VTS conversion or VTS - Saxperience

BenWhite · 9th April 2011, 16:51

I have a mockery of an R reg 954cc Saxo Mischief sitting in my garage and Im unsure as to whether I should (or even could?) put a 16v VTS engine into it or simply buy a VTS and continue from there. I've done a little research and Im finding for the engine Id need in the region of £300 for ECU, loom etc.

The concern is the cost involved as I am a student. Insurance isnt too big a worry at the moment as the car wont be for road use but group N rally.

Im just getting started in the world of motorsport so my mechanical knowledge is very much finite - though Id be willing to try and put in the engine myself if it can be done at all.

Any suggestions about the car? Regards,

Ben

saxo-parts · 9th April 2011, 16:56

find yourself entering in the -1000cc class of rallying, if you really want S power,get an S unless the car has sentimental attachment or is otherwise unique, as the rest of the car will need upgrading to S spec, ie brakes,suspension etc,where do you draw the line?

saxo-parts · 9th April 2011, 16:57

also, isn't the Mischief the model with the full length opening roof? if so that'll need replacing for rally use.

BenWhite · 9th April 2011, 17:03

Im not looking for a particularly competitive car within group N - merely something to define as a rally car rather than my neighbour's old 954cc! Note I'd have to replace the VTS suspension regardless (however you are correct with the brakes!). So with either car I would still have to uprate the exhaust and suspension regardless at the same cost (Im staying away from the gearbox for the moment) - would your advice still be to get the S?

Thanks for the fast reply, also!

saxo-parts · 9th April 2011, 17:07

from a financial point of view,yes,just buy an S, not so bad if starting with a VTR as a base as the rest of the car is basically the same as an S

wicked-vtr · 9th April 2011, 17:36

I should think to build even a half decent rally car you'd need to uprate the suspension and braking systems found standard on a vts anyway? So the only real expense I can see is getting wishbones/ struts/ front arb setup from a higher spec model.

BenWhite · 9th April 2011, 18:24

I would definitely be uprating the suspension however group N regulations dont allow for much work on the brakes as far as Im aware and seeing as funds are limited I'd be leaving the standard VTS ones on, but otherwise you're right. Im presuming you are in favour of the Mischief then with the conversion? If its possible?

wicked-vtr · 9th April 2011, 19:40

I haven't looked into the regulatuons but if you can change a fair bit I would be inclined to keep the one you have. Simply because I would change so much on a vts anyway

BenWhite · 9th April 2011, 19:58

Ok then - next question - is it possible to get a 16v VTS engine into the Mischief's bay?

Ben

akuakabucy · 9th April 2011, 20:13

Im with the other dude. Buy an S.

BenWhite · 9th April 2011, 20:18

Reasoning?

ed-bradley · 9th April 2011, 20:21

It's possible yes.

But sometimes not financially viable, compared to just buying a VTS.
Need to weld the Inner wing/Ecu mount into the 1.0 engine bay.

stevo1600 · 9th April 2011, 20:51

get an s mate, saves alot of work - well abit of work seeing as your gunna convert it into a rally car

good luck

BenWhite · 9th April 2011, 21:11

@ed-bradley: Thankyou for the info, is swaying my decision. I dont think I've quite mastered welding seeing as I've never attempted it.

@stevo1600: Im starting to realise this! Thanks for the post.

How much should I expect to be paying for an mk1 VTS these days? Thanks,

Ben

Saaamon · 10th April 2011, 10:46

Paid £700 for mine year and a half ago.

akuakabucy · 10th April 2011, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenWhite

Reasoning?

Whats already been said. Cost, plus you dont need to change looms, ecu's rads, brakes, etc etc. Just makes sence really.

BenWhite · 10th April 2011, 17:10

@ Saaamon: I like the sound of that. Thats a feasible number, probably equating to the engine conversion if welding and as such a trailer was required... I'll have a look into it - thanks for the advice all, you'll be hearing more of me when I run into problems!

Oh and can anyone recommend a good place to look rather than ebay or autotrader?

Ben