Had a great afternoon out with the car, and re-assessed certain parts of my write up...
The gearbox ratios are bang on imo, really well stacked, the clutch on my car is heavy ( uprated clutch with stainless lines ) and your leg hurts after a while, The gear change itself isn't bad at all, but the throw is too long and it actually think it could use some more weight to it, its just doesnt slot home in the way the gt4 or say an mx5 does, so next week, I'm going to order something very cool, shiny and metal!
Re the braking performance i think the difference I'm feeling is the cold performance of the gt4 pads, i mentioned that bite and pedal feel, today in the higher ambient temps, and alittle use, that solid top of the pedal brake feel was their in my car too, so I'm guessing the gt4 may have a more road friendly pad that works quicker compared to the RS pagids I'm using ( id expect their ultimate endurance to not be as high due to this but cant comment in a few hours of driving) , one thing i do notice in my car is the rear brakes are also really working hard, today i came off the a38 , accelerated HARD, lets not talk speeds but quick
i slammed on the anchors and i can hear all 4 tyres screeching , the fronts more so but definitely the rears biting hard and again today with the higher ambient temps the car pulled up dead straight , so i think the cheaper semi slicks I'm using more in their optimum range.... I'm looking forward to putting the car through its paces on the new tyres I've had for a while...
Engine - what a masterpiece this is, jesus christ , its really something isn't it.... i wish you guys could experience this motor with boost, its mental. rung out 2, 3rd, and the tyres are rotating just ahead of the road speed to the top of second you can feel the car gently stepping to the left and right hunting for traction , you look out the rear view and see clear smear of fresh rubber , just mental.... The sound of those ITB with the blower whining, whistling and popping away with the classic s54 metallic rasp and thrash is as about evocative , motoring nirvana as it get..... its exotica! LOVE IT... Gt4 3.8.... all exhaust note and pops/bangs without the Go, engine is not special in any way shape or form at all.
What a journey its been with this car over the years, what a thing to own. Feel blessed. Now I'm off for a 10 mile bike ride on the trails!