Thoughts on B6 HP
 

Thoughts on HP
Just picked up this British mag "Cars and Car Conversions" (March 2002)
which is aimed at racers, race car builders & tech heads.

In it is a comparison of three "hot hatch" race cars: Peugeot 205, Citroen
Saxo 1.6, & Citroen AX 1.3l.

You're probably asking: "What's this got to do with my 323?"

Well, I reckon since that the majority of us are driving models with the
NA B6 motor, more than you might suspect.

Listen, since I began messing around with this car upgraded parts & accessories
have been a b**** to find. If you ask for motor stuff you are greeted with sneers
& a "why don't you just swap it with a B6T" response. This is a result
of the belief that no potential exists in this motor, & the B6T is far sexier
& supported well by the aftermarket industry.

Well, I believe that there is plenty room for improvement in the B6,
& I wanna find it.

To do so, first, consider the low stock HP number of the B6: This
I believe was a result of the era of which the car was engineered & built.
A primary selling feature during this time was gas mileage. What better
way to increase that number but by de-tuning the engine, a trade off
would increased durability & decreased maintenance costs - both excellent
selling features for a product meant to be a second car & grocery getter.

Secondly, consider how this was achieved: constrictive air intake & exhaust
system tuned to favour low end torque, this would be mated to a heavy
flywheel which would also contribute urban/metro drivability. A mild cam,
fuel friendly timimg & ECU rounded out the package.

Now, back to the Brit magazine. The Peugeot 205 was a French hatchback
sold in the fuel conscious '80s. The model race tested by the writers
is based on a eight valve 1.6l sohc (sound familiar?) engine.

The peak HP (at the wheels) of this highly tuned beast? Sit down...179
@7800 rpm. Peak torque? 133 ftlb @ 5700 rpm. Granted, this car is in full
race setup, & street driving would be unmanagable, but says something
about potential.

Getting at that potential is the problem. Many of us have done the intake/
exhaust fix. The improvement is very noticable. But, to get more zip other
areas need to be addressed.

I spoke to Geoff at Colt Cams:
http://www.coltcams.com/

He said he the stock profile is quite mild & that can do a regrind on
it that will result in an improvement from 2200 rpm and up. Cost is
US$125.00 or so (+ shipping & your cam). He's a helpful guy, & I will
be using his services.

The potential of the of the B6 is there, let's squeeze it out!

I'd like to squeeze 125-140 hp out of this thing. Does anybody have suggestions/sources?

General statement at best of any application.....

And not the best solution, not cost effective for a B6 ..... not even an option.

86-89 B6 has a cam not cams.

I think you just like to say Stand Alone alot ;) I have seen you mention it quite a bit on this board.

Stand Alone would be a waste on a B6 becuase 86-89 B6 computer controls fuel only, ignition is 100% mechanical. Which is also why a ECU tweak is a waste of $$$ because your only getting half the product for all the $$$.

Now back to a modifying a 86-89 B6.

Great post Stig! :)

Your on the right track for sure....

A head completely done by somebody you know, yourself is possible, or a DPR head with cam. Genie headers, intake, complete 2" exhaust system (2.25" & larger not effective, gotta love those 3" systems on low HP vehicles :D LOL), RX7 MAF, RX7 fuel pump, ECU tweak (although getting ripped off and not needed) and performance ignition system.

That is your most simple & cost effective B6 solution IMO.

But no shortcuts, systems must be complete.

That will take the 85 HP to about 115-125 HP. (great in a 2000lb car with a 4-speed & 4:11 gears!)

Then you install a ZEX 50 HP kit to a grand total of 165-175 HP. (that's what the RX7 fuel pump is need for)

That's probablly the simplist cost efficent most HP for the buck via a 86-89 B6.

A: Miata head requires piston change as well (so I've been told)

B: What is an SDS fuel computer? Who sells them? What are the advantages of using such a beast?