Another Readers Rides thread, to remind me about things I’ve done, if nothing else!
Background
The short version is I sold my NC2 around Easter and I’ve bought an ND to replace it.
However, I’d not really planned to sell the NC2 following a reasonable amount of modifications/updates/improvements. But originally I’d been offered a friend’s car which I fancied, so put it up for sale. After a rather long and protracted tale, my friend’s car ended up not being quite right. But my that time my mind was made up about a change, and I’d already had enquiries about the car.
I’d not really thought about an ND in searches up until that point, but upon trying other options it allowed me to review what I wanted the car for, and how it should perform. So I tried a local ND 1.5 and was impressed. I liked how the approach harked back to the NA, which I’d previously owned for 7 years. But with a modern twist and also how the 1.5 responded and performed. It seemed to me a modern incarnation of the NA’s 1.6 that I’d so enjoyed using. But with modern economy!
So my requirements were a 1.5 with cloth seats, if I could find the right example. I’m not really a fan of leather seats in roadsters! So here we have a late 2015 1.5 in SE-L Nav spec. More than enough base spec for me, and I can add/tweak things as time goes on
Cheers,
Steve
Photos from one of my test routes in the early ‘getting to know you’ phase!
1. Aerial
Cravenspeed swapped over from my NC2 and does the job nicely. How it should look from the factory in my view, but I know this to be a divisive topic! To each their own…
2. Wind blocker and roof wedges
Acquited from @Roadie - a noticeable reduction in buffeting with the improved blocker, compared with the drive home and looks better in my opinion as well.
For the wedges, I noticed the roof was touching the hoops whilst down, and showing some light signs of deformation along the leading edge. But thankfully nothing serious.
3. Shifter swap
After a few hundred miles of driving with the standard ND shifter, I popped my trusty Jass Performance one on. I didn’t want to presume it would be better, but it feels better to me. The result for my driving position is a useful extra bit of height from the Jass shifter. The shift feels better, despite less weight which surprised me. 240g vs. 300g for OEM in case you’re interested
7. Pipercross air filter
Popped a Pipercross panel filter in. I’ve used their filters for years. Not expecting any performance difference, but just like knowing it’s there and has been changed. Also that I can just clean them and continue, rather than having to replace a paper filter each time.
(that’s the standard filter at the top of shot, that’s just been replaced by the way!)
Roof cleaned
Initial wheel clean with iron fall out remover
Outside of the glass degreased and compounded, ready for glass sealant application
Mats removed and wet vac’d
Seats cleaned and wet vac’d
Interior surfaces vacuumed, cleaned and sanitised
Air con ‘bomb’ used to clean & sanitise HVAC system and interior
First wash done. A quick ‘maintenance’ wash really, to get the first week’s grime removed after yet another week of rain!
Added some paint protection. Just some spray-on ceramic stuff I had lying about. Nothing special and the spray-on stuff doesn’t really count in my view
It needs a proper detail, but that will have to wait until later in the ‘summer’ what with all this excellent May & June weather we’re having!
The V5 finally turned up (after having to declare it ‘lost in post’ and submitting the green slip and a V62 form) but anyway… the private plate could then get transferred on.
I decided to go for a JDM square plate on the front. Which I think suits it. I had them sat here from my old Eunos, so tried it for size. I didn’t think it worked on my NC2, but gives the ND a certain something (in my humble opinion of course!)
Certainly a recommended little upgrade, especially for 1.5 cars without the additional engine bracing. Or even if you have a 2.0 and/or the engine bay brace, it will provide some more rigidity that isn’t there currently. Straightforward to fit, with new bolts included. Took about 30 mins
I’ve picked up a 2nd set of wheels and fitted them with AllSeason tyres to use during the autumn/winter. I went with some Kumho Solus 4S in a 205/50/16 size from Blackcircles and fitted at my usual local tyre fitter. Will pop some proper photos up soon.
