Desire 1.1 to VTR 1.6 CONVERSION

1. KierenCrawford Banned Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 411

   #1 28th November 2013, 16:57

   Hello I am new to the forum and french cars...
   
   So i know on here it is one of the most frequently asked questions but every single one has a different answer, so i have a 2001 1.1 desire saxo it has a 3Plug ECU will a saxo VTR 1.6 engine bolt in play with out changing the loom?
   
   I've heard some people run them on the 1.1 ecu until they get a unlocked vtr one? Is this the case ?
   
   (If this does work I am aware it's obviously not going to be good to do so but would get me up and running just for say a week until i could get a VTR ecu)
   
   Any help will be Mach appreciated
   Thanks Kieren
2. Pricklep Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 31279 Citroen Saxo VTS, S60 D5

   #2 28th November 2013, 17:01

   if you get a 3 plug vtr engine, ye

   1 user thanked this post: KierenCrawford
3. KierenCrawford Banned Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 411

   #3 28th November 2013, 18:01

   So a 3 plug VTR engine fits straight in there, everything connects up fine? Then what is he deal with the gearbox, will it die on the 1.1 or will the 1.1 gearbox also be fine for a while until a more suited gearbox is brought ?
4. user_65832 Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 ashford Posts: 231 citreon saxo vtr 1.6

   #4 28th November 2013, 18:04

   1.1 box will be fine and make it have quick acceleration
5. KierenCrawford Banned Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 411

   #5 28th November 2013, 18:05

   Okay any recommendations for drive shafts ? Can you get stronger ones to fit the 1.1 box or just use the 1.1 shafts as well
6. user_65832 Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 ashford Posts: 231 citreon saxo vtr 1.6

   #6 28th November 2013, 18:14

   Tbh best bet is to get some vtr drive shafts and struts complete so you got better suspension and brakes and better driveshafts (not sure if they are or not)
7. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

   #7 28th November 2013, 18:19

   Don't think the 1.1 has the same ARB, if you wanted it you'll need R or S struts.
8. KierenCrawford Banned Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 411

   #8 28th November 2013, 18:21

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by deanbradley Tbh best bet is to get some vtr drive shafts and struts complete so you got better suspension and brakes and better driveshafts (not sure if they are or not)

   Thanks for all the help you've given, so are the vtr strut legs better/ different to the 1.1 ones ? I have apex spring and blistein shocks to go on my 1.1 legs but if the vtr legs are better/different il get them....
9. user_65832 Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 ashford Posts: 231 citreon saxo vtr 1.6

   #9 28th November 2013, 18:25

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by KierenCrawford Thanks for all the help you've given, so are the vtr strut legs better/ different to the 1.1 ones ? I have apex spring and blistein shocks to go on my 1.1 legs but if the vtr legs are better/different il get them....

   I'd say go to a scrappy or something pick up the legs and drive shafts for 40 for both! And that means you got better driveshaft, bigger brakes and all round good setup for a 1.1!
10. Tom5190 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Sep 2007 Someones Bumhole Posts: 5721 Mk2 16v Desire

    #10 28th November 2013, 19:18

    Brakes are the same size just vented. You need to match the drive shafts to the box really they are different lengths.
    
    Also you cant just get any struts, they will need to have the correct wheel bearings to suit your shafts (flat or tapered)
    
    No don't use the 1.1 ECU. I wouldn't waste the time with a vtr conversion its the same effort to put a vts in there tbh.
    
    Engine is a straight swap aslong as the loom plugs match.
11. KierenCrawford Banned Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 411

    #11 29th November 2013, 16:44

    Wanna stay 8v personally just prefer the characteristics of them, But thank you very much for your opinions and i think I'm going to stay with the strut I have at the moment, with apex lowering springs and bilstein shocks all round, and a vts/gti rear beam should handle good enough, if I was to fit VTR breaks would it just be a case of getting a pair of brake callipers pads and discs ?
12. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

    #12 29th November 2013, 18:58

    Buy a vtr job done,insurance will cost a bomb with a conversion as well.
13. KierenCrawford Banned Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 411

    #13 29th November 2013, 20:44

    I've got what I've got now so I'm just going to work with it. Getting a vtr/s would be too easy I like the hard way ahaa
14. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

    #14 29th November 2013, 22:38

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by KierenCrawford I've got what I've got now so I'm just going to work with it. Getting a vtr/s would be too easy I like the hard way ahaa

    Well good luck with getting insurance mate.
15. KierenCrawford Banned Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 411

    #15 29th November 2013, 23:04

    Haven't got a problem getting insured, I have family that work for a insurance broker and can get me really really cheap quotes..