The standard system on many 848, 948, 998 and 1098cc engines is a single chain drive between the crank and cam. This chain will stretch with use and throw out the cam timing causing noticeable power loss.

The ‘S’ and some 1275 models have a much better ‘duplex’ chain, but even these do wear out. The best way to judge wear is to check the chain while you are taking it apart. With the timing cover off, rotate the crank a slight amount back and forth. The camshaft must move the exact distance at the same instance.

Timing scatter induced by the More >

A reader was asking me about modern three wheelers the other day, rather than traditional Morgan M3W, Triking or Pembleton V-Sport types.

Obviously, the Grinnall Scorpion has to be a consideration and it’s one of my favourite kitcars of all time, regardless of how many wheels it’s got.

However, another corker is the tR1ke from Exo Sports cars, which is a storming thing. I remember getting seriously told off by Blyton Park boss, Richard Usher once because I was going so fast at the Lincolnshire track.

Not because of my speed or for me driving dangerously, but rather because I overtook him on More >

Of the many artisan car care companies, one I really like is TDG, who also blend their own elixirs and waxes.

They recently sent me their Fruit Salad Car Shampoo to try. Yes, that’s right. It has the scent of those little fruit salad chews we had as kids. Tasty niffs aside, I recently tried the product out on a couple of dirty cars and it worked superbly.

Plenty of foamy suds, it removed the worst of the crud without additional input from me, it rinsed away easily and left a shiny, drag-free paint surface.

A little goes a long way, making the More >

A ridiculously effective car care product that I’ve been using with success lately is Ultimate Fast Finish from Meguiar’s.

It’s an aerosol formula that you simply spray on to your car’s bodywork, wipe off and watch the surface shine. I can do a car with it in about eight minutes, it’s that simple and easy to use.

In addition to a cool shine, the surface will be more resistant to dirt thanks to the synthetic polymer coating and the water-beading ability is insane after use. It’s available from between £16 to £20 and the box also includes a quality microfibre cloth. One More >

Sealey has introduced a couple of new pressure washer combination deals. They are ideal for a range of applications including cleaning vehicles, commercial equipment, motorbikes, patios and decking.

There is a choice of two pressure washers. The PW2500 is fitted with a powerful 2200W motor with a 438ltr/hr water flow rate and a maximum pressure of 170bar. This unit incorporates a 5mtr hose reel.

Meanwhile, the PW2200 is fitted with a powerful 1800W motor with a 400ltr/hr water flow rate and a maximum pressure of 140bar. This model is fitted with dual built-in detergent tanks.

Both washers are fitted with a Rotablast® Nozzle More >