I've covered a few thousand miles and my head gasket repair is still holding, much to my surprise. I'm also paranoid about the crank pulley but regular inspections show it's unwarranted. Having said, I now feel I've tempted fate - pride before a fall and all that - it is the Tao.
First oil change at about 1000 miles was obviously left far too long and should have been changed sooner in retrospect. Less than 500 miles into the new oil and it's already black but, fortunately, not contaminated with large particles or other fluids as the previous oil was. There's obviously residual internal muck that needs more cleaning, perhaps an engine flush should be carried out next oil change. Anyone recommend a good flushing agent? One's I've tried before didn't appear to work at all.
Unable to resist, I've also tuned the fuel pump and turbo as best I can though the max fuel remains untouched due to the armour. I hope to replace the pump soon with a freshly sealed and modded pump, then the tuning can commence.
I'm also suprised my turbo has lasted this long as I'd inadvertantly pushed the peak boost up to 30psi for a few days in which I covered 200 miles of very hard driving. After studying the efficiency map of the GT15, I think 20psi is a reliable maximum, which it is now set to. Beyond that, there's a risk of overspeed and consequential failure.
Without the benefit of a dyno, I've tried to judge my tuning efforts by "following" quicker cars and judging how well I can keep up with them - usually over a 40-70mph dash. First test saw me blown away by a 3.0L V6. Second test showed greater improvement against the same car though I was carrying much less weight (appx the equivalent of three tanks full of fuel difference). Third test was with a Toyota Starlet (1300 go-cart with turbo) and the owner told me I managed to keep up better than the 150hp Golf TD's but I'm
very skeptical about that judgement to be honest. Not least because of the mild state of tune and the fact I'm running on 99% veg oil!
Aside from the power boost, I'm also pleased to see the mpg average is just short of 40mpg because that is from very hard driving most of the time. Compared to my 2.0L petrol which would have plummeted to about 27mpg or less under similar use.
With the added torque, I've been caught out a few times sub-consciously trying to change
up from fifth gear at ~70mph.
I also experimented with starting from 2nd gear but it either bogs down due to lack of revs or the clutch slips with more power added. This is a with a relatively new (3Kmile) clutch according to the service history.
All in all, I'm inspired to try and get the cosmetics sorted (myriad of scratches and other blemishes) but the recent bumper assault and general lack of care of other public car park users, I'm reluctant to even begin.
Otherwise, I'm slowly tackling the mechanical jobs that need doing. One was to bleed the front brakes again and while there, inspected the MOT advisory of flexi pipe degradation. To my amazement, I couldn't see anything wrong with them, they appeared to be in very good condition!
Hopefully, this saturday, I'll get the use of a ramp lift and can get the height lowered to the correct setting. I think the steering is also getting a bit loose though nothing dangerous as it'll corner well at high speed and tracks straight and true generally - unless I hit a bump then there's a minor deviation to steer slightly left if not corrected.
The airbag light hasn't been addressed either and I'm slightly amused how low fuel, overheating coolant etc are indicated by an iddy-biddy liddle red dot light while the air bag in comparison is huge, flashes for several minutes then goes solid amber thereafter - which is pretty distracting at nightime. Oh, those French have such a sense of humour!
I can't wait.
They put the price up to offset carbon emissions yet refuse to use the money for that purpose. As a result, our goverment fail to meet EU targets and subsequently get fined - and where does that fine money come from? Yep, more tax! 
Bless. In order to look after the turbo, I've changed the oil from mineral 15w/40 to semi-synth 5w/30 and next change will be to fully-synth. She seems to like the new oil as I was expecting more noise but if anything, it's quieter.
You know you'll love it Mike...
