exactly
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That's why I didn't move onto cams, bigger valves and injectors etc. Things just aren't built like they used to be and its a shame because manufacturers haven't exactly lowered their list prices to compromise the quality differences have they?
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It's all about the money to those guys.
In relation to engine tuning, my experience lies mainly with tuning fords than anything and we did a DIY project on a 2.0 silver top zetec (last seen in the mk1 mondeos) and they can happily run a nice amount of power, it was running aroud the 240bhp mark which was optimal for a front wheel drive car and yes we had to change the pistons and con rods but it was only a few hundred pounds of a job. People seem to charge the earth for anything relating to Mercedes or BMW. No wonder the VAG group have such a vast following in the tuning world, they can be race prepped for aprox. ten pounds and a toffee apple (honest.... lol).
But the possibilities are endless if people only adventure towards them. I mean look at some of the old rally cars, 205 T16 for example 450 bhp from a 1.8, that was in 1984, 23 years on technology has advanced a long way and yes I know thy may not be reliable enough to chew miles and miles on the road but surely a similar setup... a 1.8 litre forced induced car 23 years down the line should be able to run a measly 250 in comparison, just a shame they cant really go beyond that because they are made out of nothing more than kit kat wrappers... shame really
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lol
But anyway.. back on topic! Let us know how you get on with this little venture, I'd be intrigued to see how much this costs and exactly what parts the kit is comprised of, good luck!