VXR needs more power?

[FUBAR]

One of my brothers has recently purchased an Astra VXR, and now wants a bit more poke. What/who options does he have out there? (I've driven it once...scared the bejaysus outta me. Personally, as a daily driver, I think it has enough, but boys will be boys)

I know there is the Remus exhaust, but he's looking more down the chipping route. Nothing outrageous but he's fed up with not being able to stay with my TVR (I did point out he would need a lot more horses for that )

[Joe-turbo]

2 off the main tuning companies are

www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk

http://www.courtenaysport.co.uk/

I have used both for my vx220 turbo, and have been pleased by there service

[FUBAR]

Excellent Joe, many thanks.

The TMS stage 4 looks

[Pulse]

FUBAR, the two above are the ones I'd recommend, but depending on where you are in the country, you might also want to speak to DAP, Regal and VXRPC.

[FUBAR]

South East (Gatwick area). I didnt actually think about checking out their locations, but as it will be my bro going, I wasnt too bothered





(maybe I should send him to somewhere in Scotland? )

[touching cloth]

Fubes, why not speak to the unwashed one...yunno, him with that there rolling road. He'll point you in the right direction.

[FUBAR]

Steptoe of Surrey?

[FUBAR]

James, bit busy at the moment, but may well get in touch and come over to compare VXRs

I love spending other people's money

[FUBAR]

Thanks for that James. Im not sure my brother is willing or ready for 450 horses

[Pulse]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I would personally only go to a max of stage 2, although even then, the gains from stage 2 aren't exactly massive. After stage 2, it just gets a bit ridiculous, imo.

You increase (roughly, over standard - BHP/LBFT):

Stage 1: 30/55
Stage 2: 45/55
Stage 3: 60/80

The gains from S1 (c.£500) are great, the gains from S2 are not all that (c.£1500), and although the gains from S3 are good, they are very expensive. When you get even higher up, it seems even less worth it.

On top of that, consider that after all, it is still a FWD hatch. Not quite the same as the guy on .org that had a S5 done (Which could've cost c.£9k, but cost c.£20k)

Edited by Pulse on Friday 20th June 14:20

[Joe-turbo]

maybe its me being a little sceptical but i find it a little odd that Regal are able to get that much more power out of a just a remap compared to the other tuning companys.

Here are the figures qouted for a vx220 turbo (standard 200bhp/200lbft?)

Regal..
"Phase 1 – Increases power to 234bhp and 274ftlb torque." (remap, iridium plugs & panel filter)

Courtenay
"Stage 1 - Increases up to 225 bhp" (custom remap)

Thorney Motorsport
"Stage 1 - Approx +20 bhp, +40 bhp midrange (Remap)

(bare in mind, even my tms stage 2 (remap, full miltec) plus iridium plugs and ZLEH turbo only produces 250bhp/250lbft. dont know how 274lbft is possible from just a remap.

[satchbot]

I think a certain button your car has James is what is needed!

[FUBAR]

James, Im sure you know already, but in the Cerbera fraternity, Charlie's rollers are considered as the benchmark against which all others are compared. Id believe his figures over just about any other rollers out there

[Pulse]

Diz, have you done a like-for-like comparison of yours and another Stage 2? As in, driven one perhaps.

I understand your concern about the lack of 'pops/bangs' all of a sudden from the exhaust.

[Pulse]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Hmmm, if I had my VXR now, I'd let you drive it, then get back in yours to see the difference. Didn't you test drive a Burg recently? That must've felt slower than yours? (I would think/hope)

[Pulse]

Sounds about right to me then, to be honest. All yours has over the Burg is a remap, so it would only feel 'slightly' better I would imagine. At least the 'feel' is right (although figures are lacking).

Now, just to sort that popping (or lack thereof)...

How did the ECU reset go?

[Pulse]

Ah, you're happy with your figures now then? Well, that's a start at least.

[neiljohnson]

Maybe a Pistonheads rolling rd day whould be a better option? i have a Focus Rs (dreamscience remap, k&n decat) and want to put it on the rollers to see, i also have a few mates with differant cars that would be willing to give it a go.
It might not give you the direct comparison you wanted but i can tell you that when i 'compared my car' to a VXR with allegedly proven 300bhp by a particular tuner he couldnt keep up with me. Id be happy with a genuine 250bhp in my car.

[Pulse]

That's what I'd say. Don't bother. Just try to be happy with it. If you can't, resolve the issue, or sell it.

[Joe-turbo]

havent had mine on the rollers for a little while now so would be happy to attend a RR. My vxt is currently at vauxhall having some warrenty work done so not sure when I will get it back but will keep you informed.

Have to say though, the last rr day i went to was a bit naff as the only cooling availiable was 1 little desk fan sitting at the front of the car :-(

Obviously as mine is MRD I need as much cooling as poss, preferably large fan at the front and also one at the right/left side pod (can never remember which side)

where abouts are you looking to have a rr session? an do you have a website? im in essex btw

I also know a few locals with decent cars that may be interested (S2000, VXT, Lotus)

Edited by Joe-turbo on Friday 4th July 03:23