Ground Clearance

[Unregistered]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying an NSX, and my one major concern is ground clearance.

Could someone confirm what the ground clearance is of an NSX?

Also are these cars OK to use in a multi storey car park - I've got concerns about scraping the bottom when going up the ramps betweens levels.

I know noone will be able to answer this directly, but i've got a slope going up to my drive and concerned again about scraping it - just wondering if anyone else is in a similiar position.

Many Thanks

James

[nakamichi]

Hi James
I had this concern when I bought mine but it is nothing to worry about.The clearance is pretty good and I have had no issues with speed bumps.I also have a sloping drive but get in and out fine.Obviously it is lower than normal cars but if you take care you should not find it an issue.
cheers
Tony

[eclipse1501]

From memory I believe the handbook states anything over 45 degrees is a no go zone. Dont take this subject too lightly as some cars are lightly modded and mine for example will not do speed bumps.

[Unregistered]

Well I've just gone out with tape measure, and measured the dip at the end of the drive which is the part i'm worried about, and got a drop of 14cm against a length of 78cm.

And using good old trigonometry, you get Tan A = 14/78, giving you an angle of about 12 degrees, so it should be ok. I knew there was a reason why i learnt trigonometry at school, i just didnt know what it was until now. I also know that the particular one i'm currently looking at will go over speed bumps with the skirting attached as i made sure i went over a few on the test drive.

Which brings me to another question @nakamichi, have you got the skirting attached on yours or have you taken it off?

However with this particular one i'm looking at, i now face another possibly terminal problem. It doesnt come with a CD Player/Changer, which i couldnt really do without as i dont own a single tape.

From the research that i have done you can no longer get hold of them or if you can they are stupidly expensive, could someone confirm this. And has anyone got any suggestions to get round this, if you cant get hold of them.

Thanks in advance

James

[Midnight Blue]

That is going to be very close if the car is still horizontal as it arrives at your problem point.

I have a steep drive with a very abrupt start from the horizontal. It is here, approaching the slope where the car catches. I have just been out and measured my car. From the centre of the front tyres to the front spoiler lip is about 80cm and the lip has 14.5 cm ground clearance. (Probably a bit less with me in it). If the approach angle is faired in so the car is starting to pitch upwards a greater angle can be tackled.

Incidentally, it depends on which model NSX you get. Two early models (1992) with the OEM 15 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels have tried my drive and they both scrapped the front lip. My 1995 with OEM 16 inch front and 17 inch rears just clear.

Normal speed bumps are not a problem.

Regards,

Andy

[Midnight Blue]

To fix the lack of a CD changer, you need an iPod interface. It plugs into the radio head in place of the CD changer and allows the radio to use the iPod, (or other MP3 player) as if it were a 6 disk CD changer.

I got a GROM from the Carputer shop and it sounds good. Found them on eBAY.

Regards,

Andy

[nakamichi]

CD changers can be had fairly cheaply.
Mine is just a bog standard Alpine changer.

[Hagasan]

CD changers can be had fairly cheaply.
Mine is just a bog standard Alpine changer.

I'm sure I read somewhere that a pair of wires were crossed on the Honda OEM CD player set-up, purely to make the Honda fitment unique. If you geta bulk standard Alpine unit you'll need to identify and swap the relevant wires. I think someone on here will probably know the details or they'll be on NSXPRIME.

[Unregistered]

Thanks everyone for their help.

MidnightBlue Its a 1997 so presumably it's 16 inch front and 17 inch?

I think i will be going back out with tape measure.

From what i have read the NSX has a ground clearance of 135mm, could someone confirm this?

My current car has a ground clearance of 137mm, so plan is to measure the gap in my current car, and home that its more than a couple of mm, or it might be a no go.

If ground clearance can be that much of an issue, does anyone use theirs in multi-storey car parks? I have one i use at work.

As far as the stereo goes, presumably if i buy a cd changer and ask honda to fit it, they'll sort out all the wiring for me?

Also where is the point that you would plug in an MP3 player as this could be something i do in the short term. Is it somewhere that i could get to easily myself, and is it a reasonably standard connector?

Thanks again.

James

[Sudesh]

You need to ask your dealer this first as some people have reported cases where unless you have purchased from the dealer or its a new item then they will not help you.

Most of the NSX come pre-wired with the OEM Honda cable in the boot, it runs from the the passenger side corner, around behind the tail lights and over to the drivers side, really is very simple to check if its there by folding back or removing the boot lining.

If you dont have the complete wiring loom in the boot, what will be there is the CD changer socket tucked up in passeneger side corner, all you need then is the extra cable [which I'm sure I have available] and it will be a plug & play install. If your looking for the OEM changer then the US is usually the best place to find them used. However I did an alpine install for another member and that CD changer was also plug & play and no need to change over any wires on the OEM setup.

There are various methods of setting up MP3 connection, some send a signal via the antenna, some can use CD cable.

Pleae look at this post http://www.nsxcb.co.uk/testvb/showthread.php?t=6286&page=16



As far as the stereo goes, presumably if i buy a cd changer and ask honda to fit it, they'll sort out all the wiring for me?

Also where is the point that you would plug in an MP3 player as this could be something i do in the short term. Is it somewhere that i could get to easily myself, and is it a reasonably standard connector?

Thanks again.

James

[Sudesh]

In the passenger side corner you should see something like this

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/EDsNSX/DSC00290.jpg

Looking at the boot stripped out, the red line is indication of where the OEM CD cable runs too. [pic is for reference, you dont need to strip the boot out to add the CD changer]

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/NSXPARTS/DSC00201.jpg

This is the OEM extension cable if the one in the car is missing
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/icongroup/EDsNSX/DSC00292.jpg

[Unregistered]

Many Thanks for your replies.

That answers my question about stereo.

Has anyone got any experience of multi-storey car parks?

Thanks

James

[Nick Graves]

If you have a steep drive, a trench drain & the wrong-sized tyres, you need to make some ramps like these:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/BlackS2K/DSC00080.jpg

Mind you, there's a collapsed road tit near me I can do nothing about - nearly took the spoiler off, so I don't go there any more.

[Unregistered]

I'll take a picture of drive tomorrow and see what people think.

Thanks

James

[Unregistered]

Having been out and measured, It looks like like i will still still have 30 millimetres of ground clearance, so think that that's one solved.

The last question is just about multi storey car parks, has anyone had any issues with going up and down the ramps?

Thanks for your help.

James

[NSX 2000]

Having been out and measured, It looks like like i will still still have 30 millimetres of ground clearance, so think that that's one solved.

The last question is just about multi storey car parks, has anyone had any issues with going up and down the ramps?

Thanks for your help.

James

IIRC I've been in the MSCP's at Bluewater and they are fine, but are modern and not very steep, but did go in a very old MSCP in Portsmouth and didn't have any problems.

My parents have a very steep drive way and never have problem going in, only a problem coming out if I don't get the angle right.

The only thing your going to scrape is the black rubber / plastic thing below the front bumper, which is desined to take scrapes anyway, plus if IIRC this part is not expensive hence why I have brand new one in my garage.

HTH

Paul

[Unregistered]

I have to ask what does IIRC stand for? But thank you, you've given me alot of confidence, that i will be able to it every day.

Out of interest how much is the plastic, chin spoiler?

One final question is when people have have CD Changers fitted how much did it cost for the CD Changer and fitting.

Just as the one i'm thinking of buying doesnt come with one, so was going to factor that into the price i offer.

Thanks

[Sudesh]

The front lip spoiler is £161.39 plus vat for pre-facelift cars, not sure if there is a difference in price for facelift as I havent checked.

The CD changer really is very simple to fit, its a DIY job and if you get it, I'm sure we can help you install over the net/email or by phone.

If you want to go with the complete OEM unit with bracket's etc, the I would keep an eye on prime as they appear there more often.

Here is one complete: http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137280


I have to ask what does IIRC stand for? But thank you, you've given me alot of confidence, that i will be able to it every day.

Out of interest how much is the plastic, chin spoiler?

One final question is when people have have CD Changers fitted how much did it cost for the CD Changer and fitting.

Just as the one i'm thinking of buying doesnt come with one, so was going to factor that into the price i offer.

Thanks

[Unregistered]

Its a pre face-lift so that's spot cheers.

It's not so much the connected that worried about, as i've connected them up before. It's more the securing of. In terms of drilling holes in my nice 'new' car. But as it seems really easy to do i won't worry about.

Now the for the $64,000,00. The car I'm interested in is a 1997 Targa 3.0 Auto (I've only got an automatic license) with 70K on the clock that's on forecourt for 23K. Price wise, from what i have seen it's fairly reasonable. I'm however planning to use it as my main car rather than a weekend car. On the practical side, now that we've got the ground clearance issue sorted, it's absolutely fine. 2 seats is fine, and boot size is fine for my needs. It's more in terms of reliability, am I being completely insane? As if you ask anyone's opinion they'll turn round and say yes. So i thought i would ask people with experience of the car.

Expense wise, as long as it doesn't break down every day, it'll be fine.

The reason why I'd really like one is i made the fateful mistake on a sunny afternoon in 2002 of driving one for about 1 mile round a private estate and since that I've been in love with them, and swore that one day I'd have one. And obviously since they have stopped being made, the clock is ticking.

I'd also like to say thank you for everyone who posted replies. I can honestly say that this is most helpful forum i have ever been on.

James

[Dragonlady]

They are as reliable as any other honda as long as they are maintained well. On prime some of their cars have gone to the moon and back!
Any pictures or details of the car you are considering as some of the members on here may know the car and might be able to shed some light on its history.

Regards Ian

[Sudesh]

No Drilling required if you go with OEM or someone that knows what they are doing.


Its a pre face-lift so that's spot cheers.

It's not so much the connected that worried about, as i've connected them up before. It's more the securing of. In terms of drilling holes in my nice 'new' car. But as it seems really easy to do i won't worry about James

[Nick Graves]

Depending how you feel about sound quality, modernity etc, I'd suggest perhaps installing a thing from NSX Prime that lets you play everything off a USB in the boot and whilst I'm typing I'm trying to remember what the damn' thing's called...

Basically, boot-mounted autochanger's aren't terribly reliable and you could put your whole collection of a couple of USB dongle things.

[Unregistered]

Cheers Nick, I didnt realize that you could get a 'kit', so that probably makes sense to go that way instead. But if you could remember the name or better still send me a link so i know exactly what i'm looking for that would be great.

As for the car it itself, i cant really tell you a huge amount about it. As unfortunately the listing has been removed so there are no pictures. All i really know about the car is that it's currently in south end.

Cheers

James

[Unregistered]

Hi Nick,

Just had a quick ebay, and presumably this is what i'm looking for?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-MP3-CD-Changer-car-kit-early-Honda-/170467875097?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Entertainment_GP S_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item27b0ad5919

James

[NSX 2000]

I have to ask what does IIRC stand for? But thank you, you've given me alot of confidence, that i will be able to it every day.
Thanks

If I Recall Correctly :)

[Nick Graves]

Cheers Nick, I didnt realize that you could get a 'kit', so that probably makes sense to go that way instead. But if you could remember the name or better still send me a link so i know exactly what i'm looking for that would be great.

As for the car it itself, i cant really tell you a huge amount about it. As unfortunately the listing has been removed so there are no pictures. All i really know about the car is that it's currently in south end.

Cheers

James

There are several answers - Ipod:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121560

DAB

http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Acoustic_Solutions_DAB-ICS100_DAB_car_radio.html

http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/FM-AM_to_FM-AM-DAB_aerial_converter.html

USB:

GROM make the kit, which you found on e-Bay. Their website has more info. http://www.gromaudio.com/usb.html

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

Didn’t realise this thread is now changed to a different subject so addition to above precious info from other owners, I hope following info will help you.

Addition to the front nose clearance, please take wheel base length into consideration for road clearance subject. For example, you may be able to enter the underground car park with ease but you may struggle at the exit if the slope to the ground level is steep that your NSX centre floor section may touch the ground.

If the car has been looked after properly, then NSX is a very reliable car. I have been using it as my everyday car for the last 16 years with over 127,000 miles and no major issues. Just Front O2 sensor failure and that’s it.

Having said this, I always check my car regularly and carry out preventative service so may not be the same as other owners.
Compression test even after 127,000miles showed very good and well balanced figure so engine is very strong as you can expect from Honda.

Drivetrain such as driveshaft, Brake calipers, early model ABS, some of the electrical parts such as A/C Climate Control Unit, Bose Speaker Amplifier, etc will require extra attention.

You can get some idea from my other thread regarding the maintenance items;

http://www.nsxcb.co.uk/testvb/showthread.php?t=6286


For the source of audio device, I would recommend not to use CD changer if it is not installed on the NSX yet. Due to the heat inside the boot and the vibration, even a new CD changer will fail eventually.

Instead, as others recommended, there are several MP3 adaptors that can be connected to the CD changer port.

For your reference, I like this one for the ease of installation and possibility of adding another device. It’s described from the post #153 of the following link;

http://www.nsxcb.co.uk/testvb/showthread.php?t=6286&page=16


Regrads,
Kaz

[Unregistered]

Cheers Kaz that's a great post, and has done a lot to put my mind at rest.

Yes i'd already thought about the wheel base length and beaching it - fortunately the main multi storey car park that i use in cambridge has got a flat entrance and exit, so it is only between the levels that i had a concern. Should i go anywhere new, i'll have to do a drive by on the exit first.

That is the $64,000,000 question isn't it? I'll obviously check the log book, the latest service history to see if there any advisories, but beyond that you are kind of at the mercy of the previous owner. I even looked into a Vehicle Inspection done, but that has thrown up its own problems. The need access to a MOT pit, which funnily enough i don't have. The where also bluntly honest and admitted that it was probably not worth while as it was such a specialist car that they could miss something quite obvious. I do know however that the cambelt has been changed, which i've read is a major thing, but then it is on most cars.

I'd probably be the same as you with regards to car maintenance. It's probably because i live on my own, so if i'm without car, i'm a bit screwed, but if it even sounds like something is wrong, it goes in. It also tends to be a bit cheaper in the long run to catch it early.

I'd read somewhere that the Air Con units could be a bit of trouble, which i'm slightly concerned about, as the car was a bit 'toasty' when i took it for a test drive. But if i do buy it then i'm planning to go and have play to ensure that everything works before hand. When i went to look at it last time i was concentrating purely on what it was like to drive.

Changing the subject yet again.....

Would anyone have any recommendations as far as insurance goes. The best quote i've got so far is from Lancaster Insurance, which has had reasonable reviews. I have had one really cheap quote from 1st Central Insurance, but to be polite they've had some nightmare reviews.

I now have 5 days to decide, the clock is ticking....

Cheers

James

[Unregistered]

Just a quick one, i presume this post will stay around forever more. As if i do get it, then it'll be one hell of a reference point.

Cheers

James

[Silver Surfer]

For insurance...Try Competition Car Insurance.

SS

[Unregistered]

Hi,

Here are some pictures of my drive, if anyone would like to comment on whether or not they think it will get up and down without scraping. The current plan is reverse in which should make things slightly easier.

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/jpspringall/drive.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/jpspringall/drive2.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/jpspringall/drive3.jpg

Cheers

James

[Silver Surfer]

The standard NSX will clear it no problem.

SS

[Unregistered]

Cheers as you've seen from previous posts, i think i've worked out that the nose will be OK. However i got a bit concerned about ground clearance between the wheels as it was going down the slope.

Cheers

James

[m666 edd]

Can never really tell for sure from photos but doesn't look like it would be a problem especially if the pavement is sloping up a little also.

To me the nsx has loads of ground clearance compared with what I'm used to :)

Edit:
After reading your reply. I drive my car up a curb (literally up a curb), over the pavement then down a sloped driveway and it clears (very close) but it's no problem.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for your opinion, it's helped quite a bit.

Was thoroughly p*ssed off this morning, when it dawned on me that ground clearance between the wheels might be an issue.

I was dreading the idea that 8 years of waiting would be scuppered by my driveway.

I was even considering whether or not it would be safe to park it on the road.

James

[Unregistered]

Having now tested the actual car going up and down the drive.

It will do it, just however it does scrape the the plastic bit everytime.

I'm just wondering if its possible to raise the nsx ground clearance. Not by much just a centimeter or two.

Cheers

James

[Dragonlady]

That would spoil the handling of the car. Would it not be easier to buy a bag ot tarmac and alter the profile of the drive a bit?

Regards Ian

[AR]

If you were to change the tyre high, you might get away with it, TCS might not like it.

[Unregistered]

Thanks Ian,

Unfortunately the problem area is coming off the pavement is council owned, and therefore i cant touch it.

Thanks AR, how easy is it to change tyre height, or do you mean going with non low profile tyres?

I know it will have some effect on the handling, but thats probably better than ripping the nose off due to not paying attention.

Cheers

James

[Mark N]

looks like a job for a Kango :laugh:

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

Hi, James.

If you ran out of all other options, you may try this option or the famous Roberuta system used on many Ferrari and other models but it's not cheap.....

http://ksp-eng.co.jp/tyiz/mpg/NSX_AirLifter.wmv

http://www.roberuta.com/english/index.html


Regards,
Kaz

[Unregistered]

Sadly, due to circumstances beyond my control, I've had to put off buying an NSX for a bit.

But i would like to thank everyone for their help, and hopefully i'll be back before long looking for an NSX

Cheers

James

[Unregistered]

Change of plan.......

Picking up tomorrow.

Though i wont tempt fate and join until it's sat on my drive.

Many thanks again for all your help.

James

[Dragonlady]

Congrats, which one are you buying?

Ian

[jpspringall]

1997 NSX-T Automatic now sat on my drive.

I would say more however i'm still in a state of disbelief after 8 years of waiting.

But to again change the topic of this thread, has anyone got any recomendations for tyre pressures - ideally the higher the better.

James

[NSX 2000]

1997 NSX-T Automatic now sat on my drive.

I would say more however i'm still in a state of disbelief after 8 years of waiting.

But to again change the topic of this thread, has anyone got any recomendations for tyre pressures - ideally the higher the better.

James

Congrats on your new toy :)

Tyre pressures should be in your handbook.

Paul

[Dragonlady]

Or sometimes on a label in the door opening. Some people prefer higher pressures than others, we have 36 front and rear.

Ian

[m666 edd]

Only going by memory but aren't the standard pressures 33psi front, 40psi rear?

[jpspringall]

Spot on....
Though i've checked the pressures, and they appear to be 33 at the front and 44 at back?
Not sure if anyone else has seen this, but i think i will drop the rears back to 44
James

[NSXGB]

Spot on....
Though i've checked the pressures, and they appear to be 33 at the front and 44 at back?
Not sure if anyone else has seen this, but i think i will drop the rears back to 44
James

Ignore me if I'm stating the bl00dy obvious, but did you check the tyres cold?

[sorepaws]

does this help ? (click to enlarge)

[jpspringall]

Ignore me if I'm stating the bl00dy obvious, but did you check the tyres cold?
Yep, it was first thing in the morning

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

Hi, James.
Congrats on becoming a new owner.

Please note that NSX is very sensitive to the tyre pressure and the actual tyre being used.
The OEM setup of 33psi at the front and 40psi at the Rear for most of the NSX was based on the usage of OEM tyres. Therefore, if you use different tyres (which will be the case for most of us), it is best to find your own setup for your tyre size, driving style, etc.

Regards,
Kaz

[jpspringall]

Cheers Kaz,

So far loving it, and single handly draining Cambridgeshire of all petrol.

Speaking of which, is super unleaded highly recommend as my my garage only has standard and its a bit further to go get super?

But back to the tyres, its got bridgestone Potenza which i think are OEM. So far the time being i think i'm going to stick to the recommended pressures before i start messing about.

I've also noticed a very feint buzzing noise in the cabin. Its not the climate control as it carries on when i switch it off. Has anyone got any ideas.

James

[TheSebringOne]

If you have BS, I would stick to the recommended PSI.

Premium, super Unleaded or higher RON petrol (> 95) is worth it as alot of people state the car runs smoother & pulls/acelerates better. Personally I've tried all premiums/Super Unleaded and prefer Shell V-Power.

Buzzing sound? May be the little fan near ash tray is clogged up?

[Nick Graves]

Congratulations. Need some pics!

I'd swear my Hondas run best on Tesco's 99 Flake or Momentum or whatever they now call it. I need to find a Tesco further away for fill-ups. There's one in Royston, but they didn't used to sell the strong stuff.

Buzzing could be a lot of things - internet diagnosis is a tad tricky. Depending where you are, you could meet someone more familiar with the car?

[Chris B N]

I have Bridgestone REO40's front and REO50's rear ( 96 3.0 Auto)
I was running at OEM pressures 40 psi rear and 33 psi front.
KAZ suggested trying 2.5 bar rear and 2.1 bar front ( this is about 3 psi lower)
I find the car just as responsive but with improved ride

[Kaz-kzukNA1]

....
I've also noticed a very feint buzzing noise in the cabin. Its not the climate control as it carries on when i switch it off. Has anyone got any ideas.

James

Hi, James.

For your reference, if you are getting this buzzing noise while the A/C Climate Control Unit (CCU) is switched off (by pressing the OFF dial) and the IGN Switch is in ON position (lots of lights on the dash), then it is still possible that the CCU cabin temperature sensor is making the noise.

Even you press the OFF dial, the CCU is actually operating when it gets IGN power and just sending 'OFF' comand to the devices.

The sensors are still getting the power as well.

This sensor is located below the ash tray behind the small window slit.
You may find build up of dirty dust around the sensor fan.
7305 7307 7306

Kaz

[jpspringall]

Hi Kaz,

I've not noticed whether or not its happening when the ignition is on or if the engine has to be running for the buzzing to happen.

If it is happening when the ignition is on, is it a fairly simple job to clear the fan out?

Speaking of which can anyone recommennd a haynes type manual for these little jobs, i've had a google but not been to come up with anything.

Cheers

James

[jpspringall]

@Nick

Working on the pics - Issue camera is currently broken, and Camera phone not really cutting it.

Having seen Kaz's suggestion, I think he's pretty much spot on, after some digging around it appears that the noise is coming from near the ash tray.

It's funny that you mention someone close to me, as i suspect that if you are near Royston you probably arent that far from as i'm in Cambridge. There is apparently a yellow NSX kicking round these parts, but i dont think the owner is on here

@Chris B N

I think i'll probably go for your suggestion i've got a 97 Auto, and due to my issue getting out the drive the higher the pressure the better.

Out of interest Chris, do you know what happens when you red line in 'Manual' - My old auto used to change for me, and not sure if the NSX does or not.

Cheers

James

[Unregistered]

What about trying 17" alloys up front to raise it a touch?

You'll struggle to find OEM 17's but there are other options, in fact I believe a couple of members have a spare set of volks which they'd consider selling.

I bet you scrape on the steeper bit between the concret and the floor of your garage.If you had this part resculpted 10-12"'s further back it looks like it would reduce the slope to the same angle as the council tarmac. I'd go down this route if you want OEM wheels as it would be a lot cheaper than replacement suspension. If the problem is getting onto the kerb then try leaving some chocs of wood there... unless you live in a really pikey area I'm sure they'll stay put.

Well done for taking the plunge when doubts were floating, you only live once!

L*

[Silver Surfer]

It's funny that you mention someone close to me, as i suspect that if you are near Royston you probably arent that far from as i'm in Cambridge. There is apparently a yellow NSX kicking round these parts, but i dont think the owner is on here

James

The yellow facelift NSX around Cambridge belongs to a consultant cardiologist with an ECG 1 number plate...He's not a member here.

SS

[jpspringall]

@Guest

I actually have 2 issues. The first the cement lip at the start of car port.....This is solved by having no more £30 of petrol in the car at anyone time. Which is a bit of a pain but doable.

The second issue is when the front the car of car hits the camber on the road, i scrape the plastic spoiler. I did try the wooden blocks idea, but it didnt make difference, possibly because i'd put them in the wrong place. Though i had to give up on the idea, as one of my 'socially conscious' neighbours complained to the council, so i got asked to remove them.

Though i've bitten the bullet and got a bloke coming round to see what can be done.

I'm keeping the idea of 17s on the front as a back as it would then class the car as modified and plays havoc with the insurance. One thing i had though in the post about tyres was the possiblity of putting higher profile tyres on the front to give me some more ground clearance. Though i'm not sure if this holds any water or not.

@Silver Surfer

Well it's could see the NHS money is being well spent. Ironically i had a run with a cardiologist at Addenbrookes a year or so ago, no idea if it was the same bloke though

James