Yeah, I will definitely try the flush/oil change to see if that makes a difference before I go any further.

I also want to hold out for a couple of months to see how warm weather effects it before throwing money at something that may not be necessary. It certainly has only got noticeable since the weather has been extra cold, and Sydney only has 4 or 5 weeks of really cold weather every winter.

I really want those wheels but I'm trying to let my head rule my heart and not blow all my cash on fun stuff then have to explain to the wife why I need to raid the savings to fix a broken engine