Archive for ‘ May, 2012 ’

Aircon Compressor and Turbo Removed

The aircon compressor is being removed to save a couple of kilos, the associated pipework and condenser have already gone. It is not needed on a track day car.

The turbocharger is also being removed having covered only 12,000 miles for rework from K04 specification to K06. Having had regular oil changes there is no end float play so the turbo is suitable for rework. It is being reworked with a Billet K06 Compressor wheel, uprated 360 degree bearing pack (thrust bearing) and twin seals and exhaust (turbine) wheel cut back, plus the addition of a Forge Uprated Recirculation Valve.

AC Compressor

AC Compressor

AC Compressor Mounting Bracket

AC Compressor Mounting Bracket

Turbo Removed

Turbo Removed

Strip Down Begins…..

The first thing to do is to get the bumper off and remove the intercooler and water radiator, zircon compressor and turbocharger.

Bumper Off

Bumper Off

Intercooler Removed

Intercooler Removed

Water Rad Next

Water Rad Next

Water Rad Removed

Water Rad Removed

The intercooler is being sent to Pro Alloy Motorsport for them to modify the outlet to the new spec 60mm outlet. When it goes back together the factory water radiator is being replaced with a Pro Alloy enlarged water radiator, ideal for track day use due to the larger capacity thicker core all aluminium unit.

Astra VXR Trackday Car

I bought this 2006 Arden Blue Astra VXR to use as a track day car. It has covered 85,000 miles, but has had regular oil changes over and above the suggested service schedule. A new VXR turbo unit was fitted to it at about 72,000 miles in May 2011, and it had a cambelt and water pump change plus a new uprated clutch and lightweight single mass flywheel at 83,000 miles.

When I bought it it had already been fitted with the following upgrade parts:

  • Courtenay Sport Lightweight Single Mass Flywheel
  • Sachs Uprated Clutch Cover and Helix Uprated Sprung Disc
  • Wavetrac Limited Slip Differential
  • Courtenay Piper 76mm (3″) Full Stainless Steel Sports Exhaust System,
  • Uprated Courtenay Sport VXRacing Full Height Intercooler (Original Spec with 50mm outlet)
  • 18″ Revolution Millennium Alloy Wheels
  • DAP Road Springs,
  • Whiteline Rear Adjustable Anti Roll Bar
  • Alcon 4 Pot Monoblock Front Calipers with 345mm Single Piece Discs
  • Courtenay Sport Direct Route Hose Kit and Airbox
  • Lower Arm Brake Cooling Ducts
  • Foglight Delete Brake Cooling Ducts
  • Remapped by Courtenay Sport to 290bhp

which makes it a very good base car to begin with and to improve on.

Foolishly however, I did not many photographs when I first got the car (obviously I was keen to make a start on further improvements!) but here is one (admittedly not a very good one) I do have:

Astra VXR

Astra VXR

Astra VXR Sprint.....

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