LeftFootBrake's White GTS AT

[LeftFootBrake]

Happy new year, all. For reasons unknown, my cleaning thread has been closed for editing so I'm posting this over here. Who knows, maybe you can all now look forward to having this thread also closed down.

Over the weekend I gave hachi's boots a polish (with the tuf-shine appearance kit mentioned in the other thread).
First, some logistics. Ordered from Bob Curtis, who was a pleasure to deal with. Delivery took 13 calendar days, which I consider reasonable over the holiday period. Of course, one must consider that the shipping costs more than the product, itself. Given this, Bob threw in a small gift, which was a nice touch, and not at all inconsistent with his overall level of service.

The process to follow is described on the product's site. I followed it to the letter, paying particular attention to the cleaning side of things, as that seems to be the critical aspect for long-term success, and that did take some effort and patience.

After the cleaning stage (I went over each tyre 4 times) I then applied 4 coats of the ClearCoat. To my taste, under my garage's fluro lighting, I think it's resulted in a really nice gloss that matches well to hachi's pearlescent white paint. The more coats, the glossier.

On completion I have heaps of the ClearCoat left over for future touch-ups and maintenance. But hopefully that won't be frequently necessary.

Now, a couple of apologies:
1. I know some of you are picture-obsessed and I'm sorry I don't have any for you, yet.
2. A key reason to choose this product is its purported longevity and lack of sling. For that we'll just have to wait.

If this thread is still editable in the future I'll hopefully deal with both of those matters. If #2 is a success then I would highly recommend for those who prefer a higher one-off effort and cost than continued effort and cost.

[LeftFootBrake]

Quick 2 month update on tyre shine... haven't driven her that much, but has included good rain and still looks like the day I applied (a couple of pics attached, deliberately in a somewhat unwashed state.)

My 9 month service is due this month. A couple of questions:

1. Seeking experienced thoughts on taking to a dealer (would be Mosman or Chatswood) or someone independent.
2. Also, is there an up-to-date quick list of local issues I should check for before heading in?

Thanks in advance.

[JiB]

I cant speak for mosman, but artarmon service has been very helpful with my issues (idle issues and tail light condensation. im booked for my 9 month service tomorrow. will let you know how it goes and if they mention any of my mods. (Perrin Full exhaust, Crank Pulley and tranny mount)

[LeftFootBrake]

Looking forward to hearing how it went, JiB.

[LeftFootBrake]

Is there a known issue about the cruise control's 'Set' indicator sometimes failing to light even when the speed is set?

[oldtarago]

Good read. Few questions:
1/ Have you ever had the chance to compare the AT to the MT? If so what were your thoughts?
2/ What are your thoughts 9 or so months of living with the car?

I've gone on a few test drives and only had the opportunity to drive the AT GT and MT GTS (found out I'm pretty rusty with manuals ). Torn between the both and no dealers that I know of have an AT GTS on hand to test out. Have read of a couple of criticisms on the AT (gearing ratios).

[LeftFootBrake]

Originally Posted by oldtarago

Good read. Few questions:
1/ Have you ever had the chance to compare the AT to the MT? If so what were your thoughts?
2/ What are your thoughts 9 or so months of living with the car?

I've gone on a few test drives and only had the opportunity to drive the AT GT and MT GTS (found out I'm pretty rusty with manuals ). Torn between the both and no dealers that I know of have an AT GTS on hand to test out. Have read of a couple of criticisms on the AT (gearing ratios).

Re 1:
I haven't driven the Manual, sorry. Whilst it's true there's no such thing as too much acceleration, and the MT's shorter gearing and (I presume) less drivetrain loss provides more of this in stock form, I nevertheless chose the the AT, as I happen to prefer its advantages of allowing me to keep my hands on the 9 and 3 and my left leg dedicated to braking whilst still being able to select my gears (whether it be in the countryside twisties or selecting the ideal gear for a burst of acceleration in Sydney traffic).

I haven't found the AT unit, itself, lacking. Its auto and manual modes are the equal of or superior to any other AT unit I've tried (better than the VW DSGs, the old NSX AT and pre-PDK Porsche's and equal to or better -- can't remember the specifics -- than the Mazda MX-5).

However, I've discovered most "car heads" are far more acceleration obsessed than I. I find more joy in finding limits and balance through corners rather than being pinned back in my chair on a straight. And I'm sure you're aware the MT -v- AT debates will go on ad nauseum, as is the case for anything subjective, so all I can suggest is hanging out for test drives. You may find the AT car, in stock form [1], has too much grip for much tail-wagging fun, if you're really into that sort of thing (I'm not). This scenario may be where the shorter 2nd gear ratio of the MT has its key advantage, at least in stock form. (I'm ignoring the lack of LSD in GT AT, as I'm inferring from your comments that model isn't your target.)

Finally, I'm also aware that at some point in the future, when all the dust settles on the power-upgrade options and my warranty has seen itself out, I may come to appreciate the AT's higher gearing for its applicability to a few more torques (also, we may find the AT can handle a few more torques than the MT -- don't know what the latest findings are on this, though).

Re 2:
No regrets @ 9mth/6,500km point despite having the opportunity to sell it at significant profit.

I'm still delighted that at last we have a locally available car that achieves a great balance of handling, power, price, practicality and reliability that also happens to come with a great AT. I simply can't think of any other AT car I could say that about. It may be interesting to see if this becomes reflected in depreciation rate differences between the AT and MT over time.

That's a lot of words but probably little additional value. Sorry about that. Good luck with your decision (and dealing with the dealers...ewwww).

[1] Tyre-wear isanother interesting angle. Perhaps when the tyres have another 10K on them I'll have a different view on 2nd gear power-to-grip.

[scottrichardson]

Tyres and car looks super clean even after 6500km. I think I need to wash mine better coz after 1200km it's somewhat dirty - partly due to driving through a gravel/dirt/mud car park

I have an issue with my car which I will post about later, but I too am wondering whether I should discuss my issues with my local dealer (my 86 is the first they have sold / driven), or contact someone in Sydney?

[LeftFootBrake]

BTW, service went ok... they didn't manage to mechanically destroy her, but they did add a subtle indent to the passenger door.

Also, I'm looking for a thread telling me how to fix a glove box rattle but can't find one. Any tips?

[LeftFootBrake]

Wow. It's been a year. Missed anything significant?