Richys MK1 LCR (Cobra turbo back/ AMD stage1+/ AP coilovers, Wellycooler, Recaros)

Manx_Jay

Active Member
Sep 30, 2015
7
0
Such a good example of flash red. Will be using this as some inspiration on tidying up mine.
 

Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
Finally after many years of wanting the optional Recaro interior, I finally have a set for mine. Only fitted the passenger seat as of yet. Hopefully will get round to doing the rest soon.


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Car will be SORN at the end of the month and will carefully be given a custom stage 2 map throughout the winter by a close friend. I say carefully because I want a spot on map, not to aggressive so it wheel spins in 1,2 or 3, and not to underpowered and lame. Just a nice useable map.
 

Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
Been a few months since I last updated but there isn't too much to write about. The car will be taxed again this weekend and given a run as she does look sorry for herself on the driveway. Haven't done anything to her other than removing the washer bottle, new job has stopped me from spending temporarily.
If things flow financially this year then an evo is definitely on the cards towards the winter time. But I will be getting new shoes for the leon and am swaying towards JR11's as they're not overly expensive and look the part, except the multi stud centres which put me off slightly.

Anyway watch this space!
 

Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
9 months since last update, should really update more often like I used to really.
Anyway a few changes have occurred over the course of the year, mostly under the bonnet and a few major mechanical things.
I've said previously that i'll be getting rid of this car etc. but I really can't part with her as I know this car inside out and I've been struggling to find a replacement. After 4 years of ownership I think another year and I will sell up.

Right onto the bits and bobs that I've done throughout the year.


First up was to de wiper the rear. I bought a kit from Killallwipers.com and was pretty simple to do. I found removing the trip a tad more difficult than actually de wipering.

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Removing the wiper motor.
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And the finished look
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Next up was replacing the fuel hose which when taken off looked a lot worse for wear than I first thought.
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And the replacement
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April this year I decided to change both rear calipers as the offside one was slightly sticking and was annoying me for a while. Most people that know me know I like replacing things in pairs hence opting for both calipers.

Before both calipers came off...
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Nearside went on first of all.
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Then the offside.
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Then both splashguards were painted with black hammered hammerite paint as the rust was starting to come through again.
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I do have photos of the rear calipers painted after installation but can't find them as of yet. I used red hammerite spray paint rather than a brush on one this time, and the finish is pretty much OEM.


After so much time and effort preparing for the battery relocation I finally did it all in the summer. To be fair it wasn't that hard to do it's just the headache of running the 0 gauge wire from the front to back. It's well worth the time and effort though as it frees up so much space in the engine bay.

First was mounting the battery tray (bought from Amazon) into the spare wheel well. 5 holes drilled though and all mounted in place.
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I used a "French" designed quick release positive terminal as I do sometimes take the battery out to recharge as it sits on my drive quite often.
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In July my clutch was finally changed, 95k and on stage 1 most of it's life I didn't think the original clutch would last that long to be fair, it was just slightly slipping in high gears hence why I thought it had to be changed. Went for a LUK OEM one as that'll cope on a stage 2 map when I get it done early next year.


In August I had my cambelt changed as this was just past the 4 years since it was last done. Opted for a Gates timing belt with the relevant tensioners and also a Ruville water pump, all changed by my mechanic. I have no photos of this as I left this to the experts. Another piece of mind as I hate leaving timing belts right to the last minute of when they should be changed.



Next up was a tyre change as my Vredesteins were shagged to say the least. I decided to go for Yokohama AD08r's as I've heard nothing but good reviews on these. Only had these on for 5 weeks and they seem pretty good so far but time will tell.

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Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
Change of intake pipe was needed as i'm going to stage 2 next year and you can tell why I needed to in this photo lol

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I also needed to upgrade my air filter as well and thanks to a friend from my Leon Facebook group he kindly gave this to me.
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And the finished article, this is what my bay looks like now and I am rerouting the air filter and building a new heatshield as we speak with an added cold air feed as well.
A Porsche oil cap was added to the bay, as well as more braided hosing for the brake servo, accompanied with some heat wrap cloth to protect the plastic one way valve which now sits nearer the turbo.
Gearbox was also treated to some silver VHT paint to freshen up the bay also.
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Rear number plate also needed replacing and opted for a gel one.

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Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
Finally a couple of shots of how she stands now. There are tonnes of things that I've probably missed but as people know, I treat this car as my baby and have done for the past 4 years. Will be sad to see her go when I pluck up the courage to sell her. But I will be doing a few more bits in the mean time.
A front end respray will be on the cards as she's starting to show her age now. Also a new splitter is my next purchase.

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This shot is just before I changed the number plate a few weeks ago..
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Thanks for reading!
 
Dec 29, 2010
1,115
0
Mids
Hey up Richy you still got the beast I still miss mine and wish I never sold it for the subaru as it cost me **** loads putting new engine in after crank failure hope your ok m8 I've just purchased a bmw m140i stay safe fella cupraRmark

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Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
Hello Mark, it's been a while mate and hope you're well also!? Yeah I've still got her and she's still going strong. My mate was in the same boat with his Scooby and had to sell it in the end as it was falling apart lol.
Beemer looks very nice, that must shift quite a bit!
 
Dec 29, 2010
1,115
0
Mids
Yes m8 I just lost faith even though with the sti lump I fitted and 2k later I just let it go never ending so bought a new 1 series last year but wanted more than a 2ltr diesel... so thought what the he'll it's now or never m8 it's pretty Evil even whilst running in it seems full of beans and plenty of them m8....your R still looking sweet m8

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Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
It looks really nice mate, what bhp is she? I've always had a soft spot for the 1M BMW but they're rocketing up in value. Cheers by the way dude, I'm gonna try and get her in a few shows next year and then sell up and move on.
 
Dec 29, 2010
1,115
0
Mids
They are 345hp bit massive torque low down m8 good thing about the new ones is nearly 7k of list price in discounts....not many R about now might get the Mrs 1 next as we loved all 3 of mine and they are still reasonably priced

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Richy Cupra

Fully paid member
Jul 6, 2011
1,368
0
Essex
Jesus! That must shift big time! Do it mate, they're dirt cheap now but finding a good one is proving to be difficult as they're landing into the wrong hands. Buy mine next year ;) lol
 

t0m

LCR 225
Apr 29, 2007
8,133
7
Kent
Rich. The car looks so well in the pics. Shame it's pretty dead on here these days as yours deserve far more views than it has got!

Stunning.
 
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