Shouldnt i notice a difference?

[drc12369]

So ive had my cambelt done, a full oil change and a gearbox mount fitted as the old was rusted away and to be honest the car feels no different? Ideas on what i can do to actually feel my moneys worth? KnN air filter,spark plugs n back box?(as it sounds tinny & rattly anyway) Im not looking for out and out performance, its just an 8v, but i want the car to feel solid, reliable with a little go but im just not feeling it 

[MereKat]

TBF anything that helps the car breathe easier will make improvements. Mod the stock airbox and stick a panel filter in it and a free-er flowing exhaust to compliment it. Sparks plugs and leads may do something, but as you say it's only an 8v, it's not designed as a performance car. With the money spent getting more power, and the extra insurance costs after declaring the mods, you may aswell get a 16v...

[drc12369]

Im not after mad power, i would of just gone for a different car if that was the case. I just want everything to feel solid and reliable. Ive had the car 3 weeks but it came with no history. You can see by me getting cam belt n oil done first im not after power. I just wanna make it feel solid and perform as it should without worrying ill damage something over 4000 revs

[dom]

Your doing the right thing by getting it mechanically sound before thinking about mods. What exactly doesn't feel 'right' about the car? We talking engine? handing?

[drc12369]

Well the handling feels tight which im guessing is just the power steering belt, it is ropey and is down to do next with the alternator belt and spark plugs. The fluid was almost empty when i got it. Ive topped up break fluid power steering and antifreeze. Ive rear pads to sort the handbrake adjustment out. Maily the engine gives a rattly sound if you give it anything except the lightest of touches?  hoping its just the back box. What i really need is someone who knows their sh!t to go over it with a fine tooth combe then give me a plan of attack, highest priority first.

[thai-wronghorse]

If its rattles youve got it might be worth checking out the downpipe and heat shields.

[dom]

If its rattles youve got it might be worth checking out the downpipe and heat shields.

This, my 8v rattled like crazy and it was the front heat shield. A big jubilee clip around it to clamp it tight against the exhaust solved it

[drc12369]

How do i access it? Can i just reach in the engine bay? i dont have access to a ramp. i have zero mechanical skills so any help is appreciated, could you post a pic? Cheers

[dom]

How do i access it? Can i just reach in the engine bay? i dont have access to a ramp. i have zero mechanical skills so any help is appreciated, could you post a pic? Cheers

I did it with the car on axle stands.

Jack the car up, lower it onto axle stands, crawl underneath & it will be obvious if the heat shield is touching the exhaust.

[thai-wronghorse]

As above.