Full Monty

Jon, My sincerest heartfelt condolences, that is terrible news. My extended family experienced a similar loss recently, but I still can't fathom what you must be feeling. Lean on your close friends, family (and us) to get through the tough days. Regards Gavin

Yep hardcore fan also, its a great week to be a Melbournian! Will be great to see Vettel struggle, this year could well define him, having only won in dominant cars, he will be up against it with Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and even williams and Force India starting well.

Ive been running a Nizpro tuned setup on my BA (BTR4speed) for 6 years at 315rwkw, 120,000kms daily driven. not one single breakage. Tuned correctly and capped at under 320rwkw, they can be perfectly reliable.

1Z Einszett cockpit premium is great, leaves the factory new level of low sheen. Aerospace 303 is great also as it has UV protection.( I use it on all exterior trim, engine bay, seals etc), but it's a little higher sheen. Avoid anything with silicone content, as it suffocates the material it is applied to, leading to premature cracking.

I snapped my locknut key, cracked it clean in half trying to undo an overtorqued locknut. Got a replacement from ford late last year, cost me some rediculous amount. Wish I new the 22mm socket trick then, woulda removed the remainder and got a new set.

With the mods youve mentioned, you'll be lucky to crack 290rwkw. Save your money, my BTR4speed has been running 315rwkw for 3 years now, just had the oil changed / service last week and it all looked shmick. Its all in the Tune, to command maximum line pressures and clamping forces on the clutchpack and band, so theres no slip. Theres no magical parts for the BTR's, just build well paying close attention to tolerances.

also too much toe out can cause inner tyre wear.

I would have to say alignment and under inflation contributes more than bushes...unless they are completely flogged out. I have a completely re bushed suspension in my BA with super pro poly's . Tyres lasted an impressive 46,000km (yokahama Advan V103's) but the inner edge on teh front tyres wore slightly before reaching the treadwear indicators (maybee another 5k I could have got out of them.) I think I got lazy on weekly pressure checks and ran em under inflated for a few weeks (around 32-34psi) contributing to teh inner wear...as the tyre is allowed to deform more under cornering. will see how the new set goes, keeping them at 40psi.

what happens to fords involvement in v8 supercars with no falcon? just what a mustang shell on em and go racing? or pull out all together?

2014 refresh is going ahead, was confirmed in the press conference.

ohh dear, how long you had yours? im hoping they at least last 12 months if treated ok.

Tyrepower in Hawthon do Nitto's but they have a ripping deal on Toyo proxes T1 sports for $269 each (245/35/19) just got a set fitted up. So far they're grippier than my advan 103's they replaced, just hope they last 30k

We went last year and camped @ the Panthers football ground in the heart of town, which in my opinion was better than camping at the track, which I've done a few times. The sports grounds were opened to camping due to demand, as the track was sold out. I'd snap up the same site again in a heartbeat if they offer them again. Cost was only $50 per person for the whole stay (wed - monday) and an additional $20 for the site! We had full access to the sports grounds change rooms, cooked breakfast at very affordable prices. Only a 5 minute walk to the main street, pubs, shops etc and a free shuttlebus to and from the track each day. I reckon G.A is the go for bathurst - with a pitpass. So many good viewing spots up top. Just take a campchair and move around. For race day we got there only an hour before race start and got a gourmet spot on skyline. stayed there all day. The other days we walked all over the mountain. viewing I amazing wherever you go. IMO you'd be mad to sit in the grandstand for the 4 days (having done it).