Dracoro Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 Right, probably looking for a 1.8 or 2.0 with circa 150bhp but will probably (at some point in the future) want to reliably tune it up to 180/200bhp. Which engine is best for this sort of power? Is it best to buy one already at 180bhp or will these be too rare? Is circa £7000 gonna get me what I want? (the whole car, not the engine itself!!!! Many thanks in advance. ) Quote
Blatman Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 You definitely want a 2.0l Vx XE.......... Quote
Dracoro Posted September 30, 2003 Author Posted September 30, 2003 Cool. Is that a Vauxhall engine? What sort of power does it have standard? What can it be safely modified up to? Is there any reason why this engine is the one to go for? When did Westies start putting them in? Quote
Blatman Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 Yep. From a 16valve Astra or Cavalier, and maybe some Carltons.... It'll be the cheapest to tune for horsepower above about 220bhp. As standard, with a pair of 45 Webers, it'll show around 180bhp. 220bhp is easily achievable, and they'll max out at 280-300bhp, but that's touring car spec. 250bhp is do-able and road useable. A Ford Zetec (early Mondeo engine) wil also produce similar power for similar money up to about 200-210bhp. After that, they get much more expensive. Some-one will no doubt suggest the new Ford Duratec (*new* Mondeo engine), but that's still being developed, so parts are still quite rare, and it won't be cheap. Expect similar power to the Vx, but it's a whole lot lighter, 'cos it's all alloy. They've been put into Westfields since the early 90's, although as far as I know, the factory won't supply a Vx powered Westfield, as all the factory cars use Zetec or bike engines, or the Rover V8..... Quote
DAVE O Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 When I was looking at upgrading my zetec from 170bhp to 220+bhp I was getting quotes for 5-6K. It worked out cheaper to sell the car and buy a Xe powered car. Dave O. Quote
Mark Stanton Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 It worked out cheaper to sell the car and buy a Xe powered car. And you'd better look after it else you'll see a grown man cry Quote
Matt Seabrook Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 When I was looking at upgrading my zetec from 170bhp to 220+bhp I was getting quotes for 5-6K. It worked out cheaper to sell the car and buy a Xe powered car. Dave O. How much I have 210bhp and a lot less than your price Quote
Westfieldman Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 Some-one will no doubt suggest the new Ford Duratec (*new* Mondeo engine), but that's still being developed, so parts are still quite rare, and it won't be cheap. Expect similar power to the Vx, but it's a whole lot lighter, 'cos it's all alloy. Could that be me not the way Unilever shares are going at the moment but hay I don't get them till next year so they could come good. 6k should get you 225/250bhp and a lot less weight and therfore less understeer and a better power to weight Duratec's are also in Mazda 6's Dalton power products sell new Duratec engins for £1360+vat Paul. Quote
conibear Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 My Duratec cost £800.00 inclusive (new). Then developed to 230bhp with all ancillaries cost a further £6k + vat. If this helps. Ian Quote
markg Posted September 30, 2003 Posted September 30, 2003 my v8 in standard form is 194 bhp and a further £500 should see it at around 230bhp! the engine and gearbox cost me £50 Quote
Blatman Posted October 1, 2003 Posted October 1, 2003 So, like I daid, the Duratec ain't cheap.........and nor is the Zetec above 210-220bhp...... Yep second that Fell off me chair........me an' Matt agreeing on something? Whatever next? Wotcha mate..... Quote
hilux Posted October 1, 2003 Posted October 1, 2003 my v8 in standard form is 194 bhp and a further £500 should see it at around 230bhp! Excellent news cos I have now got a V8 with Offenhauser twin port manifold (in a Ginetta) and was thinking of putting in a VX like my old westy What do you get for your money ? Cheers Paul Quote
Matt Seabrook Posted October 1, 2003 Posted October 1, 2003 Fell off me chair........me an' Matt agreeing on something? Whatever next? Wotcha mate..... carefull mate dont brake anything. I have always said that the Vx is a good engine just not always the only choice. If you are looking for 200ish Bhp the Zetec may well be cheaper if you can find one that will not need rebuilding as I would not think that there are any Vx units left that you could drop straight in. Also if you are not planning on tuning the Vx/Zetec then you will carry more weight with the Vx (not a good thing) Standard Vx on throbbing botties 180bhp ish Zetec 175bhp ish (2000cc) pays your money and all that. Quote
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