The Tinnitus is a nightmare. At best it is the universe singing softly; a white noise which I can put out of my mind by concentration on the real world in front of me. But at worst, it is the roar of a 747 on approach or the bellow and howl of an awesome malevolent gale at sea from which I have no escape or relief. It wakes me from sleep, many times most nights.
The worst aspect of Tinnitus is that even after going deaf to the outside world one still suffers the affects, as the noise one hears is not real sound. Even though tinnitus may initially be caused by an injury to the ear, ultimately an auditory pattern is established in the brain.
I am only 44, but the audiologist and ENT say it is not that unusual to develop the condition at this age as a result of injury to the auditory system. They both say the condition can be managed so that it has minimal impact on day-to-day living and suggested I monitor my activities and identify what exacerbates it.
Having followed their advice it is obvious that the Sprint with its single 2&1/4 inch exhaust, tiny resonator and small muffler, has a big affect. As mentioned, for about an hour after driving I experience nearly the worst of the condition. This affects my concentration and mood at work; something I cannot afford.
I know I could quieten the Sprint down, but this seems like asking a girlfriend with really sexy legs to wear a long wollen sack of a dress all the time. And I don't think this would solve the problem as there is a lot of wind noise from the sunroof, doors and windows. Further, putting more effort and expense into the Sprint delays and distracts me from progress on the other projects, which have already suffered too much from procrastination. I decided I needed a new daily driver.
So this was the logic that had me browsing cheap luxury cars for sale on ebay last Thursday. The Range Rover was a no-reserve auction and I placed only 1 bid that was calculated at 6% of the RRP for this car new 12 years ago. I was amazed to win - it all feels right.
I am going to swap the 4.6 out for one of the 4.0 engines that I have. So one of the Wedge V8 projects may ultimately end up as a 4.6. (Although, I have just bought most of the kit for a 4.0 rebuild so the first V8 wedge will still get that ahead of a rebuilt 4.6.)
I do think selling the Sprint is the right decision as I own 4 FHC's and the cash from Sprint would help accelerate work on the other three. But, I imagine it may take time to sell so I will put it in storage and use it when I feel the need.
So now it is time to focus on getting these three wedges back on the road:
1.ACG362## - a truly beautiful shell, the one I will keep forever
2.TCG1154## - the one to build for club sprints and other events
3.ACG364## - a replacement Sprint perhaps, should I ever get there
Owen
