Skoda Rally Blog

Ages ago (when I started getting R477 KRU into shape) I had the pipes bent up for a stainless 2″ exhaust system, and also bought a nice shiny 2″ stainless tailpipe from Jetex. I didn’t use them as I got a ready-made system with all the other stuff I bought (including the brand new shell), but as the tailpipe did a lemming on day one of WRGB and we ‘bodged’ it using a standard (1.5″) tailpipe to keep the noise at a legal(ish) level, it was time to put these bits into service.

Amazingly, this actually all worked out fairly well. I had to make some mods to the existing pipe to get the new section to fit into it, and also cut the over-axle section, but that was to be expected. The rest of it went according to plan – the whole thing took about 3 hours to get right, but that did include two trips to the MDC to get some clamps, and then to get the right size ones! And now, instead of sounding like a rattly, noisy, leaky old shed, it sounds like a rally car – loud, but not really loud, and with a lovely full tone. I am a happy camper!

Re-fitted all the door stuff after re-tinting the driver’s window (for safety, not image), and went for a fairly long shakedown drive and fixed the few issues that arose – a few things needing tightening, the steering wheel putting on straight, etc. Overall, good stuff.

Changed over to the tarmac tyres (which are needed for scrutineering as you’re supposed to turn up with what you’re running on Friday night), and even have a matching spare for once (remembering that in 2006 a flat occurred just before going to MTC1) and put the green parts of the Skoda stickers onto the car – it went much better than the red bits did, probably ‘cos it’s not freezing and windy. The car will need a good clean tomorrow before scrutineering as I want it to look its best, but overall it’s all OK. Fitted the GPS, can’t find the lead for the Palm (which gives me a speedo which is handy as the LSD has no provision for one), which is a pain.

I cannot express how much I am looking forward to this. When I drove past the service area this afternoon I was like a kid. When the Echo turned up today I read it, thinking “I’m doing that”, etc…. And in 24 hours, I’ll be waiting to enter the time control for SS1. Magic.