vectra vxr questions

[afcbadam]

hi guys, im new to this so sorry if these have been asked before. im looking at buying a vec vxr so have a few questions. whats the difference between the 250bhp and 280bhp models? is it just a engine map and is there much diffenence in peformance and when did the 280 come in to production?

not that im atall worried but ill assume these cars only return low 20's on the mpg side of things if driven how they should be driven?

what tuning options are there, ive come across mapping that takes them to around 300bhp and 300lb/ft and seen you can fit a insignia turbo to raise power to around 340bhp but is there anything else? would std internals take this power?

thanks

[mattv6diesel]

The power change is reprogram to the engine but also ids+ (adaptive suspension) setings are changed between 255 and 280 cars. The 280 is faster and feals it but is you are looking to remap straight away could be worth getting the cheaper 255. Their are a couple of engine programs and turbos ect but not tried any yet.

[afcbadam]

yea ill want to tune it a bit, 280 wont be enough lol ill want something from a 07 plate upwards so assume this after the 280bhp model started??

ive been looking at regal, courtenay and mpg websites and they all quote differnent power figures from their maps, 300lbft, 350lbft and 400lbft, surley there cant be that amont of difference between maps? where is the recommended place to get the mapping done??

i have also seen people pulling the cat and centre silencer off the exhaust, is this just for noise reasons, or does decatting it make much of a difference? will it pass the mot emmisions test.

[Andy79]

There is 2 cats on the system mate, precat and the centre cat, the centre cat is removed for noise only and will get you no gains. The exhaust is a remus and is top quality for the job. The 280 came in at late 2006, mine a 56 but still a 255 model. Most of the maps are now coming in at 300ish bhp with 400ish lbs. There is the new turbo but no proof of figures are out for it yet. As for modding more and more are being developed as we speak. you can now get, enlarged intake, bigger turbo, bigger water rad bigger intercooler, lowering springs, new clutch being worked on.. The internals are forged already and can be good for 450bhp. The problem at the moment with the vxr is heat within the engine bay hence the rad and intercooler. Also it is a very torquey engine which needs an uprated clutch when going for big power.

Normal driving you can see returns of 27mpg mixed driving, on a run you can see returns of 35mpg+, but hammering it you are prob looking at 18ish mpg.

If you need anymore info mate pop onto vxronline and there is loads of info on there about them.

[spoons]

whats the difference between the 250bhp and 280bhp models?.

About £200 per year on road tax (255 models are cheaper).

Once remapped there is nothing in it between both models (except 280 models have an extra hole in the airbox)

Exhaust isnt worth messing with unless you hate your neighbours

DAP lowering springs made a good difference to stance and handling

Try and get one with all the optional extras fitted as it will make you feel better when at the petrol station (again) arguing with the missus

[GARY3306]

yea ill want to tune it a bit, 280 wont be enough lol ill want something from a 07 plate upwards so assume this after the 280bhp model started??

ive been looking at regal, courtenay and mpg websites and they all quote differnent power figures from their maps, 300lbft, 350lbft and 400lbft, surley there cant be that amont of difference between maps? where is the recommended place to get the mapping done??

i have also seen people pulling the cat and centre silencer off the exhaust, is this just for noise reasons, or does decatting it make much of a difference? will it pass the mot emmisions test.

Pity you're at the other end of the country because my old 07 plate is for sale at a garage local to me.Already Courtenay remapped and already has a 'VXR' number plate on. Its up for £10999, and as you can imagine, extremely well looked after by me Wheels fully refurbed too.

HERE IT IS

[spoons]

Oh... and keep well away from all the Vectra VXR tuners as they all have good reason why you should spend LOTS of money with them.... and they dont need strong persuasion skills...



Good luck, resistance is futile

[afcbadam]

thanks guys, so it uses a remus exhaust system? stainless from the turbo back? and when you say forged internals what do you mean, as forged to me means steel everything (heavly modified engine man me)

i will be trading a 310bhp astra in for this so the std vec isnt going to cut it, first port of call will be a map, then on to cooler, water rad and turbo. im not interested in enlarged top hats, boost pipes etc as im a firm beleiver they make no difference and are purley engine bling.

talking on the exhaust, is it worth pulling thew pre-cat out, replacing it with a decat and leaving the second cat in place? it should still pass an mot like this shouldnt it?

[In a states]

About £200 per year on road tax (255 models are cheaper).

...Only if registered before 23 March 2006.

[VXR_DV]

i will be trading a 310bhp astra in for this so the std vec isnt going to cut it

I don't want to put you off, but they are very different cars.

The Vec is quite a bit heavier, and the power to weight ratio doesn't help getting off the line at lower speeds.

However, the faster you go, the faster it goes
Eats miles too, and you can do a long stint and still walk at the end of it.