Alternator replaced/charging problem is fixed. The battery light now comes on as it should with the ignition, and go out when the car is running. All sounds obvious- but apparently, a u/s alternator will drain the battery when standing and also means the battery light doesn't come on at all -- one to watch for.

Thanks everyone for their pointers and advice on this.

Sooooo, with a new cambelt fitted as well - I was confident enough (it had been standing for two years - didn't want to snap the belt!) to use some revs for the first time since buying the car... hood down, sun out - big fun!!

The engine/exhaust note is a bit muted compared to the driving experience however, and I've seen people on the forum talk about the great soundtrack provided by a DTR exhaust....

I'll start saving my pennies.... :yum:

Good news on the alternator. Does that mean that if I'm going to put my car into storage for a year or two, I'm best off just totally unplugging the battery to avoid the same problem as you've had?

As for the exhaust, I have the DTR stainless steel one on mine. It's definitely very loud, and can take some getting used to. DTR offered me a couple of different options for the exhaust, from "quite loud" to "a proper deep rumble", so if you have a chat with them you'll get a fair idea of which one you think you think you'll happy with.

Where do you live by the way? I ask because there's always meet-ups, especially down in NW London every month, and you'll probably be able to see/hear some other B's with a full range of exhausts.

Great news, glad you got it sorted. Pleased your enjoying the top down experiance,

Jiggy I read somewhere that one of the problems of dirty/poor connections going to the alternator is that it causes the diodes within the alternator to fail. So I would think that after laying up the B for any length of time the connections should be checked.

A DTR Exhaust would do the job well enough but they do seem quite costly. I haven't got a stainless exhaust yet but when I do I am going to get a bespoke one from a local stainless exhaust specialist. Apparently I should be able to get a system built to my own specifications for around £300.

I got a Stainless steel exhaust for £340 fitted with a mid sport note. Gives a nice rumble especially when warmed up and makes a fair bit of noise on acceleration.

I had it done at a place called Longlife outside of Bristol. They have centres in other places too.

http://www.longlife.co.uk/street/locator.default.aspx

Good news that its all fixed and running well for you.
Ive got a powerflow stainless steel exhaust on the B and it works a treat, again built to your spec like nicholasb said, and its looks and sounds great and has a life time warranty, as long as you have it looked at every year by the boys that made it and get it stamped, and it was cheaper than the DTR

Mark

I am still running a stock exhaust on mine at the moment, a S/S exhaust is on the shopping list for this year but depends on income etc......

Initially I was looking at a DTR exhaust, to be honest you cannot really go wrong with one but I think I am going to go down the route of Noddy and get a bespoke system made up by an exhaust specialist like Longlife.

If you are looking for a bit more of a growl from your b investigate an induction kit, the noise from under the bonnet with a Green kit or similar is awesome!! :devil:

Maybe I'm getting old... But the DTR systems that I've heard are too loud for me.

When I had one on a previous B, I always felt that pedestrians were expecting a huge car to come round the corner, not my little B!

I've got a standard system on my current car.

Definately loud, you'll notice it a lot because the car is over silenced with the standard exhaust. I get comments like ''love your baby Porsche' followed by..'its tiny..and why have you stuck Fiat badges on it...?' The main benefit of any decent stainless system is the lifetime guarantee..it should last the life of the car as the standard mild steel fitting will only last about 3 years.

The noise, the noise. I've been known to go through the Cork harbour tunnel 3 times on the trot just to hear it.

Downside is being lumped in with the boy racer Saxo brigade who also have noisy arse ends...

You also gain a few bhp with the S/S exhaust system as they do not have as many obstructions as the stock system...............

DTR have now stopped making them and have none left!

I was in there last week buying my B and asked about them, only to be informed by Paul that they were now history

Glynn

Bloody hell, they will regret that move!

Mind you, I have heard a lot of good things about long life exhausts, if I cannot persuade KC to sell me his I will probably get a longlife.............

http://www.longlife-exhausts.co.uk/

just get a supersprint or remus ... they come with EEC homologation

True, but I have really struggled to find a Remus stockist in the UK who has every heard of a Barchetta system............supersprint is an option but very expensive...........

That said its a bit academic until find my next contract/job!!

That long life website is crap, can't see the products just the customers car's pics & the end of tailpipes

LittleRedB said:

True, but I have really struggled to find a Remus stockist in the UK who has every heard of a Barchetta system............supersprint is an option but very expensive...........

That said its a bit academic until find my next contract/job!!

Click to expand...

erm, fyi Remus is more expensive the SuperSprint i know, i have the Remus backbox... but at the SuperSprint cost (after throwing a tantrum at the shop )


jobs: how's your French ? Peanuts money
http://www.jobserve.com/W602E40475592B3F7.jsjob

Alan.D said:

That long life website is crap, can't see the products just the customers car's pics & the end of tailpipes

Click to expand...

I agree, but I did go and see them at Bristol and had a good long chat with the guy on the stand. From what I can remember they are an American outfit who sell franchises, the exhausts that they had on display were of a good quality and are built to order per car based on the owners requirements. Seemed like a good option but proof is in the pudding and all that!

I think nicholasb has fitted one and is very happy with it.

RnRollie said:

erm, fyi Remus is more expensive the SuperSprint i know, i have the Remus backbox... but at the SuperSprint cost (after throwing a tantrum at the shop )


jobs: how's your French ? Peanuts money
http://www.jobserve.com/W602E40475592B3F7.jsjob

Click to expand...

I cannot find Remus back boxes for love nor money, wonder if they have been discontinued

Hmm, my French extends to turn left, turn right, open the door and close the window!!

As for money....................

Remus:
perfco in Northampton : http://www.perfco.co.uk/
provenproducts in Devon : http://www.proven-products.co.uk/

they should carry them (they used to) at http://www.europerformance.co.uk/

maybe at roadrunner?

Otherwise, i DO have a few addresses on the mainland... you only have to cross the channel

I think nicholasb has fitted one and is very happy with it.

Click to expand...

Very happy with it. Service and price was great. Lets out a nice sound. Excuse for another picture I think. I recommend Longlife.