RichardS

As I've said some time ago, I'm not a Christian (although my family are non-practicing C of E) nor do I follow any of the other structured religions. My own beliefs are my own business. However I do celebrate at Christmas although it has a different meaning for me. I love the time of year, the atmosphere anticipation, festivities and above all the effect it has on people as a whole. In general everyone is in a joyous mood and full of love for their fellow humans - it brings out the best in human nature. That in my book makes it worthy of celebration. Although I can understand where FunkySi is coming from - Christmas day itself can be an anticlimax. This is a predominantly Christain country so EVERY follower of EVERY other faith must respect the view of the majority at this time of year, just like the majority of the population respect and tolerate their festivals. Really this notion was only intorduced to the UK as part of Christmas by the Victorians - the origins are, like so many so-called Christain festivals, Pagan. The tree and lights were originally in celebration of the winter solstice. Richard

Just been talking to the chap who supplies our fleet cars and he's letting me have a 350 for the weekend. Not the new Z, but a Merc SLK350, shiny silver 55 reg :D I look forward to giving it a fair trial tomorrow ;) Richard :smw:

You sold your ZX? :eek: When was this - that was a fine car indeed :bow: Richard :confused:

I have seen a couple of V8s on the Autotrader 'site for around £18k :eek: Nice low mileage ones too....... Richard :D

Astra mate - I think your avatar says it all............ ;) :rofl:

Almost like the fella that ......goes out on Friday night and doesn't get home until late Sunday. He can't understand why his wife is pissed off when he gets home. "Can't be anything I've done - I wasn't there!!!!"................... :rofl:

I was going to say this too :rofl: I am fortunate in that Julia, although doesn't understand why I care so much for cars (well my ZX ;) ), accepts it and leaves me to my own devices when it comes to spending my hard earned wages on what ever I want without question. It's just the lack of logical thinking in women that really drives me to distraction....... Richard :smw:

Technically no, as they are owned by Ford ;) However I would have to say I'd go for an Aston as well. 1. DB9 2. DB5 3. I still love the Jag XJ220 ;) I remember Jezza driving the XJ220 a few years ago - he accellerated so hard that the stereo flew out of the dash! :bow: Richard :D

I have 235/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear, although PaulC's answer is probably closest to stock sizes. Richard :smw:

Just what I was thinking, James :rofl: ;)

Hi all, Just been watching Inside Out on BBC1. Basically a journalist went undercover as an illegal asian immigrant in Southall to expose how easy it is to find work, buy a UK passport and bank account and register for free NHS treatment. Firstly I am disgusted at the way it was reported - trying to get viewers' sympathy for these illegals being exploited by employers who pay £2.50 per hour....IF THE IMMIGRANTS WERE HERE LEGALLY THEN FINE, but they're not so TOUGH - return home when your visa expires! Secondly they blanked out the faces of those people who offered to supply fake documents - OK, that is fine at this stage, to prevent any reason for a future trial to collapse. But there was no mention at the end of the programme that the BBC was/has handing the files over to the police or immigration :confused: IMO any info and evidence MUST be handed over to the authorities NOW so they can rid us not only of the illegal immigrants, but prosecute those who blatantly give work, shelter and fraudulently assist them to stay here. Sorry if this is contraversial to some, but when the BBC report there are over 100,000 illegal immigrants in London alone something must be done :rant: Richard :(

I think it's a myth that stock ZX brakes are poor. When these cars were new the brakes were no worse than its rivals. Many magazine articles state the brakes are fine. No, the problem with stock brakes materialises 10-15 years down the line. Stopping a 155mph car that weighs in at 1.5 tonnes is no mean feat so all this takes its toll on the brakes and seriously impedes their efficiency. Also the stock discs are prone to warping after continuous 100-0 stops (say on a trackday) Its amazing what replacing the components and reconditioning the calipers will do! Richard ;)

Nice car mate :hyper: I have been thinking about replacing my ZX too but all can think of as a worthy replacement is another 300zx ;) Richard :D

My thoughts too ;) Richard :smw:

I don't think Si sounds a fool at all in this thread - certainly no more than everyone else. We are all expressing our own opinion on a very contraversial subject, as we are (just ;) ) still able to do. I can see both sides of the arguement and I think Jock has made a sensible point about the civil liberties of us all being eroded silently away by a controlling and arrogant government. I will judge each and every further legislation to control the freedom of movement of the individual as and when they are announced.......... It's pretty obvious to anyone with half a brain that those who smoke will be against any ban whilst those who don't support it. As a non-somker myself I welcome any measures that prevent me being forced to breath cigarette smoke when I have a night out, but I fully admit that is my own selfish point of view on this subject. I actually suffer quite badly from being exposed to fag smoke for long periods so I tend to "stay away" unless the function is in a non-smoking establishment or area. Funnilly enough I don't mind cigar smoke - it doesn't affect my throat or sinusses at all. This has been an interesting thread all round as everyone has shared some good points for both sides. Richard :smw:

Well not as many IT bods as I first thought........... ;) I'm an accountant by profession but since leaving the practice some time ago I am now in charge of finance for the UK's number one supplier/installer of disabled access platform lifts. Richard :smw: PS, I love my job too, Si ;) :D

Very good Si....... ......BTW have you ever noticed when a slightly "bigger" lass wears leggings or very tight trousers she has her very own "VW Beetle bonnet".....? ;) Richard :rofl:

They do look good mate, put them on the car and take some more piccies..... Richard :hyper:

Doesn't sound too good :( I average around 230-250 to a tank normal use and around 250-280 on a long run. I have an almost stock Uk spec auto, plus I don't hang around either..... ;) Richard :D

I'm the chef in our house - always been a bit of a hobby really..... .....plus the way Julia & I split the housework it means I don't have to clean the toilet ;) My favourite is very hot chilli or a king prawn jalfrezi. Another benefit of not having to clean the toilet :rofl: Richard :D

Not really - the gearing will probably even it out although the theoretical top end of an auto is supposedly higher, someone will explain why..... ......The significance of Mac300zx's case is that the auto turbos are slightly smaller to spool up quicker, thus work effectively with the auto-box in order not to compromise its performace. Smaller turbos are therefore better for standing acceleration but cannot deliver as much power at the top end. Hence auto turbos on a manwell will make it faster off the mark but in an unlimited manual car it won't reach the same top speed - more power gives higher top speed as it helps the car fight wind resistance better. HTH Richard :D

Fronts would be OK but 235/40 would be better as any wider and it'll tramline like a bitch! For the back you could go to 265 providing the rims are 9-9.5 inches wide. But in either case drop down to a 35 profile (eg 255/35/18). The rule is the wider you go, pick a lower profile to keep the rolling diameter of the wheel the same. Richard :smw:

All sides of the arguement here then.... ;) Personally I don't smoke nor do I like being near people smoking so I lean towards the ban. However more and more pubs and restaraunts have non-smoking areas anyway - usually a similar size to he smoking area. But they should physically separate each area or improve ventilation to avoid smoke poluting the whole place. It should remain freedom of choice. I chose not to sit in smoking areas as I really cannot stand someone smoking near me when I'm eating - this is just vulgar and rude. I respect people's choice should they wish to smoke - it's their life - but there are plenty of selfish smokers out there with no thought for anyone else. I have politely told several smokers in pubs/restaraunts who have lit-up in the non-smoking area to put it out, some get embarassed and do so but the majority of younger people just sneer as they are fully aware they are pissing everyone off. At the end of the day it not as unpleasant or harmful for a smoker not to smoke for a couple of hour than it is for a non-smoker to endure cigarette smoke for the same period. And as for the "passive smoking is not harmful" arguement, tell that to Roy Castle's widow.......mind you it stopped him blowing that fekking trumpet ;) Richard :D

Johnny Depth?? ;)

Anything's possible but at a price. :( It would be better and way cheaper to replace the head unit with one that will support a changer, then buy the Nissan dash-pocket to fill the other DIN hole. There are plenty of head units that look discreet and blend in with the OEM look. Richard :smw: