MarkEMark

All I can say is "wow".... and great write up. I think you should be writing crime novels Mark

Such great info. Thank you everyone!

Searching on other forums, looks like 10 years is the schedule. I will remove the cover and take a look. I also see Zetec is a "non interference" engine, so if it snaps the pistons don't eat the valves...

Thanks for all the input. Breezy7 - love your creative approach! I know you guys all love an excuse to take your cars apart :-), but back to the original question. Do I NEED to replace it? (2,400 miles, 12 years old) Mark

So no need to reset the timing, and easy to do with the engine in situ?

Recently acquired 2003 Birkin S3, I'm told the Zetec is a ZX3 engine, I assume from ~2003. Only 2,400 miles as it has sat unused for 7 years, but should I replace the cambelt because of age, not mileage? Not sure this attached engine label adds anything, but maybe the date is 2000? Thanks, Mark

Chris, did you get them fitted locally?

Looks like my wheels are 15x7, and I think the offset maybe about 2in(48mm?). So should I be looking to put wider rears on?

My newly acquired 2003 Birkin S3 has what I think are the original Pirelli P700 tires - 195/50 R15. They are rock hard and I need to change them. I only intend to drive in the dry, and probably not when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. I may venture on to a track one day, but with no great ambitions, so essential road use. I’m new to driving a car of this level of performance, so while I’m looking for good grip, I’m also looking for predictable and controllable handling. What recommendations do people have? When a tire is rated as ultra-high or extreme performance summer, I understand that relates to speed rating, but I’m assuming it also means extra levels of grip (softer rubber). Is that correct?, and does a tire like the Toyo 888 need to be driven hard to get heat into the tire and perform as expected? One tire that is well reviewed on Tire Rack and is a good price is the BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp-2. Anyone have any feedback on that tire? And my final question - the clearance of the cycle fenders with my current tires is tight. If I go for the same size but in a different tire, is there a risk that it won’t fit? I don’t want to buy a set via somewhere like tire rack and find they don’t fit! Thanks, Mark

Final bit of information. After posting my car in "members rides", I was referred to the Birkin Group on Yahoo, and a registry of cars. My car was there, and when I looked through the posts of the original owner, he states the car has a "Taylor*Race straight cut T9". So, given the car only has 2100 miles on it, and I suspect the original tires from 2002 in good wear condition, I'm going to assume no one has managed to shag a race transmission in that time, and I need to just enjoy driving the car. And yes, I need new tyres! Mark

To (maybe) close this out, and make the record complete for future reference, I found this picture on the yahoo birkin group dated 2003, and titled "original diff marked for removal". There are subsequent pictures showing a LSD being fitted. Picture looks exactly the same as my diff, so I think this was the standard factory item circa 2002/2003 Mark

Thank you very much for the info Bernie. I've applied for access and looking forward to what I might learn about it!

It was in Rancho Santa Fe near San Diego for last 7 or so years Im pretty sure. I bought it and collected it from there

I bought this Birkin S3 about 6 weeks ago. Pictures are from the seller (that's NOT my house). It was an impetuous e-bay purchase, but I just loved how it looked. It was sold through a consignment type dealer with next to no info offered, so it real was not at all smart of me... but .... I just loved how it looked! It was Friday night, I'd had a few G&Ts & the Mrs said "go on, click on it, whats the worst that could happen". It also looked to be in very good condition, with a claimed 2,100 miles Although I'm totally new to seven ownership, I spent my first 40 years in the UK and have always lusted after them. When I moved to California in 2000 I pretty much gave up on the idea of owning one, but I'm now getting to the age where I need to start spending the kids inheritance As I said I have very little info on the car. I don't even know when it was built (was told 2000, but I'm not confident. Tire code is 2002). I found a registration document when I removed a seat, so I know it was owned by Miles East in N Attleborough MA in Dec 2005, and there is a vehicle inspection report dated June 2006. I think it was sold in 2007 and moved to California (Rancho Santa Fe). It was owned by the CEO of a large bank, but was sold as part of an estate sale, and has sat un-driven for 7 or 8 years. That part I believe, because the fuel sender was a ball of rust. There is a number on the frame down the left side of the engine which is B1RK1N198702, and on the frame at the top of the rear suspension it has 1987 B stamped. I've spoken to Dick Brink a couple of times (very nice chap!), but he's not been able to shed any light. I'm even worried he knows something terrible but doesn't want to upset me. Finally, I'm really enjoying being part of this forum. I've already got some great advice, and found a fellow Birkin owner within a few mile. Thank you all!

Jacked it up and turned one wheel. Other wheel turned in opposite direction. Got the Mrs to grab hold of the other wheel and I could still easy turn mine. I'm pretty sure that all means a standard, non-LSD (open) doesn't it?