VVC Engines

[Alan Archer]

Could somebody with knowledge of VVC Engines, please explain what the difference is with the 3 vvc engines and why/how they vary between 150/160/165 bhp, and what would would be needed to upgrade a 150 to 165ish?

Thanks Alan 

[revilla]

There are two basic variants. The EU2 engine was rated at 143bhp in the MGF. The EU3 engine was rated at 160bhp. In the Caterham installation it is said that the better exhaust and simpler intake arrangements allow them to breathe a bit better and the EU2 is quoted as 150bhp. The EU3 engine never really quite made 160 bhp, 156bhp being more typical on the dyno, but tends to make around 160bhp in a Caterham.

In terms of actual differences between the two, the EU3 engine has a different ECU (MEMS3 instead of MEMS2J) and wiring loom. It has coil packs on top of the plugs in wasted spark configuration instead on down on the side of the block (the VVC never ran a distributor as the rear end of the cams have a second belt and the distributor would not therefore fit). It has some additional machining around the valves in the head to allow better breathing at low valve openings. It also used a bigger throttle body (52mm instead of 48mm) and different injectors (actually smaller but run harder to get better emissions).

The main difference though in terms of getting more power from it was that it had uprated pistons with stronger ring lands that allowed it to rev to a higher limit. In reality I don't think there's really that much in it between the two engines at the lower RPM and I've even heard it said that the EU2 can be slightly torquier, but the EU3 engine then wins by the better breathing and stronger pistons allowing it to be revved harder.

I'm not sure about the 165bhp figure, this might be for the VVC-R configuration in which it is converted to run roller barrels as was used on the R300 for some time but I'm not sure.

I think you will be hard pressed to get much more power safely out of an EU2 VVC without upgrading the pistons as they tend to fracture between the rings (the EU2 engine as standard K Series pistons) when pushed to higher RPM. The EU3 engine can be mapped by KMaps to sharpen up the response and release a bit more power. Sometimes the engines are a little down on power due to non-optimal cam timing which can be corrected with offset dowel pins as the VVC cannot run verniers (the cam pulleys are curved to fit around the VVC mechanisms).

[Alan Archer]

Hi Revilla, thanks ever so much for the detailed reply, that is great and well explained thank you. Looks like I will have to leave alone as it does not sound like I will be gaining much over my 1.8 Raodsport 140bhp I have at the moment, would probably be better off spending money upgrading that instead. 

Alan

[Wrightpayne]

Alan,

Have you found the dvapower web pages - raft of information and upgrade options all undertaken by Oilyhands on this forum.

Ian

[Alan Archer]

Hi Ian, yes I did but could not see it for specific variants of vvc engines, perhaps I need to look harder. 

Alan

[Wrightpayne]

Alan - sorry, I meant for your current engine.

Ian

[Alan Archer]

Hi Ian, oh yes, I have read it many times, upside down, sideways etc lol, unfortunately the preferred route from DVA he can't do for 12 months, I am not that patient unfortunately. 

Alan

[john milner]

I am fairly sure that the VVC-R upgrade was advertised as 190bhp and cost nearly £2,000.

[Mankee]

Seeing as you're in Kent, try Boss Racing down at Brands Hatch. I'm sure I've mentioned Boss to someone on Blatchat recently, it may have been yourself. Can't remember!

[Alan Archer]

Hi Mankee, I have been speaking to Rob, the VVC was one I looked at purchasing instead of doing the upgrades but now ruled out.

Alan

[7 wonders of the world]

There were some new VHPD castings on fleabay the other week if your looking to loose the VVC?

 

[Alan Archer]

Hi 7 Wonders, I don't have a vvc yet, I have a 1.8k 140bhp, I am looking to upgrade the engine but was very tempted to buy a very nice vvc instead, unfortunately it was only a 150 hence the original question and so have ruled that option out now. 

Alan