14 replies to this topic

[sixpistons]

Hi guys,

 

I've been lurking on here for a couple of months so though I should say hello. I recently picked up a nice NA which I absolutely love. It's not as fast as my daily (BMW 130i) but in terms of fun it beats it hands down  - it just feels so much more alive. The only slight disappointment is the engine is out of puff by 5500 rpm so if there's anything that can be done to add a bit of top end sparkle without spending a fortune or ruining the drivability I might look to do that.  IMG_3343.JPG   139.5KB   16 downloads

 

The car is pretty much standard but had a new set of OEM dampers not long before I bought it so drives spot on. I've done a few minor bits since I bought it, some of which were much harder than they should have been. I replaced the tow post as it was almost rusted through and the old eye had snapped off in it. Horrible job - whoever decided mild steel bonded nuts in fibreglass were a good idea should be sacked.I also replaced the engine mounts as the RH mount let go 2 weeks into ownership. Left one was easy enough go change but the drivers side is obscured by the subframe and defeated me so had to get the garage to sort it.  Next, I fitted some Spitfire toe links before I took it on track as I didn't fancy unwanted rear wheel steering. Finally I modded the airbox for a bit more noise.   IMG_3366.JPG   139.02KB   15 downloads

 

By the time I'd done with that lot it had been off the road for 2 weeks and I was pretty fed up with it but I took it to Bedford that Friday where it redeemed itself.  Although it's not really got the grunt for a circuit like that, in the corners it was a joy. Next track outing is Blyton on 16th September - can't wait!

 

Only other plans for now are maybe some 16/17 wheels and an ABS kill switch, but otherwise just drive it!

 

Mark

 

 

Edited by sixpistons, 20 August 2018 - 10:47 PM.

[Nobbymogs]

Hello and welcome I'm a newbie myself and learning as quick as possible but your right it's a different feeling when driving

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[Pidgeon]

Welcome, sensible mods.  Form your own opinion before you fiddle with the ABS, they can work well.

[martinroger]

Larger 2.4 inlet is a good mod for punchier NAs, but you'ld also need the 100A amp which Batman or Chris Redman can hook you up with !

[Rosssco]

Larger 2.4 inlet is a good mod for punchier NAs, but you'ld also need the 100A amp which Batman or Chris Redman can hook you up with !

 
You will also need a remap (and ideally the larger throttle body) to make any use of the larger manifold. Remove the downpipe pre-cat as a free (but annoying) mod if going down that route.

[sford]

The 100amp alternator and going Dutch for the remap will mean that come supercharging time (it'll happen, don't kid yourself it won't) you are ready to go. You can then sell the 2.4 and tb on. 

 

Welcome to the club! 

[sixpistons]

Thanks all for the input guys. I think it's a fair comment made about the ABS - I'll definitely leave it switched on driving on the road but at Bedford it did start to feel like it was intruding a bit. For the price of a switch and a bit of wire it seems reasonable to have the option though.

 

I've seen mixed reviews on the 2.4 manifold with some saying there's no gain at all and others saying it's well worth it, but not everyone remapped after. Are there actual proven gains if you remap with a 2.4 manifold on an otherwise standard car? Also what sort of gains can be had by removing the pre-cat? I'm not expecting miracles but if there's something cost effective that can be done to liven it up I'd be keen to explore it. If it's going to be mega bucks I'll save the cash and maybe supercharge it later.

[smiley]

Save the cash for the supercharge.
The 2.4 will let you loose a bit of torque lower end, and move it higher end.

I got 170 out of my speedster with it.

[sford]

Removing the precat will get rid of a potential hot spot in the exhaust that will be a contributing factor to the manifold cracking. You won't see any noticeable gains from it really. 

[casino]

Take it to Thorney Motorsport !

[james_ly]

Thanks all for the input guys. I think it's a fair comment made about the ABS - I'll definitely leave it switched on driving on the road but at Bedford it did start to feel like it was intruding a bit. For the price of a switch and a bit of wire it seems reasonable to have the option though.

Quick way to test it out is just to unplug a wheel sensor (not rear left as you lose teh speedo). I'd certainly not go on track with the ABS on in my car

[Rosssco]

Its a bit of an investment, and depending how much you want / can do yourself, but perhaps to break it up a bit:

 

£1k-ish - Get OBD-Tuner, 2.4 manifold, remove pre-cat - might get 5-10bhp but set's you up well for SC. At least then you can also play with throttle mapping so it 'feels' more lively..!

 

£1.5-2k-ish - Decent DIY Stage 2 SC with used primary components. Sell the 2.4 manifold.

[smiley]

[sixpistons]

I think that sounds like a sensible suggestion. I might do the ObdTuner upgrade over the winter. I think for the time being I think I’ll spend the money on a few track days. Going to Blyton in 2 weeks - can’t wait!

[Ali87]

Shouldn't be running out of puff by then, mine is standard and it's going good up over 6.5k . Unless a previous owner has pokled about with it