pug 205 gti tuning

[C2996]

hi i own a 1.6 gti, without changing the engine how can i get a bit more power from it. i've heard that changing the exhaust, air filter and fast road cam kits won't make any diffence at all.
Has anyone fitted webber carbs to a 1.6, what else do you have to change and how much difference does it make.
thanks

[trickywoo]

This is just my two cents but I think chasing performance is futile.

You would be much better spending the money on some new suspension dampers (stick with standard) and maybe one of those performance driving courses or just some airfield / trackdays.

[C2996]

I'm hopefully going to castle combe shortly.

I don't think it needs new dampers as is handles fine, although i haven't driven another 205 to compare it too.

[Mikey G]

Biggest gains are normally seen by putting carbs on them, cam and headwork would release a little more but not much. Cost per BHP gained is a lot due to the highly tuned state these engines are in to begin with.
So unless you want to throw a lot of money at it id leave it alone. It would be cheaper to put a 1.9 or Mi16 engine in it to gain more power.

[trickywoo]

C2996 said:

I don't think it needs new dampers as is handles fine

Unless they have been replaced in the last few years new dampers would make a huge difference to the feel of the car.

BTW I did 50k miles in a 250bhp Impreza and I'm much happier with a standard 1.6 gti. I also had a 170bhp fiesta turbo (which torque steered like a bastard).

[C2996]

where's the cheapest place to get new dampers from?

[Rob_the_Sparky]

TBH I found little difference when replacing the front suspension but the rear beams are prone to siezing and fixing this will make a very noticable difference. Oh and forget performance "upgrades" on a 205 GTi, it is a case of do it properly or not at all, e.g. 16v or 1.9 Turbo engines to get real power. 1.9 over 1.6 makes less difference than you might expect (but is cheap).

Rob