Fizzy Bob Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 I have a 1996 1600 K series standard and whilst not racing would like a bit more wizz for road use. Any advice for something that can be done in car and in one day to save an overnight stop or taking the engine out. Bob and Ann-Marie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red SLR Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 Did somebody say fizz? You could try strapping a rocket motor to the roll bar. From my investigations there are no real short cuts, new ECU is needed really. Then you want throttle bodies, but then you need new cams, then you need solid lifters, then you need new pistons, then you need new liners, then you need a new bank manager! I have gone over this about 10 times in the last month. I have decided to just stick to New ECU, and Throttle Bodies for now. Then do all the internal bits in the winter. Simon. X777CAT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Bees Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 The easiest shortcut is the Supersport upgrade. If it's the only upgrade you'll ever make then it's good value (even better if you can find one secondhand) but if you think you might get into more serious DIY upgrades later then you'll end up throwing away the Supersport upgrade. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 Would Throttle Bodies and an Emerald plug compatable ECU with a session on the rollers not take this beast from 140bhp to about 160-170???? Cams are nice but not essential..... Arnie Webb The Fat Bloke blush.gif in a Slow Old Vauxhall wink.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS CLARK Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 Edited by - chris clark on 13 Feb 2001 19:36:41 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS CLARK Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 Arnie. I think you mean a MEMS plug compatible ECU of which 'Emerald' M3DK is one type. Trouble is you can't get one at the moment!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 The EMERALD is plug compatible with the MEMS hence an Emeerald plug compatible ECU.... Its only you who can't get one.... Geoffs got four (3 spares), he's just not telling you....... AW Arnie Webb The Fat Bloke blush.gif in a Slow Old Vauxhall wink.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robmar Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 Arnie - I would not have thought a standard 1.6K (110 bhp) with just ECu and TB's would get up to 160-170, not sure what it would but this sounds quite high now if you added head work and cams then definately rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old captain slow Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 I'm considering a similar upgrade ie TB's and an Emerald unit. The engine is 1600K SS. Both Emerald and Minister reckon the mod is good for about an additional 10 - 12 BHP ie about 150hp top whack. The main benefit reported seems to be improved breathing at the top end sustaining the torque curve for the last few hundred revs versus the std SS where it does show signs of running out of breath. In other words it revs more freely. If you have a 5 speed box then an upgrade to the Caterham 6 speed makes on h*ll of a difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS CLARK Posted February 13, 2001 Share Posted February 13, 2001 I would suggest a good read of Dave Andrews site re. 'K' series tuning. It's all a question of a few HP here & a few more there. As Peter C says, revs kill engines so with a good few mods (large valves, porting etc) and revs limited to say 7600 then 190's HP is achievable/sustainable/sensible(?). Arnie. Now have an ECU that will hopefully be sorted this week! (not Emerald nor Emeerald!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted February 14, 2001 Share Posted February 14, 2001 I thought a 1.6k was 140bhp..... OK so submit 30! Arnie Webb The Fat Bloke blush.gif in a Slow Old Vauxhall wink.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murph7355 Posted February 14, 2001 Share Posted February 14, 2001 Did you get the GEMs in the end Chris? I think "one day upgrades" are asking a bit much. The std. K isn't a bad engine to start with, so as a result you have to do more to it to get more "fizz". David W has a good point about the gearbox. I'm sure this could be swapped out in a day but they ain't cheap. It *will* make a world of difference though. Mike also has a good point about the Supersport upgrade, but you have to have an awful lot of will power not to keep going in search of more power once you start! Supersports with 6spd boxes are absolutely fantastic. The TB's and a new ECU should improve responsiveness as well as maybe giving a bit more power. They'll also make it sound better. All of which might give the extra pep you're looking for , for now at least? It also gives you a great platform for any/all the other mods you may want to do later...a set of cams on top of this would definitely give something extra but you're again pushing the envelope on what's possible in a day I think. An exhaust change (race system) might also help (at least in the sound department) and won't hurt later either. And if you do nothing else, follow Chris' advice and take a look at Dave Andrew's site. VERY informative, VERY easy to read and understand and should clear up any questions you may have about upgrades... C7 AJM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Walker Posted February 14, 2001 Share Posted February 14, 2001 Have a basic head porting job done, retain standard valves, fit the new Piper BP285H cams, DTHTB`s, M3DK ems, is the cheapest route to reasonable power upgrade currently available. I think 150-160bhp should be possible from a 1.6K and a bit more from a 1.8K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aideen Posted February 14, 2001 Share Posted February 14, 2001 Thread has wandered away from the original criteria... Bob, a day spent with HPC or Cadence is likely to give more enjoyment for your money than any other performance mod. Aideen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red SLR Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 Rob, did your car already have the SS conversion? X777CAT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fizzy Bob Posted February 15, 2001 Author Share Posted February 15, 2001 No, it is a standard unit. From all the replys I have had many thanks, it does seem to be a bit of a minefield. However the Caterham Supersport does seem to offer good VFM with minimum inconvenience. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R500 CYA Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 Fizzy, Sent you an email Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red SLR Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 The SS is a good conversion, but if you do ever upgrade again you will chuck most of it in the bin, might be worth remembering. X777CAT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murph7355 Posted February 15, 2001 Share Posted February 15, 2001 For one day "upgrades" I think Aideen has a very good point..... Will also be the cheapest option out of all those "hardware upgrades", and will also benefit you when not sevening... C7 AJM Edited by - Andy Murphy on 15 Feb 2001 14:36:30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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