So I'm upgrading...
Discussion
MRobbins1987 said:
They are great fun out of the box but with some tinkering will no doubt make it a reliable and fun daily/track toy.
Unsprung mass is the cheapest option to gains, lighter wheels, big brake kits etc will all improve performance and save weight, a decent set of adjustable coilovers and track geo will also make it quicker than stock.
N/A gains are expensive for the gains you will get so FI would be the better option if power is your thing, personally I would concentrate on getting it as light as possible first.
Thanks for the input.Unsprung mass is the cheapest option to gains, lighter wheels, big brake kits etc will all improve performance and save weight, a decent set of adjustable coilovers and track geo will also make it quicker than stock.
N/A gains are expensive for the gains you will get so FI would be the better option if power is your thing, personally I would concentrate on getting it as light as possible first.
Yep, I'm with the previous two posts on here: (loads of posts in between while I was typing, ffs!) chasing power will be expensive and the returns won't be massive. Play to the car's strengths, which are its handling and relative lightness.
Brake, tyre, suspension and chassis upgrades will give greatest improvement for the money; if you don't mind reducing refinement then removing trim, rear seats, audio equipment etc is an easy way to lighten the car.
Otherwise, I'd either stick with basic engine upgrades (air filter, exhaust, camshaft, remap) or consider an engine transplant - that's an expensive option, mind. Something light and high-revving would be fun. VTEC perhaps, or even a bike engine. Suzuki Hayabusa would be quite appropriate, and pretty rapid...
Brake, tyre, suspension and chassis upgrades will give greatest improvement for the money; if you don't mind reducing refinement then removing trim, rear seats, audio equipment etc is an easy way to lighten the car.
Otherwise, I'd either stick with basic engine upgrades (air filter, exhaust, camshaft, remap) or consider an engine transplant - that's an expensive option, mind. Something light and high-revving would be fun. VTEC perhaps, or even a bike engine. Suzuki Hayabusa would be quite appropriate, and pretty rapid...
Edited by Jonny_ on Wednesday 30th September 12:44
Taken in context, the swift sport is a great little warm hatch, I know an owner and it does appear to be a lot of fun. At 19 I can imagine this is the be all and end all as these things often are at that age - you're focused on one thing and how to get there. I can't imagine there is a whole amount you can do to it to make it infinitely better, but if it's part of a scene and a thing you like then by all means go ahead.
...saying that, get a Fiesta ST on PCP
I'll get me coat.
...saying that, get a Fiesta ST on PCP
I'll get me coat.
carparkno1 said:
Taken in context, the swift sport is a great little warm hatch, I know an owner and it does appear to be a lot of fun. At 19 I can imagine this is the be all and end all as these things often are at that age - you're focused on one thing and how to get there. I can't imagine there is a whole amount you can do to it to make it infinitely better, but if it's part of a scene and a thing you like then by all means go ahead.
...saying that, get a Fiesta ST on PCP
I'll get me coat.
Close mate of mine has an ST and I hate it :P...saying that, get a Fiesta ST on PCP
I'll get me coat.
300bhp/ton said:
rohrl said:
There's no need to be a t
t about it though is there?
There are ways of couching your opinion which don't involve showing yourself up as a total prick.
What like posting what you've just done, which does indeed make you look like a condescending prick.t about it though is there?There are ways of couching your opinion which don't involve showing yourself up as a total prick.
My irony meter has pinged off the scale here.
300bhp/ton said:
Being 19 is no excuse and falling in love with a shopping trolley is inexcusable.
and you're NOT being a condescending prick here?Edited by TheJimi on Wednesday 30th September 13:14
Your first mistake was posting in 'general gassing', where most of the keyboard warriors reside! Don't worry, we've all made that mistake once.
Try the swift owners forum (if there is one) or the jap section on here; you will generally find people are helpful as they are enthusiastic about that car, rather than tell you how big a mistake you're making!
At the end of the day modding is about what you want to do to the car, albeit with a little guidance as requested.
First off, drive the car stock and see how it feels to you.
Decent rubber and brakes are always the best starting point. Suspension is an option but can be costly and really something that you will only see real benefit from on the track.
Strut braces and ARB's will give you better rigidity and are a cheaper alternative; obviously they aren't as good as a full suspension change.
After that, if you want a better noise and to possibly release a few more horses (probably won't be noticeable) then change the induction and possibly decat/swap the exhaust. For those screaming about MOT fail, I decatted my 1.6 Eunos and never had a problem; prob best to check this with Swift owners though.
Yes, you will probably move on from the swift in years to come as the £3k+ FI route is very lumpy vs cars that already have that power. For the time being though, enjoy the car. Also, bear in mind that any mods generally bring the resale value down.
Try the swift owners forum (if there is one) or the jap section on here; you will generally find people are helpful as they are enthusiastic about that car, rather than tell you how big a mistake you're making!
At the end of the day modding is about what you want to do to the car, albeit with a little guidance as requested.
First off, drive the car stock and see how it feels to you.
Decent rubber and brakes are always the best starting point. Suspension is an option but can be costly and really something that you will only see real benefit from on the track.
Strut braces and ARB's will give you better rigidity and are a cheaper alternative; obviously they aren't as good as a full suspension change.
After that, if you want a better noise and to possibly release a few more horses (probably won't be noticeable) then change the induction and possibly decat/swap the exhaust. For those screaming about MOT fail, I decatted my 1.6 Eunos and never had a problem; prob best to check this with Swift owners though.
Yes, you will probably move on from the swift in years to come as the £3k+ FI route is very lumpy vs cars that already have that power. For the time being though, enjoy the car. Also, bear in mind that any mods generally bring the resale value down.
You're clearly set on your decision on modding a small hatch. However let me add weight to those of us who have been there, done that and later regretted spending lots of money on something which ultimately delayed buying something significantly better.
In my case, most of my mates had Novas/XR3is and spent a fortune on them, competing for looks and power and attempting to attract the ladies. Then a mate bought a bright red C4 Corvette with a manual box, a Borla exhaust and a moon roof for the same money. Game over.
Just be sure that you really want to modify the Swift Sport and that you wouldn't prefer to buy it, keep it relatively standard and swap it for something else in a few years time.
In my case, most of my mates had Novas/XR3is and spent a fortune on them, competing for looks and power and attempting to attract the ladies. Then a mate bought a bright red C4 Corvette with a manual box, a Borla exhaust and a moon roof for the same money. Game over.
Just be sure that you really want to modify the Swift Sport and that you wouldn't prefer to buy it, keep it relatively standard and swap it for something else in a few years time.
I may or may not have had fun with one of these little swift sports when I was in the wifes 595 Abarth. Was certainly a noisey little thing and seemed to handle pretty well. Very capable little car the swift so don't see why people are knocking it. I mean, it did win best hot hatch or something.
To the OP, get it, track it and get some instruction from there you'll be able to see what you need to alter to get it to where you want it. Me, I would stick an air filter on there and an exhaust and that would be that as I think they do most of what you want it to out of the box.
Enjoy it when you get it. Get a black one, they look the best.
To the OP, get it, track it and get some instruction from there you'll be able to see what you need to alter to get it to where you want it. Me, I would stick an air filter on there and an exhaust and that would be that as I think they do most of what you want it to out of the box.
Enjoy it when you get it. Get a black one, they look the best.
OP, have you actually driven a Swift Sport?
Reason I ask is that I'm not against modding, but equally I don't see the point of modding for modding's sake - certainly in terms of mods that actually affect the car's driving characteristics.
Wait until you've gelled with the car then tweak the bits to suit, rather than coming up with a shopping list before you've spent any length of time with the car. Remember, almost regardless of what you do with it modification wise, you won't make it an objectively better car - you'll just add a set of compromises that suit whatever your aim is within the sphere of a given modification.
Do some digging in the "Reader's Cars" section, as a PH'er had a really cracking Swift Sport, with some really subtle and well thought out touches.
Reason I ask is that I'm not against modding, but equally I don't see the point of modding for modding's sake - certainly in terms of mods that actually affect the car's driving characteristics.
Wait until you've gelled with the car then tweak the bits to suit, rather than coming up with a shopping list before you've spent any length of time with the car. Remember, almost regardless of what you do with it modification wise, you won't make it an objectively better car - you'll just add a set of compromises that suit whatever your aim is within the sphere of a given modification.
Do some digging in the "Reader's Cars" section, as a PH'er had a really cracking Swift Sport, with some really subtle and well thought out touches.
TheJimi said:
OP, have you actually driven a Swift Sport?
Reason I ask is that I'm not against modding, but equally I don't see the point of modding for modding's sake - certainly in terms of mods that actually affect the car's driving characteristics.
Wait until you've gelled with the car then tweak the bits to suit, rather than coming up with a shopping list before you've spent any length of time with the car. Remember, almost regardless of what you do with it modification wise, you won't make it an objectively better car - you'll just add a set of compromises that suit whatever your aim is within the sphere of a given modification.
Do some digging in the "Reader's Cars" section, as a PH'er had a really cracking Swift Sport, with some really subtle and well thought out touches.
Yes I have, I also currently owns a Swift 1.2 SZ-L.Reason I ask is that I'm not against modding, but equally I don't see the point of modding for modding's sake - certainly in terms of mods that actually affect the car's driving characteristics.
Wait until you've gelled with the car then tweak the bits to suit, rather than coming up with a shopping list before you've spent any length of time with the car. Remember, almost regardless of what you do with it modification wise, you won't make it an objectively better car - you'll just add a set of compromises that suit whatever your aim is within the sphere of a given modification.
Do some digging in the "Reader's Cars" section, as a PH'er had a really cracking Swift Sport, with some really subtle and well thought out touches.
But thanks for the input, I will do so.
Edited by TacoLimeys on Wednesday 30th September 16:51
TacoLimeys said:
I'm not buying it to Mod straight away... I already own a 1.2 Swift and want the 1.6 sport.
I know there are better options, I don't just want speed, if I wanted that I would have spent the £12k originally on something totally different instead of a 1.2 SZ-L wouldn't I?
Thanks anyway.
Honestly who knows. But £12k is a fairly heft budget to spend on such a car. I'm fully up for modding (take a look at my garage).I know there are better options, I don't just want speed, if I wanted that I would have spent the £12k originally on something totally different instead of a 1.2 SZ-L wouldn't I?
Thanks anyway.
But I've seen many a young person be completely blinkered on hatches, only to end up regretting it once they are a bit older, or simply after having driven a few other cars.
For example, my best friend bought a brand new Saxo VTR (or VTS, I forget which) when he was a similar age to you. He kept it for a number of years, it depreciated like a stone and he sold it for a pittance. It served a purpose, but he really didn't enjoy it as much as its reputation would have you believe. He treated it like a utility/white goods, because he had no love for it.
When he sold it he bought himself a Mini Clubman GT, then a Triumph GT6 and now a Triumph TR7 which is heavily modded with a 16v Sprint engine and lots of suspension upgrades. He adores all of these cars, and you can tell he regrets spending so much money and time on the Saxo.
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