What to replace SC'd VX220 with?

[FLD]

I currently have a supercharged VX220. Great wagon. Recently though I've been getting fed up with doing jobs on it. New exhaust meant I had to have the clam off. Just a bit tired of big jobs for something simple.

now then the fun bit...what I'm after is something a bit fun but perhaps a bit more road based. I have a second car so nothing too mainstream! I want something the missus will be happy to drive (she wont drive the VX). My preference is a lotus elan (90's one) but I've heard parts are starting to go obsolete on these. Any other ideas would be very gratefully considered.

Alreadt ruled out are MX5, 350Z, vette (want RHD) but I am thinking of a noble M12. Mmmmmm noble.

[Richard-G]

nsx?

[rallycross]

Never heard of a supercharged vauxhall who did that and what engine is it?

All depends what your budget is?
Nobles start around £20k+
Plenty of fun to be had for half that figure...

A Boxster would be the obvious choice, £10k gets you a 3.2 version and the mrs will be (or should be!) happy driving one.

If you are brave how about a late model Esprit?

Or if budget is limit get a late model MR2 (s) then get someone to tune it up, talk to Patrick at Rogue motorsport re' tuning, options include fitting same engine as Exige.

[Daston]

TVR?? If you get board of a V8 one you could always supercharge it or drop in an LS lump

[FLD]

Supercharged VX is the 2.2 with the charger bolted on. I did it but it is the same conversion that courtenays offer. Makes it about 250bhp. Drives about right.

The boxster lacks that something I'm after although I do fancy a cayman. NSX, hmm not considered that but a firm contender. Esprit is on the fringes of considering bit of a ball ache to maintain from what I've heard eg engine out to replace the water pump.

Some good ideas, keep em coming!

[Wadeski]

Mk3 mr2 with either a 2GR-FE evora
engine or a 3S-GTE from a mk2 MR2 . All inclusive for about 7k these days.

[MGZRod]

M12 is a daft idea with your criteria. Being fed up of simple jobs being big ones would be doubled on the noble.
Clamshell off every time something needs done and they aren't known for being reliable ( I do you do get bombproof ones!) the vx would be more reliable. I think maybe something along the lines of a skyline or maybe a s15 silvia. And I'm not a 'ricer' but I think they would provide a good performance rush to match the vx without being too dull.
Plenty of spare parts too!

[007 VXR]

Monaro with S/C

one going for about 21k on classifieds (not mine)

[Hitch78]

Jet powered roller skates - everything else will feel heavy and slow otherwise!

[Hitch78]

Jet powered roller skates - everything else will feel heavy and slow otherwise!

[ben10]

+1 on the NSX - I know someone that has one as a weekend car but it gets used a hell of a lot more than just weekends.

BUT, would the wife be happy driving one?

[Gold]

M3 of some kind or Z4M?

[RB26DETT]

And now for sometbing completely different

A modified Supra 3.0TT.
Skyline GTR

[Boosted LS1]

I like the thought of the NSX, it's always been a car I like and it gets noticed, nice looker to

[FLD]

Big thanks to MGZRod for a good reply, thanks. I think I just get seduced by the looks of the looks of the noble. I have been offered a skyline for 5k but I think I might prefer a soft top. When looking at NSX's in the classifieds I had a look at S2000's. Whats the general opinion on those? (still tempted by the NSX though!).

[simonrockman]

FLD said:

I currently have a supercharged VX220. Great wagon. Recently though I've been getting fed up with doing jobs on it. New exhaust meant I had to have the clam off. Just a bit tired of big jobs for something simple.

now then the fun bit...what I'm after is something a bit fun but perhaps a bit more road based. I have a second car so nothing too mainstream! I want something the missus will be happy to drive (she wont drive the VX). My preference is a lotus elan (90's one) but I've heard parts are starting to go obsolete on these. Any other ideas would be very gratefully considered.

Alreadt ruled out are MX5, 350Z, vette (want RHD) but I am thinking of a noble M12. Mmmmmm noble.

I used to have a VX220T. You'd be very disappointed with an Elan M100. I had one for a weekend and thought it spectacularly ordinary for a Lotus. I'd second the NSX, indeed I bought the VX220 because I wanted an NSX and couldn't afford it. They seem to hold their price very well. Which is A Bad Thing if you are buying.

I loved my VX220, it's much more hardcore than an NSX, and while my wife only drove the VX when there was no alternative I think she'd be happy with an NSX.

Also consider a Skyline and for an odd-ball suggestion a BMW Z1.

Simon

[anonymous-user]

FLD said:

Big thanks to MGZRod for a good reply, thanks. I think I just get seduced by the looks of the looks of the noble. I have been offered a skyline for 5k but I think I might prefer a soft top. When looking at NSX's in the classifieds I had a look at S2000's. Whats the general opinion on those? (still tempted by the NSX though!).

An NSX would be a great choice for you as it blends exclusivity and real everyday use. However there is an argument that it is too mild mannered for its own good and this can make ownership short-lived if you are used to thrills.

[Richard-G]

yonex said:

FLD said:

Big thanks to MGZRod for a good reply, thanks. I think I just get seduced by the looks of the looks of the noble. I have been offered a skyline for 5k but I think I might prefer a soft top. When looking at NSX's in the classifieds I had a look at S2000's. Whats the general opinion on those? (still tempted by the NSX though!).

An NSX would be a great choice for you as it blends exclusivity and real everyday use. However there is an argument that it is too mild mannered for its own good and this can make ownership short-lived if you are used to thrills.

the main reason why i suggested an nsx is that you could pretend to be winston wolf, going around 'fixing problems' and telling people 'its a half an hour drive, i'll be there in 10'. I didnt read any of the critera tbh! ......joke, anything thats tuned/tested by ayrton is going to be a winner, its fast and drivable every day AND its a honda so its well put together

[Herman Toothrot]

I found a car at Goodwood yesterday that will shortly be launched as a road car that I'd consider selling my VX220 for Ginetta G40 it's front engined (Mazda supercharged ~240bhp is an option), rear drive, 750kg curb weight and looks great and has a bigger boot than the vx. Still has high sills but they are narrow.

[rob.e]

cayman or boxster S with a parr turbo:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2428...

faster than your vx, comfy enough for the OH to drive.