Engine minor engine mods and insurance
Discussion
If you want a useable increase in power then your going to have to pay for it. Some options include:
- Fit 2 litre lump
- Fit 2 litre lump from ST170
- Fit 2 litre Turbo lump from RS
- Fit 2 litre lump and add TB's, different management, cams etc.
You could kit your current 1.6 engine out with a set of Throttle Bodies, aftermarket engine management, higher lift/longer duration cams etc. but by the time you've spent that you may as well have fitted a variation of the 2litre lump, same power with better reliability.
If you want considerably more power then only way to realisticaly achieve it for the best value is to purchase another car (unless restrictions on engine size come into play ala certain race series). There's no point modifying a current car unless its already at the top of the tree or you can extract the same/better performance for less than the cost to change.
However if you just want some cheap power for occasional use just lob some N20 in. With kits from 600quid that'll net you 40bhp its about as cheap as power gets.
Best Regards
Matt
- Fit 2 litre lump
- Fit 2 litre lump from ST170
- Fit 2 litre Turbo lump from RS
- Fit 2 litre lump and add TB's, different management, cams etc.
You could kit your current 1.6 engine out with a set of Throttle Bodies, aftermarket engine management, higher lift/longer duration cams etc. but by the time you've spent that you may as well have fitted a variation of the 2litre lump, same power with better reliability.
If you want considerably more power then only way to realisticaly achieve it for the best value is to purchase another car (unless restrictions on engine size come into play ala certain race series). There's no point modifying a current car unless its already at the top of the tree or you can extract the same/better performance for less than the cost to change.
However if you just want some cheap power for occasional use just lob some N20 in. With kits from 600quid that'll net you 40bhp its about as cheap as power gets.
Best Regards
Matt
As Matt has said, if you want real noticeable power gains then you should seriously consider getting a bigger engine. As yours is a zetec I would assume that it isn't too much bother to fit a 1.8 or 2.0 zetec in its place? If you plan to go crazy on the engine (i.e turbocharge it) then the 1.8 is the best starting point as it is the strongest engine mechanically out of the zetec family. However if you just want to breath on it a little then go for the 2.0. You will then get proportionately bigger gains for every mod you do to that over the 1.6.
If you're absolutely stuck with the 1.6 then you could look into the option of getting some motorbike throttle bodies hooked up to it. Of get the cylinder head and manifolds worked on, there are always gains to be had there with the right work.
On the subject of engine mods and insurance. You should tell the insurance company everything you have done to the car. They are in the business of making money. By not telling them about your mods, you have invalidated your insurance and they won't pay out. And if you were unfortunate enough to crash into someone else, you would have to cover their costs as well. For the sake of another couple of hundred quid a year, its simply not worth the risk.
If you're absolutely stuck with the 1.6 then you could look into the option of getting some motorbike throttle bodies hooked up to it. Of get the cylinder head and manifolds worked on, there are always gains to be had there with the right work.
On the subject of engine mods and insurance. You should tell the insurance company everything you have done to the car. They are in the business of making money. By not telling them about your mods, you have invalidated your insurance and they won't pay out. And if you were unfortunate enough to crash into someone else, you would have to cover their costs as well. For the sake of another couple of hundred quid a year, its simply not worth the risk.
love machine said:
Always tell them!
Today I went to an insurance company for a quote online. When asked if car was modded I responded yes and was 'rewarded' with a long list to check off if applicable. Both filters and exhaust were on the list.
Can anyone point at such a list, my bloody 66 mini is off the road at the moment and it's got a lot of tricks. It would be easier to have a "it's standard" list.
Did not check this thread again until now. I think Direct Line was the company, or maybe Admiral.
Yeah im with direct line. Another thing, could i buy 17"rims tell the insurance company but ask them not to insure them, would that work?
Or is it one of those questions id be better off asking them anyway.
*Sorry about the delay reply, just bought a new house and had to move in 2 week ago
*
Or is it one of those questions id be better off asking them anyway.
*Sorry about the delay reply, just bought a new house and had to move in 2 week ago
*
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