Switching To The Dark Side

[Malc 45]

The lure of RWD is becoming strong within me, I have enjoyed many years of 205 ownership but I feel the time has come to move on to pastors new, For over four years I ran a 200 BHP, 550KG Tiger Avon (similar to a Caterham) which served me well with road adventures and numerous trackdays, however the lack of roof was a pain in the ass, well living in Scotland it was!!! The lack of dry days (and pants) after a good run kind of got to you. Anyway after a couple of 205s (8V turbo) and my current supercharged beastie I am looking at an alternative wagon. Always loved the Lotus Exige (Too expensive) Lotus Elise, (still too expensive) I am considering a Vauxhall VX220. Ok I know its a Vauxhall, Which in general I hate, however it is really a Lotus with a silly badge. After having both a turbo 205 and a 16V rotrex engined 205 I know a VX220 turbo is out of the question, it therefore means I am looking at a 2.2 N/A VX220 and converting it with a charger. Question I have is, has anyone on here had a VX before and what are their thoughts? Been looking through the VX220 forum, however keen on anyones thoughts.

[GLPoomobile 958]

but I feel the time has come to move on to pastors new,

 

You're becoming a man of the cloth?

[Henry Yorke 269 3 Cars]

Ren on here had a Vx220 and then got a Monaro

[Malc 45]

You're becoming a man of the cloth?

 

Nah not becoming a man of the cloth, just poor spelling. I do enjoy bashing the bishop though if that counts?

[rallyeash 155]

A mate had a NA VX and did lots of track days, I went out passenger and it was very capable, no drama etc. but felt a little dull as a result.

 

Honda S2000?

[Malc 45]

I'm in no real hurry at the moment, S2000 has crossed my mind, 9K rev limit (I think) is mental. Also considering a boxster S, these can be had for peanuts. Just going to enjoy to 205 this year, test drive several potential motors and do some homework, similar problem to you though Ash, I can't help but modify/improve my cars as a standard motor just won't do. boxster S with a 996 turbo conversion is tempting!! But unfortunately out of my league and funds

[kyepan 291]

Mx-5s are plentiful and very capable.. especially with a diff and blower. But perfectly fine in standard form.

[Paul_13 212 1 Cars]

 

Sorry couldn't resist

 

That's my experience of being a passenger in an S2000

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

Seem an awful lot of damaged ones!

I have not been in one but I'm sure I have heard from someone who's opinion I trust that with the standard suspension geo they are horrendous- apparently Honda set them up as standard to understeer? Which then turns into snap oversteer and hedge/ditch/tree/death.

[309jazzpanda 41]

Sounds like a genius idea from the japs

[rallyeash 155]

I've driven my mates S2000 loads and I wouldn't say that stands out. Does over steer fairly well and is easy to control.

Less under steer than my old Type R Impreza...

[Ams 23 1 Cars]

I had a mates S2000 for a while as well, we gave it a right caning on both track and road and never once felt like it was a handful. I've know five other owners - one drove like a granny so was accident free, three wrote theirs off and the fifth guys dad wrote his off for him. In every case the reason behind the accident was due to the driver downshifting naively at high rpms without any form of heel toe/rev matching and bang the rear suddenly slipped out. S2000's/F20C's do have harsh engine braking and I think this is what bites the average S2000 driver. Personally I thought it was a hoot despite being a torqueless wonder.

 

PS- They are great with a supercharger.

Edited May 8, 2015 by Ams

[GLPoomobile 958]

Seem an awful lot of damaged ones!

I have not been in one but I'm sure I have heard from someone who's opinion I trust that with the standard suspension geo they are horrendous- apparently Honda set them up as standard to understeer? Which then turns into snap oversteer and hedge/ditch/tree/death.

 

I thought Honda changed the geometry later on to address some of the issues.

 

PH had a video they other day of a MX5 with an F20C engine chasing a VX220. The VX was clearly much quicker in a straight line, pulling away out of the bends. And as much as I like Honda VTEC engines, I kinda feel like the F20C is a bit of a boring screamer in terms of sound. It just doesn't really float my boat. Quite what any of that has to do with this thread.....will I'm not even sure myself

[rallyeash 155]

Who's will?

[GLPoomobile 958]

Will.i.am