35 replies to this topic

[Herbs]

Good afternoon all

 

I currently own a Z4M which is up for sale and I have been offered a VXT stage 3 in part exchange.

 

I have had 3 Elise's in the past but this will be my first VX.

 

I have done a bit of research regarding the different stages and have seen some conflicting reports on exactly what this car has.

 

The car has the following with regards to stage upgrades:

 

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Stage 3 Courtenay map,[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Powerflow Exhaust[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Spitfire torsion bar[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Pace Charge cooler[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Mintex 1144 brake pads[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Gas flowed throttle body[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Braided brake lines[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Poly engine mount inserts[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]MMG Diffuser[/font]

[font="'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:12pt;"]Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres[/font]

 

So is this definitely stage 3?

Is it a good spec?

Anything missing?

 

And for a stupid question, is the charge cooler a supercharger or purely for keeping temps lower (again, I have seen both mentioned )

 

Thanks for the advice in advance and hope to become a permanent member soon.

 

 

[turbobob]

For a stage 3 you need exhaust and sport cat (either 100 or 200 cell), uprated spark plugs, airbox mod, and a remap. Better spec of stage 3 would be uprated intercooler and clutch. I would be surprised if it were producing the power and torque of a stage 3 without having had the clutch replaced. If it is producing that level of power and torque and the clutch hasn't be replaced it is likely to be imminent before replacement is needed. 

 

I say uprated intercooler for stage 3 as a charge cooler with standard turbo will be more laggy as greater pressures are required to blow through the charge cooler. A charge cooler is not a supercharger. A supercharger is similar to a turbo in that it increases the intake boost pressure. The charge cooler cools the charge boost post supercharger or turbo charger. And a supercharger runs off a belt whereas a turbocharger runs from the exhaust gasses.

 

Edit and also preferably the pre cat downpipe replacement for stage 3.

Edited by turbobob, 13 September 2013 - 05:01 PM.

[P11 COV]

The chargecooler is a extra radiator which cools down the air as it goes into the engine to enable better power due to the cooler air going in. . This will work in  conjunction with the ECU remap.

 

Yes this sounds like a stage 3 although the Courtenay stage 3 conversion normally uses a Pro Alloy charge cooler not the PAce mentioned here.

 

Have a look at the Coutenay stage 3 spec (link below) to compare it with the one you have mentioned.

 

http://www.courtenay...bo/info_22.html

 

[turbobob]

Stage 3 is also quite an aggressive car. It's very quick to accelerate. So if you do test drive / decide to buy, please take it easy. It is coming into what is known in this community as the culling season where it is a bit cool and damp and vx's find there way into ditches / bushes / railings / lamp posts etc.

[Rickwoo118]

Is the VX known to this site. If you know the reg number put it in a search. How much you got the z3 up for if you don't mind me asking? Also what year and mileage s the VX?

[turboluca]

Stage 3 is also quite an aggressive car. It's very quick to accelerate. So if you do test drive / decide to buy, please take it easy. It is coming into what is known in this community as the culling season where it is a bit cool and damp and vx's find there way into ditches / bushes / railings / lamp posts etc.

It's my season were I see lots smashed up .

[Herbs]

Thanks for all the replies.

The car http://www.flickr.co...ndydavidyeates/ I believe is on here as the owner I met on Pistonheads and he has rebuilt 5 or 6 VX's.

The Z4m is up for 12600 - http://www.pistonhea...dsp-pdc/1629802

I'm aware how Elises have a lot of grip but very hard to catch once they go due to the short wheelbase, I assume the vx is the same?

With the upgrades on the car, will that make much diffrence to how they drive?

I know the car is a cat c but also understand how easy they can be written off with claim and headlight damage.

All thoughts appreciated

[Rickwoo118]

Thanks for all the replies.

The car http://www.flickr.co...ndydavidyeates/ I believe is on here as the owner I met on Pistonheads and he has rebuilt 5 or 6 VX's.

The Z4m is up for 12600 - http://www.pistonhea...dsp-pdc/1629802

I'm aware how Elises have a lot of grip but very hard to catch once they go due to the short wheelbase, I assume the vx is the same?

With the upgrades on the car, will that make much diffrence to how they drive?

I know the car is a cat c but also understand how easy they can be written off with claim and headlight damage.

All thoughts appreciated

Yes that's andys car. He is on here. Didn't he spin off the road and had to get the front repaired or am I thinking off another incident?

[smiley]

With the upgrades on the car, will that make much diffrence to how they drive?

 

Compared to a yota based elise yes. The yota has 181nm of torque. The stage III turbo around 350 to 400. 

(the tubby team will probably spit out a more acccurate number any second, but still a lot of difference)

Edited by smiley, 13 September 2013 - 08:13 PM.

[Herbs]

That sounds about right as I know the front clamp was done again. Do you know anything else about the car?

[Bumblebee]

I think most things have Been mentioned already regarding stage 3 but this is what stage 3 Is listed as on the Courtney's website
http://www.courtenay...bo/info_22.html

Edited by Bumblebee, 13 September 2013 - 08:26 PM.

[Herbs]

Thanks Bumblebee, that's not quite as tweaked ad I was worrying about. I'm used to reasonably powerful cars since the lotus's which have included a couple of Z4M, 91, SL500 and Aston Martin but it's been a while since I had one without traction control so will need to take it easy for a while. Is the race logic t/c worth getting?

[Bumblebee]

Are you planning on using it all year round? If so and going by previous posts on here regarding traction control its worth it but not essential

Edited by Bumblebee, 13 September 2013 - 08:33 PM.

[Bumblebee]

Personally I think stage 3 is how it should of left the factory but there not for the faint hearted as they are lively

[Bumblebee]

Think I've got the right profile?
http://www.vx220.org.../15975-andy-vx/

[Rickwoo118]

That sounds about right as I know the front clamp was done again.

Do you know anything else about the car?

More info on accident

http://www.vx220.org...lved-in-an-rta/

[Rickwoo118]

Think I've got the right profile?
http://www.vx220.org.../15975-andy-vx/

That's the one Aimy...I am surprised he is getting rid tbh.

[Herbs]

I'm not sure yet as the only reason I'm selling the M is I have a 7 month old baby so need something to be able to carry her and associated stuff so will buy another car as well but knowing me I will end up using it a lot! I'm hoping to go and look at it in 2 weeks when I'm back so hopefully the lack of history will be offset by condition.

[ant70c]

Where is this for sale because I can't find it anyway ....???

[Herbs]

The vx? It's not, as I've been offered it in p/x against mine which has the advert listed above.