Mark 3 8v Engine Mods

[oldmanmille]

Hi, I have a 1996 8v with 53k on it. Two things I want assistance with:

1. Engine hunts at idle and I have replaced leads, plugs, dizzy cap and rotor and it still does it. Runs great and has never missed a beat apart from when it ticks over! Starts first time, pulls like a train etc. Is this normal? or does it need something replacing, setting up or?

2. What mods can be done to this 8v model to give it improved performance? Would like to get it competing with my Zafira GSi but maybe that's not impossible! Just want it to be a little more torquey. Any suggestions? Clean ones please!

Thanks,
John

[rubjonny]

Sounds to me like the idle switch is broken or incorectly adjusted, check it clicks when the throttle is closed. Its underneath the throttle body, to get to it you'll have to take the inlet pipe off.

Edit: I had to tap the idle switch bracket a couple of times with a hammer as its impossible to get to the mounting screws without removing the throttle body.  Now my switch clicks and no more hunting idle

[GTI EDITION (aka LTD)]

What engine code is it?

[jasonpi]

zafira gsi if i remember rightly is the same engine as the astra gsi  it has a 2l turbocharged engine producing 197bhp and a mk3 gti 8v has 115 bhp as standard well to be honest your not going to get it anywhere near the performance of a gsi unless you do a transplant or serious engine work. dont worry i am a dubber through and through but have owned a astra gsi for a while and was totally astonshined with the engines performance.