It isn't a genuine prep 142 "S" kit.
however, it looks like they did all the modifications, except for the rear spoiler, which while effective isn't the most practical thing on Earth :-)
And at speeds under 100mph I doubt it makes much difference.
breathing hot air
As Krede says, this is not a big problem, as the air effectively circulates within the engine compartment while you're on the move. As far as I know, Matra did windtunnel tests to ensure the airflow would be drawn up and around the enginebay.
The gearchange was very sloppy
The ball under the gearlever is one common source of sloppyness
The ball-joints in the linkage is another, - and they are relatively easy and cheap to fix.
The ball-joint at the back of the long rod running along the underside of the car often has a big influence. Note that the whole rod is designed to sway right/left as well as rotate - don't try to fixate it to the chassis, unless you are left with no other options.
I was a tight squeeze in there! What is with the adjustable foot board for the passengers?
Most of us are a tight squeeze there - in either direction so to speak. I'm 85kg 6' 4" and a bit - and have no problems whatsoever fitting myself in a Murena.... but ok, I am probably slightly enthusiastic :-)
But honestly, I am more comfortable in my Murena than in many cars, - and I never have any back-problems in the Murena (but had to modify the seat somewhat in my Peugeot 106 "T-car" )
The foot-board was not included on all cars, - I think none of the 1.6's had them, and maybe only some of the 2.2 ? - does it have the box ahead of the gearlever ?
My car has neither box nor foot-rest - i.e. a totally flat floor.
(
http://www.matrasport.dk/Cars/Murena/Gallery1/Med/dsc_4458s.html )
The lights went up very quickly,
very good sign indeed.
this is a good test of the vacuum system, - after you stop the engine, how many hours does the vacuum still pull the headlights down, making them hard to lift by hand?
/Lennart