Tuning XU 2.0 16v

[johnny406]

They I have a 1997 406 2.0 16v GLX, just wondered what's the potential with tuning this engine? Seems a bit more lathagic than my 2.2DCI Primera or maybe it's just more refined XD. Does as it has around the same power out, unlike the Japanese/Renault Pile of crap however the 406 is so much more reliable which I'd never say about a French Car, 406's are truely suprising. Anyways any tips as to get a little more power from the engine? Preformance Air Filter from Pipercross did make it a bit more peppy but any suggestions? Probably aiming for a good 150bhp I would think... It should have about 132 at the moment, Am I right in saying? Although after 11 years and 61,000miles I'm sure a few ponies have run away and are long gone.

[HimBigChief]

Easiest and most cost effective way would be to drop a 306 GTi6 (167bhp std) lump in there. Loads of the 205 and 309 boys do it, and you can pick these engines up now in good condition for a few hundred quid. Alternatively, there are the S16 and old 2litre cast iron Mi engines which make about 155bhp with a CAT. Other than that, you'd be looking at custom exhaust (or a decent off the shelf one), maybe some head work, possibly exhaust manifold from a GTi6 and cams really to up the power to anywhere respectable...

Not sure what reprograming the ECU would do for your power, but had a quick check and on a 1.8 16V it will up the power from 116bhp to 126bhp and torque from 160Nm to 174Nm, all for the princely sum of £250 I think.