VX220 SC - just converted by Courtenays
Discussion
For anyone considering it, I'm impressed. A professional conversion, which has been through extreme durability-testing as OE fitment to the 2-litre versions of these engines by GM in US.
Dyno peak was 247bhp, but more importantly 200lbft+ torque at 2000rpm upwards, which gives 70-90 in a useful 2.4 secs in 3rd, and only drops a little to 3 secs in 4th.
Great fun on wet B-roads/roundabouts today, surprisingly controllable little drifts at front or rear, with instant response to throttle avoiding the lag you get on the Turbo models, and stronger mid-range than an ExigeS due to the larger 2.2 vs 1.8 engine capacity.
Supple but controlled ride on Nitrons, plus the go-kart responses you'd expect from a mid-engined car built by Lotus.
Just need to fit the new hardtop and I'm sorted for fun throughout the winter, as my TVR hibernates.
Not that cheap unfortunately; Stage 1, with a little less boost is £5k.
However as NA VX's are about 6-7k cheaper than Turbo's it's an attractive option if you had 13k available total.
Mine was stage 2 so intercooler at front of car & pipework to the engine in back, and to a 'chargecooler' matrix inside supercharger to directly coole the air (with no lag). £7k for that with new exhaust (edited to add - that includes a lot of unrelated upgrades)
However as NA VX's are about 6-7k cheaper than Turbo's it's an attractive option if you had 13k available total.
Mine was stage 2 so intercooler at front of car & pipework to the engine in back, and to a 'chargecooler' matrix inside supercharger to directly coole the air (with no lag). £7k for that with new exhaust (edited to add - that includes a lot of unrelated upgrades)
Edited by tail slide on Wednesday 9th December 19:54
Hi Savvy,
Yes I'm on VX220.org, that's where I learned about the 100+ that have gone the SC route, and the details of various guys' experiences.
You're right DIY would have saved all the labour cost if I'd had the time, and if I'd done it correctly without cock-ups, but still needs a day or so dyno mapping etc. and Courtenay have a proven base map. Also doesn't work to just buy an Eaton kit from US that fits the 2.0litre GM engine, needs quite a number of adaptations for the VX.
Stage 2 for that extra 50bhp costs a lot more whichever way you do it though, for chargecooler system, plumbing, intercooler etc and 'cos the front clam has to come off & radiator out - so I had an upgraded rad fitted in that price, and a free-flow larger exhaust system. I've also now got the peace of mind of a warranty on the parts and build even if used on an odd trackday.
Yes I'm on VX220.org, that's where I learned about the 100+ that have gone the SC route, and the details of various guys' experiences.
You're right DIY would have saved all the labour cost if I'd had the time, and if I'd done it correctly without cock-ups, but still needs a day or so dyno mapping etc. and Courtenay have a proven base map. Also doesn't work to just buy an Eaton kit from US that fits the 2.0litre GM engine, needs quite a number of adaptations for the VX.
Stage 2 for that extra 50bhp costs a lot more whichever way you do it though, for chargecooler system, plumbing, intercooler etc and 'cos the front clam has to come off & radiator out - so I had an upgraded rad fitted in that price, and a free-flow larger exhaust system. I've also now got the peace of mind of a warranty on the parts and build even if used on an odd trackday.
Jameshs said:
Nice conversion seems a little down on power though. did you go for a 2.5" exhaust? I DIY'd my SC conversion and was close to 270bhp on first pull. Fair play for getting CMS to fit it but 7K is a bit excessive
Thanks. My experience of dyno's over the years often with the same engine has been a variation of up to 10% depending on conditions, type of dyno,transmission heat & losses, etc. My friend runs a 1000bhp 4wd dyno next door to my business, we've seen this very often. Useful for setting up/mapping & comparisons on the day to some extent, but not much else!
You're right about cost though - I've checked my receipt and the S2 conversion was only £4608 + £400 of other parts inc. £250 for extra large chargecooler pre-rad that wasn't strictly necessary, just useful to add in case of further upgrades. Other items were all unrelated upgrades to brakes/cooling system/gearbox breather/bushes etc. that I'd asked for. For a car that's now quicker than an ExigeS, by my reckoning that's cracking value.
Edited by tail slide on Wednesday 9th December 19:52
I'm going to go for the stage 1 CMS conversion this summer I think. I like the fact the stage 1 add's so little weight and a good bit of extra power. The stage 2 appeals less with all that extra pipework, coolant, rads, large amount extra cash and not a massive amount more power over the stage 1 thats advertised as 210bhp/195lbs.
tail slide said:
Not that cheap unfortunately; Stage 1, with a little less boost is £5k.
However as NA VX's are about 6-7k cheaper than Turbo's it's an attractive option if you had 13k available total.
Mine was stage 2 so intercooler at front of car & pipework to the engine in back, and to a 'chargecooler' matrix inside supercharger to directly coole the air (with no lag). £7k for that with new exhaust (edited to add - that includes a lot of unrelated upgrades)
Sorry, is this chargecooled or intercooled?However as NA VX's are about 6-7k cheaper than Turbo's it's an attractive option if you had 13k available total.
Mine was stage 2 so intercooler at front of car & pipework to the engine in back, and to a 'chargecooler' matrix inside supercharger to directly coole the air (with no lag). £7k for that with new exhaust (edited to add - that includes a lot of unrelated upgrades)
Edited by tail slide on Wednesday 9th December 19:54
Slinky said:
tail slide said:
Not that cheap unfortunately; Stage 1, with a little less boost is £5k.
However as NA VX's are about 6-7k cheaper than Turbo's it's an attractive option if you had 13k available total.
Mine was stage 2 so intercooler at front of car & pipework to the engine in back, and to a 'chargecooler' matrix inside supercharger to directly coole the air (with no lag). £7k for that with new exhaust (edited to add - that includes a lot of unrelated upgrades)
Sorry, is this chargecooled or intercooled?However as NA VX's are about 6-7k cheaper than Turbo's it's an attractive option if you had 13k available total.
Mine was stage 2 so intercooler at front of car & pipework to the engine in back, and to a 'chargecooler' matrix inside supercharger to directly coole the air (with no lag). £7k for that with new exhaust (edited to add - that includes a lot of unrelated upgrades)
Edited by tail slide on Wednesday 9th December 19:54
tuscan_al said:
How are you finding the car? I am looking at going to a SC VX from my Tuscan?
It's good fun esp. on a b-road or roundabouts; responds more precisely to inputs & much more steering feel than a T350/Tuscan but not quite the acceleration or glorious noise! Have you driven an NA or Turbo yet? Gassing Station | VX | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff