B&C 160 upgrade.

[coullstar]

Im considering looking at the cars below but Im just wondering if the B&C 160 upgrade is any good? Will this reduce relaibility of the car in anyway and does it put any undue stress on the engine? Does it take any of the day to day driveability out of the car or is it all win win with this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1976998.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1960645.htm

[tut]

The B&C 160 is quite a mild conversion, and actually makes more like 150hp. The head is gas flowed but valves are kept original and the cams are upgraded but are not aggressive.

It will make no difference to reliability, in fact if the head had been checked properly before it was worked on, and fitted with a good gasket, it could be the opposite.

tut

[woody]

Who's Andy Bell? Interesting ad.

B&C 160 shouldn't have a major impact on unreliability.

[robin]

The wheels on the purple one are quite valuable I think.

It will make no difference to reliability.

Cheers,
Robin

[coullstar]

It will make no difference to reliability, in fact if the head had been checked properly before it was worked on, and fitted with a good gasket, it could be the opposite.

tut

TBH that was what I was thinking. If it still there Im going for a look next week.

Ive beed trying to find the power / torque graphs for this compared to standard with no luck.

[campbell]

Have a direct word with Bell and Colville?

[Corranga]

The wheels on the purple one are quite valuable I think.

They look like Rota Slipstreams no?

In which case, I think they are slightly lighter than standard AWIs, but potentially worth less as they are readily available and non-original.

I suppose it's all down to the person, I know Tut and Alan Gourlay prefer standard AWIs on Elises, whilst I'm of the opposite frame of mind - though still have my AWIs just in case I change my mind

Chris

[tut]

Here's the graph, 150hp, 130tq.

http://www.dyno-plot.co.uk/dyno/dynoplo ... ise-BC.htm

tut

[robin]

Ah, in that case no, I was thinking they were the ones that B&C had as an option along with the B&C 160 - they were either victories or something like that anyway ...

Cheers,
Robin

[coullstar]

Hope its good, only 250bhp and similar torque less than I have at the moment

[woody]

To be honest, looking at the purple car, I think it could be worth having the car looked over properly. Plenty of money's been thrown at it in the form of tat, but it's still running Koni dampers. I'd budget £500 anyway on a set of S2 bilsteins; the S1 Koni's are noted for their short lifespan. There may be a few other suspension parts requiring replacement when you're in there.

[coullstar]

Will do, I think Id prefer an almost standard car if Im honest. There something telling me the purple one has had a hard life, Im just going for a shot to see what its like. One of the reasons Im thinking of changing is Im getting bored of modified cars.

[Mikie711]

If it were my pound I would go for the yellow one. Looks like it has been better looked after and it's in a better colour IMHO. B&C 160 kit can be set up a number of different ways and can range from 135 to 150 BHP but none ever made the claimed 160. Mine was 140bhp and 140lb/ft. This made it feel quicker than it really was but was great fun to drive.

[Matelotman]

Have a direct word with Bell and Colville?

I had a B&C 140 and found B&C very approachable via phone and email

[roadboy]

I don't think either of those cars are a good idea at that sort of money tbh.

The yellow one is the better of the two but it is obvioulsy not an enthusiasts car as it is running on Pirelli P6000s. Plus those seats, whilst comfortable, look absolutely awful!

My advice would be, look further afield and be prepared to travel a long way for the right car.

Dan