Sad, sad day, waved bye bye to the CSL.

[shane@mbtech]

Well I agreed the sale to my mate.:bigcry:

After a great relationship, it was time to move on. Awesome, awesome car, a car that I will hold dear to my heart forever. :smt055

I just felt I had ot the most I could get out of the CSL, and If I kept pushing it would end in tears. So made the decision to sell up.

I have been tempted by the GTR ever since they were released, I have held out test driving one until yesterday. WOW, fuck me are they good. Chalk and cheese compared to a CSL, in some ways a CSL is better, but in some ways the GTR was better. Done the deal, got my GTR, pick it up when I get back off my hols, cant wait.

Then today done the deal on the sale of my CSL, so a quick wheeling dealing weekend.

I am stripping the CSL back to near standard, so keep an eye out in the for sale section lads. Suspension, race cats, seats, harness/strut bars, wheels, tyres, slicks,

I may have sold the CSL, but I wont be leaving this place, unfortunately for you guys:banghead:;)

A great bunch of lads, so you cannot get rid of my that easily:beer:



Coming to a rear view mirror near you v soon:smokin: (you never know it might stay there, it could be pig slow)
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/lawsym3/gtrrrrrrr.jpg
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/lawsym3/gtrrrrrr.jpg

[derek]

Hi Shane,
You should have got a black one they are faster.

all the best with the new car

[Yanto]

Congrats Shane, nice car.

[shane@mbtech]

Hi Shane,
You should have got a black one they are faster.

all the best with the new car

:hahaha::hahaha::hahaha::hahaha::hahaha::hahaha::h ahaha::hahaha::hahaha::hahaha::hahaha::hahaha::hah aha::hahaha::gayfight:

I was tempted Derek, but could not be arsed with cleaning regime, and the gunmetal was my favourite colour from the launch

[Bounce]

Looks awesome Shane,put me down for a pax lap next time we meet.:thumbs::thumbs:And are you selling the standard steering wheel trims or Cf ones.:whistle:

[Yanto]

Btw - can't recall if you had cf dash inserts but would be interested in swap for standard with cash your way if interested ;)

[shane@mbtech]

Looks awesome Shane,put me down for a pax lap next time we meet.:thumbs::thumbs:And are you selling the standard steering wheel trims or Cf ones.:whistle:


I think he wants the CF left in, ;)

[shane@mbtech]

Btw - can't recall if you had cf dash inserts but would be interested in swap for standard with cash your way if interested ;)


No it was just the steering wheel, ill see what he says, he is picking it up saturday and Im fitting his new steering wheel, ill see if he notices the CF trim not on:hahaha:;)

[karbonkid]

Exciting move & the route id go next when done.
Favs at the mo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgm2t6o6LZ8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsgI2myevUs

[AlexGTT]

Nice one Shane. Look forward to seeing the beast soon.:smokin:

[Dan]

Awesome cars Shane, I've also wanted one ever since I clapped eyes on one, just the same as a CSL! Lol

You definately got the best colour combo IMO.

[alexk]

Congrats mate for the new car.
:thumbs:

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your decision...
The car is very very heavy and very expensive to run.
Friend of a colleague tracks one and the expenses are ridiculous (gearbox oil that costs 500 euro, tyres every 4k km) and most importantly, the car overheats in 10 mins of track use (brakes, gearbox. differentials).
I think it's ok for a daily driver (there are better cars for that) but not for the racetrack.

Of course you have the bike-engined rocket, so you will be fine :beer:

[_Nathan_]

Be interested to hear your impression once you've had it for a while :)

Glad you are sticking around.

[NZ_M3]

Congrats on the new car :thumbs::thumbs: ...

[sailorbaz]

Congrats on the new purchase and I too would be interested in your thoughts after a few weeks/months of ownership. You got tired of the Evo very quickly, (Hope I'm thinking of the same person, sorry if I'm wrong)

[shane@mbtech]

Congrats on the new purchase and I too would be interested in your thoughts after a few weeks/months of ownership. You got tired of the Evo very quickly, (Hope I'm thinking of the same person, sorry if I'm wrong)


Yeh that was me.

Its very different from the Evo, far far superior in every way, and that was just a limited test drive. I have a feeling I will be happy:beer:

Ill keep you guys updated with my findings.

[mattCSLnut]

Congrats mate for the new car.
:thumbs:

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your decision...
The car is very very heavy and very expensive to run.
Friend of a colleague tracks one and the expenses are ridiculous (gearbox oil that costs 500 euro, tyres every 4k km) and most importantly, the car overheats in 10 mins of track use (brakes, gearbox. differentials).
I think it's ok for a daily driver (there are better cars for that) but not for the racetrack.

Of course you have the bike-engined rocket, so you will be fine :beer:


AWESOM car Shane :supz: in a good colour. Congrats :thumbs:
I have to agree with Alex though... very deep pockets required to run one, especially if you're going to Track it :bigcry: and I have a sneaky suspicion you will :whistle:

[titan]

I don't know you, but I know of you...we share a friend in Ian@Carbotech ;-)

At the risk of pi$$ing you off, I reckon you'll be utterly bored of the GTR in 10 minutes.

They are fantastically capable cars but the amount that the car is prepared to do for you detracts from the driver experience. And enjoy the running costs on those 20" tyres ;-)

Out of interest, did you not consider something like a GT3 RS ? Thats the territory I'm heading in.

Look forward to your initial reactions to ownership.

[Curly]

Nice one shane:thumbs:we are gona need binoculars now to spot yer on track, sub 1.50 at oulton:smokin:

[Bealo]

Congrats on your choice Bigman... something i have thought about but the running cost horror stories have put me off so far but i will be listening with eager ears on your findings..

Enjoy :thumbs:

[glendog74]

I'll also be interested in your findings Shane - always liked these and they go well around the Ring! :thumbs:

I suppose if someone buys one of these whilst they're still relatively new then they undoubtedly have the means to run one ok. Tracking the car would incur a whole host of additional costs of course!

Without doubt a massively capable car, my biggest concern with owning one would be the potential lack of driver involvement due to all it's electronic gizmos keeping things in check...

[shimmy]

i think to track them (more than once or twice) is a false economy as then you will void warranty eventually or incur the wrath of the Nipon Gods and a whole heap of huge costs will folow (£15k front bumper)

As Shane said earlier it will make a superb GT cruiser (and more importantly it has SMG/auto)

Im not so sure about the bike engined track car though!

[M5 Powered]

Would love one, but I as mentioned earlier, I'd go the Porker route first.

From a pal who owns one (and in the proper colour as yours ;) ) the dealer told him that GPS locations are apparently stored and the warranty voided if you take it anywhere near a track. Gulp!! :banghead:

[shane@mbtech]

Nice one shane:thumbs:we are gona need binoculars now to spot yer on track, sub 1.50 at oulton:smokin:


Thats the plan John, ;)

Congrats on your choice Bigman... something i have thought about but the running cost horror stories have put me off so far but i will be listening with eager ears on your findings..

Enjoy :thumbs:

Ill keep everyone posted,

I'll also be interested in your findings Shane - always liked these and they go well around the Ring! :thumbs:

I suppose if someone buys one of these whilst they're still relatively new then they undoubtedly have the means to run one ok. Tracking the car would incur a whole host of additional costs of course!

Without doubt a massively capable car, my biggest concern with owning one would be the potential lack of driver involvement due to all it's electronic gizmos keeping things in check...

On my test run in the demo car, the salesman let me open the taps and I gave her a bit through the roundabouts as well, I was surprised as my initial feedback was that it felt like a RWD car, even felt the back end loosen slightly which was nice. And all the reviews/tests show a tail happy beast if needed.

The feel aspect is all relative I suppose, the CSL, gives great feedback and is a drivers car, but after my stint in my mates Caterham @ oulton I got back in the csl and took Jim out, the CSL compared to the caterham felt like a bus. Its not as we all know, but as I said its all relative.

After my evo X experience I was anxious/scared that the GTR would feel similar, lifeless, but it doesnt, Its far superior. And the power, all I can say is WOW. :smokin:

Time will tell how good it is, if its not good I will tell you guys, dont worry.

i think to track them (more than once or twice) is a false economy as then you will void warranty eventually or incur the wrath of the Nipon Gods and a whole heap of huge costs will folow (£15k front bumper)

As Shane said earlier it will make a superb GT cruiser (and more importantly it has SMG/auto)

Im not so sure about the bike engined track car though!

It helps if you have friends in the right places Shim, my business partner used to work @ middlehurst motorsport and we fix any Mercs they get in, ;).

And to be truthful my CSL experience has hardly been cheap, if you track them and drive them like I did mine then tyres and brakes dont tend to last long. I imagine it will cost me more to track but not as much as some of the scaremongers may suggest.

The bike engined car will be good fun, cheap too I hope, a set of brand new 888's just cost me £290.:supz:, the brakes cost £25 per set of pads and £30 per disc, and brakes/tyres should last me maybe 2 years. Set of used slicks £75 for 4. Bargain. And fuel bill should be halved too. 35mpg with car on C class on trailer, then hopefully twice as good on fuel as the CSL on track. Parts are peanuts. ...................... well thats the plan, we will see.

But for fun factor these caterham/ caterham style cars take some beating in my eyes. Surely you have had a go in your kids caterham? What did you think?

[shane@mbtech]

Would love one, but I as mentioned earlier, I'd go the Porker route first.

From a pal who owns one (and in the proper colour as yours ;) ) the dealer told him that GPS locations are apparently stored and the warranty voided if you take it anywhere near a track. Gulp!! :banghead:

All scaremongering too, Middlehurst do trackdays for the GTR customers, £75 premium on top of normal day, but you get gtr tech support on the day, pre check, post check and tuition from Andy Middlehurst thrown in too. Not bad.

Its all to do with the temps all the oils get too, if they reach certain temps then an oil change is needed. But it does not cost as much as some think. I will be putting a few quid aside as a GTR running cost fund:thumbs:

[shimmy]

Surely you have had a go in your kids caterham? What did you think?

yep, around BEdford and also beena few times on the Jonathan Palmer ones at Bedford Autodrome corporate thingy

Its a lowly caterham academy 1.6 zetec so a bit sluggish especially at the higher speeds but amazingly engaging to drive.

the cockpit is pure 1950s though and a real unpleasant experience so the car is not for me but i can see why he really enjoys it, noise is great, dry grip is great, (wet grip is scarey)

i think if i was to have a simple track car i would have to go for an Atom or Lotus just because the Caterham is so uncomfortable

[glendog74]

I must admit to having a hankering for a Radical SR8 - they always look good on track days :thumbs:

[shane@mbtech]

yep, around BEdford and also beena few times on the Jonathan Palmer ones at Bedford Autodrome corporate thingy

Its a lowly caterham academy 1.6 zetec so a bit sluggish especially at the higher speeds but amazingly engaging to drive.

the cockpit is pure 1950s though and a real unpleasant experience so the car is not for me but i can see why he really enjoys it, noise is great, dry grip is great, (wet grip is scarey)

i think if i was to have a simple track car i would have to go for an Atom or Lotus just because the Caterham is so uncomforable


I have been on track against Atoms and wondered what the fuss was about as I beat them comfortably.

But at Oulton tuther week there was an Atom on slicks running 1.47 full circuit. It was rather rapid and the grip it generated was fucking unreal. My CSL was almost as quick on the straights but the way that thing handled was madness. So a good choice the Atom would be.

Its like the GTR's, everyone I have seen on track I have passed comfortably, wondered what the hype was about. I just forget that not everyone pushes to near the limits like others.

I will agree about the comfort part, I know I will be sore the next day after a full day on track and ill most definitely sleep well that night.:beer:

[shane@mbtech]

I must admit to having a hankering for a Radical SR8 - they always look good on track days :thumbs:

I thought long aand hard about a radical, but knew I wanted a GTR so track day car budget was slashed then. I picked my year old track beast for 8kish, and ill spend 3k on upgrades, wheels tyres, trailer etc. So 11k it will have cost me.

[alexk]

All scaremongering too, Middlehurst do trackdays for the GTR customers, £75 premium on top of normal day, but you get gtr tech support on the day, pre check, post check and tuition from Andy Middlehurst thrown in too. Not bad.

Its all to do with the temps all the oils get too, if they reach certain temps then an oil change is needed. But it does not cost as much as some think. I will be putting a few quid aside as a GTR running cost fund:thumbs:

Well a guy here in CH tracks one and the costs are immense (compared to a Porsche for example).
The car overheated in Hockenheim in 8 minutes (differentials / gearbox).
The tyres wear out very fast.
The brakes wear out very fast (discs went to the bin in less than 7000km and only a small part of them were track kilometers).
Gearbox oil costs 500 euros (for this special gearbox).

Another Swiss guy that I met in Anneau Du Rhin, would do only 4 laps per 30-minute session ?
Coincidence ? I don't think so...

I am not sure why people claim that these are myths. These are facts.
Of course, your opinion and experience will be very good, provided that you will say the full truth ;) (because it might end up being silly).

Shane, please don't take my thoughts wrong.
I am happy for you and congratulate you for the new car.
I find it a bit strange given your background (I know about the CSL and the 996 turbo, I guess you had other good cars) to get a car that was build to attract people's attention for being fast + cheap and rape them with the service costs.

Last but not least, it's much cheaper to own and track a Gallardo Superleggera than a Nissan GTR in Switzerland.
Costs double to buy the Superleggera though... so if you are planning to keep the car for ever (like me), it will be much cheaper in the long run.
And it will be a lambo not a datsun :whistle:

[shane@mbtech]

Well a guy here in CH tracks one and the costs are immense (compared to a Porsche for example).
The car overheated in Hockenheim in 8 minutes (differentials / gearbox).
The tyres wear out very fast.
The brakes wear out very fast (discs went to the bin in less than 7000km and only a small part of them were track kilometers).
Gearbox oil costs 500 euros (for this special gearbox).

Another Swiss guy that I met in Anneau Du Rhin, would do only 4 laps per 30-minute session ?
Coincidence ? I don't think so...

I am not sure why people claim that these are myths. These are facts.
Of course, your opinion and experience will be very good, provided that you will say the full truth ;) (because it might end up being silly).

Shane, please don't take my thoughts wrong.
I am happy for you and congratulate you for the new car.
I find it a bit strange given your background (I know about the CSL and the 996 turbo, I guess you had other good cars) to get a car that was build to attract people's attention for being fast + cheap and rape them with the service costs.

Last but not least, it's much cheaper to own and track a Gallardo Superleggera than a Nissan GTR in Switzerland.
Costs double to buy the Superleggera though... so if you are planning to keep the car for ever (like me), it will be much cheaper in the long run.
And it will be a lambo not a datsun :whistle:


Not got the pennies unfortunately for a Lambo superleggera:bigcry:

The service costs for me will be fine, im certain about that.

Im not taking your thoughts wrong mate, your points are valid and I respect them.

But the oil is not that much, use pentosin ffl4, £10 per litre.;), certainly not 500euro. Recommend this oil to your friend.

As said Alex, most of it is scaremongering.

The gearboxes can overheat yes, smg can break too, look at the scaremongering about SMG.


I wear my Discs out on the CSL in far less time than 7000km, one trackday can ruin a set of discs in any car if you drive really really hard.
I know the discs are a weak point, just like the CSL brake setup. New set of non drilled discs, problem sorted.

My plan is not to track the car apart from european stints and maybe once a year in the UK. So the major running costs you talk about hopefully will not effect me too much.

I do not buy blind, and I am well aware of the fallbacks of GTR ownership, if I could not handle them I would not have ordered one;):thumbs:

[shimmy]

My plan is not to track the car apart from european stints and maybe once a year in the UK. So the major running costs you talk about hopefully will not effect me too much.



i think thats wise and tbh the best use of the GTR as well.

From my vids at Snett, two GTRs in two trackdays and neither were at my pace and i know both drivers well, very well. Either set up for track is wrong (weight) or SMG overheat makes them take it easy.

[Dan]

i think thats wise and tbh the best use of the GTR as well.

From my vids at Snett, two GTRs in two trackdays and neither were at my pace and i know both drivers well, very well. Either set up for track is wrong (weight) or SMG overheat makes them take it easy.

I think it's because I'm a track newbie but GTR's have been well out of my league so far! :( :bigcry: :hahaha:

[shimmy]

dont get me wrong they are very fast cars - but in OEM mode have a few issues lets say.

i think in 1-2 years when warranties have run out and cars become track toys they will be unbeatable in the under £100k bracket

[shane@mbtech]

i think thats wise and tbh the best use of the GTR as well.

From my vids at Snett, two GTRs in two trackdays and neither were at my pace and i know both drivers well, very well. Either set up for track is wrong (weight) or SMG overheat makes them take it easy.


GTR's out the box in non pro hands can do Oulton full circuit in under 1.50, my best in my CSL was 1.56, mostly 1.57s-1.58s average, just dipped into 1.56 once. I am by no means the Stig, but I can hold my own against most.
So in that respect the GTR should be faster in the same hands?? Who knows.
I'm eager to find out how fast they can be pushed, fancy a race Shim?;)


I do think I will be faster in the GTR than I ever could be in the CSL in its current spec. I am going to find out one day. And the cambers can be adjusted too to help with grip.

You fancy ya arse kicked at Spa again Shimmy;), as I know its faster than my 996tt:smokin:

[shimmy]

GTR's out the box in non pro hands can do Oulton full circuit in under 1.50, my best in my CSL was 1.56, mostly 1.57s-1.58s average, just dipped into 1.56 once. I am by no means the Stig, but I can hold my own against most.
So in that respect the GTR should be faster in the same hands?? Who knows.
I'm eager to find out how fast they can be pushed, fancy a race Shim?;)


I do think I will be faster in the GTR than I ever could be in the CSL in its current spec. I am going to find out one day. And the cambers can be adjusted too to help with grip.

You fancy ya arse kicked at Spa again Shimmy;), as I know its faster than my 996tt:smokin:

I'll still be going up Kemmel Straight when you come back into the pits to cool your gearbox down

[shane@mbtech]

I'll still be going up Kemmel Straight when you come back into the pits to cool your gearbox down

Toushee;)








Ill short shift at 6k,

[alexk]

Not got the pennies unfortunately for a Lambo superleggera:bigcry:

The service costs for me will be fine, im certain about that.

Im not taking your thoughts wrong mate, your points are valid and I respect them.

But the oil is not that much, use pentosin ffl4, £10 per litre.;), certainly not 500euro. Recommend this oil to your friend.

As said Alex, most of it is scaremongering.

The gearboxes can overheat yes, smg can break too, look at the scaremongering about SMG.


I wear my Discs out on the CSL in far less time than 7000km, one trackday can ruin a set of discs in any car if you drive really really hard.
I know the discs are a weak point, just like the CSL brake setup. New set of non drilled discs, problem sorted.

My plan is not to track the car apart from european stints and maybe once a year in the UK. So the major running costs you talk about hopefully will not effect me too much.

I do not buy blind, and I am well aware of the fallbacks of GTR ownership, if I could not handle them I would not have ordered one;):thumbs:

Valid points mate :thumbs:

About the oil, I will ask again, you got me into thinking that he might be trying to show off :whistle:
When I heard this price, I asked whether NASA is producing the oil or what ?

So looking forward to see the beast :thumbs:

PS : the exhaust tips of the car are pure sex

[DuncanR]

Lawsy mate, whats going on ? ...Im away 10 days and all kinds of madness descend on people !:banghead: ... I take it the CSL you have sold is the very same one that you were just finalising the build on before I went away ? ..the black one ? ...Im confused ... well done on the GTR purchase mate, .... you know what you are doing ... I think ;)...

i NEED SLEEP

[need4speed]

Good luck with the GTR, I have just gone the other way and sold one after a year of running to buy the CSL. If you need any info regarding running costs etc. let me know.

Cheers,

Grant

[shane@mbtech]

Good luck with the GTR, I have just gone the other way and sold one after a year of running to buy the CSL. If you need any info regarding running costs etc. let me know.

Cheers,

Grant


Im expecting the worse re the running costs, Ill absorb most of it as Ill service it myself;)

Thanks for the offer:beer: I might take you up on it.

[need4speed]

Im expecting the worse re the running costs, Ill absorb most of it as Ill service it myself;)

Thanks for the offer:beer: I might take you up on it.

What you will need is Tubi-Style Titanium exhaust system!! So happens I just happen to have one in the garage....:whistle:

:beer:

[DuncanR]

Im expecting the worse re the running costs, Ill absorb most of it as Ill service it myself;)

Thanks for the offer:beer: I might take you up on it.
Grant said he would help with info mate ...NOT help with the running costs !!:hahaha:

Whats with the story about the filth confiscating your car, and dumping you by the side of the motorway then ?

[DuncanR]

What you will need is Tubi-Style Titanium exhaust system!! So happens I just happen to have one in the garage....:whistle:

:beer:
Ha ha ...its started already !!

[shane@mbtech]

What you will need is Tubi-Style Titanium exhaust system!! So happens I just happen to have one in the garage....:whistle:

:beer:

Go on PM me the details and the cost, is it a GTC system, any other goodies:smokin:

[shane@mbtech]

Grant said he would help with info mate ...NOT help with the running costs !!:hahaha:

Whats with the story about the filth confiscating your car, and dumping you by the side of the motorway then ?


Had an episode with a bellend of the highest order who happened to believe he was right (he was a copper after all;)), he seized my car, but I got it back FOC with an apology, that was the porky turbo, but was a long time ago mate.

It was a case of a copper policing his opinion rather than the law and he was completely wrong, but no doubt he will still believe he was correct;).

When we getting your car Dunc, I have plans in place and need to check his availibilty:thumbs:

[shane@mbtech]

What you will need is Tubi-Style Titanium exhaust system!! So happens I just happen to have one in the garage....:whistle:

:beer:

Just so happens I have lots of goodies to upgrade your CSL, I'm sure a deal could be arranged;):beer:

[need4speed]

Just so happens I have lots of goodies to upgrade your CSL, I'm sure a deal could be arranged;):beer:

PM on the way!!:thumbs:

[s.mac]

:shock::shock::shock:
was trying not to log on for 2 weeks :whistle:

bloody hell Shane, Im sort of shocked.... will have to read the full thread on my return

Good luck with the new car, I bet you dont keep it for 3 months ;)

[glendog74]

:shock::shock::shock:
was trying not to log on for 2 weeks :whistle:


I wondered where you had gotten to you gayer! :gayfight:

I'm off to a campsite in France with the family tomorrow - not sure that they even have t'internet! :bigcry: