42 replies to this topic

[Oldboystoy]

Hello younger VX Fans

Just retired and looking forward to spending time tinkering and doing some track days. Oulton park is about 45mins away. I bought a red N/A VX yesterday and collect it on Wednesday.Can't wait to get my hands on it but a major drawback is that I have two sons in their mid thirties who seem pretty keen on putting their bikes away for the winter and getting their adrenaline rush at my expense !! Is that really what Dads are for ?.The car is purely for pleasure with a decent BM for journeys/ holidays etc and the good lady's shopping trolley so The VX could be trackday only. Will decide after playing with it for a few weeks.

The car I have bought is as it left the factory so some work to do before an Oulton outing. Members views on what mods I should start with would be much appreciated. Any get togethers in Shropshire / Cheshire planned ? Can you get a years insurance cover for track days only at a sensible price? OAP rates perhaps ?

I look forward to the chat with fellow enthusiasts and look forward to some meets in the Spring.

[fezzasus]

Just enjoy it as it is, it's a pretty capable car from the factory.

 

That said, common mods are:

 

1. engine mount inserts - VAUXHALL ASTRA G/VX220/ZAFIRA POWERFLEX LOWER ENGINE MOUNT INSERT KIT PFF80-810 (Fits: VX220) They make the engine feel like part of the car rather than a large load in the back

 

2. New wheels (team dynamic 1.2s) - this takes the fronts down to 16 inch, giving you a much wider range of brands and compounds (currently limited to bridgestone RE040's - and hard to get)

 

TBH, i'd stop there, unless you want to supercharge it

[Ormes]

Welcome

[VXT Tim]

To add to Fezz's list, toe link and hub carrier bolt change for peace of mind and as he suggests, away you go, enjoy,

Edited by VXT Tim, 14 December 2014 - 09:11 PM.

[fiveoclock]

Just enjoy it as it is, it's a pretty capable car from the factory.

 

That said, common mods are:

 

1. engine mount inserts - VAUXHALL ASTRA G/VX220/ZAFIRA POWERFLEX LOWER ENGINE MOUNT INSERT KIT PFF80-810 (Fits: VX220) They make the engine feel like part of the car rather than a large load in the back

 

2. New wheels (team dynamic 1.2s) - this takes the fronts down to 16 inch, giving you a much wider range of brands and compounds (currently limited to bridgestone RE040's - and hard to get)

 

TBH, i'd stop there, unless you want to supercharge it

3. If its just for trackdays fit some RC6 pads or similar if it hasnt already been done.

 

4. Change the brake fluid

 

5. Get the geo checked and adjusted.

 

6. Get the rear toe links checked and replaced if needed

 

7. Check the coolant header tank for cracks, they are affected by UV light

 

8. Go and do trackday

[ianrm]

Welcome, you are never to old to own a VX  

[RabnaKS]

Fcuk em; family or not! It's funny how I heard from family & friends? 'What do you want one of them for'? But then you get it & everybody knows they're missing out on the fun factor. Now I get 'He won't let me drive it' from the missus & 'Why' from everybody she can't wait to tell! Personally, I've never been so selfish as I am with the VX! You make sure you enjoy it before you share the experience, imho welcome. It certainly gives, it's only a car another meaning. It may be different when you've had a couple or even for a few years?

[Oldboystoy]

Thanks. I'll show them your post and then the 'Do you like sex and travel ?'

[kipper]

Welcome, you are never to old to own a VX  

 Yep, welcome to the over 60's special section, and show these young nippers a thing or two! 

[FLD]

Welcome along.  There's the odd peak district meet through the summer so keep your eyes on the meets section.  there's also quite a few of us round this area so just shout up if you need owt.

[CHILL Gone DUTCH]

There are 3 of us in Northwich area which I no off We regularly go to track days around the country so don't just get hung up on going to oulton And let us no when you book on if I'm not working I will be at oulton I can also swap modifying tips I started with a pretty basic 147 bhp vx NA 2.5 years ago Also Christopher Neil's is quite close which despite being a lotus dealer are very helpful Take a look at the national meet in the summer at angelsey Here http://www.vx220.org...-3#entry1751439 Should be a good day

[Acidpopstar]

What fiveoclock said, particularly brake pads and high boiling point fluid. Plus fit an ABS bypass switch as it's a nightmare on track. 10 min job, instructions and pics on here somewhere. You're gonna have so much fun

[Sutol]

Sticky tyres, decent pads and a bit of tuition.

[Potatoes]

Sticky tyres, decent pads and a bit of tuition.

 

The advice above is probably going to save you most in terms of laptimes! Something I am definitely going to do when I do my first trackday

[CHILL Gone DUTCH]

Sticky tyres, decent pads and a bit of tuition.

  The advice above is probably going to save you most in terms of laptimes! Something I am definitely going to do when I do my first trackday

Adding 200 hp to the 147hp has the same affect 😜

[fiveoclock]

 

Sticky tyres, decent pads and a bit of tuition.

 

The advice above is probably going to save you most in terms of laptimes! Something I am definitely going to do when I do my first trackday

 

However it wont save your brake fluid boiling, your toe links snapping and your bad handling because the geo is to cock so get the car up to spec for track use and then think about tuition

[Potatoes]

 

 

...Both points above are also very true!

[Sutol]

 

Sticky tyres, decent pads and a bit of tuition.

  The advice above is probably going to save you most in terms of laptimes! Something I am definitely going to do when I do my first trackday  

However it wont save your brake fluid boiling, your toe links snapping and your bad handling because the geo is to cock so get the car up to spec for track use and then think about tuition

do those mechanicals even if you're not taking it on track.

[Oldboystoy]

Thanks to you all for your welcome and helpful advice.I look forward to meeting up in the spring when the car looks good and is ready to go.Very impressed with the forum activity level I must say. A lot of real enthusiasts out there obviously. I ordered the Workshop Manual CD today and can't wait to find out what the toe links are. Engines and brakes i have played with but not steering / suspension bits. A space heater for the garage might be the next requirement. I collect the car on Weds and have a 70 mile drive home so thermals and earmuffs might be advisable from what I have read elswhere. Can't wait. Be prepared for me pestering you further as the weeks go by. Thanks again. Just a thought - Do OAP's get to go out on track 10 seconds ahead of the youngsters and get cheaper entry fees ? 

[hairy]

This link worth book-marking:

 

http://www.speedster.../epc/index.html