39 replies to this topic

[Purebob]

I really fancy the power characteristics of the Supercharger, and I'd hope the extra 20 kgs doesn't mess with the handling poise as much as the 95kgs of the turbo lump in the VXT, but five and a half grand is one half to one third the value of most na VXs now. throw in some breathing and braking work and you've spent seven grand on 60 bhp. mmm.. not sure. Especially as I am the only person in the world who doesn't crave more power in the NA !

[WoodenDummy]

I think you're right, I think for 5k its more about posing because if you wanted performance... well... You're getting close if not over a 2nd hand Turbo. **EDIT** Not that I'm saying you're a poser if you want one as such, just that 5.5k for 60bhp is a lot when you can buy a factory turbo.

Edited by WoodenDummy, 08 April 2004 - 08:03 AM.

[Purebob]

WD, I don't fully agree. Sure a clean used turbo is cheaper but not everyone likes what the weight and power characteristics does to the VX. The supercharger is lighter and provides power in a much more linear manner. Thats what would appeal to me. Big problem is that a VXT will always have a used buyer, but a supercharged VX ? Can't see it selling for teh same price as a normal NA to be honest

[clipping_point]

My calculations VX220 + supercharger mod 215 bhp/£5000 trade VX220 -> used VXT 200 bhp/£7500 trade VX220 -> used VXT+chip 250 bhp/£8000 So it is a marginally cheaper route to supercharge it and you get a better, lighter car. But it is easy peasy to buy a turbo and remap it. Tempting!

[garyk220]

I really fancy the power characteristics of the Supercharger, and I'd hope the extra 20 kgs doesn't mess with the handling poise as much as the 95kgs of the turbo lump in the VXT, but five and a half grand is one half to one third the value of most na VXs now.

You really need to practice your arithmetic Bob.

VX 875kg
VXT 925kg

difference 50kg, not 95kg

PS Mine is 900kg, so much the same as a supersharged NA

[clipping_point]

But it is no big deal to raise the DM to 250 bhp/300 nm
look here:

http://www.vx220.org...t=0

[paulb]

Turbo is 930kg according to Vauxhall. I have to say that I'd be tempted if I hadn't already started down the head/cams/breathing route. I'd love to drive it though as I think my engine suits the car so well and I'm not sure a supercharger would. The flat torque delivery seems to suit exec cruisers more than back road blasters

[clipping_point]

I have to say that I'd be tempted if I hadn't already started down the head/cams/breathing route.

I thought a advantage of the supercharger route was that you benefit from the mods you already have: gas flow/cams/x-haust.

[paulb]

Only with the right fuelling and I don't know if Courtenay have the capability to change the map from stock. Also, £5500 on top of what I have already spent is silly money.

[Bengie]

Their web site seems to indicate that they can play with fueling. IIRC they add 2 more injectors, and have a seperate ECU for them... It's all a bit vague really.

[clipping_point]

Yeah, then I guess u want a fully programmable fuel injection. Will save that mod on the Courtenay bill, tho! A guy at our sports car club has one, and his running a 1992 Sylva with a Vaux motor and no cat. This gives him the possibility to run the engine with a rich mixture, no lambda-sensor u know!

[paulb]

Yeah, but I'm scared to ask in case they say yes!

[Jase_MK]

Especially as I am the only person in the world who doesn't crave more power in the NA !

You're not alone Bob. I wouldn't say no to a little more pokiness and 'revability' - and the noise from some mods (exhaust/induction) do make me enjoy the experience a little more - but generally speaking I don't crave more power. I feel my car's got enough to push my limits through the bends, and there's enough there to push slighty beyond that from time to time when I'm feeling playful and the conditions allow for a bit tyre squealing/loss of traction.

I would go on about the sublime feeling of using the chasis and tyres to turn forward momentum into cornering perfection - but you do such a better job than me!

£5k does seem a little steep. I wonder how many people upgrade to the Turbo because they really need more power and how many upgrade to have the latest/coolest version? I know I've considered upgrading in the past (only briefly, mind) and if I'm honest with myself it's the boy in me wanting the 'upgraded' model, rather than the driver in me feeling my NA isn't able enough. I guess you have to take that into consideration when comparing the cost of VXT versus supercharger.

[Ricky2772]

if I'm honest with myself it's the boy in me wanting the 'upgraded' model, rather than the driver in me feeling my NA isn't able enough.

that is exactly my mind....problem is, the boy in me always overrides the "rational man" mode.....
I am well aware that all this power will only get me into trouble, (along with some brief pinnacles of blissfulness ) , but I rekon its the whole process that entice me, the search, sourcing, installation, with all the comedies/dramas that are bundled with it....

[Gedi]

Yeah, then I guess u want a fully programmable fuel injection. Will save that mod on the Courtenay bill, tho! A guy at our sports car club has one, and his running a 1992 Sylva with a Vaux motor and no cat. This gives him the possibility to run the engine with a rich mixture, no lambda-sensor u know!

I used to run a Link ECU. The best ECU's money can buy IMO.

In the region of £800 its not much more expensive than a remap, and you end up with a much better ECU to control it with

[BradW]

Supercharger: I absolutely do not need it, its too much money and I'll never use 60% of the benefits it would give me...and yet I still find it a tempting proposition. Why?... 1) Exclusivity...especially if it came with VXS badges!!! 2) More Poke (Don't need it, but you always crave it) 3) Something to gloat about and show off at meets. 4) The adventure of ordering, getting it done, tweaking and general rollercoaster ride that it is likely to be (As Ricky said). 5) It just seems so I'd take it over a VXT with Exhaust, Induction and remap!...thats so last year! ...and oh so common! Back in reality: I might push the boat out and get a new exhaust for my Virgin VX!

[clipping_point]

I used to run a Link ECU. The best ECU's money can buy IMO.

In the region of £800 its not much more expensive than a remap, and you end up with a much better ECU to control it with

U had it on your WRX?

[barrybethel]

Gary Sorry to pester you with questions tonight but I am curious as to where you lost 25kg. It wasn't just the seats was it?

[garyk220]

Gary
Sorry to pester you with questions tonight but I am curious as to where you lost 25kg. It wasn't just the seats was it?

No problem Dean The seats make up the majority of the loss. Driver seat is bolted to the chassis. Seat is less than half the weight and no subframe/adjuster rails...

Milltek -6kg
seatbelts & pretensioner system replaced by harnesses/bar -1kg
340R pax seat and Corbeau driver seat -12kg
removed stereo, speakers, rear panel & soundproofing -6kg


Future mods including VXR Speedlines and alloy belled discs should lose another 15 to 20kgs. After that, serious weight loss will start to get expensive!

[barrybethel]

Gary Getting a non airbag wheel could save a lot of weight and as you run a harness you dont need it. Not too expensive I wouldn't have thought. You could also do what Ducati996Senna is planning and junk the servo if you are heavily modding the brakes.