Thank you both for the offer... it's much appreciated... and highly commendable, and brave

of you....
As it is... for the mo, the crank sensor will have to be done "over the road" They're not a Vx Stealer, but not apparently the cheapest independent service facility on earth either.... ... but over the road means no tow or recovery hassles.... given the complete intransigence of the elite now with regards to the idea of actually starting the engine.... it's probably handiest.... and I really want the Elite running ASAP.... I'm currently reduced to borrowing my Daughter's 106 "independence" 1100. 3 door.... ARRRGGHHHHHHH it's a nightmare...... no power steering.... is really trying my limits with the hand strength and stamina if I'm in town... out on the road it's not so bad... as long as I don't expect it to go like the Elite

and the lack of headroom for monsters like me is giving me neck a hard time...... and as for the school runs..... the kids are NOT amused...

but at least it's running and free...... seeing as she has yet to pass her test......
However.... TB if you should happen to hear of anyone in striking distance arranging some sort of Cambelt party in the next couple of months.... I have 2 patients in need of such ministrations.... I'd gladly cough up a fair wodge of dough , and hand (blunted... incase I drop em) scalpels, torque wrenches, tea, coffee and JD, and such like, to the surgeons.... as opposed to using any of the local VX dealers.. none of whom i have a great deal of faith in... (when you have to deal with maintaining a Sintra, you VERY quickly amass a large number of horror stories concerning bloody VX dealers... )
Ditto the Gearbox Flush and refill + filter change scenario.... although i confess I've NEVER heard of anyone organising a party for THAT particular penance....
Tunnie..... cheers, your enthusiasm does you credit ... your Senator is always welcome around here....

Pacman Dash or not....

I'll add that I'm fairly well familiar with North Oxfordshire, and the wilds of Brackley.... (is there still a krypton tuning place down by the railway bridge?) I mostly grew up in Charlton-on-Otmoor, followed by Middle Barton.
BEFORE there were speed cameras

Best regards
Max