Day 18-Last Day

Well. my final entry has come around. Seems to have flown by. I've had a good time all in, learnt a fair bit about mag production and had some good constuctive criticism on my writing.
Done some production of the 205 buyers guide as it's press day today. Had a fair bit of rewording to do and to fit it to page, and then done minor bits to the NSX guide but not much. Spoke to a couple of specialists but they either didn't help or were out til Monday. Am going to take it home and do some more as the deadline isn't til next month so I can do some after the case study.
Got a good load of stuff for the case study too.

Over and out.

Day 17

I have done absolutely nothing today. E-mailed a few specialists and a Honda dealership, who actually rang back and were very helpful, just waiting for a reply with a list of parts and prices.

Last day tomorrow, can't come soon enough in all honesty.

Day 16

Feeling a bit happier today. Waiting on e-mail responses from a couple of NSX specialists, but probably need to ring them tomorrow. I've done some production work on the 'Tech Talk' section, making the words fit and adding titles, pretty happy with myself at some of them, I even got the term 'bush diving' in, which is nice.

Then this afternoon I've done the lions share of my research for my case study, asking the guys about my question so I can get writing it up. Lovely. And now I'm leaving early to meet Mostyn and organise our road trip south.

Ciao

Day 15

Been writing the NSX piece again, just finishing off really. Be happy to get it done honestly, not sure what will be in store after this is done but specialists and an owner is proving a little tough to get hold of. I'll actually tackle that tomorrow, lethargy has set in and so I'm blogging instead. The attitude is still relaxed and seeing as Friday is deadline day nobody seems stressed at all. Apart from me maybe, I really want to get back to Cornwall and see my girlfriend (and cat). Only three more days to go until I finish work, and whilst it has been a good experience (and I'm still trying to make the most of it despite my complaints) I will be happy when it's over.

Day 14

Again, writing the NSX article. This week has felt eternal and I really need a break, convenient that it's the Bank Holiday then!

Nothing else has happened really, general office banter but you really needed to be there.

Day 13

Further writing of NSX, ate a banana, that's about it in all honesty. Watched the TV advert for PPC in the Park, but Will and Kev weren't happy with the voiceover (it was the bloke who does the low-budget rally coverage on Men & Motors, forget his name) so they're getting Rachel to blag something with her recording studio contacts. Friday tomorrow then long weekend. Bank Holiday, woo.

Day 12

Today has been a quiet one again, Ed, Will, Kev and Kate have been at Mallory all day again sorting out the show, which getting some 'complimentary' tickets for is looking up. Also bagged a couple more mags, a 2009 wall planner and another t-shirt. Schwing.

Anyway, I've been writing the NSX article some more and loving it, this car is awesome. Spoke to Ed when he briefly came back, the Exige photoshoot is now happening at the end of May so I'll miss that, but we're trying to get an NSX and a Merc CLK 55 to shoot in the Derby studio (two birds, one stone, smaller bill) so that should be awesome if we can find a willing Merc owner, he's already got an NSX lined up apparently. Ed is going to talk me through some of the production stuff next week too, sub-editing and all that jazz, which is nice.

I need to buy a copy of MCN on my way home to laugh at Mostyn's shit eating grin plastered on it's pages. What a guy.


PS. The Mini in Kings Lynn isn't happening at the mo as the car is a none-road legal track car the bloke isn't willing to take on the track yet as he has "weak gearbox issues".

Day 11

Again spent today trawling the 'net for NSX info, starting to refind my love for this car though, reminds me of being 11 and playing the first Gran Turismo...
Started to write the article, done a pretty wicked intro if I say so myself. The rest will need some concerted research, specialists seem fairly few and far between, most are glorified dealers really. The guys on NSXCB are brilliant though, very helpful and genuine enthusiasts.

Today was also the first day where we had a full office. And I've only heard that shit new Morrissey song once, which is a bonus as it's usually played at least once an hour.

Day 10

Well, today Ed rang in sick, cue the rest of the guys joking, "Ooooh sounds like swine fever!" Much laughter ensued. Apart from that I've started researching for another buyers guide which is a bit gash, but it's for the awesome Honda NSX on the plus side. Doesn't look hopeful that I'll get to write a feature at this rate though... :(
I've spent today trawling two NSX forums and a wiki for info, written nothing apart from some scrawled notes.
Bagged a whole host of free mags before the weekend too, win! :D

Day 8 & 9

For some reason I forgot to do this yesterday....! Nothing of note happened anyway, just more Impreza article work. Finished it today so will e-mail it off to Ed, and probably finish about 3. It's been dead today, a little boring dare I say as none of the editorial guys have been in, again. Wondering what I'll be doing next week as the Mini/Exige photoshoot has been re-rearranged so no idea whats happening there. Same with the NSX studio shoot, no more mention of it since the first or second day...
We'll see, anyway I'm going home.

Day 7

Finally finished the 205 guide. Phew, was pretty epic but it's done and I'm pretty proud of it. It's 3,000 words so will inevitably be subbed but thats a given. Had a planning meeting this afternoon (with free can of coke, beef and horseradish baguette, sat in the sun and plenty of wanking jokes!) Was good to see how this mag is planned, basically just 3 guys sat in a pub talking about cars, nothing formal going on at all.
Scoobaru article to do tomorrow.

Day 6

Firstly I'll admit to being rather slack today. Met Stuart, the designer, who kindly let me into the office at 9.15am! Slack indeed. Then I've concentrated on re-writing the Impreza budget blaster piece as I was a bit sick of 205s...

Found it hard to gleen info from anywhere and endless trawling of forum threads often results in little useful info. Also due to there being a million different variations of the car finding part numbers and prices is a real headache, and being a million specialists that don't advertise with the mag is also a pain, they don't like giving out free advertising here, which is fair enough I suppose, but makes my life a fair bit harder as there is precisely fuck all Scooby specialists advertising with us.

Ed has also taken over organising the photoshoot of the Mini and Exige due to location issues. Bit annoying though as he kept hassling me, then when I finally got through he took over because of the logistics of it.

I'm going home even earlier today as I'm tired, bored and hungry.

Day 5

Today I have been adding further detail to the 205 GTi piece, spoken to Peugeot's spares dept, George 'Goliath' on the merits of the car and trawled the 'net for info.
Started to arrange the photoshoots for Haydn's Mini (Kings Lynn) and Mark's Exige (Welwyn Garden City) which is proving a nightmare as these places are miles away from each other, us and the photographer. It's looking likely to be Wednesday next week at the mo, but that could easily change.

Day 4

Last day of the first week already! Today was spent further writing and re-writing of the 205 GTi feature including getting in contact with Ecosse, who were rather unhelpful, but may change their tune on Monday.
Also need to majorly rework the Scooby piece, shocking intro so need a better angle. Scobby v Evo is the aim I reckon.

A good, relatively productive week all in, although I need to pull my finger out and get on the blower next week!

Day 3

Today has been spent further writing the 205 GTi guide. Spoke at length about some history of the company with the ad sales girl, Rachael. Then spent the afternoon bitching via text and Facebook about the lack of editorial presence!

PPC Diary

Day 1

Arrived 9am and greeted by Ed Hall, shown the office. Shown a flat plan of June and July issues. Tasks set:
Impreza Classic budget blaster June issue
205 GTi buyers guide June issue
NSX buyers guide inc organising photo shoot with John Colley at Derby studio July issue
Organise photo shoot for Lotus Exige (July cover car) and Mini (???) with photographer Tim Wallace.
Wrote Impreza article.

Day 2
Started 205 article, phone Nick Parkinson @ Shenpar for specialists view. Contacted a few NSX owners for photo shoot.

Budget Blaster: Honda Accord Type R

The Jekyll and Hyde character of Honda's VTEC engine is capable of giving the family man a thrill on the B roads after dropping the family off at the shopping centre, writes Tom Hughes


Launched in 1998, the Type R Accord was built to improve the image of the Accord, as well as Honda in general. Competing against the likes of hot Mondeos and Vectras, the Accord made it's peers look hastily screwed together and somewhat sluggish thanks to its typical Japanese build quality and screaming VTEC.

Honda fettled the VTEC for the facelift models in 2001 giving more low end torque to aid town driving. They also had a go at the suspension which some complained was a little to hard for Britain's pot hole riddled roads, but certainly keeps things on the straight and narrow.

Plenty of kit was supplied as standard such as HIDs, chrome dual tail pipes, 17” alloy wheels with 215/45/17 Bridgestone tyres, and a high level rear spoiler, although that was a dealer removable option. Momo leather steering wheel, titanium alloy gear knob, carbon trim, white dials and a cat 1 alarm and immobiliser with remote central locking all appeared on the list. Most have the optional air conditioning fitted, but keep an eye out for front fog lights, electric rear windows, central arm rest, gear shift change light, remote boot release and parking sensors which all came with an extra price tag.

Buyers of the post 2001 models could specify red mesh Recaro seats, with red inserts and part red Momo steering wheel, a mini disc player and door tweeters. Colour choice were limited to Vesuvio Red, Pirates Black or Satin Silver although European models had the option of Championship White but will be left hand drive. Phase two colours changed slightly to Milano red, Nighthawk black and Satin silver.

Slight bodykit revisions such as different front bumper with no front or rear lip, deeper side skirts, and a new slatted grill were introduced in 2001. The front grill surround and rear number plate surround could also be specified in either body colour or chrome. A small roof mounted aerial was added to replace the electric retractable one post 2001 too.

End of production cars had all the previous extras as standard as well as heated door mirrors, but this depends on how lucky you are. The last official cars were on a 2002 '52' plate, but there are some very rare cars which have been registered after this date.

Exterior
Keep an eye out for the self levelling headlight adjustment failing, usually causing the beam to be projected straight down. Replacement sensors are £100.Rust problems are generally none existent due to a galvanised body but keep a beady eye underneath side skirts. As always, check boot floors and front slam panels for ripples or signs of overspray.

Interior
Interiors aren't stunning but are effectively functional. Standard black and silver Recaro bucket seats are hip hugging, but as always keep an eye out for sagging bolsters. Bobbles can be cured with a razor. Drivers side window regulators have been known to fail, along with the heater rheostat, so make sure they're toasty before opening the window to cool down. Clock bulbs almost always pop and some point in their life.

Engine
The hand finished 2.2l 16v 210bhp VTECs were designed for 98RON fuel, although 99RON V-Power is the preferred option as 95RON can cause bad idle and loss of power. With the phase two models the ECU was modified with a new map to help 95RON running but 98+ is still the preferred choice. Honda removed the chrome tailpipes and replaced them with less sporty looking down turned black ones for the post 2001 models. The timing belt tensioner is a main culprit of failure, usually identified by a 'diesel engine' like rattle between 2000-3000 rpm. Check the service history for a timing belt change, due at 72k or 7 years, which can be done on the Honda Happiness scheme for around £300 all in if it's on the to do list. The EGR valves are known to get 'gunged' up which will cause poor running and illuminate the engine warning light. A good dose of carb cleaner and elbow grease should sort the problem within a half hour.

Running gear
All Type R models came with multi link double wishbone suspension, a close ratio gearbox and limited slip differential. Synchromesh problems with fifth and reverse can occur but this problem is generally unique to the pre facelift models. Give the 'box a good stirring, or budget £800 for Honda to supply and fit the parts. Anti-roll bar drop links are prone to snapping, diagnosed by a knocking or rubbing from the underside.

Spec

Engine-2157cc 16v 4 cylinder
Transmission-5 speed manual, FWD
Power-209bhp @ 7250rpm
Torque-158.9lb/ft @ 6700
Top speed-142mph
0-60-6.9 seconds

PPC Clio Staff Car feature

This Clio is many things to me. The newest, the fastest and the best and worst car I've ever owned. I have only actually owned two cars, the first a 1.2 '94 Clio BeBop in a fetching shade of lilac with rust everywhere you wouldn't want rust to be, but I still loved it. First loves are the greatest and all that.

This new love affair came about last February when I was gifted £2k labelled 'Student Loan' and the BeBop was threatening to vomit it's coolant everywhere and pop it's head gasket, which it did in due course on a rainy estate in some Cornish backwater. An arduous scour of insurance companies made me realise that in order for me to insure an RSi, let alone a 16v, I'd be looking at a diet of toast for at least a year, and I wasn't prepared to sacrifice the Pot Noodles just yet, so RT power it was.

A brief eBay search produced many, but one in particular stood out, a phase 3 in 455 blue with FSH and just 64k on the clock. With twelve hours left I stuck on a bid, not really expecting to win, and promptly fell asleep. Next morning, I opened my emails to find, “You have won this item...” , “What the....?!”, “....'96 Clio RT'”, “Oh-oh...!” And so it was written, I had bought a car unseen a good 300 miles up country. So, the next weekend I found myself half asleep on a train heading north, with a quarter of my newly acquired beans on toast money burning a hole in my pocket. Thankfully, all turned out to be well with the car, the previous owner was a delightful, if slightly clueless, lady who I shook hands with and set off back down south.

Just three days later whilst pottering around town, the car cut out. Turning the key it sounded like there was no compression, bad news. Back on my driveway it was revealed that the cambelt had decided to play matchmaker between the pistons and the valves and shredded itself. The car spent the next four weeks on axle stands in various states of repair whilst Uni work took over. Eventually it was fixed up with some shiny new valves, head gasket and accompanying bolts, treat to vented and drilled 16v discs, Turbines and a -55mm PI suspension kit and it was back in business. It, and me, were embarrassed at Euro Fest in September around Castle Combe, but it behaved itself and I didn't forcefully park it in the tyres at Quarry.

The hankering for power has led me to a complete F7P engine, loom and ECU which at £40 would be rude not to buy. The plan is to strip it, rebuild it to OEM+ spec and bolt it into the RT for a little street sleeper action, whilst learning how it actually turns petrol and fire into tyre smoke and ear-to-ear grins. That's my summer gone then.