Posted By: tim16v
Two FCSS Specials! - 07/06/2016 21:40
Here are some pictures of two cars originally built by Joe and now gracing my drive.
The VIS is described in the register thread below and the porto is the remapped 2.4 N/A that was recommissioned by Joe a few weeks ago. It needed a fair bit more work than I had been led to believe by the vendor but was pleased with the results. That was 'phase 1' which also included a full service and a fair bit of work to put it back to a nearer standard specification on some cosmetic items and the springs too.
It also nearly popped it's CHOD and this was only discovered after a puddle formed on the workshop floor - if you're going to pop your CHOD Joe's place must be amongst the best places for this! Close call though.
The VIS is mechanically standard and was driven over the weekend after having sat in the garage for a few weeks while I get to grips with the porto which is 'under development'. The VIS is basically 'finished' so doesn't need anything other than routine checking.
The two cars could hardly be more different. The porto has a turbo gearbox with Visco and, with a nicely (IMO) low end torque biased Flea remap feels like you're being pulled along by a large V6. It is about 190bhp with a similar maximum torque output I think. Very strong throughout the rev range with a flatter torque curve than normal so there's not too much more to be had by pushing it close to the red line. On the picture it's the red lines with torque being the top one.
In addition it is very quiet and actually feels like a more sophisticated 'grand tourer' for this reason, but slightly heavier too.
By contrast the VIS feels almost hyperactive. Razor sharp throttle, excellent raw exhaust note, lighter and certainly adequate torque made for a good trip down to the coast at the weekend. It would be nice if it had a Visco but I've decided to leave well alone as it's been fine for years now.
Phase 2 work on the porto will comprise dealing with a few niggles, another check over, fitting LE front lips, changing the wheels to dark 16'' 16VT like the VIS and a few pedantic issues inside that need to be dealt with. It's an interesting project that has got off to a good start. Narrower wheels and tyres on spacers might make it feel lighter too although this is not a problem - it feels very well planted at all times.
It also has high backed Recaro sports style leather front seats that will have to go, to be replaced by standard seats in due course.
The VIS is described in the register thread below and the porto is the remapped 2.4 N/A that was recommissioned by Joe a few weeks ago. It needed a fair bit more work than I had been led to believe by the vendor but was pleased with the results. That was 'phase 1' which also included a full service and a fair bit of work to put it back to a nearer standard specification on some cosmetic items and the springs too.
It also nearly popped it's CHOD and this was only discovered after a puddle formed on the workshop floor - if you're going to pop your CHOD Joe's place must be amongst the best places for this! Close call though.
The VIS is mechanically standard and was driven over the weekend after having sat in the garage for a few weeks while I get to grips with the porto which is 'under development'. The VIS is basically 'finished' so doesn't need anything other than routine checking.
The two cars could hardly be more different. The porto has a turbo gearbox with Visco and, with a nicely (IMO) low end torque biased Flea remap feels like you're being pulled along by a large V6. It is about 190bhp with a similar maximum torque output I think. Very strong throughout the rev range with a flatter torque curve than normal so there's not too much more to be had by pushing it close to the red line. On the picture it's the red lines with torque being the top one.
In addition it is very quiet and actually feels like a more sophisticated 'grand tourer' for this reason, but slightly heavier too.
By contrast the VIS feels almost hyperactive. Razor sharp throttle, excellent raw exhaust note, lighter and certainly adequate torque made for a good trip down to the coast at the weekend. It would be nice if it had a Visco but I've decided to leave well alone as it's been fine for years now.
Phase 2 work on the porto will comprise dealing with a few niggles, another check over, fitting LE front lips, changing the wheels to dark 16'' 16VT like the VIS and a few pedantic issues inside that need to be dealt with. It's an interesting project that has got off to a good start. Narrower wheels and tyres on spacers might make it feel lighter too although this is not a problem - it feels very well planted at all times.
It also has high backed Recaro sports style leather front seats that will have to go, to be replaced by standard seats in due course.