MattyB

Having had a tired old jap battery in my 11 year old Supe, (it really looks like the original, but surely cant be, no signs of any tampering with the clamp screws???) I then spent a couple of wasted trips to Halfrauds, followed by a fair few hours researching on here and Googling batteries I ventured to my local independent garage. My old Jap battery was the smaller version, and the terminal posts the thin type - a double whammy for trying to get a simple replacement. The battery clamp looked like a modification might be required too - triple whammy However, my replacement was a Bosch battery (an S4 004) with an ETN reference of 560 409 054. To those who have needed to research, this means it has a capacity of 60ah and a Cold Cranking performance of 540 amps, which is just above the Halfords HCB005 battery. I did find an S5 004 or S5 005 would have had a higher rating, but cost about £15 more. The S4 005 and S5 005 are slightly taller batteries, and I didnt get to find out if they would have fitted under the battery clamp or not. I have a sneaking suspicion that they would, as the original clamp that has been refitted looks as though it is tightened a little more than previously. I chose (needed!) to do have the battery terminal connectors replaced too, so that for any future battery change meant I could easily put a UK battery in, as the terminal posts are thicker than the Jap battery terminal clamps would safely allow. The best bit though was that the battery clamp did not need to be modified, (or smashed about!) - it was a miracle that the handle on the top of the battery allowed enough space for the clamp edges to sit perfectly Cost of battery was £86, replacement connectors (soldered and fitted neatly) £7, and half an hour's labour at the garage (£26). Obviously a bit more than a bog-standard battery change, but at least it looks neater, and will not be the major headache should I need a battery replaced again - I've had Bosch in the past, and only ever put them into cars I've bought, never needed to take one back nor get it renewed. Fingers crossed that they are still good - or better

In the absence of a "Definite-Maybe depending on the timing of the result of the F1 German GP result", I've had to resort to posting a "maybe" who knows, Lewis H may decide to take up banger racing after his latest attempt to exit the pits

Not quite "in your face" more like hiding his behind the tripod............as i found out when gently heading half a dozen varied cars into the village corner at a speed something a little over ??-ish. The speed limit (along the windy road) drops from 60 to 30 on a blind left hand bend, and 100 yards later plod was there with his hi-viz jacket and helmet and tripod, beckoning me to pull in next to him.......but he was ok, just telling me it was my fault for being in front (of all the others who were doing the same speed)[sHOCK][/sHOCK] Ha! MY FAULT!! [ANGRY][/ANGRY] He rambled on about the local residents/race days/traffic/speeding/fine/3 points etc etc, and then sent me on my merry way with a "take it easy" farewell wave.........then after turning round i nearly ran him over as he hopped around in the middle of the road with arms flailing to "direct" other on-coming traffic. PC Jobsworth I think he was called..............or maybe he took pity on an old man!! But then, anyone with a fancy-dress police helmet, hi-viz jacket and tripod could have stood there, and said "£60 please" and made a fortune!! (no, i didnt get fined or booked - i dont think he was ready for me coming round the corner -i'm not even sure if the camera was even set-up for getting evidence).

So do I - he lives round the corner from me!!

94. MattyB (3 entry tickets + 1Club Stand Car Pass) - (paid via PayPal eventually)!

oops!

Thanks or the info and advice Mawby - am waiting for a response from the dealer i bought my car from.................to find out why my rear fog bulb was painted red, but showing distinct signs of losing most of the paint! (hence it looks like a reversing light).

Hi - just trawling through the posts on the rear fog light subject - on my J-spec 97 TT i have an under-dash switch which supposedly turns on a rear foglight, except i've just found that it lights up my off-side clear reversing light, and shows WHITE!!!! yeah, the sort of white that is just as if i WAS actually reversing! My proper reversing light is on the passenger (nearside) and works correctly. So back to your query, have you had any success with a super-bright-red rear fog bulb at all? - one that will pass an MOT? cheers, Matthew

I contacted a Toyota dealer who a) hadn't heard of a Supra with a Tiptronic 'box (but then that's not that too surprising), and b) reckoned a belt change costs around £220, more if the Jap engine-bay is set-up differently to the UK one (ie, "bits in the way of a straightforward cambelt change"). Comments anyone? As for the low mileage, the interior really looks it too. But I do know what ya mean tho. MPG - well I only get about 19-20 in the Scoob, (wet or dry)!! so all those Nectar points courtesy of BP go towards xmas pressies

Thanks guys for the feedback (and comments) as for Turbobrett, strewth, have you swallowed a Stanley ruler or summat?! A very comprehensive list of dimensions, I'll just need a chartered surveyor with a theodolite to check my garage now, lol! I'm looking at getting an RZ-S (VVTi) thats 10 years old, sub 30K miles so was unsure whether to have a cambelt change, yet. RobSheffield seems to think its unnecessary to worry - but if its worth doing sooner than later, then I'll have it looked at - once I've found a decent place to get it serviced locally (Worcestershire). Matthew

Thanks grahamc - now where's that conversion table - litres, kms , doh! But only 300kms on 60 litres?? Hi Suprafan72 - not worried at all - just curious - i currently have a Scooby so cost never enters my head (much) Lol! - just dont want to live in a petrol station and watch the world go by while i'm always filling up...(like Evo's)!

Hi all - from a potential newbie. Just a few questions that I hope someone can answer for me, as I'm intending to buy quite soon: What mileage do timing belts need changing? What is the average mpg from a J model (TT) What is the fuel tank capacity (in litres preferably - but I can convert from gallons) Dimensions of the car - length and width (my garage is taller than a hobbits house, lol!) I live in Worcestershire - where is best for servicing etc? Any recommendations or places to avoid?