Hi all,

New to this sort of thing, just recently bought an 03 standard I presume ST, as my mate has had a few and I kind have caught the ST bug, I wanted a nice low mileage clean example but for me I have been a little disappointed with the power and pick up (it feels a little sluggish) for my liking and I'm after the best possible advice to upgrade the performance but without spending shitloads.
I've seen quite a few mentions on here about dreamscience being a good choice, VVTPro or even Nodis? Like I said I'm not into changing everything just probably a few quick wins to smooth the power and bring it up as well, it felt a lot worse but I've just had the cambelt done and that has improved the feel of the car already.
There is also a splutter/ misfire at low revs 1500-2000 rpm, worse underload or gradients but I'm checking fuel filters first as i feel it is fuel starvation??

Any advice and suggestions are most welcome

Cheers Mark

 

Make it lighter, handle better and stop quicker. They are very expensive to get more power out of, not really worth it imo.

 

Cheers Richie,

Already I think it stops well and handles well enough, my clutch is on it's way out so hopefully can get a lightweight version instead on the heavy dual mass type, I'm speaking to dream science on Monday regarding remapping, but am I going the right way around this ?? Never upgraded what I've got before, I'm used to upgrading the whole car instead lol

 

As above, power to weight. For speed add lightness ect

Nodiz is an ignition only ecu.

Power is down to butdget.

Get it running right to start with.

 

Misfire could be MAF if it happens under load. VVT controller has seen good results and also retarding the exhaust cam a bit. Check if the inlet manifold control is working properly, the reason it feels sluggish on get-go is because it has torque limiter in first and second gears.

 

Ok, I have a spare MAF I'll try that first and let you know, would you recommend doing the cam retarding and VVT before any remapping?

 

Changing cam timing with either VVT or manually in my view doesn't require a fuel change as there are sensors that alter when needed, O2, knock, MAF etc.

 

dont rate DS for mapping on 170s as their results thus far have been poor in comparison with some other decent tuners, they are little better than plug in bluefin but at least you get to keep handset with bluefin, most of the 170s I break are those that cant afford to replace the clutch due to hefty price tag

 

What other tuners do you recommend?

 

know a bloke with a st170 estate, any decent recomendations about coilovers?

 

BC BR's........ or Gaz Golds depending on budget

 

Apparently if you shed 31 kg it will transform the handling

 

hole keeps getting bigger

 

No idea what hole

 

As the st170 engine has a trigger wheel, will it work if the sensor is relocated to alter the ignition timing?

 

The trigger wheel is built into the flywheel and the sensor boss is a big hole in the block.

Why would you want to move it ?

 

So as to move(advance) the ignition = more power/response.

 

Just swing the cam. They are not keyed.

 

I changed mine to a megasquirt ecu to make the most of the engine, a good inlet and exhaust and it picked up and pulled much better, I know a little more money but something to consider

 

That will alter the cam timing, not ignition timing.

For sure I just wanted to know if it can be done as it would've been free and I enjoy DIY.

 

Why all aftermarket exhaust systems available for the st170 are 2.25" (57mm) when stock is 65mm (2.56")?

 

because 2.25" is more than enough to flow 220bhp.... Perhaps your question would be best directed at the manufacturers? They must of decided to use 2.25" for a reason.
Maybe it's worth emailing them with your question...