Anyway to give the F3P-engine any more grunt?

Level 1 User Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 32

Hi everyone!

I just got myself a rather charming silver metallic R19, equipped with the F3P-engine delivering about 107-113 BHP and 160 Nm or something. Sure, the R19 isnt exactly very heavy, but i could still do with some more power Smile

I've already installed a K&N 57i-kit, but that's pretty much about it Razz

Anyone got any tips for me? Interested in some styling-tips also (besides the Lagune-lip Wink

)

My car has some issues also... Can't turn on the full light without a hassle, and my rear wiper and rear window heater doesnt work.. (Common?) Difficult to fix?

Oh, just wanted to say: I've read many posts allready and it seems like you've got a nice community here, looking forward to get some hints and tips here Laughing

BTW: As i'm from Norway, my english is naturally very bad, but please bear with me Twisted Evil

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

your english is very good.

The light problem will be down to the stalk itself, get another stalk from a scrapyard. Its a common problem.

If the car is a ph1 then the problem with the wiper and window element will be due to dirty contact plates on the bottom of the boot, clean them up and that should sort it.

If the cars a ph2 then the wires in the rubber sleeve at the top of the tailgate will have split inside the rubber sleeve. Pull the sleeve back and repair the wires.

As for making it faster, if the car has a CAT then replace it with a straight through pipe, then just make sure its serviced proprly then headwork is the next best step.

Level 1 User Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 32

Oh, thanks for the quick reply Smile

As you can see in my sig, it's a 95mod, so i guess i got to have a look at the cables then Smile

As for the stalk, isnt that difficult to replace (considering that i've got no mechanic skills at all :p) Ive got a Haynes book, maybe that could help me out!

How would removing the CAT affect my car (hp gains, is it VERY bad for mother nature?) Again, is this something i could do myself (cant quite get myself to ask the Renault workshop to remove my CAT) Smile

Oh, btw, didnt get what you ment regarding the headwork stuff :p (rather ironic, wouldnt you say?) Smile

Thanks for the help anyways!

Oh, and I will try to cut down on the smilies Smile

(eventually...)

Edit: Just read somewhere, that removing the CAT could affect my car negatively because it changes the original counterpressure (if thats the correct technical term) in the exhaustsystem, causing it to loose torque at low RPM and just maybe earn me some extra HP at top revs... Is that correct?

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

the stalk is an easy change, 4 x T20 screws hold tgh ecover to the steerign column on and then another 2 T20 screws hold the stalk on. Its very easy.

Removing the CAT will free up more power and torque, the main benefit will be how the car responds, it will rev quicker. As for the loss of low down power etc this will happen to an extent but not as much as people make out. counterpressure is called back pressure, this is not needed for any car, if introducing back pressure makes more power it simply means the exhaust is over scavenging.

You can buy CAt replacement pipes, they are basically a straight bit of pipe in place of the cat.

Headwork, this is when you modify the cylinder head. headwork is the area where most power gains will be available. The power will be noticed from idle to redline as well. It also comes under inlet porting etc etc

Level 1 User Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 32

Thanks again Smile

Just heard that chaning to a performance camshaft could gain me some HP also, any experiences with that? Difficult to swap?

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

not that difficult to swap and set up but difficult to get as its not a very popular engine to mod.

Level 1 User Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 32

Hmmm... Okay! Just wondering, is it possible to install a F7P engine in my car just like that? Or do I need to change the clutch/gearbox as well? Im seriously considering a trip to England (combined with a vacation?) since parts are much cheaper there than they are over here.

So, if it's possible, roughly how much would a good 16v engine cost? How much for fitting it (if it's possible). Who could help me with this, and aprox. how many days would it take? Infinicar?

Seems like the F7P engine is alot "faster" even though it only got 20-25 hp more, and the same torque. Well... Just wondering, really appreciate your help so far! Wink

Edit: Remember that my car is lefthand drive, if that matters Smile

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

right if you brought your car over and just wanted the 16V lump dropped in then within a day it would be running.

To do it all properly would take more time.

To make it a true 16V you need the fuel pump, suspension, brakes, exhaust system, front suspension wishbones etc

But if the cars up to scratch then yes you could just stick the engine in and fit the 16V ECU and it will drive away.

Engines can be had for as little as Â£50 but theres no guarentee they will be ok. Around Â£150-200 is a good range for a decent engine. Paul (Infinicar) can supply you with one as can other private sellers.

You need to get the 16V downpipe and ECU though, you should get the 16V or better fuel pump but it will run on the existing one (the white chamade 16V I sold I put in a clio 1.2 fuel pump and it goes, but I wopuldn't be hapy running it). You also need the radiator and coolant hoses, the engine should come with a wiring loom which will plug straight in (right hand or left hand drive will not matter).

The throttle cable etc will be ok, as will the gearbox.

When fitting the new engine though a cambelt kit (new belt, tensioner and idler is a must. new thermostat, water pump maybe even head gasket are other wise moves to ensure reliability. Also a new clutch would be ideal.

As for fittign etc, dunno theres a few places/people in england that could do it. I myself could but I am up in Scotland.