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As promised in another thread, I'm reporting my findings from my recent ECU upgrade. I have a 2005 X-Type 2.2 Diesel Sport, which pulled really well from low down revs, but quickly faded off after the initial rush. The new ECU program has given a massive kick in the !Removed! from just above tickover, and the power delivery continues right through the rev range up toward the redline. It now drives much more like a petrol turbo than a diesel! With an initial rush of power which now doesn't really back off until gearchange. Although 'off-the-line' acceleration is quicker, it's not where the biggest gain is. The car now charges uphill and the acceleration in 4th, 5th and 6th is akin to an aeroplane take-off! I've 'chipped' cars before but the last was in the days of removing the actual chip from the ecu and replacing them with upgraded ones. Celtic Tuning - www.celtictuning.co.uk - turned up at my house exactly on time and performed the upgrade with a laptop. The difference is astonishing! I decided on CT as their website goes into a lot of detail about the methods they use to devise their ecu programs using their own rolling road tests, complete with exhaust gas temperature monitoring etc to ensure the programs stay within the engines 'safe' limits. I'm not new to mechanics and to engine tuning. I've done my share of engine strips and modifications so I know a thing or two about it. The website didn't give me any indication that they were making anything up, so I bit the bullet and booked. If you're looking for a professional service, easy booking and a hassle free performance upgrade, which won't harm your engine and doesn't adversely affect fuel economy, book it with Celtic! It cost £295, but it was worth every penny!

I had to wait until I was 45, but yes the wait was worth it. Mine is Carnival red with 18" seven spoke wheels. I spent some money having them professionally restored back to looking like new, and now they set the car off a treat.

In 1946 when the Second World War had just ended, I was 10 years old and, having seen an SS Jaguar for the first time, I announced that "I would have a Jag when I was old enough to drive"! It took longer than intended but I eventually achieved my ambition in 2002 when I was 65 when I bought an ex-demo 3.0 Litre S Type with 4000 miles on the clock.From the outset this has been a "head turning" car maybe because of its unusual colour (Roman Bronze) and partly because of its 18 inch wheels. Whatever the reason, I have had, and still get, regular compliments from complete strangers. The car has no less than 61,000 miles on the clock as it enters its 12th year in my ownership and I have to say "It was worth the wait"