Me and my SD1

Carl Gibbs · 2008-07-14T21:54:50+00:00

I've been thinking long and hard about the SD1 over the last few weeks - I'm definitely keeping it but I'm trying to decide what to do with it.I'm gradually getting all the little jobs done on it, but the major work that needed doing is out of the way for now. So what should the next big project be? So far my list is as follows:1. Respray - there's a few little rust scabs over the body and it would be nice to get them all sorted. I guess this would ultimately involve some sort of respray. I need to investigate this more, but it would probably involve spending a bit more than I wanted to. Any ideas of cost? I wouldn't normally care about such asthetic issues but next August I want to use the car as my wedding car, so it'd be great if I can get it looking tip top.2. Gearbox - the current manual box (LT77) is a bit whiney. This is my first experience of this box, so I'm not sure whether I should be considering a replacement or whether it'll be fine if I just leave it. Anyone with any knowledge of this box? PeteM?3. Exhaust manifolds - the exhaust is stainless from the downpipes back, but I've been thinking about going stainless with the whole lot, but not sure whether it'd be worth it. Again, opinions?4. 4 barrel conversion - I definitely want to do this at some point. Maybe this should come after 3 though? or perhaps I should wait a bit longer and do a proper conversion with a 3.9 lump (or bigger?).5. Front dampers - currently the car is running on lowered springs (-40mm over standard SE spec I think), with Spax adjustable dampers at the rear, standard jobbies at the front (the Spax adjustables on there broke) and a few polybushes thrown in for good measure. Currently the rear dampers are turned right down to a low setting to match the fronts, but I'd like to get some adjustables back on the front so I can firm up the ride all round to make the handling a bit more purposeful.Anything else I should consider? I dont want EFi, so dont bother suggesting...