Hi from Sunny Stafford

[Stafford_Mart]

Hi All from Sunny Stafford…Well I think so as I work in West Bromwich all week.

I’ve recently bought myself a 308 cc 1.6 GT as never had a convertible before just a couple of soft tops, 2 Saab Viggens, 5 Toyotas and a 350Z.

Car is in fantastic condition but after a couple of weeks owning it I realised there were problems. After sitting down and screaming ”sell it” I calmed down and thought what the heck and decided to make a go of things.

Firstly I got the Turbo inlet pipe replaced along with the turbo water pump and down stream oxygen sensor. Next was the nearside anti roll hoop which cost a packet and a few service items and oil change. Total cost just over 2k.

Having got through the initial problems, the timing chain was next to play up. Having had mostly timing chain cars I was surprised at this one needing changing at 55k. That was duly done.

At the moment I am feeding the car on a mixture of premium fuel and Redex which has improved the running no end and what I can only assume is the carbon deposits that have built up in the cyl heads due to the previous 2 owners doing town driving only (and short at that). Most of mine is M6 (Stafford to West Bromwich).

Car is in on Thursday for a fresh oil change and a tune up at A1 in Stafford…It’s an independent German car specialist but very good service so far.

My only problems remaining are annoying only so will be sorted over the next couple of months and are the following so if anyone has any good fixes or advice it will be much appreciated.

1. Drivers side window keeps opening a fraction and closing randomly, not just when I open the door. I’ve heard that this is a common fault.
2. knock from the rear nearside when hitting bad road surfaces. It sounds louder when roof is down and I did think it was the way the roof was packed but I think it might be the rear suspension bush but I know nothing of the rear setup on these cars.

Apart from these two problems I’m starting to like the car and might keep it now. Plus I’ve found this forum so hopefully I can get some help on any problems or mods that other owners have done to make the car better.

Happy motoring

Mart.

[Stickyfinger]

Helloooo and welcome.

[Hell Razor5543]

Hi, and to the Forum.

[xantia_v6]

Welcome to the forum, you and I are the only currently active 308 CC owners (I think that there may be one or two 'lurkers').

I don't want to alarm you, but you should probably read this: a pot of information about carbon buildup in THP engines
and: my blog of 308CC THP 155 ownership

I would suggest that with these direct-injection engines, it is useless to use fuel additives to clear carbon build-up in the ports, as the fuel and additive don't go anywhere near the carbon.