VX220 and VX220T advice..?

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Hi folks,

Tested a Turbo some years ago and really liked it. My wife has a significant birthday coming up next year and is pretty interested in one; she does drive a supercharged MX5 so will be able to handle it.

I've found (from this site) the VX220.org.uk site and a N/A buyers guide. But there is a mention of a similar guide for the Turbo model. Anyone know where I can find it?

If anyone can give any other advice on buying/owning other than what is in the guide or the Eyes Wide Open thread I'd be grateful.

Oh, and if anyone has any links to threads about tuning options they can post to save me hours of trawling I'd also be grateful.

Last point; we're keen on the Turbo as that's what I drove and she likes the bigger power numbers, but is it worth testing both the N/A in standard form and Turbo? I.e. is it more than just different power outputs?

Her birthday is next May (just had her non-significant birthday) but as she'll (quite rightly) do the female thing of making sure that the cosmetics of the spec are perfect (she likes the metallic green) we'll need to start searching much sooner than that so I'm keen to get her behind the wheel ASAP. I'm thinking of Adrian Blythe down in Surrey as a start. I live just outside Bournemouth so if anyone has a better suggestion please throw it my way.

Hope she wants one; I like the idea of one on the drive along with the Tamora.....

[T40ORA]

Thanks Clair.

Is this a daft question, but how do you find the VX compared to the Chimp?

[T40ORA]

That's really helpful. Looks like bit of trawling and reading.

I'm sure test drives will be more interesting though!

Cheers.

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MrSimba said:

Sounds like she could do with a Courtenay Supercharged VX!

Get a good NA for 11k and Take it up to Courtenays to get it Supercharged for about 5k thats the same money as a good standard turbo, but 250bhp in a 55kg lighter package!

Gotta admit I love my Turbo but was pushing this option to a mate who wants to get a VX220

and the howl of the supercharger...

Interesting.... Threads about this on VX220.org I guess?

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steveavxt said:

I own a VX turbo and have had it for 2 years, Fantastic car. If you want any advice or have any questions just ask me. Things to watch out for in VX's in general are;

Radiator failures
Engine Mount Fails
DIS pack faults

VXT specific ones are quite small;

MAF Sensor issues.

Don't worry about high mileage, the engines are from heavy rep cars and get an easy life in the VX. Stonechips are the norm as the paint is thin and the front is very blunt. The car is made of Aluminium and Fibreglass so no rusting.

Try and get one with central locking as it is a big bonus. Modded cars can be had at a decent price.

Be aware that a Supercharged MX5 and a VXT are completely different cars to drive. The VX has baggs of low down torque and because of the heavy engine will swing out very quickly. I know MX5's are tail happy but easy to catch. VX's hold on for much longer but break out very quickly.

Edited by steveavxt on Wednesday 7th May 20:13

Edited by steveavxt on Wednesday 7th May 20:16

Cheers Steve. I may well take you up on that offer