Which engine?

[Madgunner]

Hi all again i know i have already mentioned this but looking at some point this year to upgrade me car. Wanna go back to petrol & looking at either a 2.2 SRi, 2.0 Turbo or a 3.2 Gsi. my questions are 1. Which is the best engine overall? 2. Which is the best engine for tuning? 3. On the 2.0 Turbo are there any common faults with the turbo unit & can it handle mod's. 4.What can be done on each engine?

The way im looking at it as a standard car to start with 2.2 sri 147bhp, 2.0Turbo 175bhp, 3.2 gsi 208bhp & i wanna do something that will give a good gain without destroying it.

you views are most gratefull

many thanks again Mark

[IamtheStig]

Since switching to the 2.0 T i can't imagine going back to a 2.2 that i had before - TURBO power rules

[Caterman]

Got to be the 2.0T with any of the BSR upgrades m8. Go for the stage 3 at somewhere around 247bhp.

[Madgunner]

What does the bsr upgrade include mate?

[Caterman]

See HERE for full details m8

[Madgunner]

That's well intersting m8 thank's. so what would be faster then a stage 3 turbo or a remap on a gsi? 247ish bhp on the turbo or remapped 250ish bhp on the gsi? sorry for all the question's mate

[Caterman]

One for the petrol boys to answer m8.

It is a very difficult choice, the sound of a V6 at full chat is really a sound to behold but will be thirsty. The 2.0T should be as quick but will be more economical. Just my thoughts

[armoured farmer]

Mark, defo the 2.0T mate...

[Bainie]

The 2.0t and 3.2 are very different engines, the power being delivered in very different ways . I went from the astra 2.0t to a 2.8 v6 . Chalk and cheese, depends on what you want, the 2.0 is a lighter engine so the car will also handle different, but the 3.2 will have more grunt and be so much smoother, both are equally tunable I would say ??

[Duncan]

....both are equally tunable I would say ??

Well, in terms of gains the 2.0T is more tuneable I'd say. From 175 to 245 with a Stage 3 BSR. 3.2 will get less gains (as per any NA engine) but with having the initial standard bhp head start, will get you to the same sort of bhp with a remap.

As you say, they will handle differently with the 2.0T having a lighter engine it will be a bit 'nippier' with it's steering. Also, as you said, the power delivery is different so it depends what Madgunner's preference is. The V6 does sound lovely on full chat - can't deny that!

I'd say forget the 2.2. Madgunner, there are not enough gains to be got without spending silly money on turbo conversions etc. if you ever get the chance to drive a remapped 2.0T and a standard 3.2 (as they will have very similar bhp) then you can get an idea of which you prefer for handling and the way the power is delivered.

But from my experience of driving my remapped 2.0T and a standard 3.2 (and from the 3.2 owners driving mine) the consensus was that the remapped 2.0T had a stronger mid-range. The 3.2 ultimately has the slightly longer legs once it gets galloping.

D