Desire 1.1 to VTR 1.6 CONVERSION

[KierenCrawford]

Hello I am new to the forum and french cars...

So i know on here it is one of the most frequently asked questions but every single one has a different answer, so i have a 2001 1.1 desire saxo it has a 3Plug ECU will a saxo VTR 1.6 engine bolt in play with out changing the loom?

I've heard some people run them on the 1.1 ecu until they get a unlocked vtr one? Is this the case ?

(If this does work I am aware it's obviously not going to be good to do so but would get me up and running just for say a week until i could get a VTR ecu)

Any help will be Mach appreciated
Thanks Kieren

[Pricklep]

if you get a 3 plug vtr engine, ye

[KierenCrawford]

So a 3 plug VTR engine fits straight in there, everything connects up fine? Then what is he deal with the gearbox, will it die on the 1.1 or will the 1.1 gearbox also be fine for a while until a more suited gearbox is brought ?

[deanbradley]

1.1 box will be fine and make it have quick acceleration

[KierenCrawford]

Okay any recommendations for drive shafts ? Can you get stronger ones to fit the 1.1 box or just use the 1.1 shafts as well

[deanbradley]

Tbh best bet is to get some vtr drive shafts and struts complete so you got better suspension and brakes and better driveshafts (not sure if they are or not)

[Mickswan]

Don't think the 1.1 has the same ARB, if you wanted it you'll need R or S struts.

[KierenCrawford]

Originally Posted by deanbradley

Tbh best bet is to get some vtr drive shafts and struts complete so you got better suspension and brakes and better driveshafts (not sure if they are or not)

Thanks for all the help you've given, so are the vtr strut legs better/ different to the 1.1 ones ? I have apex spring and blistein shocks to go on my 1.1 legs but if the vtr legs are better/different il get them....

[deanbradley]

Originally Posted by KierenCrawford

Thanks for all the help you've given, so are the vtr strut legs better/ different to the 1.1 ones ? I have apex spring and blistein shocks to go on my 1.1 legs but if the vtr legs are better/different il get them....

I'd say go to a scrappy or something pick up the legs and drive shafts for 40 for both! And that means you got better driveshaft, bigger brakes and all round good setup for a 1.1!

[Tom5190]

Brakes are the same size just vented. You need to match the drive shafts to the box really they are different lengths.

Also you cant just get any struts, they will need to have the correct wheel bearings to suit your shafts (flat or tapered)

No don't use the 1.1 ECU. I wouldn't waste the time with a vtr conversion its the same effort to put a vts in there tbh.

Engine is a straight swap aslong as the loom plugs match.

[KierenCrawford]

Wanna stay 8v personally just prefer the characteristics of them, But thank you very much for your opinions and i think I'm going to stay with the strut I have at the moment, with apex lowering springs and bilstein shocks all round, and a vts/gti rear beam should handle good enough, if I was to fit VTR breaks would it just be a case of getting a pair of brake callipers pads and discs ?

[stevo67]

Buy a vtr job done,insurance will cost a bomb with a conversion as well.

[KierenCrawford]

I've got what I've got now so I'm just going to work with it. Getting a vtr/s would be too easy I like the hard way ahaa

[stevo67]

Originally Posted by KierenCrawford

I've got what I've got now so I'm just going to work with it. Getting a vtr/s would be too easy I like the hard way ahaa

Well good luck with getting insurance mate.

[KierenCrawford]

Haven't got a problem getting insured, I have family that work for a insurance broker and can get me really really cheap quotes..