Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

[LondonGuy]

I have just picked up my 56 plate Aygo Black 3 door.

I want a reliable, extremely cheap to run, but charismatic, small city run-around for Central London traffic.

The fact that the CO2 emissions are so low, and that it may qualify for a discount from the Congestion Charge from 2007 onwards, are also appealing attributes.

Even though it is just a run-around, I want to maximise its performance (acceleration or petrol saving, depending upon my mood...).

I'm therefore embarking upon a two stage programme of works:

a] Weight reduction

then

b] Power increase.

Excess weight is the enemy of performance

The following redundant components have been identified, removed, weighed and recorded:

Action - Weight Saved in grammes

Remove assorted paperwork/advertising/floor mats - < 1

Remove manual/handbooks - 850

Cut radio aerial in half -20

Remove rear seat belt sockets - 280

Remove rear parcel shelf - 750

Remove rear bench seat - 2600

Remove rear seat (folding) backs - 12000

Remove related nuts and bolts - 200

Remove rear seat fixing brackets - 200

Remove spare tyre cover - 1000

Remove jacking kit - 2500

Remove spare tyre - 10000

De-badge rear - 20

I'm extremely impressed with the "light weight design philosophy" that Toyota/Peuget/Citroen have employed - every item is really featherweight (the whole rear seat assembly just 15kg!)

The following extra items were weighed and added:

Action + Weight added in grammes

Added Tyre repair fluid/weld canister + 600

Floor mats (cut down to bare minimum) + 3000

Assuming starting vehicle weight = 790000g (all figures from EVO magazine).

Net weight saving = 26821g. This represents a 3.395% reduction.

Assuming original power-to-weight ratio = 84.81 bhp/tonne.

New power-to-weight ratio = 87.79 bhp/tonne.

Worthwhile, however:

As 1 litre of petrol weighs 749g, a full tank (35 litres) of petrol weighs 26157g - hence my efforts are only equivalent to running around on an empty tank....

Where further weight saving will be achieved within the Aygo, I am unsure.

Obvious candidates include:

- New wheels (unsprung weight is twice as bad as sprung weight) - however the Black model already has 9 spoke alloys. Whilst there are undoubtedly lighter competition wheels available - it's all about balancing price, practicality and net gains.

- New front seats - perhaps carbon-fibre shells - though this would result in the loss of the side airbags, which I am loathed to do.

- A radical reduction in Interior trim/linings - not going to look great.

Inevitably, the law of diminishing returns to investment will be evident with new light-weight components.

Needless to say fat passengers are not welcome (body mass indexes of over 25 are prohibited, or will only be carried as far as the nearest Holmes Place).

Power increase - limited choice of performance parts?

Induction system

I have in my possession the K&N 33-2131 high-flow air filter, but will wait until I've passed 600 miles running-in period to fit.

I've heard mixed reviews of installing this - some people commenting that there is a volume increase on engine induction, but no noticeable increase in performance - possibly even a reduction in fuel consumption. We shall see.

Exhaust system

I am looking for a sports exhaust, but the only system I seem to be able to find online is the TTE unit. Does anyone have stats about the performance of this - is there a bhp gain?

Need to do more research into Aygo / 107 / C1 third-party products.

Ride height lowering

I think I'll have to fit the TTE lowering springs, as the little Aygo rolls like a canoe around bends. Also the reduction in ride height will improve aerodynamic efficiency marginally.

Anyone have any experience of these springs in combination with the speed humps that litter our cities?

Worried about grounding the car or ripping the front lip off.

Will keep you all posted about my on-going project...

[before someone says "why didn't you just buy a proper performance car in the first place?", I have such a vehicle for the weekends.... But it's fun turning something unassuming like an Aygo into a pocket-rocket].

[PaulT]

Should have gone for the basic car instead of the black with its extra goodies :D

Electric front windows, honestly!

I've booked track time at Castle Donington in a couple of weeks to see how the basic car handles on the track. I think it would be rather expensive to turn it into a really quick track car (Hayabusa engine?) but might just see if it has potential.

Paul.

[BadBoyVTEC]

sounds great i am really interested to hear the outcome of this project.

[speedingsivi]

sounds a good plan. looking forward to seeing the outcome. good luck ;)

[SMW]

Firstly I think you are mad (joke :D )

I have TTE springs - no problems with ground clearance at all

[Demonic Angel]

Well, you are nothing if you are not thorough.... I'll be very interested to see the outcome of this experiment!

[sullsims]

Alright mate, hows the project going? Get some pics up! :)

[Everpain]

Wouldn't you have been better off starting with a Smart car?

[T V O R]

Aygo and performance?

Bit of an oxymoron

[PaulT]

Aygo and performance?

Bit of an oxymoron

Not at all. As stock the handling and brakes are very reasonable. Needs a little bit more rubber and lowering to sort out the body roll, and it needs more power but the potential is there.

Could be a Glanza for the 21st century.

Paul.

[Chaliel]

- New wheels (unsprung weight is twice as bad as sprung weight) - however the Black model already has 9 spoke alloys. Whilst there are undoubtedly lighter competition wheels available - it's all about balancing price, practicality and net gains.

The original steel wheels are lighter as the alloys sold by Toy and TTE!!!

6.066 kg for the original steel wheel! The alloys do not beat this!!!!!

Reason why I'n still on steel wheels!

[BadBoyVTEC]

- New wheels (unsprung weight is twice as bad as sprung weight) - however the Black model already has 9 spoke alloys. Whilst there are undoubtedly lighter competition wheels available - it's all about balancing price, practicality and net gains.

The original steel wheels are lighter as the alloys sold by Toy and TTE!!!

6.066 kg for the original steel wheel! The alloys do not beat this!!!!!

Reason why I'n still on steel wheels!

Really, do you know how much the Alloy ones weigh? And this also proves that the alloys are purely aesthetic.

[legend]

will a celica 190 engine fit in the aygo if it does it will be awsome