My GT4....it just gets better! Options

[3TST]

Apologies for the length of this post but I just wanted to share this with you.

Been doing some work on my GT4 over the holidays but, before I get on to that, here's a bit of background on the acquisition of my GT4.
This becomes relevant when you read later on.

I wasn't looking for an ST205 GT4 as I already had an ST185 GT4 albeit being prepared as a track car.
Anyway, like most people, I was just keeping an eye out on the market to see what was about and the prices.
My circumstances had changed and my truck was becoming expensive to commute in.
So I'm looking on Ebay.
What's this...a red ST205, a Classified Ad, selling on behalf of someone else, very little info., no MOT or Tax, clutch slipping, a mobile number and going cheap, infact, everything that tells you to run away!.
But not me! ...for some reason I had a feeling about it.
Anyway, after an email and phone call, a friend and I went, with truck and trailer, to Hull (@200-250 miles one way) to see the car.
We checked it over and everything was as described and seemed fine, engine ran sweet.
'Closer' inspection revealed C-ONE front strut brace, TRD discs, KYB adjustable suspension and aftermarket exhaust...(these weren't mentioned) bonus!
Turned round to my friend and said, "you have an ST205 GT4, you know how they drive/handle and what to listen for, you take it for a test drive".
I hang around and wait.
He comes back and reports that it drives and handles really well.
So, based upon his findings, I buy it for £1680.
I take it straight to the garage for a new clutch.
It turns out that it needs a new flywheel as well.
No problem, I get that done, along with a FULL service, plugs, all oils, filters, etc.
In for it's MOT...fingers crossed.
1 advisory - center section of exhaust just starting to blow.
Is that it!...result
The whole lot, parts, labour and MOT, came to just under £850.
So the car cost me just over £2500.
I was obviously very happy.

So what's the relevance of this....Well it's what else I have subsequently found.

Ok, so over the holidays, I decided to put my TRD lowering springs on my GT4.
I started at the front.
Removed the wheel...and what's this I find?
Braided brake lines...excellent!
While I'm here I'll clean them up a bit.
Hello what's this...red plastic tube round the braided line.
Give it a clean and WHAT'S THAT! marked on it...C-ONE
With a smile on my face I carry on undoing the ball joints, etc and remove the suspension.
After a bit of twisting and turning out it comes.
Ummm! KYB 4-way adjustable shocks with standard springs - Bizare combination.
Anyway, what's this?
A red ARB...is this aftermarket or is it painted, let's clean this up and see what I find.
Nothing much, except for a sticker in the middle that I can't get to or read properly.
OK, I clean everything up, fit the springs and reassemble the front suspension.
On to the back...
So I remove the wheel...and yep, after a clean up, C-ONE braided brake lines.
So I carry on removing the suspension (doing the back was soooo much easier than the front).
Oou! another red ARB...let's clean this up - um - sticker.
OH WOW! they're not painted, they're C-ONE
OMG! I can't believe it.
I had to take a break at this point, one to catch my breath and two to tear round the garden screaming and shouting C-ONE.
After this, and having regained some composure, I clean everything up, fit the springs and reassemble the rear suspension.

Took it for a test drive and WOW! what a setup.
Ride comfort is not comprised at all, if anything I find it better...and the handling is superb.
I have to confess that it's one of the best daily driver/fast road setups I've come across.