VX220 and VX220T advice..?
Discussion
Hi folks,
Tested a Turbo some years ago and really liked it. My wife has a significant birthday coming up next year and is pretty interested in one; she does drive a supercharged MX5 so will be able to handle it.
I've found (from this site) the VX220.org.uk site and a N/A buyers guide. But there is a mention of a similar guide for the Turbo model. Anyone know where I can find it?
If anyone can give any other advice on buying/owning other than what is in the guide or the Eyes Wide Open thread I'd be grateful.
Oh, and if anyone has any links to threads about tuning options they can post to save me hours of trawling I'd also be grateful.
Last point; we're keen on the Turbo as that's what I drove and she likes the bigger power numbers, but is it worth testing both the N/A in standard form and Turbo? I.e. is it more than just different power outputs?
Her birthday is next May (just had her non-significant birthday) but as she'll (quite rightly) do the female thing of making sure that the cosmetics of the spec are perfect (she likes the metallic green) we'll need to start searching much sooner than that so I'm keen to get her behind the wheel ASAP. I'm thinking of Adrian Blythe down in Surrey as a start. I live just outside Bournemouth so if anyone has a better suggestion please throw it my way.
Hope she wants one; I like the idea of one on the drive along with the Tamora.....
Tested a Turbo some years ago and really liked it. My wife has a significant birthday coming up next year and is pretty interested in one; she does drive a supercharged MX5 so will be able to handle it.
I've found (from this site) the VX220.org.uk site and a N/A buyers guide. But there is a mention of a similar guide for the Turbo model. Anyone know where I can find it?
If anyone can give any other advice on buying/owning other than what is in the guide or the Eyes Wide Open thread I'd be grateful.
Oh, and if anyone has any links to threads about tuning options they can post to save me hours of trawling I'd also be grateful.
Last point; we're keen on the Turbo as that's what I drove and she likes the bigger power numbers, but is it worth testing both the N/A in standard form and Turbo? I.e. is it more than just different power outputs?
Her birthday is next May (just had her non-significant birthday) but as she'll (quite rightly) do the female thing of making sure that the cosmetics of the spec are perfect (she likes the metallic green) we'll need to start searching much sooner than that so I'm keen to get her behind the wheel ASAP. I'm thinking of Adrian Blythe down in Surrey as a start. I live just outside Bournemouth so if anyone has a better suggestion please throw it my way.
Hope she wants one; I like the idea of one on the drive along with the Tamora.....
Your best source of advice is looking back on vx220.org and doing a search and you'll find lots of advice on there.
I personally test drove the NA first, and found that I wanted more power - we have also got a TVR (Chimaera 5L) and one of my criteria was to keep up with the TVR's when I go out on a hoon!!
Quite a few people have bought from Adrian Blythe, so it's worth keeping an eye out at what they have, but definately worth looking to see if any vx220 forum members have your ideal car for sale.
Happy hunting
I personally test drove the NA first, and found that I wanted more power - we have also got a TVR (Chimaera 5L) and one of my criteria was to keep up with the TVR's when I go out on a hoon!!
Quite a few people have bought from Adrian Blythe, so it's worth keeping an eye out at what they have, but definately worth looking to see if any vx220 forum members have your ideal car for sale.
Happy hunting
a well sorted members car on .org would be hard to beat as it will be well known, but blyth seem to find good ones as well.
just make sure all the relevant recalls and service stamps are there - same as any car really a thick wallet of specialist bills is always a good sign (ie plansmotorsport, courtenays, tms etc)
if you want to know about tuning options try these for starters:
http://www.plansmotorsport.com/
http://www.courtenaysport.co.uk/
.org is probably the best source of info if you want to search for more known issues or see a car and want to know history, there are a lot of cars known on there
just make sure all the relevant recalls and service stamps are there - same as any car really a thick wallet of specialist bills is always a good sign (ie plansmotorsport, courtenays, tms etc)
if you want to know about tuning options try these for starters:
http://www.plansmotorsport.com/
http://www.courtenaysport.co.uk/
.org is probably the best source of info if you want to search for more known issues or see a car and want to know history, there are a lot of cars known on there
I own a VX turbo and have had it for 2 years, Fantastic car. If you want any advice or have any questions just ask me. Things to watch out for in VX's in general are;
Radiator failures
Engine Mount Fails
DIS pack faults
VXT specific ones are quite small;
MAF Sensor issues.
Don't worry about high mileage, the engines are from heavy rep cars and get an easy life in the VX. Stonechips are the norm as the paint is thin and the front is very blunt. The car is made of Aluminium and Fibreglass so no rusting.
Try and get one with central locking as it is a big bonus. Modded cars can be had at a decent price.
Be aware that a Supercharged MX5 and a VXT are completely different cars to drive. The VX has baggs of low down torque and because of the heavy engine will swing out very quickly. I know MX5's are tail happy but easy to catch. VX's hold on for much longer but break out very quickly.
Radiator failures
Engine Mount Fails
DIS pack faults
VXT specific ones are quite small;
MAF Sensor issues.
Don't worry about high mileage, the engines are from heavy rep cars and get an easy life in the VX. Stonechips are the norm as the paint is thin and the front is very blunt. The car is made of Aluminium and Fibreglass so no rusting.
Try and get one with central locking as it is a big bonus. Modded cars can be had at a decent price.
Be aware that a Supercharged MX5 and a VXT are completely different cars to drive. The VX has baggs of low down torque and because of the heavy engine will swing out very quickly. I know MX5's are tail happy but easy to catch. VX's hold on for much longer but break out very quickly.
Edited by steveavxt on Wednesday 7th May 20:13
Edited by steveavxt on Wednesday 7th May 20:16
Sounds like she could do with a Courtenay Supercharged VX!
Get a good NA for 11k and Take it up to Courtenays to get it Supercharged for about 5k thats the same money as a good standard turbo, but 250bhp in a 55kg lighter package!
Gotta admit I love my Turbo but was pushing this option to a mate who wants to get a VX220
and the howl of the supercharger...
Get a good NA for 11k and Take it up to Courtenays to get it Supercharged for about 5k thats the same money as a good standard turbo, but 250bhp in a 55kg lighter package!
Gotta admit I love my Turbo but was pushing this option to a mate who wants to get a VX220
and the howl of the supercharger...
MrSimba said:
Sounds like she could do with a Courtenay Supercharged VX!
Get a good NA for 11k and Take it up to Courtenays to get it Supercharged for about 5k thats the same money as a good standard turbo, but 250bhp in a 55kg lighter package!
Gotta admit I love my Turbo but was pushing this option to a mate who wants to get a VX220
and the howl of the supercharger...
Interesting.... Threads about this on VX220.org I guess?Get a good NA for 11k and Take it up to Courtenays to get it Supercharged for about 5k thats the same money as a good standard turbo, but 250bhp in a 55kg lighter package!
Gotta admit I love my Turbo but was pushing this option to a mate who wants to get a VX220
and the howl of the supercharger...
steveavxt said:
I own a VX turbo and have had it for 2 years, Fantastic car. If you want any advice or have any questions just ask me. Things to watch out for in VX's in general are;
Radiator failures
Engine Mount Fails
DIS pack faults
VXT specific ones are quite small;
MAF Sensor issues.
Don't worry about high mileage, the engines are from heavy rep cars and get an easy life in the VX. Stonechips are the norm as the paint is thin and the front is very blunt. The car is made of Aluminium and Fibreglass so no rusting.
Try and get one with central locking as it is a big bonus. Modded cars can be had at a decent price.
Be aware that a Supercharged MX5 and a VXT are completely different cars to drive. The VX has baggs of low down torque and because of the heavy engine will swing out very quickly. I know MX5's are tail happy but easy to catch. VX's hold on for much longer but break out very quickly.
Cheers Steve. I may well take you up on that offerRadiator failures
Engine Mount Fails
DIS pack faults
VXT specific ones are quite small;
MAF Sensor issues.
Don't worry about high mileage, the engines are from heavy rep cars and get an easy life in the VX. Stonechips are the norm as the paint is thin and the front is very blunt. The car is made of Aluminium and Fibreglass so no rusting.
Try and get one with central locking as it is a big bonus. Modded cars can be had at a decent price.
Be aware that a Supercharged MX5 and a VXT are completely different cars to drive. The VX has baggs of low down torque and because of the heavy engine will swing out very quickly. I know MX5's are tail happy but easy to catch. VX's hold on for much longer but break out very quickly.
Edited by steveavxt on Wednesday 7th May 20:13
Edited by steveavxt on Wednesday 7th May 20:16
T40ORA said:
MrSimba said:
Sounds like she could do with a Courtenay Supercharged VX!
Get a good NA for 11k and Take it up to Courtenays to get it Supercharged for about 5k thats the same money as a good standard turbo, but 250bhp in a 55kg lighter package!
Gotta admit I love my Turbo but was pushing this option to a mate who wants to get a VX220
and the howl of the supercharger...
Interesting.... Threads about this on VX220.org I guess?Get a good NA for 11k and Take it up to Courtenays to get it Supercharged for about 5k thats the same money as a good standard turbo, but 250bhp in a 55kg lighter package!
Gotta admit I love my Turbo but was pushing this option to a mate who wants to get a VX220
and the howl of the supercharger...
Compared to a VX the MX5 will feel like a luxury car. Heaters don't work, carpeting it a cost option as is a stereo, sun visors and a glove box do not exist. The cars suffer from excessive road noise, at 70 you will need to shout to be heard by your passenger. On the plus side they provide one of the most rewarding drives of any car, precise steering with feedback that lets you know exactly whats going on at all times.
I'll probably get flamed for this, but here goes anyway:
Is it at all possible (or known of) to retro-fit air-con in a VX?
could you get hold of the elise air-con from the 111s and fit it to a VX for example?
I would really like a VX, but aircon is a MUST for my next car, which has narrowed my choices down (for this sort of car) to a S2 111s (R's are too expensive)..
as an example, before the mk3 came out you could get a retro-fit aircon kit for mk2 mx5's from dealers, for ~£1000.
Is it at all possible (or known of) to retro-fit air-con in a VX?
could you get hold of the elise air-con from the 111s and fit it to a VX for example?
I would really like a VX, but aircon is a MUST for my next car, which has narrowed my choices down (for this sort of car) to a S2 111s (R's are too expensive)..
as an example, before the mk3 came out you could get a retro-fit aircon kit for mk2 mx5's from dealers, for ~£1000.
Pierscoe1 said:
I'll probably get flamed for this, but here goes anyway:
Is it at all possible (or known of) to retro-fit air-con in a VX?
could you get hold of the elise air-con from the 111s and fit it to a VX for example?
I would really like a VX, but aircon is a MUST for my next car, which has narrowed my choices down (for this sort of car) to a S2 111s (R's are too expensive)..
as an example, before the mk3 came out you could get a retro-fit aircon kit for mk2 mx5's from dealers, for ~£1000.
There's been a couple of threads on this on vx220.org and the long version is that is has been done but it isn't easy and is not cheap. The short version is that it's not possible!Is it at all possible (or known of) to retro-fit air-con in a VX?
could you get hold of the elise air-con from the 111s and fit it to a VX for example?
I would really like a VX, but aircon is a MUST for my next car, which has narrowed my choices down (for this sort of car) to a S2 111s (R's are too expensive)..
as an example, before the mk3 came out you could get a retro-fit aircon kit for mk2 mx5's from dealers, for ~£1000.
as said, it has been done but i wouldn't expect it to be very good. the blower is pretty weak, and on a hot day with the roof on the engine / radiator kick out a lot of heat which radiates into the cabin if you're not moving along at a decent speed.
if you have money to burn you could do it, but to be honest you'd be better off buying an elise with a/c - it'd be cheaper and the a/c would be designed to work properly rather than a butchered job
if you have money to burn you could do it, but to be honest you'd be better off buying an elise with a/c - it'd be cheaper and the a/c would be designed to work properly rather than a butchered job
The aircon unit in the elise is five times the size of the 'heater' in the vx and thus it takes up the entire front bay. This means the battery needs to be relocated and the wiring looms need to be modified to accomodate this. IIRC the elise battery (with A/C) is in the boot. It is deffo possible as the chassis in the S2 and VX are identical and the Z20let even has an idler wheel where the A/C compressor on the Astra goes. If I could get hold of an elise AC unit i'd probably give it a go but they tend to be quite hard to source.
I have a very high spec car for sale in the classified section here at the moment. No air con but a very good traction control unit fitted, both me and the last owner cared for the car and we have both spent a fortune on it. On the plus side its a late 2006 with a genuine low mileage of 21K it is immaculate and with 260 BHP no slouch.
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