VX220 Turbo or not for trackday car ?

[Rafferj]

Hey guys,

Am looking for some advice from the guys in the know, either those who've owned Vx220's or have experience working on them or trading them....

I'm looking for a trackday car and was strongly considering an Elise, then it occured to me that I should also consider a VX220.....

I'm looking to spend roughly £10k, but would stretch that a bit if necessary - I was also budgeting £2k - £3k for replacing a few bits and bobs, upgrading brakes and tyres, maybe changing suspension etc so would be willing to pay a bit more at the front end for an example that I didn't need to do much to....

Whats the main differences between the VX220 and the VX220 turbo ? Which would be better on the track, and is the turbo worth the extra money or may I run into problems with the turbo eventually ?

Any thoughts / comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Joe-turbo]

to be honest, at that price range and considering you are purchasing primarily as a track car i would say buy the 2.2, fit new brake pads and suspension and you will prob be able to get quicker laps times then vx turbos (on standard suspension)

there are not really any main issues to run into with either the 2.2 or the turbo.

differences are the turbo is quicker in a straight line (4.7 to 60mph compared to 5.7 in the 2.2). The 2.2 has slightly harder suspension so handles a bit better.

(the turbo does have a few extras like optional central locking ect)

you will be able to get a newer vx then elise for your budget, plus the insurance is less expensive, so are the services

Edited by Joe-turbo on Wednesday 5th March 02:09

Edited by Joe-turbo on Wednesday 5th March 02:11

[raysingh]

Ah - a timely thread!

I'm also thinking of a VX220 - but primarily for weekend use & occasional track days. I've heard a 2.2 is better than a turbo (on track) which doesn't quite make sense - is this only becasue of softer suspension? Or is this down to it perhaps being off-boost?

Otherwise it's a toyota-powered Elise...

[pincher]

Rough rule of thumb is that the NA is better in the twisties and the tubby is quicker in a straight line. Mostly because the tubby is about 100kg's heavier on account of it being a cast-iron block compared to the NA's alloy, which affects the suspension. I'm sure Joe-Turbo will correct me if that's not quite right.

[Denno B]

Turbo is 55kg heavier and doesnt handle aswell as an n/a,the suspension is softer and more benefitial to road use.Ive owned both cars,in a straight line the turbo is much quicker.A standard turbo wouldnt be much quicker if at all on a track than an n/a because of the handling.Would probably need nitron suspension fitted to it to really take advantage of the power difference.

Edited by Denno B on Wednesday 5th March 20:09

[pincher]

I wasn't that far out on the weight difference!

[Denno B]

Agreed Antgtv,vx n/a would be no match for a turbo on the road,you might have a point about the vxt not coping well with the heat generated from hard driving on a track which would add to the n/a's handling advantage,hence making it much closer considering the power difference.Pincher yeh you werent that far out with the weight difference!

[simonigrale]

I've owned a turbo since Sept 07 and have upgraded the brakes to Mintex 1144s all round which makes a massive difference. Depending on how many track days your gonna do i wouldn't touch the suspension. Drop the front tyre pressures by 3 or 4 psi and this helps the understeer through 2nd gear corners.

I'm sure suspension mods and wider front wheels would make it handle better but all this comes at a cost.

By the time you are done you're into the 20k range and wouldn't get that money back - If anything you would put people off when you come to sell.

They do take alot of abuse and don't cost the earth to run.

The turbo engine is almost lag free and you don't have to work it hard to be make quick progress.

For the difference in cost between the N/A and Turbo its no comparison !!!

Buy mine for 16k !!!!!!!!

[theturbs]

pincher said:

Rough rule of thumb is that the NA is better in the twisties and the tubby is quicker in a straight line. Mostly because the tubby is about 100kg's heavier on account of it being a cast-iron block compared to the NA's alloy, which affects the suspension. I'm sure Joe-Turbo will correct me if that's not quite right.

A Turbo on standard suspension with a decent geo setup and uprated brakes is a great car for both road and track.

Given the OP's budget and intention to do trackdays, I would advise going for an N/A model in very nice condition, rather than stretching to the Turbo.