357 replies to this topic

[UKspeedster]

A thoroughly interesting thread - thanks for the update Speedy. Definitely sounds like a hardcore mod once the novelty of panel filter and horn removal have worn off! And in terms of £ per hp, the £4.5k cost is probably not so bad... Nick

[speedyK]

While the SC will get around the nature of the VXT engine that I don't really like, if it adds noticeable weight to my girl's ass it will shift under cornering like the T and I may as well have swapped for a T

Don't forget the approximately 10 kilos are immediately behind the cabin bulkhead and in front of the 2.2's alloy block. Being so mid-ships, they have no noticable effect on handling. Maybe someone with the sensitivity of Schumacher could detect a difference, but I couldn't . OTOH both you and I could feel the extra 60 kilos of the iron-lumped VXT - quite a different matter. That convinced me even more.

You'd be hard pushed to notice the extra weight in any other way either, as the power-to-weight ratio is massively improved.

I understand the reticence of anyone who still has a warranty... but my one year guarantee (Switzerland ) was up in April 2002, so I have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

Regarding the trade-in option for a turbo, I looked into it before trying the turbo. Very glad that the turbo didn't convince me... for a spotless 2.2 with all factory options including hardtop and 4,000 miles on the clock, I was offered 30,000 Swiss francs if I bought a Turbo for 60,000 Basically, you give us two mint N/A's and we'll give you a turbo.

Compared to the 30,000 francs premiuim, the 10,500 looks quite reasonable IMO, especially as I far prefer the supercharger.

But the VX/Speedster is an individualists car any way, so you can't expect us all to go the same route WRT tuning. Each unto his own and, for me, this is definitely the right way.

[BogBrush]

You state that the swedish cars have to meet strict emissions testings. Does this mean in it's current configuration that the airbox and exhaust systems are heavily restricted? Preferably i'd like to see a bit more power than that.

[Sicey]

Great report speedy - if you have it done I'll pop down and see you and come out for a test drive. As my warranty runs out next year it looks like an interesting way to go, shame about the price, if it was a grand cheaper it might get a few more people interested, even though I know they have to cover their dev costs. What warranty to Delta offer on the kit if its fitted by them?? John.

[speedyK]

You state that the swedish cars have to meet strict emissions testings. Does this mean in it's current configuration that the airbox and exhaust systems are heavily restricted?
Preferably i'd like to see a bit more power than that.

I'm in Switzerland not Sweden

Problem is to get the conversion accepted by the authorities, the tuner has to be able to provide evidence from the car manufacturer that the chassis can cope with the extra power. AFAIK, beyond a certain percentage this is not easy. The introduction of the VXT aurtomatically shows that the chassis can cope with 200bhp. By sticking to this figure, Delta-Motor can save themselves a whole load of trouble in getting it on the road. RR figures depend on many factors, but in final approval tune it's a "good" 200bhp (as already posted 205 would appear to be a truer figure). Engineer told me in June they'd seen 211bhp on standard supercharger set-up. Mechanic told me yesterday they'd had 220.

The exhaust is the original, standard one. The intake is so configured that the car still complies with the strict Euro 4 norm. I don't think anyone wants to shout too loudly at this stage but once it's been passed, a small "service" might find a few more gee-gees . In Switzerland even the K&N free-flow filter is forbidden for road use. I know for a fact that people have been stopped, checked and fined for this by knowledgable (among other adjectives that more readily spring to mind ) plod. With an exhaust sytem it's easier to "hide" it - so they order you to attend an official vehicle testing system. Common for 911's, Caterhams, etc. to quickly fit the standard exhaust system first Have to do that for the MOT equivalent too. In the UK, it's far easier – you don't have such draconian rules... yet!.

The GM supercharger in the USA for the Ecotec is close to 250bhp and, with free flow in and out, I would think similar results are possible with the Delta-motor unit. I'll be happy with around 200... at first . Though I somehow suspect I might be persuading them to find some more later.

[speedyK]

Great report speedy - if you have it done I'll pop down and see you and come out for a test drive.
As my warranty runs out next year it looks like an interesting way to go, shame about the price, if it was a grand cheaper it might get a few more people interested, even though I know they have to cover their dev costs.

What warranty to Delta offer on the kit if its fitted by them??

John.

Thought you were considering a VXT?

WRT price, SC is a far more reasonable upgrade for an N/A owner than trading in for VXT IMO.

Swiss labour prices are fairly high. Having it fitted elsewhere by a trusted tuner might be a cheaper option, but big question is who would guarantee what?!

If Delta-Motor fit it, they give a year's warranty. But as I understand it, this is limited to the SC components - not their fault if you put a piston through the block by changing from 5th. to 1st gear or somerthing similar. Sounds reasonable to me. Delta-Motor have a good reputation. They actually know what quality control means. They do spot checks like stripping down an engine that has just been rebuilt by one of their mechanics to assess it for tolerances, etc. This helps to keep their number of problems with customers well below 1% (compare that with your Vauxhall/Opel garage )

By all means come over when I've had it done. A few good roads to enjoy nearby Planning for fitting around March if all approved by then, so I can go to Hockenheim in April. Or maybe you would join me there? The international racing licence course with the Swiss Automobil Club ACS I did last year was cool and you don't have to be Swiss.

[Purebob]

Only 10 kgs ???? Hmmm. Thats VERY interesting. No pendulum effect on handling, no lag just FAT power everywhere for £4500. I would need to try one Speedy, I really would. It sounds interesting ! Any idea what breathing changes are made - is the whole intake & injection system changed for the blower?

[ddpunter]

Is there/will there be a fitted price and a do it yourself kit price?( for us in the uk) cheers d

[speedyK]

Is there/will there be a fitted price and a do it yourself kit price?( for us in the uk)

I can't speak for Delta-Motor – I'm just a (potential) customer.

Best if you phone or email them to ask then any questions directly - they understand English.

Here are the relevant details:

Delta-Motor, contact details

[Sicey]

Thought you were considering a VXT?

I still have not made my mind up yet , what with the crappy trade-in prices and the wife not too happy with me spending another 8k on a new car especially with an impending redundancy next year, so it looks like I will be importing my car to DE next month, this will save all the hassle on insurance etc from England.
When I mentioned the SC price to the missus she said well if you get that done then you cant buy the turbo so she did not say No, she just said you better start saving now .
The other problem is I dont know whether we will be heading back to the UK or not next year when I get laid off, its a bloody pain in the arse as I cant plan anything at the mo.
So I have 2 choices - buy VXT next year when I have funds providing the NA prices dont drop anymore or mod NA funds permitting, I think though with say the delta SC and say miltek exhaust, nitrons, better discs and pads the car should be pretty damn good oh and some lovely new alloys , at least the cars all paid for so mods can be added as and when required.
Hey perhaps I may join you in March for some upgrading - watch this space.


On a seperate note I was a bit gutted I could not make the Speedster training day next weekend in Boxburg as it sounded like a good day, will definately make it for next years early session.

Give me a shout if your ever in the Frankfurt vacinity and we can meet up, obviously the bonus of having the VX out in DE permantely is that I can try and start doing some German/Swiss meets


John.

[Ricky2772]

Disagree on 16" wheels though, testing has shown 17" are the best solution with the correct suspesnion set up.

So when you getting it done?

In what way are 17" superior? I'm thinking of weight and limited tyre choice. Still no pics of these potential wheels?

Too late to use any more this year by the time official approval completed, so envisage early Spring.

Typo edit

well, I can vouch for the 16 front set-up, BIG time....
I cannot think of any better setting for the front..... it grips to no end, almost too much for the rear end...and I am talking about the 048, not those pathetic potenza's...
differently from the vxt sprint, 28-30 psi, I got my best air pressure at 25-27 psi, much less weight I guess....

[speedyK]

On a seperate note I was a bit gutted I could not make the Speedster training day next weekend in Boxburg as it sounded like a good day, will definately make it for next years early session.

Give me a shout if your ever in the Frankfurt vacinity and we can meet up, obviously the bonus of having the VX out in DE permantely is that I can try and start doing some German/Swiss meets 

Boxberg is good to do at least once for the high-speed aquaplaning track, etc. to learn Speedy's characteristics on and over the limit in safety.

Opel Suisse just sent me a cool video of last April's event with a good few action clips of my Speedy, but still can't post MPEG4 or .mov clips as the forum doesn't accept them.

Not dramatic enough for me personally to feel need to go again in a hurry. Prefer more competitive events :ph34r: Also reason I'm not into cruising around in convoy on public roads.

But maybe you, Ricky and I could get togerthet at Hockenheim some time next season?

[Sicey]

But maybe you, Ricky and I could get togerthet at Hockenheim some time next season?

I am up for that, I am sure a few others would be interested from here too...

[garyk220]

I am up for that, I am sure a few others would be interested from here too...

Keep me posted. I'd be interested... especially if I can combine it with a visit to the Nurburgring

[Sicey]

Speedy, How about looking into a group hockenheim trip for next year, what do you reckon on track costs? I guarantee if we start planning this early enough next year we could get a good group together from DE,SW,UK John.

Edited by Sicey, 26 August 2003 - 09:14 AM.

[speedyK]

I did raise the possibility earlier in the year...

I have no experience of organizing such things, just participating .

Thorney has been with the RS mob, maybe he knows a little more. I'm keen to do something as I just got a letter today informing me that my trip to the Adria Raceway with the Swiss Motorracing Club (SAR) in two weeks has been cancelled because about 24 people short of minimum viable number.


When the Swiss Motorracing Club or Swiss Automobil Club (ACS) books Hockenheim, there are normally eight groups of about 16-18 drivers, i.e. 130+ people. Doubt very much if we could raise that many...

I will definitely be booking for Hockenheim with ACS and SAR in Spring (both good events combining driving skills training and track time) when the details are posted - normally only quite late (around March). If enough people showed interest, we could get a Speedster/VX group of 16 or so and they could provide an english-speaking instructor without too much difficulty.

If there's reasonable interest, I'll hunt some more details of the old courses and prices.

Here's the relevant page from SAR's site: Training

And here's the ACS international racing licence course: Licence course

What do you reckon?

[Sicey]

sounds good to me - fancy doing a poll in the meets to see who's interested ?

[speedyK]

cheers

[speedyK]

Sh*t! Made a nice poll and my browser crashed when I wanted to post it.

[speedyK]

Poll is up now under UK tracks and meets section Say there if you're interested.