GAIN MORE POWER ASTRA J 2.0 CDTI ECOFLEX ELITE 165BHP

[Bturbo123]

Hi, I have a nice white vauxhall astra 2.0 cdti ecoflex elite 165bhp in white. Just put some 19" on it with 235/40/19 tyres and wanna lower it. Any1 got any ideas what mm would be safe.

Also any1 no apart from a remap how to gain more power but safe enough for the engine.

Cheers

[Rusty2009]

I also have the 2.0CDTI 165ps elite and also put 19's on.

I have only lowered mine using the springs from a 2.0CDTI 165ps SRI model.

The SRI springs are 10mm shorter and to me that is more than enough.

I have a pedal box on mine and that has transformed the car no end.

[stigeye]

Quite a few people have used 40mm lowering springs, the car below is a 2.0cdti SRI on 40mm SPAX, they also used 20mm HR Trak+ Spacers to widen the stance...



Eibach Pro seem to be the popular go to spring now like on the car below...

[andy2174]

You could try a racechip (www.racechip.de) tuning box for your car, I had one on my car and it made a nice difference

[mrtc]

I also have the 2.0CDTI 165ps elite and also put 19's on.

I have only lowered mine using the springs from a 2.0CDTI 165ps SRI model.

The SRI springs are 10mm shorter and to me that is more than enough.

I have a pedal box on mine and that has transformed the car no end.

on 19s id imagine anything more than sri springs would be as hard as nail ride quality, and possible scrapage issues

[stigeye]

There are a number of people who reckon the handling of the car improved on the lowered springs and isn't too harsh. I lowered my last Peugeot 45mm on all corners and the handling was much better and wasn't too harsh, the only time you really noticed was when going over a pothole or speed bump too fast. It all depends on how soft or hard you like your rides to be.

There's about 45mm-55mm gap between top of tyre and outside body wheel arch, so lowering it a further 30mm from stock SRI springs still leaves a gap (as seen in images above) so no scrapes.

[Rusty2009]

I also have the 2.0CDTI 165ps elite and also put 19's on.

I have only lowered mine using the springs from a 2.0CDTI 165ps SRI model.

The SRI springs are 10mm shorter and to me that is more than enough.

I have a pedal box on mine and that has transformed the car no end.

on 19s id imagine anything more than sri springs would be as hard as nail ride quality, and possible scrapage issues

When I had the 17's I was scraping, put 19's on and everything good no more scrapping fitted 10mm shorter springs and I'm back to scrapping again.

MHO anything over 20mm is just way too much for the J.

[stigeye]

Is the scraping from the inside of your inner wheel lining, could it be down to the GTC wheels you have which could have different offset and tyre sizes compared to the Astra J?

mrtc... VX lines have SRI springs and 19" alloys and the ride is still soft. Scraping is usually down to lowering too much & wheel offset

[Rusty2009]

No it's the bottom of the car on humps more the plastic lip on the front bumper.

before I changed the tyre size to 235/40R19 which is what Vauxhall fit to the 5-door with 19" wheels I use to get tyre rub only when on full lock when running the GTC tyre size 235/45R19

[stigeye]

I noticed the small piece of plastic running down from the wheel arch past the underside of the car, almost looks like a undersized mud flap, not sure what that's for but I assumed if I lowered mine I would have to shave off 30mm.

[Bturbo123]

Thanks people for the advice. But so many different suggestions lol. Do you think I should be alright dropping mine 30mm and there is a massive gap from the top of my wheels to the arch. 

Apart from tuning/remap any other easy ways to gain a lil more bhp.?


Cheers guys.

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Also I have just the basic cd aux stereo any1 no about changing  it to the sat Nav Bluetooth one? What stereo I need and surround etc. 
Can you change the colour bulbs get rid on the horrible red ones lol. 

Thanks guys

[stigeye]

If you get 30mm springs it will lower it by a further 20mm, 40mm springs will drop it 30mm. There are two or 3 members on here that have dropped their SRI's with 40mm springs and have reported no problems. Anything less than 30mm springs and visually you will hardly notice the difference which kind of defeats the object imho..

[Bturbo123]

Ok then, I will be buying 40mm lowering spring. Why does putting 30mm lowering spring only drop it 20mm and 40mm only drops 30mm?

[mrtc]

[quote pid='33509' dateline='1461431529']

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Also I have just the basic cd aux stereo any1 no about changing  it to the sat Nav Bluetooth one? What stereo I need and surround etc. 
Can you change the colour bulbs get rid on the horrible red ones lol. 

Thanks guys
[/quote]

this stereo is the one to haave, no facia plate needed

http://www.iceboxauto.com/vauxhall-opel-...id-44-m072

[Tonto]

Here is my 2.0cdti Sri. I dropped her another 30mm using Eibachs and I've not had any scraping at all, I do still have 17s on though!



As for sat nav / Bluetooth a few have already got this headunit and I've ordered it too with delivery expected on Tuesday




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[Bturbo123]

[quote pid='33509' dateline='1461431529']

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Also I have just the basic cd aux stereo any1 no about changing  it to the sat Nav Bluetooth one? What stereo I need and surround etc. 
Can you change the colour bulbs get rid on the horrible red ones lol. 

Thanks guys

this stereo is the one to haave, no facia plate needed

http://www.iceboxauto.com/vauxhall-opel-...id-44-m072
[/quote]

Thanks mate. Does that stereo just plug in simple. Does all the buttons on the wheel work with it?

[stigeye]

Easiest way to describe it is the new springs are 40mm shorter than standard springs, but only 30mm shorter than SRI springs.

This is how the lowering spring manufacturers list their drops, they always compare the drop of the new springs against the cars standard springs.

[mrtc]

https://www.vxoc.org.uk/forum/Thread-How...rse-Camera


here is the how to for the android satnav

[andy2174]

You could try fitting a panel air filter for a little more power, K&N and pipercross both do filters for the 2.0 cdti

[marcus]

[quote pid='33509' dateline='1461431529']

---

Also I have just the basic cd aux stereo any1 no about changing  it to the sat Nav Bluetooth one? What stereo I need and surround etc. 
Can you change the colour bulbs get rid on the horrible red ones lol. 

Thanks guys

this stereo is the one to haave, no facia plate needed

http://www.iceboxauto.com/vauxhall-opel-...id-44-m072

Thanks mate. Does that stereo just plug in simple. Does all the buttons on the wheel work with it?
[/quote]
Yes, simple enough to install and yes all buttons still work including the steering wheel controls.

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[Danny Talbot]

Hi mines a Sri vxline 19" standard alloys dropped with eibach 40mm springs had it done 4 months ago. No scraping/rubbing anywhere. I've had 5 people in for motorway/country roads no issues. Rides better drives better. Just keep it steady over speed bumps etc

[tatters40]

You could try fitting a panel air filter for a little more power, K&N and pipercross both do filters for the 2.0 cdti

Hi Unfortunately a panel Air Filter will release NO power increase on a Diesel Engine even with other modifications.

Paul
Ex Audi Sport Diesel Technologist

[Bturbo123]

Why wouldn't I gain anything with a panel filter?
Also can you change the red colour dash bulbs to different colour?? If so where would I get them from.
Thanks

[marcus]

Why wouldn't I gain anything with a panel filter?
Also can you change the red colour dash bulbs to different colour?? If so where would I get them from.
Thanks

Panel filters won't give you more power. Neither will cone filters. Cone filters will actually perform worse due to the engine sucking in hot air. [URL]https://youtu.be/xwNtjKT_1cA/URL]

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[Bturbo123]

Why wouldn't I gain anything with a panel filter?
Also can you change the red colour dash bulbs to different colour?? If so where would I get them from.
Thanks

Panel filters won't give you more power. Neither will cone filters. Cone filters will actually perform worse due to the engine sucking in hot air. [URL]https://youtu.be/xwNtjKT_1cA/URL]

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Why doesn't it give you anymore power? " I thought putting in a panel filter will allow more air into the intake giving It more power" . I wouldn't use a cone filter as all that does is such in warm air giving it less power.

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Also any1 no if you can change the radio/temperature bulbs from red to white say.

[Tonto]

Why wouldn't I gain anything with a panel filter?
Also can you change the red colour dash bulbs to different colour?? If so where would I get them from.
Thanks

Panel filters won't give you more power. Neither will cone filters. Cone filters will actually perform worse due to the engine sucking in hot air. [URL]https://youtu.be/xwNtjKT_1cA/URL]

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Why doesn't it give you anymore power? " I thought putting in a panel filter will allow more air into the intake giving It more power" . I wouldn't use a cone filter as all that does is such in warm air giving it less power.

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Also any1 no if you can change the radio/temperature bulbs from red to white say.

Yes mate have a look In the led conversion thread..

[marcus]

Diesel engines make more power by adding fuel not air.

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[tatters40]

Why wouldn't I gain anything with a panel filter?
Also can you change the red colour dash bulbs to different colour?? If so where would I get them from.
Thanks

Hi

I could go into a huge amount of detail but i won't at this stage.

The volumetric efficiency (and power increase) can easily be adjusted within a petrol engine as the explosion is a direct side effect of the fuel/Air ratio, heat generated by compression is ignited by a spark. The more Air and Fuel (generally) that can be ignited the bigger the `bang`

A diesel engine is heated by compression of the air introduced early within the combustion chamber, the air becomes extremely hot due to continual compression, when diesel is introduced in a fine mist (under extreme pressure) it immediately ignites so no spark is required.

A panel air filter will likely just increase clatter

[Rusty2009]

I've fitted a K&N panel filter to mine and it's only made the car sound a little more throaty which I like.

For LED's look in the LED how-to section it's not for the faint hearted https://www.vxoc.org.uk/forum/Forum-LED-...s-How-to-s

[andy2174]

However a diesel engine does need air doesnt it ? hence why I assume it uses a turbocharger ? so surely allowing the turbocharger to draw in more air helps ?

[marcus]

Granted it will suck air in a little easier but the effect will be more of an increase in engine response as opposed to actually making more power.

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Why wouldn't I gain anything with a panel filter?
Also can you change the red colour dash bulbs to different colour?? If so where would I get them from.
Thanks

Hi

I could go into a huge amount of detail but i won't at this stage.

The volumetric efficiency (and power increase) can easily be adjusted within a petrol engine as the explosion is a direct side effect of the fuel/Air ratio, heat generated by compression is ignited by a spark. The more Air and Fuel (generally) that can be ignited the bigger the `bang`

A diesel engine is heated by compression of the air introduced early within the combustion chamber, the air becomes extremely hot due to continual compression, when diesel is introduced in a fine mist (under extreme pressure) it immediately ignites so no spark is required.

A panel air filter will likely just increase clatter

Nice write up.


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I used to have Astra F 1.6 which was a little sluggish after having had a Astra E 1.8 before that.

In my quest for more power I had a powerflow exhaust made up for the car. Curious to see what sort of power it was actually making I took it to a local tuner for a dyno run. The results were OK but still no more than a 5% improvement.

I then asked the tuner about K&n filters and if they improve power to which he replied hardly ever. To demonstrate this he whipped out the air filter element completely and put the car back on the dyno.

The 2nd dyno run showed absolutely no increase in power but did show an extra 3lbft torque at a particular rev range. (Not peak)



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[tatters40]

Granted it will suck air in a little easier but the effect will be more of an increase in engine response as opposed to actually making more power.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

---

Why wouldn't I gain anything with a panel filter?
Also can you change the red colour dash bulbs to different colour?? If so where would I get them from.
Thanks

Hi Marcus



I could go into a huge amount of detail but i won't at this stage.

The volumetric efficiency (and power increase) can easily be adjusted within a petrol engine as the explosion is a direct side effect of the fuel/Air ratio, heat generated by compression is ignited by a spark. The more Air and Fuel (generally) that can be ignited the bigger the `bang`

A diesel engine is heated by compression of the air introduced early within the combustion chamber, the air becomes extremely hot due to continual compression, when diesel is introduced in a fine mist (under extreme pressure) it immediately ignites so no spark is required.

A panel air filter will likely just increase clatter

Nice write up.


Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

---

I used to have Astra F 1.6 which was a little sluggish after having had a Astra E 1.8 before that.

In my quest for more power I had a powerflow exhaust made up for the car. Curious to see what sort of power it was actually making I took it to a local tuner for a dyno run. The results were OK but still no more than a 5% improvement.

I then asked the tuner about K&n filters and if they improve power to which he replied hardly ever.  To demonstrate this he whipped out the air filter element completely and put the car back on the dyno.

The 2nd dyno run showed absolutely no increase in power but did show an extra 3lbft torque at a particular rev range. (Not peak)



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Standard petrol cars run very lean through the mid range, so much so that slight flat spots are created. This is purely to win the emission wars between manufacturers. When you `chip` or `map` a low powered car such as a 1.6ltr Astra or similar all the map does is take the fuelling back to where it should have been in the 1st place.

Fitting an air filter to such a car will not even help throttle response as sucking extra air in does nothing unless the correct amount of fuel is added, standard 1.6ltr cars will have a very slight amount of free play in the ECU/Injection system to richen the mixture slightly liberating approximately 2bhp on a standard 120BHP engine, this is the only time a panel filter and decent exhaust will help which may liberate a further 3-4 BHP, adding a panel filter in isolation will only increase intake noise. 

A turbo petrol engine is a different beast altogether as more air is forced into the engine allowing more fuel to be added, a decent panel filter and exhaust then makes a larger difference

[tucpal]

more air in also needs more air out to make more power
and a ecu tune to tell the maf to let more in and out
so simply just adding more air in will do nothing at all

[Bturbo123]

Hi everyone, looking for a milltek exhaust system for my vauxhall astra 2.0 cdti ecoflex elite 165bhp. Can anyone send me in the right direction to find one??

[andy2174]

This should help you out http://www.millteksport.com/stockists.uk.cfm

I dont think an exhaust will add anything horsepower wise (unless you are removing cats etc) and to be honest, sound wise, it doesnt help at all

[Bturbo123]

Don't you think it would gain anything, honestly do you think it's worth it then?

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I want to get up to 300bhp, recommend what I can do to get there. Can the engine internals take 300bhp?mm

[tucpal]

don't think you would get anywhere near that figer as the gearbox would not take that
but maybe give regle motorsport or courtney a bell
but really 200 to 210 is about all you will get
best just get it remapped or get a tuning box

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&...1273,d.bGg

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&...1273,d.bGg

[andy2174]

I really think 300bhp is a figure that is probably out of reach, even with very deep pockets

Ideally, you would want, bigger or a hybrid turbo, uprated intercooler, dpf removal, some form of improved intake, bigger injectors, probably water/methanol injection, uprated clutch, lighter flywheel and a bespoke engine management system programmed to limit torque otherwise you will be lunching gearboxes

However, if its your dream to reach the magic 300bhp, then dont let anyone put you off, speak to some of specialist tuners, like Regal or Courtenay and see what they suggest as the route to get you there

I imagine the engine internals "might" take 300bhp, generally turbo diesel engines are more robust than their petrol equivalents, but, dont quote me specifically on the GM/Fiat 2.0cdti

[marcus]

Generally speaking the only exhaust bits you are likely to see any benefit from are a different header or downpipe assuming the engine will respond to that. Cat back exhausts have very limited pay back considering the cost. Unless of course you have other engine mods and the exhaust is holding it back.

Free flow exhausts tend to over promise performance improvements. I've never really been impressed with any them I have had on the various cars I have owned.

Golf GTi mk1
Golf GTi mk2
Astra gte mk3
Astra G 1.6
Focus 2.0


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[andy2174]

Generally speaking the only exhaust bits you are likely to see any benefit from are a different header or downpipe assuming the engine will respond to that. Cat back exhausts have very limited pay back considering the cost. Unless of course you have other engine mods and the exhaust is holding it back.

Free flow exhausts tend to over promise performance improvements. I've never really been impressed with any them I have had on the various cars I have owned.

Golf GTi mk1
Golf GTi mk2
Astra gte mk3
Astra G 1.6
Focus 2.0


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The only time I have noticed a difference in performance on exhaust work was on my old Saab 9000 Aeros and that was by fitting a 3" downpipe along with a 3" system, which massively reduced turbo spool up time

Other than that, generally fitting a sports exhaust can give a more pleasant sound (on petrols), which you probably think gives you more power, when in fact you are probably driving harder, because of the more "sporty" sound

[marcus]

Generally speaking the only exhaust bits you are likely to see any benefit from are a different header or downpipe assuming the engine will respond to that. Cat back exhausts have very limited pay back considering the cost. Unless of course you have other engine mods and the exhaust is holding it back.

Free flow exhausts tend to over promise performance improvements. I've never really been impressed with any them I have had on the various cars I have owned.

Golf GTi mk1
Golf GTi mk2
Astra gte mk3
Astra G 1.6
Focus 2.0


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The only time I have noticed a difference in performance on exhaust work was on my old Saab 9000 Aeros and that was by fitting a 3" downpipe along with a 3" system, which massively reduced turbo spool up time

Other than that, generally fitting a sports exhaust can give a more pleasant sound (on petrols), which you probably think gives you more power, when in fact you are probably driving harder, because of the more "sporty" sound

Exactly, Good example of downpipe heaven is a golf 5 GTi where you can get an extra 70-80 nm by swapping out the downpipe. Sadly mine were all N/A so no good gains to be had.......except my focus where I my cat got blocked and couldn't afford the 1600 quid to replace it. Ended up removing the whole exhaust and replaced it with a 4-2-1 manifold and powerflow exhaust and added a Bluefin remap. Good gains on that motor considering it was N/A

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[stigeye]

It would probably be easier and cost less to put a VXR engine in it than to try and mod it up to 300bhp lol.

[andy2174]

I did read somewhere of a Vectra C 1.9cdti running around 280bhp/430lbft, so it can be done (ish)

I'll watch your progress with interest as it will certainly be an interesting project

[Bturbo123]

Hi guys, 
Just a quick one. Any 1 done or no how Easy convertion my vauxhall astra j 2.0 cdti ecoflex elite 165bhp to a bi-turbo. 
Is it a simple like changing manifold and putting 2 turbos on and getting it set up. 
Or is it not that simple and would need a bigger fuel pump, injectors, maf sensor, ecu, etc. 

Anyone have the same car if so are you running more bhp then standard more then just a chip box or remap?

[tucpal]

wow that will be very hard to do you also would need the ecu and map changing
the only real way would be to see a turbo specialist
but to be honest a bigger turbo may be the way forward
but you are going to need wads of cash