So is anyone modifying the engine at all?
I've been investigating all sorts of weird and wonderful mods, but the upshot is that if you take the standard engine above 280-290BHP you need to think about strengthening the engine (and that's not cheap!). This also means supercharging or turbo charging cannot be maxed on a standard engine without risk of damage - and with those also being expensive mods, not using them to the full is just a waste of money
I also don't like the sound of pumping more than 300BHP through the front wheels in anything but a straight lineThat just leaves fueling, head work, manifold and exhaust with standard induction methods.
So far I'm looking at fitting the following:
Flowed, ported and skimmed heads
Ported throttle bodies
FSE Boost Valve
Fast Road Cams (That still drive smoothly enough around town at low revs)
Ported Manifold/Downpipes.
Enclosed induction kit
Haven't decided whether or not to Decat yet.
Apparently the above mods are good for 35-45BHP after ECU Mapping on a rolling road and cost about £1600 (I would fit myself)
For an extra £2700 I can get a Throttle Body kit with new loom and ECU and get the engine to 290BHP, but I don't think I'll bother with that just yet.
...all in all about £4300 to get the engine to it's full potential without having to strengthen it. My thoughts are that this ain't bad when you consider that a supercharger setup can cost £5000+ and then you need to invest in forged pistons, strengthened rods, race clutch, etc to take full advantage of the money you've spent
I thought about NOS as a cheaper option of getting to 290BHP, but I think I'd prefer constant power rather than push button power.
What do you guys think? Have I been miss-informed and therefore talking crap, or are there other more cost effective options that I've missed?
I'd be interested to hear what comments/suggestions have.