Beginners modding - Peugeot 307
Discussion
This first:
https://www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/48626344...
Advice: Never rely solely on a jack, always use an axle stand. People are squishy.
Get on an owners forum and go nuts buying parts, sure you'll lose money but you'll most likely be enjoying yourself.
And as for not expecting the reaction you've got, I can honestly say nearly everyone that read your first post was expecting what happened. Just gotta accept PH is like that.
https://www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/48626344...
Advice: Never rely solely on a jack, always use an axle stand. People are squishy.
Get on an owners forum and go nuts buying parts, sure you'll lose money but you'll most likely be enjoying yourself.
And as for not expecting the reaction you've got, I can honestly say nearly everyone that read your first post was expecting what happened. Just gotta accept PH is like that.
Heh. OP, not going to diss your desire to mod the car.
I know, I know. You've got to do it anyway.
I will add my voice to the people saying the 307 is dreadful.
I know two people with one and both have had no end of problems with them.
Why not a Ford Focus or Fiesta?
Loads of them about so easy to buy and cheap spares and good aftermarket support. Also both are supposed to be good drives.
Reading your list of stuff:
~ gearbox oil
Can't hurt?
~ short ram intake
This is the way to go if you want noise (assume you're putting a cone bigger than your head to go with this). You will probably lose some power mind you.
~ headlight bulb upgrade
Autocar and the like do regular group tests on these. Currently if you want good light it's Philips Extreme or OSRAM nightbreaker.
~ pedal set
Please make sure you fit these securely. Improperly fitted they are dangerous.
~ custom seat covers
~ aftermarket exhaust
Not sure you'll find one for the 1.4?
~ new spark plugs
Unlikely to do much unless the old ones are overdue changing.
~ new brake discs + pads
This is a good idea and as with tyres probably something you'll feel a difference with.
~ tire set
Would say do this first. Tyres are something you will definitely feel a difference with.
~ aftermarket steering wheel w/ airbag
Very few people make them with airbags?
The most common ones you're removing the airbag and fitting a resistor that stops the light coming on.
~ wheel nut
~ engine oil flush/change
A service is definitely worth doing.
I know, I know. You've got to do it anyway.
I will add my voice to the people saying the 307 is dreadful.
I know two people with one and both have had no end of problems with them.
Why not a Ford Focus or Fiesta?
Loads of them about so easy to buy and cheap spares and good aftermarket support. Also both are supposed to be good drives.
Reading your list of stuff:
~ gearbox oil
Can't hurt?
~ short ram intake
This is the way to go if you want noise (assume you're putting a cone bigger than your head to go with this). You will probably lose some power mind you.
~ headlight bulb upgrade
Autocar and the like do regular group tests on these. Currently if you want good light it's Philips Extreme or OSRAM nightbreaker.
~ pedal set
Please make sure you fit these securely. Improperly fitted they are dangerous.
~ custom seat covers
~ aftermarket exhaust
Not sure you'll find one for the 1.4?
~ new spark plugs
Unlikely to do much unless the old ones are overdue changing.
~ new brake discs + pads
This is a good idea and as with tyres probably something you'll feel a difference with.
~ tire set
Would say do this first. Tyres are something you will definitely feel a difference with.
~ aftermarket steering wheel w/ airbag
Very few people make them with airbags?
The most common ones you're removing the airbag and fitting a resistor that stops the light coming on.
~ wheel nut
~ engine oil flush/change
A service is definitely worth doing.
RobinBanks said:
Wtf, someone wanted a Ford Orion.
Did you also think the Vauxhall Belmont was pretty cool?
No the Belmont was never cool. But 20 years ago an Orion Ghia Injection was my dream 1st car. A sophisticated sleeper version of the XR3i, at a time when I didn't realize that XR3is were crap. Did you also think the Vauxhall Belmont was pretty cool?
Or failing that a Renault 19 16v Chamade (also the unpopular saloon version).
Lots of people to reply to since my last post and will reply to each of you when I have a laptop handy (probably tomorrow), but rest assured I've read it all and taken it on board so thank you all!
Some things that are fresh on my mind from my last post that people have replied to:
Okay I am now seeing that bashing my choice of car has legitimate reason now - due to faults and failures. I wasn't so concerned when it was just a 'senior citizens opinion'. I also know when to admit when I am wrong and when to heed advice and seek help.
There are many people that suggest the ZR.I am really interested to know more about the car! I know head gaskets are a big issue, how can I make sure to buy a solid motor, what should I look for specifically? What should I repair/replace as soon as I buy it?
I'm very open to the suggestion of changing motors, despite what I said earlier (since valid points have been raised,not just independent opinion). MG ZR really catches my eye,and that was always the most important thing to me.
Someone else posted about blindly following my brother? As this was important to me, I thought I'd specify on a personal level, as this is a forum. I trust him without hesitation, without doubt. May not be the most intelligent thing to do from 3rd person, but that's just our relationship
Some things that are fresh on my mind from my last post that people have replied to:
Okay I am now seeing that bashing my choice of car has legitimate reason now - due to faults and failures. I wasn't so concerned when it was just a 'senior citizens opinion'. I also know when to admit when I am wrong and when to heed advice and seek help.
There are many people that suggest the ZR.I am really interested to know more about the car! I know head gaskets are a big issue, how can I make sure to buy a solid motor, what should I look for specifically? What should I repair/replace as soon as I buy it?
I'm very open to the suggestion of changing motors, despite what I said earlier (since valid points have been raised,not just independent opinion). MG ZR really catches my eye,and that was always the most important thing to me.
Someone else posted about blindly following my brother? As this was important to me, I thought I'd specify on a personal level, as this is a forum. I trust him without hesitation, without doubt. May not be the most intelligent thing to do from 3rd person, but that's just our relationship
I remarked on your 'blindly trusting your brother', but those were your words not mine. I question it because the world and his dog go on about 'k'-series head gaskets as if all the other cars on the market don't have common problems and failures. Someone who worked on cars for a living would know that the 307 has more than it's fair share of common problems. I would not implicitly trust somebody who rubbishes a car as unreliable and in the next breath recommends a 307 to chose my next car.
The MG ZR is an old car, basically more than one whole 'generation' behind the 307, using parts and technologies which would be instantly familiar to anybody who was working on Rovers over 20 years ago. The ZT is a re-heated Rover 25, which was a warmed through Rover 200 which was pretty antiquated even in 1995.
Why is this good news you may ask? Well, because the technologies and equipment which more modern cars come with make them fat and slow, and the ZR is closer to the ethos of the true small hatchback of it's period, with the 307 comparatively looking like a bloated MPV type thing. The ZR is lighter, simpler, more basic, more direct, and as a result feels totally different (in a good way). Faster and more fun. more likely to wear modifications without immediately loooking like a try-hard midlife crisis victim.
The ZR really needs to be considered in a simular vein to the Saxos, 106s, Clios, Puntos etc of this world, whereas the 307 is like a Megane or something equally dreadful and mumsy.
The MG ZR is an old car, basically more than one whole 'generation' behind the 307, using parts and technologies which would be instantly familiar to anybody who was working on Rovers over 20 years ago. The ZT is a re-heated Rover 25, which was a warmed through Rover 200 which was pretty antiquated even in 1995.
Why is this good news you may ask? Well, because the technologies and equipment which more modern cars come with make them fat and slow, and the ZR is closer to the ethos of the true small hatchback of it's period, with the 307 comparatively looking like a bloated MPV type thing. The ZR is lighter, simpler, more basic, more direct, and as a result feels totally different (in a good way). Faster and more fun. more likely to wear modifications without immediately loooking like a try-hard midlife crisis victim.
The ZR really needs to be considered in a simular vein to the Saxos, 106s, Clios, Puntos etc of this world, whereas the 307 is like a Megane or something equally dreadful and mumsy.
Edited by BritishRacinGrin on Wednesday 11th February 15:27
jay44 said:
I trust him without hesitation, without doubt. May not be the most intelligent thing to do from 3rd person, but that's just our relationship
As a piece of life advice, it isn't the most intelligent thing to do.Value his advice, sure, he is your brother - trust it when it comes to family matters - but not on all topics - the probability will be that he isn't right.
If I recall the vast majority of head gasket failures were on the 1.8 and not the 1.4, the k series was designed as a 1400cc and the failures appeaer to be as a result of the increased bore and stroke. Head gasket change, cylinder head skim and ancillaries etc on an 1800cc ZR will be about £500-600. There is a wealth of info out there on the K series engines as they were in the Elise S1 too.
If you did want a ZR but wanted some increased reliability, You could put a different engine in it, the T-series is a popular conversion and was in various Rovers including the 220 turbo and the 400/600 series and arent known to suffer from head gasket issues.
If you did want a ZR but wanted some increased reliability, You could put a different engine in it, the T-series is a popular conversion and was in various Rovers including the 220 turbo and the 400/600 series and arent known to suffer from head gasket issues.
I'm going to assume you're going to buy a 1.4 307 as you seem set on it.
You also mentioned £300 to £500 modifying
I'd spent the whole sum making sure the cam belt was done, if it already is then...
essential modifications:
1. Breakdown cover - £30
2. Aftermarket warranty £200-£300
past that in terms of actual modifications I'd only really look to upgrade the standard door speakers so i can enjoy the time spent in the car more, if you can enjoy a 1.4 307
You also mentioned £300 to £500 modifying
I'd spent the whole sum making sure the cam belt was done, if it already is then...
essential modifications:
1. Breakdown cover - £30
2. Aftermarket warranty £200-£300
past that in terms of actual modifications I'd only really look to upgrade the standard door speakers so i can enjoy the time spent in the car more, if you can enjoy a 1.4 307
Edited by andburg on Wednesday 11th February 18:18
scarble said:
Or as an alternative to the brash boy racer ZR is the other special edition of the 25, the BRM.
Wood trim and an LSD, classy and understated*.
*at least some of this might not be true.
BRM was based on the rover 200 not the 25. No wood either, red leather and aluminium if memory serves.Wood trim and an LSD, classy and understated*.
*at least some of this might not be true.
Somebody was saying the 200 was old hat in 95 - au contraire, brand new design and compare and contrast with the mk.3 astra and escort mk.6! Problem was it was too expensive and not as roomy. Probably should have been marketed in the class below.
Also iirc the k series was designed as a 1.1 originally and the 1.4 suffered a lot from hgf.
Don't know why people are making so many suggestions as the op has clearly made up his mind!
The 307 is a bad place to start, if you want to modify a car, go forced induction.
Although not a fan of then, a Golf GTI/Seat Ibiza FR would be a better tuning prospect than a Peugeot because it's turbocharged.
You can remap it, put a bigger intercooler in it, uprate the turbo, fit a Limited Slip Diff, upgrade the diverter valve so it actually sounds like a turbocharged car. (think 90's jap choo!) You can then move on to upgrading the wheels AND tyres, suspension, brakes, exhaust and any other little mods you want to do (Well I would do the brakes and suspension work first, in fact I already have on mine)
Then you'll have a seriously quick, (if done right) sleeper type car that would keep up with the modern day hot hatches.
Total build cost? about 5-6k.
You can do/not do as you wish.
Although not a fan of then, a Golf GTI/Seat Ibiza FR would be a better tuning prospect than a Peugeot because it's turbocharged.
You can remap it, put a bigger intercooler in it, uprate the turbo, fit a Limited Slip Diff, upgrade the diverter valve so it actually sounds like a turbocharged car. (think 90's jap choo!) You can then move on to upgrading the wheels AND tyres, suspension, brakes, exhaust and any other little mods you want to do (Well I would do the brakes and suspension work first, in fact I already have on mine)
Then you'll have a seriously quick, (if done right) sleeper type car that would keep up with the modern day hot hatches.
Total build cost? about 5-6k.
You can do/not do as you wish.
It's amusing watching so many people struggling (aka failing) to see this from the OPs point of view.
Learning from others experiences isn't always the best way.
Most majorly successful people forge their own path and learn from their own mistakes (some make glorious ones before finally learning the right path).
RW
Learning from others experiences isn't always the best way.
Most majorly successful people forge their own path and learn from their own mistakes (some make glorious ones before finally learning the right path).
RW
Steven_RW said:
It's amusing watching so many people struggling (aka failing) to see this from the OPs point of view.
Learning from others experiences isn't always the best way.
Most majorly successful people forge their own path and learn from their own mistakes (some make glorious ones before finally learning the right path).
RW
You're right, he's really forging his own path by 100% trusting his brother's advice about avoiding MGs just because of their head gaskets. Much better to go for a 307 with its own head gasket issues and get all offended because other people on an internet forum think what he is doing is a bit silly (but ultimately, completely his own choice).Learning from others experiences isn't always the best way.
Most majorly successful people forge their own path and learn from their own mistakes (some make glorious ones before finally learning the right path).
RW
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