pspencer

Assuming the AA inspection is OK, I plan to buy a modified '98R UK car tomorrow. It certainly feels fairly quick, but does anyone have any idea how much power the following mods should make:

Possum Link ECU with Lambdalink & Knocklink, mapped by Bob Rawle at BRD.
HKS induction system
Scoobysport downpipe
Prodrive de-cat exhaust
Forge dump valve
Iridium plugs

A few few insurance companies have asked me about power, but I've no idea. There's no rolling road results with the car. There also interested on value so any advice here would also be useful. What benefit do "Iridium plugs" give by the way?

A HKS de-cat mid and rear exhaust was fitted by the original owner a couple of years ago (same time as other mods), but this was removed and sold and replaced with the original Prodrive exhaust from the Prodrive Performance Package by the previous owner. The ECU wasn't remapped when this was done. Is this a bad thing - is the mapping dependant on exhaust type? Would it be cheeper to buy another HKS exhaust (ideally a decent second hand example) than get it remapped?

Anyone had any problems getting a de-cat system MOT'ed (Prodrive or HKS)? I don't want to have to refit the original cat (it comes with the car) just for the MOT. Does anyone have a recommendation for a friendly MOT tester in the Saffron Walden area (or anywhere between Cambridge and Stanstead) who would overlook the missing catalyser?

Cheers,
Phil.

Moles Dad

Certainly 280 - 300 bhp.

MOT stations are not allowed to overlook the missing cats

Try some of the local (ish) scooby specialists, they can do a 'double cat centre' for the mot day

Mapping would probably be 'tuned' to the characteristics of a certain type of exhaust...put the HKS back on when you can.

Hope that helps.

hypoluxa

I would also take the trip down to see Bob so he can check the map... It could have been 'played' with since its original setup. Just to be on the safe side.

dowser

The link uses the MAP, not MAF, so changing the exhaust should be mapped around to keep optimum performance/safety.

Probably not a big issue as long as EGT's aren't running to high from the added restriction - give Bob a call or drop him a mail, he'll be able to say with more certaintity.

I'd recommend getting a remap regardless - but if it's safe as is (has it got knock/lambda links too?), then probably best to run it a bit first to see what you want to change first

Richard

pspencer

Thanks for the advice. Apparently when the last (second) owner had the Prodrive exhaust put back on the driving characteristics did change. He said that top end power was down and the engine was a little relucant to reach the
redline after about 6k rpm, but mid range power was up. Sounds like the HKS provided more power but less torque. The reason given for reverting back to the Prodrive exhaust was to cut down on the noise. Also after speaking to the original owner, I've found that the HKS produced the occasional flame. Sounds like I want another HKS then! Still don't know if just the backbox was changed back or the mid section as well. So if anyone has one for sale (back and possible mid), let me know.

The link ECU does have knock/lambda links, so I assume it's fairly safe for a bit. The cars due for a service in ~2k miles, so I'd prefer to drive it for a bit before making any changes. There's not much else I really want to alter straight away - perhaps a turbo water spray - any advice, recommendations, prices, details of expected power increases here anybody?

Cheers,
Phil.