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Gary
Poole - Astra GTE 16v
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The
Astra and I have been partners in crime now for over ten years
- half of that time it has served as main transport, and as such
I have never really had the opportunity to carry out what I'd
always wanted to. Things changed about 5 years ago - and rather
than sell it on I decided it would stay and eventually become
something I could wheel out on a dry weekend, with some occasional
track time thrown in.
Recently, and with the rest of the car sorted, it was finally
time to decide upon something a little more interesting to power
it - forced induction would not really suit the chassis so on
went SBDs popular 196 kit. Straight away the potential was obvious
- but the original engine was a little tired after a hard life,
so it was rebuilt and lost power regained - 18 months of remarkably
trouble free motoring followed and not once did I fail to be impressed
with way the engine delivered it's power.
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Nevertheless
though, the ever present pull of more power beckoned, and after
driving the car where it could be exploited, it seemed the chassis
could handle some more. The 208 taper kit seemed a good choice for
further upgradeability so despite the potential problems with clearance
for fitment I placed an order, and would deal with and fouling issues
when they arose. It was a pleasant surprise to find everything went
on ok - close, but the right side of 'tight' - I've run the car
in this state now for a few months and not had any trouble - engine
mounts are reinforced as a precaution though.
Just as promised on spec, a noticeable hike in power was immediately
obvious - most impressive though is the way the engine picks up
from revs as low as 2500rpm, to the extent that quick progress can
still be made - one gear lower than before. |
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Throughout,
both kits have proved themselves to be simple to fit and setup,
100% reliable and very easy to live with. SBDs customer support
is second to none - A theory I shall be testing once again early
next year when one of the more serious spec kits is fitted!
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SBD
Motorsport Ltd, Unit 15, Red Lion Business Park, Red Lion Road, Surbiton,
Surrey. KT6 7QD. Tel: 0208 391 0121.
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