Phase II or 3.5?

[Teamcalibra]

Hi all...

I'm interested in upping the power of my '96 Calibra 4x4 Turbo. However should I go for phase II or 3.5? I've got an Escort Cosworth intercooler waiting to be fitted (or attempt to be fitted!)...

I've heard that with phase 3.5 I'm recommended on changing the fuel pump, head gasket, injectors, lower the FPR that comes with the kit to 3.5 bar instead of 4.5, etc, etc... To make this a reliable engine. Oh and recommended WI.

With phase II do I have to make any alterations in order to run a reliable engine? Engine has only covered 57,000 miles (50,000 when I bought it with FVSH) and I really don't want to damage it!

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Teamcalibra

 

[rds]

Phase 2 just run reds with standard 3 bar fuel reg, will be fine. Water Injection is a good investment as well. Just make sure fit the intercooler.

Rob

 

[Teamcalibra]

Thanks Rob.

Are we talking the reds from a Saab 2.3L Turbo? IIRC these are the ones which have a similar spray pattern to the std C20 LET injectors?

With regards to WI? Is the ERL Aquamist the one to look at or are their alternatives?

 

[rds]

Saab injectors you stated are the ones you want. The only water injection system worth buying TBH is ERL's

 

[Teamcalibra]

Can you confirm what model / year Saab turbo the injectors are from?

Thanks...

 

[rds]

Pm'd

Rob

 

[DaveG]

James,

What's the volume of the cossy cooler? You going to buy anything to monitor the charge temps? SPA is ideal, although i've been looking at some of the gauges that use heads up display and must say they look excellent.

SPA is good though. Especially for peace of mind.

Dave

 

[Teamcalibra]

Hi DaveG, how's the Astra?

I have the following dimensions (Think those are the EDS ones for comparison):

EDS:
600mm (Length) x 200mm (height) x 50mm (deep)

4x4 Cossie
660mm (Length) x 115mm (height) x 120mm (deep)


Problem with the Esc Cossie i/c is that the end caps aren't on the end but on the back.... Some 4x4 Esc Cossie owners run the std cooler with stage 3 (max 27psi tho). Dunno if it will fit but I'll try!

Ideally I'd like to run WI and get a SPA gauge to monitor the charge temps. Just have to wait for a while and run low boost.

Whilst the kits are on offer I might get one now. I'm thinking of getting phase II instead of 3.5 (plus it's a lot cheaper). Would you recommend the phase II seeing as you had one on your last Calibra? I'm not intersted in running big power (just a nice increase) and making the std turbo live for a little longer!

Cheers,
James

 

[yunis]

http://www.paceproducts.co.uk/ricc/esccos.htm

thats an escort cossie IC as advertised on paces website...does it look like this?

 

[Teamcalibra]

Hi Yunis...

That looks like the one the Escort Cossie owners upgrade to - the RS500.

Mine is totally different. The std ones are made by BEHR.

 

[Allen Mead]

No, the one team calibra is talking about the sierra sapphire coswoof item

The top one is a sapph 4x4 and the bottom one is a sapph 2wd

 

[Teamcalibra]

Yeah it does look like one of those ones. Only it has come off an Esc Cosworth not Sierra Sapphire Cosworth??? The guy was upgrading his Esc Cosworth one for an RS500... Hmmm.

 

[Allen Mead]

oops sorry chap, didn't realise that they both look the same. :wink:

 

[Teamcalibra]

At last I found pics on the net of an Escort Cosworth intercooler -

For some reason I can't show these pics on this site - something to do with where they are hosted. So you'll have to be registered on RSOC.

http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk/showt...8ff1701a&threadid=22062&highlight=intercooler

 

[DaveG]

phase II

Astra is going ok James. Too slow. Awaiting EDS intercooler to arrive before being fitted. Then it's a case of getting the software.

I'd recommend phase II yes - it gives a nice power increase without any absolute need for additional cooling (other then the intercooler). I don't know of the efficiency of the cossie cooler, but i found charge temps were approx 10c above ambient (not accounting for heatsoak into the cooler pipework of course).

Overall though - transforms the car.

 

[Not_Too_Fast!]

I had the same dilema before christmas in upgrading from phase 1 to phase 2 or phase 3.5

In hte end i opted for the phase 3.5 working on the principle that it is adjustable. Start off with a setting that suits me then as i add more bits i can up the setting. I know this relies on me not being tempted to choose the max setting but after the amount i've spent on the car this last year i'm not going to take silly chances.

 

[Teamcalibra]

Yes true.... I was away to get phase II but after reading that :wink: erm...

I also want to kit the car out, get my 17"s refurbed and wearing new rubber, get the windows tinted... I like the quad conversion rear lights too...

Looking expensive already. So I think phase II suits my budget for now.

Ideally I'd like a Spa gauge and water injection to run along side phase 3.5 but more realistic is phase II and then the add ons! :lol:

 

[DaveG]

I am sure you can upgrade from II to 3.5 at a later stage at a special exchange 'upgrade' price. Depends on how generous the "Official UK Distributor" is feeling. By that I mean the Official, not the formerly Official UK distributor.

You could also check with the former Official UK distributor to see what he can do for you.

This is all unofficial of course :wink:

 

[Teamcalibra]

:lol: I see what you mean... It's all a bit official and unofficial really!