Reputation from garycox - Page 67

garycox reacted to Mr_Bo11ox in MR_BOL'S EUROSHITE SCANS - New Jan 2018 - Renault 4 built by Alfa Romeo August 10, 2014

Hey we've not had one of these for a while have we. I bought a copy of Gazoline while I was away so here is a little nugget about a grade A shite box which I am sure will interest you espiecially if you are one of our many Renner lickers. I knew nowt about these but they sound like top level shite, I bet they make a bloody awful daily. Want!!!!

A MINIMALIST 4x4 - The renault 18 4x4 Break!

The world was not yet speaking of SUV's when, in 1983, Renault introduced its estate car equipped with a 4wd system. Only a few details differentiate it: A large stonechip band round the lower sections of the bodywork; a pair of indicator repeaters; a little 4x4 badge on the tailgate and a slightly taller ride height. It was hardlty a radical 4x4, but its capabilities were appreciated in mountainous regions for its increased safety on icy and slippery rough roads.

The Renner 18 4x4 was amed at a clientele who didnt want a big heavy traditional 4x4, but who couldnt stomach a mere pair of driven wheels. A sort of compromise, capable of performing as a conventionnal family car but up for a bit of scrambling now and then. Ambitions were modest and based on experiences learned with former 4x4 collaborator Sinpar. This time, the manufacturer opted for an in-house integral 4x4 transmission so as to minimise costs and achieve the simplest 4x4 package; an OT1 rear axle taken straight from the Trafic van and mounted on coil springs and modified twin-output gearbox with no transfer box or low-range gears, although the ratios were revised compared to the standard R18. The gearbox had a revised rear housing with the rear output flange engaged via a synchromeshed selector operated by a simple lever between the seats. The floorpan of the R18 needed some fairly major surgery to integrate this new layout and featured a new transmission tunnel, modified rear crossmember, revised suspension mounting points, exhaust and rear seat!!!

The rear axle is a very slightly modified Trafic unit. To the right, the lever which engages the rear drive elements of the transmission.

Engaging the rear-drive is a little disarming as there is only a very short travel on the lever and a large force is required to operate it. But it can be done rapidly which is useful and it can be done on the move (with the clutch depressed of course). Handy if you encounter some unexpected ice ot whatever on the road. in 2wd operation, as there are no freewheeling hubs or diff, the rear transmission is always being 'towed along' as you drive which brings penalties in terms of noise, inertia, fuel consumption and performance. Its of course the downside of such a simple 4wd system. 2 4-cyl engines were available; the 1647cc/74ch petrol (actually replaced in 1986 by the 1995cc of the R18 GTX) or the 2068cc/67ch diesel. The petrol could achieve the slightly higher top speed of the two, in the region of 90mph. The diesel had better low-speed torque availability but was also heavier (particularly noticeable under braking).

Good points: Performance on rough ground, comfort
Bad points: Underpowered, body roll in normal use

From inside, beyond the 4x4 lever and the 4x4 indicator light on the dash it was standard R18 fare. Where the interest comes, is in the driving. ON snow and loose surfaces, and steep slopes (up to 37%!) the traction is really impressive. Clearly you're not going to win any fights with a Land Rover of course, mainly due to the lack of any low-range gearing and the relatively large F & R overhangs. The R18 4x4 can quickly run out of steam in soft sand if you don't give it the beans which can seem a little brutal, and on undulating surfaces the pendular motion of the soft rear suspension can be a bit unpleasant. Its difficult to avoid that, and the rigidity of the rear axle can also induce oversteer and put you in a slide. This is entertaining if you want it but probably not if you are trying to get down an icy country lane. On top of that, to aid articulaion of the wheels Renault deleted the front anti roll bar. This works well at its intended function but on the road you certainly notice the increased wobbliness of the front end. LAst point is the ground clearance. Too low (16.5cm) for serious off road yomping. You have to approach obstacles slowly and take care not to belly the car out on its sump or floorpan! Take care with that or it'll be you who has to dig/push/shove it out.

A little higher on its feet that the standard R18, the 4x4 also has a distinctive aesthetic treatment with the lower sections of the bodywork painted with an anthracite-coloured anti-stonechip coating.

In summary: A good car for playing at being a runaway! No more, no less.

garycox reacted to Black_GT in Anyone going to Harpenden tonight? August 10, 2014

Was a great show, with some cracking Autoshite! These are the few photos I took:

This Bedford was there 2 years ago, fresh from being dragged out of a barn...

Talbot Tagora! Amazing condition too.

Someone next to the Tagora couldn't believe I was more interested in it that the 55 plate monstrosity of a Mustang next to it!

This rare Scirocco GTS has been there the last few years

This GSA was stunning, cracking dash!

This was pretty mint

Other notable cars that I didn't get a change to photograph were a lovely beige Allegro (garycox's I assume?), several Rover P5s and P6s, allegedly the oldest Cavalier in the world and a Stanley steam car.

garycox reacted to Conrad D. Conelrad in Worse than the Astra, you're even worse than the Astra. FOCUS FOR SALE. August 10, 2014

Okay (although I have adjusted your request based on your recent history of shifting Ã‚Â£200 motors on this site)

garycox reacted to Conrad D. Conelrad in Worse than the Astra, you're even worse than the Astra. FOCUS FOR SALE. August 10, 2014