Paul Kennedy

Hi Jonathan, Thanks for directing me to this thread. Some useful background info and tips. Just what I was looking for. Cheers, Paul

Thanks John, That's really helpful. The car was built in May 99. I've owned it since spring 2000. What year is your one? I've had great with it although I've never been brave enough to venture abroad. I'll remove the caliper and take a look at the rubber. Is it obvious how to strip it when I take a look? Cheers, Paul

I have recently recommissioned my VX1600 following illness. I use a caterham friendly MOT test station and they mentioned the front brakes are binding. I've been out today and it is worse than I thought. The pads can be removed with persuasion but the pistons in the calipers are reluctant to move. Is there anyway of servicing the pistons or do I just replace the calipers? If its the latter, then has anyone a cheaper alternative than Caterham. They are charging 250 each side. Any advice appreciated Cheers, Paul

Thanks for the feedback Cheers Paul

Hi, Does anyone know the part number for the throttle cable on a VX1600? I would like to pick up a spare before I go to Bedford tomorrow. Thanks in advance Regards, Paul

Stephen, I have the VX1600 with an original axle setup. I have a whine on the axle which I have lived with for a few years now. Tried to have it fixed a few years ago but struggled to find the correct ratio (3.9:1 from memory). What ratio are you going for? Is a replacement 3.9:1 more readily available now? Regards, Paul Kennedy

Ok, just a quick update to complete the story! I obtained all the hoses from CC except for one which they no longer stock. My car does not have a heater and therefore the feed and return for the heater on the water pump casing has been blanked off using a U shaped hose (180 degree elbow). The id of the hose is 19mm and the centres are 40mm, depth of the U is 100mm. Finally found a silicone replacement this week from Viper Performance at Telford. Replaced all the hoses yesterday:) Regards, Paul

Hi James, Thanks for all the info. I have just checked the car over and have identified the 3 hoses I am missing. 1) Top of the header tank to the water pump 2) U shape on the back of the water pump 3) Conning tower to the bottom of the header tank (only one hose on my car) I'll give classic silicone a call tomorrow and post an update. Thanks again. Cheers, Paul Kennedy

Hi James, Hmm...looking again it does appear to come from the back of the water pump. I'll check in the daylight for the other 3 hoses and look to replace all of them. Placed the order with CC for 3 so I'll approach Classic for the others. Thanks for your help. Paul

Hi, I have a 1999 VX 8v and have just ordered replacement silicone coolant hoses from CC, but when I checked out the car and compared the hoses to the CC website I notice there is another U shaped hose, smaller than the coolant hoses, just behind the cambelt caseing on the drivers side. Assume this is for oil rather than coolant. Should I be looking to replace this? Any advice appreciated Paul Kennedy

Hi, I've done a couple of 98db trackdays at Goodwood and been OK. I have a VX1600 on a std exhaust. I got through the static test at 96db and had no problem with the drive by tests. The organisers are quite sympathetic and will help to get you through the static test. Regards, Paul

Hi, There is a useful list of part numbers in the archive, including non vauxhall part numbers. This may prove useful and save a few quid! Regds, Paul

Thanks Anthony, Looks like it will be worthwhile getting hold of one after all. I spent the weekend down at Goodwood, did the track day this morning. The intercom was excellent on the motorway and through the lanes. Just need the Sat Nav connection to make it perfect! Cheers, Paul

Hi everyone, I have just purchased an intercom system; the starcom digital system. It appears to work well and I am pleased with it so far. I have wired it directly to the battery with an in line fuse. Connecting an ipod worked OK, but I would now like to connect a sat nav which is also powered directly from the battery similar to the intercom. With this setup the instruction booklet for the intercom says I need to use an isolated cable when connecting the satnav output to the intercom. I am at a complete loss when it comes to electronics. Can someone explain to me why I need this type of cable and what it does? Sorry if this is a numpty question. Any help appreciated Paul

As you are in Herts you could always try chris at the 7 w'shp in Hoddesdon. Paul