gone with the build. Especially when all the work is being outsourced

Yes - I could have found a replacement engine and fitted that but then I'd have to also find a replacement loom / wiring, etc. along with all the 'standard' bits that were already removed some time ago. I came to this current build from an already fairly modified ITB build hence a lot of standard parts had already been done away with. Had I known it was going to take this long I wouldn't have gone down this route mate. It's easy to say about dropping in a replacement engine but when everything has been bought and is ready to go, and has been for some time, it seems easier to make that final push and get it done. It just doesn't help that the carrot dangling ahead is so enticingly close, only to be taken away again when the next hold-up or delay rears its head.

 

[497adam]

Can you actually book it in for couple of days and get pushed on a bit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SharkyUK]

Can you actually book it in for couple of days and get pushed on a bit

Sadly not fella Dan no longer has time to work on it due to other commitments and Mike is now a train driver, hence attempting to find time to work on the car around his job and other projects. That's why I'm thinking of just collecting the car and all the bits and booking it in somewhere else to get finished. That's not been easy as places aren't keen on undertaking other peoples' projects these days, but I have had a solid offer from a reputable specialist whom I think I'm going to work with. Failing that, as you can see in recent previous replies, there are folks who have generously offered their time and assistance should I need it

 

[davo172]

Sadly not fella 😧 Dan no longer has time to work on it due to other commitments and Mike is now a train driver, hence attempting to find time to work on the car around his job and other projects. That's why I'm thinking of just collecting the car and all the bits and booking it in somewhere else to get finished. That's not been easy as places aren't keen on undertaking other peoples' projects these days, but I have had a solid offer from a reputable specialist whom I think I'm going to work with. Failing that, as you can see in recent previous replies, there are folks who have generously offered their time and assistance should I need it :smile:

Whos going to do it mate ?

 

[Tim.]

Whos going to do it mate ?

Sounds like a CS BBQ job to me, maybe at CSS.

Andy said reputable - well there are plenty of people on here with a reputation of one sort or another, and each has their own 'specialism'

Let me know if you need any logistical support if and when the time comes, heard the weather in Greece this time of year is lovely

 

[Tony Hunter]

Andy.
Just WTF is going on!!
I feel your pain,I had to buy another race car, as mine was never ready lol.
I'm no mechanic, but I can cook.

 

[Feirny]

Andy, if I still have my Trophy for the Welsh weekender, and you'd like to split costs with me then I'll join and you can hoon mine around with me in the passenger seat.

Seems a shame for you to miss out on something you've organised for years, and I've only never gone due to not being able to justify costs. I'd much prefer to be able to take pictures too!

 

[Scrooge]

As I was getting at earlier on in the thread, my unit can be used as the base to get this sorted with along with a few people and a BBQ

 

[SharkyUK]

Whos going to do it mate ?

Ssssh, it's a secret! I'll post up soon mate. I've just got to arrange a few more things yet.

Sounds like a CS BBQ job to me, maybe at CSS.

Andy said reputable - well there are plenty of people on here with a reputation of one sort or another, and each has their own 'specialism' :wink:

Let me know if you need any logistical support if and when the time comes, heard the weather in Greece this time of year is lovely :wink:

Hmmm... Greece...

Thanks Tim. Perhaps I should reconsider my wording in future! There are definitely reputations and there are reputations. And there are specialists and there are specialists... I'll drop you a line if I'm in need of some help and/or support. Cheers!

Andy.
Just WTF is going on!!
I feel your pain,I had to buy another race car, as mine was never ready lol.
I'm no mechanic, but I can cook. :smile:

What's going on, Tony? Clearly not enough!
I'm just sick of waiting and one hold-up after another. I think they bit off more than they can chew and I think I've been more than patient enough. I just need to arrange a few things now so that I can collect all the bits and pieces together and get them all in one place.

I'll give you a shout when the coals are hot and the meat defrosted

Andy, if I still have my Trophy for the Welsh weekender, and you'd like to split costs with me then I'll join and you can hoon mine around with me in the passenger seat.

Seems a shame for you to miss out on something you've organised for years, and I've only never gone due to not being able to justify costs. I'd much prefer to be able to take pictures too!

Hi mate - that's very kind, thanks. I have had a few offers of co-piloting for the Weekender but still not yet decided whether or not I'm going. Even so, I do genuinely appreciate the offer

I can't take credit for the Weekender as it is @Tim. that organises the event (and does a great job!)

As I was getting at earlier on in the thread, my unit can be used as the base to get this sorted with along with a few people and a BBQ

Thanks for the offer mate. If this is the route I have to take then I'll give you a shout. Again, I appreciate the offer and support

 

[Thrust-Rated]

Hope you manage to sort it out.
So many of us want to see it back on the road

 

[Clio_fool]

This is a sorry state of affairs. I don't know how you've the patience to let it trundle on for so long! If it were me I'd be taking the help offered from the cs massive and get the bloody thing bolted together and back on the road. You've waited long enough, surely you and the car deserve it now?

 

[Rojer]

Doing a CS BBQ or even better, bring the car to CSF and anyone could come along and volunteer to work on the car. Could be a feature of the show and then at the end do a victory lap! Alot of people would be there and would have tools for the track time so it would be perfect.

 

[SharkyUK]

Hope you manage to sort it out.
So many of us want to see it back on the road

Thanks Chris The wheels are in motion now so hopefully progress will be made very soon.

This is a sorry state of affairs. I don't know how you've the patience to let it trundle on for so long! If it were me I'd be taking the help offered from the cs massive and get the bloody thing bolted together and back on the road. You've waited long enough, surely you and the car deserve it now?

It's always awkward when mates are involved and the work is being done on the side. But still, it shouldn't have taken this long. It has only been over the last few days that I've realised the incredible level of support and generous offers of help (with the recent posts and messages I've received). I didn't want to wait this long but I didn't feel like I really had many other options. I certainly didn't want to sell the car or abandon the build (the car owes me too much) hence patiently waited. I have prodded and poked but, sadly, other commitments have meant I've been bottom of the priority list.

Doing a CS BBQ or even better, bring the car to CSF and anyone could come along and volunteer to work on the car. Could be a feature of the show and then at the end do a victory lap! Alot of people would be there and would have tools for the track time so it would be perfect.

Whilst I like the idea and appreciate the sentiment I'm not sure CSF would be the best place! Of course, there will be an abundance of talent and know-how available but some of the outstanding tasks need a bit more time, work and equipment than the event would allow for. I would also need to sort out transporting it to the event and then transporting it back as it wouldn't be in a state for driving. If it weren't such a 'big' build then it would be a great thing to undertake as a 'community' project!

 

[TimR26]

@SharkyUK I know someone who has all the skills needed to finish your car off. He would easily be able to finish it and is the only person I trust to work on my Megane now.

I know you would like Mike to finish it but that doesn't sound realistic to me now he's a full time train driver.

 

[SharkyUK]

@SharkyUK I know someone who has all the skills needed to finish your car off. He would easily be able to finish it and is the only person I trust to work on my Megane now.

I know you would like Mike to finish it but that doesn't sound realistic to me now he's a full time train driver.

Cheers Tim, thanks for letting me know. :up:
However, I have got someone lined up and I'm looking to get the ball rolling asap. First I need to get the car and all the bits together in the same place...!

 

[rdoxenham]

Cheers Tim, thanks for letting me know. :up:
However, I have got someone lined up and I'm looking to get the ball rolling asap. First I need to get the car and all the bits together in the same place...!

You know I'll help you get it if you need help with that mate! Let me know!