Conference terri::cars_uk

    Remember all are still FWD cars. Obviously Ford indeed think it
    "unwise"(typical British understatement) to fit so much torque into
    a FWD package.
    Pretty useless for a street car too.
    Better get the Daihatsu 4wd 1300cc 16 valve Coup� and get that to 
    put out 150 BHP. Still pretty lethal but at least you'll still have 
    steering while accellerating.
    
    Peter    

    Re .1
    
    Do you mean buy a new car ? Or just obtain the engine ? I definately
    do NOT want to depart with the XR2, i just would like a bit more
    perforamnce. I have looked into the Technics Turbo but they would
    have to build a new block? for my engine because of the mileage
    (over 30k).
    One guy i spoke to mentioned sticking in an injection unit, but
    this all sounds rather dodgy to me.
    
    Lewis

    re- "sticking in an injection unit"
    
    Why not, if you stick to the one used in the XR3i, then why should that
    not work, I thought it was designed for that engine??
    
    Carl.

   Have you found out what the insurance premiums would be like for the
   XR? If you find out or already know I'd be interested.
    
   Richard.

    re: .5
    
    You must be joking !
    
    I have all the leaflets etc.. at home but if i ever properly
    thought about this i would ask for a full spec. for insurance
    purposes. Then ring around. I would guess it would be around
    the groups 6/7.
    
    I found out that the technics turbo xr2 was classed as group 5.
    At the moment the xr2 is a 4, and i used to drive a Nissan 1.8 
    which was classed as a 5, so maybe they'd add another group for 
    non-standard car, or am i wrong ?
    
    Will they throw the book at me for a modified car ?
    
    I have also had all the usual guys trying to sell me special
    air-filters, and cams .... but i don't really see that this
    could improve it that much.

    High lift cam, yes, that would increase the flow of gases in/out of the
    engine, but be sure to check out if it would effect the injection
    system, if you go for both!
    
    Carl.
    

    Re: .*
    
    I'm new to this 'modifying cars' stuff so i really don't know
    the benefits from one thing to another.
    
    I would like to increase performance without losing safety (or
    uprating safety to match). I have enquired about ABS for the XR2
    and have been told this is inpossible because of spare space, but
    i believe it is an option on the xr2i's (?).
    
    re; .7
    
    What would be the benefit of going for both ? What does a high lift
    cam make (difference). I know the basics of fuel injection and turbo's
    and superchargers (now there's a thought ;-)), but adding small
    bits here and there is something completely new to me.
    
    Also how easy is this kind of stuff to do and maintaine ?
    
    I am going back to the uk tonight so i will pick up the leaflets
    and bring them in.
    
    Lewis.

    The Cam, depending on your engine, is the bit that whirrs round, and
    through either pushrods, or whatever, moves the valves up and down, If
    you go for a bigger lift on the Cam, then this pushes the valves up 
    a further distance, thus giving more space for the burn't gases to
    escape quicker, therefore giving less resistance to the engine going
    round, so it can go faster, The main thing it will do (I think) is let
    your engine rev higher, and get up revs quicker. 
    
    But, esp. on an old car, it puts a strain on things like valve springs
    and guides etc.
    
    Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this is how it works on my
    car.
    
    Carl.
    

    I upgraded my wife's 205 GTi to rally specs. Suspension, engine,
    rollbar, etc.                             
    OK for rally sprints etc. Fun on gravel. But a terror on the road.
    FWD just can't cope with lotsa kilowatts �nd steering at the same
    time. It is just a question of adhesion. 4WD �s very benificial
    in this respect for ROAD use.             
    I am talking about actualy using the availabe power. I just don't
    like a car to loose grip on the front wheels when in a corner. Since
    a FWD car is by nature understeered this leaves you with the handbrake
    and prayers to stay on the road.   
    Maybe a question of taste.                
    Used to have an Alfa coup� adapted to circuit racing too.
    For my taste FWD is just perfect for the family car and everyday
    use. Very safe too.
    For spectecular driving and fun RWD with front engine and lotsa
    power. Advanced driving skills required, otherwise not very safe.
    For high speed cruising saloons with 200+ bhp I'd prefer 4WD and
    automatic tranny.
    Hyper sports cars for high speed cornering 4WD again.
    Competion use; anything that gives you the thrills.
    
    On tuning street cars: I don't approve. Just think of the environmental
    costs. For the occasionally used fun car OK, I am willing to
    compromise. But usually simple tuning it out. Just replacing a
    simple item will ruin the setup of the rest. The chain is only as
    strong as...... Wanna change the cam? Change carbs or setup, airfilter,
    exhaust, ignition etc.
    
    Back to the original question: more HP from an XR2 wether sensible
    or not.
    Bolting on the injection seems good advice. Probably
    you can find a XRi at a breaker and take off all parts needed.
    Such as intake manifold/ducts and especially the electronics.
    Should give an extra mile or two on the gallon as well.
    
    Good luck with it.

    Well, if you want a good read for tuning up your XR2, then take a look
    at this months Custom Car.
    It has an Xr2, which looks like a normal Xr2(maybe a little bit lower)
    
    The powerplant is a ford 2.8 litre injection, with drive going through
    the **rear** wheels!!
    
    A Wolf in an Alsations clothing perhaps!!
    
    Carl.