64 replies to this topic

[Dealmaster]

I have my current Mandarin VX220 N/A up for sale as I fancy a Turbo version or dare I say it an Exige. I dont fancy the SC conversion due to the car's miles (80k) Im thinking about a possible Turbo conversion or even something a little frutier - maybe Honda or Audi? Who fancies a challenge and what are your thoughts. I would be happy to hand the car over to a worthy mechnical individual for a special conversion. I love my VX so much and the rare colour, I just want more ooomphhh

[The Batman]

No point IMO Just sc it even with the current mileage, change the timing chain and it's good for another x amount of years! Me and Lee supply and fit stage 2 with all the extras for 3.2k

[spuk87]

Have you got a maximum budget in mind? Could be worth contacting Liam at MMG Performance (based in Midlands, pretty far from Edinburgh but not sure what you have available up there). Last time I was at MMG he was telling me about an upcoming Audi-Exige project he's doing, could possibly do something similar for you

[Dealmaster]

But I'm quite sure the strain on the engine having an SC conversion is aking for bother? Would I not need to change cams etc to take the massive increase in power? I'm happy to break the mould here. I know SC is getting more and more popular but I'm not entirely convinced whacking on a SC onto an old 2.2 is all that sound an idea. Granted with internal mods, possibly yes.

[SimonVxt]

Yeah he was telling me about that... Sounds like its gonna be an animal!

[theolodian]

It depends on your goals and budget. 250hp or so stay with the 2.2. If you want 350hp or more put an Audi engine in. If you want a high-revving NA then again 2.2 up to 200hp maybe, Honda above that. No point swapping VX turbo into an NA.

[Dealmaster]

I was on Courtenay's website and saw the turbo conversion cost at £6k! yikes Im thinking a third of that maybe 50% Hence the reason I'm asking whos up for a challenge?

[G-Bob]

I was on Courtenay's website and saw the turbo conversion cost at £6k! yikes
Im thinking a third of that maybe 50%

Hence the reason I'm asking whos up for a challenge?

Nick, you could get someone to drop a K-series rover engine into it if you want an Exige.

How about going for a red-top engine in it if you want something a bit different?

[Dealmaster]

Hey Bob, Looking at the Toyota Exige not the ropey Rover unit. I keep looking at the orange wonder and it's a hard act to follow. Need more power though and there is obviously a cut off point where it's easier and more cost effective to buy something else. Just looking into a Plan B An Audi or Honda conversion would be seriously interesting. Really not keen on SC'ing and old engine

[noplex]

Exige Toyota unit - all HP and no torque would be slayed by VXT stage 2 even if tuned to 300hp Has to be turbo or Audi Go for an Audi 2.0 tfsi. If I had the money thats my choice, highly tuneable - but I would have to have DSG too.

[G-Bob]

If you want to go for an audi engine then there's these:
Audi 2.6 V6

or this
Audi TFSI turbo engine

[jules_s]

I seem to recall it cost £100k in development costs to get the Honda lump to work in an Elise. Ok, the Honda/Audi conversion technology is out there for Elises, but i'm not sure that translates directly to the vx. This may be more than a 'challenge' methinks, and the market will be very limited vs the Elise ownership base.

[vocky]

converting to a stage 2 sc is still going to be the cheapest way to get more power, the engine should still be ok at 80k, it will need a pair of chains, possibly a water pump and a set of steel rods. Also worth cleaning the piston rings whilst you are fitting the rods.

[Ormes]

Heard Saab engines 'similar' though how similar I don't know, and how desirable a Saab engine would be I don't know either

[vocky]

I have a saab engine in mine

[TheRealVXed]

so you reckon a well looked after 73k n/a engine wont handle the s/c without rods doing? I cant imagine there to be an issue really as if they are in good condition it should be fine?

[vocky]

rods are worth doing on any tuned z22se engine but not essential if you are happy with only 250bhp

[Dealmaster]

rods are worth doing on any tuned z22se engine

but not essential if you are happy with only 250bhp

Are doing conversions Vocky or is Joe the man to talk to

[vocky]

Joe and Lee do such a good deal on the sc conversion it's best to talk with them, I build the high bhp engines

[The Batman]

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