tuning the 2.0 8v - max potential

[dlongmu]

If I was to go for a cam / i+e manifold / ecu and the usual intake/exhaust what's the maximum likely/possible bhp I could gain? Working out if it's worth it as I'm not doing the enigne conversion route - been there, done it and not worth it. Also, not going for a vr6 or 16v as they are exceptionally hard to come by up here and I'm not travelling.

Also what are the best parts to go for for best all round performance? Merci

[Wayne]

Around 140bhp tops on a good day.

[dlongmu]

That's not too bad a figure!! What cam and ecu or chip would you recommend as that's the main bits. If I can get similar performance to a 1.6-16 civic I'd be happy. Just mild hot-hatch territory.

[dom]

Khare got 138.8hp and 137ft-lb torque using a Kent GS23H camshaft, with (and I quote from a PM):

Pipercross panel filter, with a very drilled bottom half (sections cut away rather than drilled infact) and a nice big cold air feed coming in from the lower bumper air intake (old industrial sized aircon duct, about 3 inches in diameter or so and flexible cloth rather than aluminium pipe).

[Khare]

Indeed. And combine cam, porting and polishing, remapping, decent exhaust system and a few other tricks and you should get some more, maybe 160hp if you're VERY lucky!

To be honest though, converting to 16v was a far better choice. That power is there from the start and it is far more tunable and responsive. If you look enough, the 16v engine is cheaply bought either on it's own or in a donor vehicle. I got mine from a £500 donor. The engine was in good nick, except wiring, and the bodywork was shabby with some rust and a pretty messed up interior.

[Paul86S2]

If I was to go for a cam / i+e manifold / ecu and the usual intake/exhaust what's the maximum likely/possible bhp I could gain? Working out if it's worth it as I'm not doing the enigne conversion route - been there, done it and not worth it. Also, not going for a vr6 or 16v as they are exceptionally hard to come by up here and I'm not travelling.

Also what are the best parts to go for for best all round performance? Merci

About 95 bhp 

Paul

[dlongmu]

^ hehe, this is probs what I'll end up with yup 

I'm ok for balls-out power I got a 400bhp nissan sat outside but the golf was supposed to be my mature daily driver ... doesn't look like that's happening so just fancy a bit of 'poke' to keep a wee grin on my face.