Well, it was time I had another journey upto Courtenay so today was the day. This was for Bilstein Yellow B8 Dampers, Eibach Pro Spring Kit and a Whiteline Anti-Roll Bar and of course not forgetting the soon to arrive inlet manifold and T/B.
The day didn't quite start as I would have liked though. Yesterday, I got the car out of the garage and realised that the battery was flat. I jump started it and then took it to fill up with petrol. I then got home and connected up the battery charger for the rest of the day. I went to bed last night thinking all was well. How wrong!
Got up this morning at 3:15am and grabbed my rucksack. Crept out of the house to the car. I got in and turned the key to get nothing. I couldn't believe it. I tried pushing it but couldn't get it rolling. I was trying to be very quiet too. I ended up getting the wifes car by the side of it so that I could jump start it again. Eventually I was up and running and set off.
I had my can of Red Bull and all seemed okay. I got to the M25 and then the onset of tiredness kicked in. I felt my eyes stinging, rolling and my eyelids getting heavy. I even wandered onto the hard shoulder for a few seconds. That woke me up a bit. Anyway, I stopped not far out of Norwich for a loo stop and a wander round and a early chat with Timmee. I then carried on to Hartwell Vauxhall South in Norwich to buy a new battery. I stopped in to see Barry from VxlSCC and he gave me the club discount and i've got a nice shiney new battery for £28.
I finally got to Courtenays at 9:15am. Had a cup of tea and then it was time for what can only be explained as the ride of my life! Mark Watts took me out in the SuperCharged Astra. OMFG!! :shock:
We drove away up the road a bit and all seemed normal as you would expect for a standard car. He's got Bilstein B8's and Eibach springs with a Whiteline bar and I can honestly say that the car felt a good ride and was not harsh at all.
After a 10 minute run thru' North Walsham town centre we came back out onto the open road with a very long straight stretch. As already mentioned, the cars driveability was completely normal. We pulled away from the traffic lights and that was where the similarity ended with an OE car. The first thing you notice is the overwhelming amount of torque that pushes you firmly in your seat. The next thing that you notice is the whine of the supercharger. It was very wet today and the wheels were fighting like mad for traction but Mark was doing some acrobatics with his foot to get the power on. At one point Mark dropped it down to 3rd gear whilst doing about 70mph and floored it and the wheels lit up and just kept spinning. We went thru' a country road so that he could demonstrate the handling and power combination and it felt very stable and cornered like it was on rails.
By the time that we returned to Courtenays, my hair had turned greyer, my hands were trembling and I was breathing like I just run a marathon. My boxers were also in need of changing!
What a car! There is NO lag at all. From standing start to 6500rpm is pure acceleration. There is 200 lbs torque from the offset. Power delivery is strong and smooth throughout.
TBH, I was speechless when John asked me what I thought. Jon said try to imagine what its like in a VX220!! Then he took me off round the workshop for a tour and then took me to the store to have a look at some supercharger bits that he's keeping warm for me. :roll:
They even got the 2008 desktop diary out for me just in case I felt like booking an appointment for some reason in the new year??
I also had a look at some of Jons toys in the form of 2 engines from Lotus and his pride and joy, the very glossy yellow VX220. That car is stunning! All in all I had a fantastic morning whilst there.
A HUGE thankyou to Jon for showing me round and arranging a lift for me to the airport with 'young' Mark from the workshop. Thankyou to Mark Watts for the most unbelievable ride in the Astra. It was truly amazing! For any of you considering the supercharger conversion, you will NOT be disappointed. The drivability is as normal until you plant your foot and then all hell breaks loose. Just get it done!
cheers..
