IHI Thoughts
Well - that`s me back fro my 15th trip to Tesco`s today - always go the long way round too - better lie low now in case I infuriate the local Traffic Department
Thanks `yo al` for the kind comments - I`m sure we are all in the same boat as to our regard for the LCR - I`m so glad that the firepower is now available to give it performance to match its looks
As to the spec of the car, well I gave the lads `carte blanche` to do what they thought was right for me - the car is my `daily driver` and being FWD Mike tailored the power curve for `driveability` rather than full out power - I think he got 400+ ft/lbs and about 380 bhp but decided to set it back a bit - all out BHP was not my sole goal - you will see from the readout that the car gives 320+BHP from 4500 to7500 - the final cut out is 7800
My previous experience of modding over the years tells me that it is easy to get too excited go a bit too far, compromising drivability and/or reliability - thus spoiling the fun!
The `way to happiness`in my opinion, is to aim for 90% use, and engineer for 110% - that`s what i`ve tried to do with the LCR
General opinion was that the PE1820 needed the largeport to maximise the potential benefits - the Dahlback is proven but did not suit the largeport either, and Jabba`s inlet manifold is really still in the development stages, so I was happy to live with the vf34.20 and its slightly faster spoolup time which perhaps suits general road use better - less top end for sure, but almost the same torque as the bigger setup
With general road use in mind, I was happy to stick with the standard S3 pistons as they are strong enough and well run in anyway.
I didn`t want to
lower the CR as theory tends to indicate that this affects part throttle/off boost combustion efficiency and thus fuel economy
I wanted to change the rods and the valves, - potential weak spots - just to give myself peace of mind and confidence to use the full available performance.
The forged rods also allowed Mike to fully exploit the vf 34.20`s full potential
Having decided to stay with the smallport, I had it flowed to maximise its potential.
The runners of Dahlback were also flowed and matched to the head.
3" exhaust is needed for this sort of power and 100cell cat used too.
Jabba 3" downpipe/cat/exhaust mated to Milltek 2.75" system before back axle {to avoid clearance problems} - no centre resonator - standard Milltek dual outlet backbox kept {to try to limit noise!]
The standard LCR intercoolers work quite well but are a bit restrictive, so we used Jabba`s front mount, and of course EVO shield phenolic spacer/gasket and Aquamist [water/methanol] to try to kill the heat, and maximise the potential available power.
Also used Jabba`s variable boost to allow for differing driving conditions/ fuel avalability, and Jabba`s cold air induction kit - Hyperboost DV and Samco inlet hose too.
When rebuilding in adittion to the new kit and `bits and bobs` and we also used new lambda probes - new timing belt - new water pump with metal impeller - and Toledo 5ltr washer bottle to maximise range of Aquamist!
Fitted a Spa - Design dual boost/EGT gauge to monitor`events`too
The gearbox is standard internal ratios and final drive - we used an uprated Sachs clutch, and Quaife diff. and Nuespeed quickshift
Brakes are - front Porsche 993 Turbo `Big reds` - 323/32 two piece discs and Porsche Turbo pads - Goodridge hoses - Rear standard size EBC `Turbo Groove ` discs and `Red Stuff`pads
We rebushed the car front and rear with `Powerflex`poly bushes - used VF engineering `dogbone` mount, S3 strut brace, and Eibach rear ARB and Eibach front adjustable ARB together with Eibach Pro - Street
coilovers, dropped about 20mm
Wheels are Sportec Mono 8.5/18 with 6mm integral spacers running at present P-Zero Corsa 235/40/18
Thats the mods for now - i`ve got a bit of `bling` to do yet but am not far off finished - just have to see how I get on with this lot
How much did it cost? - I hear the question! - Loadsaaaa!!!! is the answer - one LCR for the price of two and the rest!!
Real power costs real dosh unfortunately and when you get to these sort of power outputs, then there are real safety issues at stake if you get it wrong!!!
I just love the LCR - I love its looks, its rebel spirit and its iconoclastic nature - the purists hate it because its FWD not RWD or AWD - it shouldn`t be they say - It`s not even a Volkswagen - its a Seat - Gawd!!!
I have to say that in IHI guise the LCR is not a prospect for the faint hearted! - it needs commitment, finesse and 120% concentration to get the best out of it - have no doubts! - give it half a chance and it will bite you in the ass - big time!
There`s the fun of mastering it though - FWD is the greatest driving challenge I always think - no AWD traction to flatter your skill - no fancy RWD powerslides a la Clarkson to impress the wee`uns - just your skill against the system and its failings - that`s the thrill
- Merry Christmas!!
![[B)]](/forums/styles/seatcupra/oldforumsmileys/shades.gif "Cool [B)]")
1st IHI LCR ive heard of in UK although there are a few on the continent.
