Alarm update - short sighted or is that just a short?

Always read the instructions. Set to this weekend to install the central locking component of the system. Door card came off, plastic liner cut and new actuator installed.

Then I didn't read the instructions and did what it thought it said, not what it actually said. Result, a blown actuator in the passenger door. Luckly, found some on ebay and now awaiting delivery. The moral, don't add bigger fuses and read the instructions (and look at the photographs!) Update - after removing the passenger side door card, it transpired that the actuator was not blown, only stuck! A quick wiggle and good as new. Central locking part of the alarm is now installed and working. Next is the siren, shock and radar setup. When this is complete, AGH will be fully alarmed. The alarm system turns out to be made by Toad and is certified Cat 1 for insurance purposes.

16" sports rims

Have just picked up four 16" 6.5J rims from, what I believe, is from a mk2.5 mx5 sport. They are in need of refurbishment but will be a good project next year in time for the summer. The question is now, what tyres to fit. The 2.5 sport uses 205/45/16". I am now in the process of discovering whether to use Toyo or Goodyear F1. Off to the forums to have a look........

Mallory Park September 12th 2009

AGH! made its second outing to the track on the 12th September at the National Rally. After some very slow and unbalanced laps, I took some lessons from an ARDS instructor and lo and behold, the track time came down to 1 minute 4 seconds with speeds up to 110mph on the pit straight. Smoking brakes were the order of the day but great fun nevertheless! 'Trust the car' the instructor said as I came out of the hairpin, flat out in third and then up to 4th and 70100 rpm on the home straight. 'Keep your foot to the floor and the car will go around the bends without any trouble'. You know, it did!

Changing the air intake, exhaust manifold and back box, the brakes and various oil changes over the last year paid off as the speedo hit the 110mph mark (in 4th gear) exiting onto the pit straight.

Time to give the car a break now as I prepare to fit remote locking and a genuine Mazda (Toad) Alarm system. More to come later.........