megadodo

When I built my 2B I didn't do anything to the engine apart from change the valve oil seals as it smoked on the over-run and at idle. It ran very well with no noises so I just dropped into the 2B. Its ran absolutely fine for 3.5k miles but over the weekend it started to blow smoke out of the exhaust under load. At the same time its developed a slight misfire under light throttle. I'm no Pinto expert but I'm thinking a ring has let loose possibly? There are no mods to the engine, its set up as it was in its donor Sierra Sapphire.

Angle iron running across between the rear subframe mounts, useful for both the handbrake cables and the inner seat belt mounts.

This is how mine was mounted

Agreed, its a tough beast, just support where its most useful for the job your doing.

The 2B is NOT difficult to get through the IVA as long as you follow the IVA guidelines. I did first time, it cant be that hard!

I jet wash first, then use Wonder Wheels or Auto Glym wheel cleaner working with various "stiffish" brushes to agitate. Leave to dwell for a couple of minutes then agitate again followed by a jet wash. If it a long time since they were properly cleaned I follow up with Iron X which dissolves iron particles that are stuck in the paint/lacquer. Even with very clean looking wheels you'll see contamination being dissolved and turning purple. Another jet wash, dry, tar remover (IPA), then a wax with Poorboys wheel wax. Now I know you are sitting there saying ffs! But now they will almost hose rinse clean the next time you wash them.

Every year I just take the screen off for my MOT with no issues

I'm 6 foot 2 and fit my 2B fine although I would disagree that it takes normal width seats. I initially bought some Recaros from a Rover and they simply wouldn't go in. You can "force" the sierra donor seats in but you sit right to the outside of the chassis if you do.

Welcome to the club, just one question? Living in Morecombe, do you really expect any sunny days? (I used to live in Caton so I remember the weather in north Lancashire!)

I can't see the magic button or option that allows me to delete a vehicle from my forum garage, anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

Cremation isn't very green though Bob, lots or energy required to incinerate body. When I go (my daughter has already planned my demise for the money, little does she know that if there's any left is going to charity!) I want to buried in a wicker coffin under a freshly planted native tree, preferably an oak!

I can leave my 2B for 3 months and she'll still start without charging the battery!

Because I'm sad I went out last night and measured my current drain, "ignition on & engine off" Pinto EFI with LP and HP pump running, struggled at first as the HP pump cuts off after a few seconds unless the engine is running and the LP pump pulses but the most I could get it draw at steady state was 11 amps. It would peak to 18 admittedly!

My gut feeling is that your "ignition on & engine off" draw is high even with both pumps running. I have no data to back that up, it just feels wrong. What is your measurement device?