Discussion
I've been thinking of upgrading the Chim for a while now and I've finally got the cash to do something about. I've spoken to Paul at Austec and got 2 options:
1) Set of adjustable Avos, fitted and set up for around 1k (including Vodka and Tonic)
2) Engine work comprising of ACT induction pipe (£140), ACT flared trumpets (£280), Webber Injectors (£600) and some Mark Adams fettling (£650). Total of approximately 2k plus VAT.
So, choices, choices. I've got the cash for one or the other but might take out the Webbers and just get the current ones checked out instead, replacing if necessary. That would get the price down to around 1400 plus vat.
I can't decide which to go for. 1 will undoubtably give me better handling but 2 will give me more grin-factor. Anyone got any useful advice?
Rob
1) Set of adjustable Avos, fitted and set up for around 1k (including Vodka and Tonic)
2) Engine work comprising of ACT induction pipe (£140), ACT flared trumpets (£280), Webber Injectors (£600) and some Mark Adams fettling (£650). Total of approximately 2k plus VAT.
So, choices, choices. I've got the cash for one or the other but might take out the Webbers and just get the current ones checked out instead, replacing if necessary. That would get the price down to around 1400 plus vat.
I can't decide which to go for. 1 will undoubtably give me better handling but 2 will give me more grin-factor. Anyone got any useful advice?
Rob
(But you can probably do better than Avos...)
Rob,
Can only suggest that you come over and see us and we'll show you what we've done to the Chim. Burble's had Nitrons fitted, injectors, mapping, new leads, a wierd looking air pipe and some rolling road time to tweek everything. The difference is astounding. Once you start on the slippery slope there is no going back.
Karen
Do it. You know it makes sense!.
Can only suggest that you come over and see us and we'll show you what we've done to the Chim. Burble's had Nitrons fitted, injectors, mapping, new leads, a wierd looking air pipe and some rolling road time to tweek everything. The difference is astounding. Once you start on the slippery slope there is no going back.
Karen
Do it. You know it makes sense!.
Ahh but thats the problem. Steve was almost wholy responsible for pushing me onto the slope in the first place 
I can't get both Avos and Engine done, so its what to go for. Like the man said, round a track I'd take the Avos as I'd carry much more speed through the twisties. But, I'm not (currently) a big track man. Driving the Chim to those limits on the road happens pretty much 0% of the time. Therefore I'd get more out of the engine more of the time. Anyone see which direction I'm heading in?
I've already had the brakes done as well, so no issues there. I need to talk to the insurers as well, as premium changes might have the final say (hopefully not).
Rob
I can't get both Avos and Engine done, so its what to go for. Like the man said, round a track I'd take the Avos as I'd carry much more speed through the twisties. But, I'm not (currently) a big track man. Driving the Chim to those limits on the road happens pretty much 0% of the time. Therefore I'd get more out of the engine more of the time. Anyone see which direction I'm heading in?
I've already had the brakes done as well, so no issues there. I need to talk to the insurers as well, as premium changes might have the final say (hopefully not).
Rob
The nitrons certainly help us when we set off for Le Mans fully loaded. The ride quality is much better and the ability to set the ride height is very useful. We had the nitrons fitted first (pre-engine fettling) so I can safely say that they improved the handling. She went pretty well before the engine stuff but you know Steve and his gadgets.
Tough call, I would go for brakes, suspension and then engine stuff but what do I know. I'll stick to kittens and knitting.
Karen
Tough call, I would go for brakes, suspension and then engine stuff but what do I know
. I'll stick to kittens and knitting. Karen
Rob,
Sorry about the nudge down the slope, but the way I see it, it's pretty much inevitable if you're a gadget man like me Regarding suspension vs engine work, it largely depends how many miles are on the car. If you do enough miles the choice will be made for you, as you will have to replace the dampers sooner or later. If you don't want the Nitrons, then AVOs are better than standard parts for less money, so it's a no brainer.
On the engine work front, just the chip and remap will liberate some power and improve manners. The intake pipe, trumpet base and meter each will give a little more power and torque - the pipe being the best bang for buck. Finally, the injectors make a noticeable difference over the standard ones (Mark A can show you the curves) but they really come into their own when you do further modifcations such as the ACT plenum and a wilder cam where you need the extra fuel. I'd say do these if you're thinking of further upgrades, otherwise consider carefully. Needless to say I couldn't help myself and went for all of these
Those who I've spoken to, who've done extensive mods observed it's better to do it all in one hit if you can, to reduce the labour and rolling road costs. Hope that helps, it probably hasn't, but hey, it's only money
Steve.
Sorry about the nudge down the slope, but the way I see it, it's pretty much inevitable if you're a gadget man like me
Regarding suspension vs engine work, it largely depends how many miles are on the car. If you do enough miles the choice will be made for you, as you will have to replace the dampers sooner or later. If you don't want the Nitrons, then AVOs are better than standard parts for less money, so it's a no brainer. On the engine work front, just the chip and remap will liberate some power and improve manners. The intake pipe, trumpet base and meter each will give a little more power and torque - the pipe being the best bang for buck. Finally, the injectors make a noticeable difference over the standard ones (Mark A can show you the curves) but they really come into their own when you do further modifcations such as the ACT plenum and a wilder cam where you need the extra fuel. I'd say do these if you're thinking of further upgrades, otherwise consider carefully. Needless to say I couldn't help myself and went for all of these
Those who I've spoken to, who've done extensive mods observed it's better to do it all in one hit if you can, to reduce the labour and rolling road costs. Hope that helps, it probably hasn't, but hey, it's only money
Steve.
Cheers Steve.
Thinking over the weekend went along the lines of getting the Avos, pipe and MA map, as that would come in at around the 2K mark.
However, Angy (Guilotine) has made an interesting offer that I'll be looking into when work calms down sufficiently for me to make some phone calls.
Ta,
Rob
Thinking over the weekend went along the lines of getting the Avos, pipe and MA map, as that would come in at around the 2K mark.
However, Angy (Guilotine) has made an interesting offer that I'll be looking into when work calms down sufficiently for me to make some phone calls.
Ta,
Rob
Just a quick update, the car goes in on the 23rd 
but the best bit is I've spoken to the insurance co., Peart, and once again they have demonstrated how good they are.
Not content with lowering my premium by £500 least year, they have said that the total affect on modding the car (Avo's, ACT induction kit and MA remap) is £15, as an admin fee. Fan-bloody-tastic!
Can't wait now.
Rob
but the best bit is I've spoken to the insurance co., Peart, and once again they have demonstrated how good they are. Not content with lowering my premium by £500 least year, they have said that the total affect on modding the car (Avo's, ACT induction kit and MA remap) is £15, as an admin fee. Fan-bloody-tastic!
Can't wait now.
Rob
rb,
gland you;re going for it all.
I went for the engine mods to get the car working well [get an ACT induction hose too] and this has been bloomin amazing.
It has however, further illuminated some of the handling problems more...
Let me know how the avos go, half the price of the nitrons if I recall.
J
gland you;re going for it all.
I went for the engine mods to get the car working well [get an ACT induction hose too] and this has been bloomin amazing.
It has however, further illuminated some of the handling problems more...
Let me know how the avos go, half the price of the nitrons if I recall.
J
Avo's were about £800 fitted (when I asked) but the Nitrons were £1000 before VAT, fitting and the rest. Steve_T has had them done so he may be a good person to ask. He loves them.
I've already had the brakes done. They were the first thing that got done and the Tower View upgrade was fantastic. Had the car on a track day and they were awesome. I'm doing Snetterton on the 15th April so I should get to try brakes, engne and suspension upgrades all in 1 go.
I'll post my findings on here.
Rob
I've already had the brakes done. They were the first thing that got done and the Tower View upgrade was fantastic. Had the car on a track day and they were awesome. I'm doing Snetterton on the 15th April so I should get to try brakes, engne and suspension upgrades all in 1 go.
I'll post my findings on here.
Rob
AVOs £100 a corner + fitting approx. Cheaper and better than standard items, also adjustable. Damper and spring need to be matched to give their best. If you need to replace standard shocks, no brainer, get these!
Nitrons £250 a corner + fitting. How much better than the AVOs I'm not sure, I've haven't driven the two back to back on my car. Plus sides, less affected by spring rates than the AVOs (I found I needed to increase mine), Guy at Nitron is extremely patient and knowledgeable. Minus sides, less folks in the South East who fit them regularly to my knowledge.
Probably the best chap to speak to is Joolz at Joospeed, although I don't think he does mail order anymore. However, he does at least fit both AVOs and Nitrons, so can comment objectively on both. He has always been helpful whenever I've spoken to him.
Steve.
Aside : Currently awaiting delivery of 4 pot Brembos to replace the current setup
>> Edited by Steve_T on Thursday 10th March 16:54
Nitrons £250 a corner + fitting. How much better than the AVOs I'm not sure, I've haven't driven the two back to back on my car. Plus sides, less affected by spring rates than the AVOs (I found I needed to increase mine), Guy at Nitron is extremely patient and knowledgeable. Minus sides, less folks in the South East who fit them regularly to my knowledge.
Probably the best chap to speak to is Joolz at Joospeed, although I don't think he does mail order anymore. However, he does at least fit both AVOs and Nitrons, so can comment objectively on both. He has always been helpful whenever I've spoken to him.
Steve.
Aside : Currently awaiting delivery of 4 pot Brembos to replace the current setup
>> Edited by Steve_T on Thursday 10th March 16:54
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