My First Activa

[Willman]

Hi chris

I will keep an eye on the tyres after all it is the last bit of contact with the road

Reading up on Activas they seem be very tyre sensitive the backs need replacing and im still not sure what with

Avoiding cheap stuff seems to be the best policy I am tempted towards Falken or hankook as I have had good results with them in the past if i buy new and they are reasonably priced

My first priority will be the chassis ensuring that everything is doing as it should so far i have only been for a couple of laps round the block so to speak and it feels so different from any other Xantia ive driven seems to drive straight and true and the suspension has enough give in it indicating spheres are ok for now

As for the engine a cam belt change is high on the list with the usual oil and filter change

In an ideal world i would have an HDI Acitva as well but as of now I only have one insurance isnt really an issue being on a traders policy

summing up all the replies on engine mods
A turbo boost controller seems a must along with a boost gauge to let you know what its up to
Looking for info on remapping or rechipping etc there doesnt seem to be much around that can be done diy
It all seems to point to rolling road and remap which will cost but should be right

Please any thoughts or places to go where to get the bits or advice on what worked for others would be appreciated
It is a genuine 92k plus engine and has been looked after reckon its had a new rad at some point

I will be keeping my eyes out for another Activa for an HDI transplant as i do love that engine

Thanks for the warm welcome and if there are any events or meets to attend i will do my utmost to get "save" there

[Citroenmad]

Hi chris

I will keep an eye on the tyres after all it is the last bit of contact with the road

Reading up on Activas they seem be very tyre sensitive the backs need replacing and im still not sure what with

Avoiding cheap stuff seems to be the best policy I am tempted towards Falken or hankook as I have had good results with them in the past if i buy new and they are reasonably priced

My first priority will be the chassis ensuring that everything is doing as it should so far i have only been for a couple of laps round the block so to speak and it feels so different from any other Xantia ive driven seems to drive straight and true and the suspension has enough give in it indicating spheres are ok for now

I find they are a little tyre sensitive. Ive had a few on mine now (they dont seem to last long!) and without doubt I look for wet grip in a tyre. I have found that in the wet my C5 can out-perform my Activa on corners, as it sticks much better on its wider Michelins. I have recently put some Continental Premiumcontact2s on the front of my Activa, which I am very impressed with, the wet grip is very good now. The rears are almost new Pirelli P7s, again a tyre I am liking but they no longer make the P7, wish I had known that before as I seem to have bought the last two

Actually, there are a couple of tyre threads for Activas on here:
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 17&t=32076" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 20&t=27890" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For a cheaper but good tyre I would consider the Toyo CF-1s and Uniroyal Rainexerts.

Its quite difficult to know if an Activa is driving right if you have not experienced another one, as they do drive very differently. There is a bit of maintenance to do with Activas to have them working as they should, however if it feels good then you should be on the right tracks. Having them sit level, making sure all height correctors are free, that the control arms are not worn and so on.

As for events, there is the CXM/Xantia. A combination event for the CX, XM and Xantia. There is usually a good turnout, ideal if you want to meet some of us FCF'ers and gather some more information/help on your Activa. That is in the Milton Keynes area.

Where abouts are you?

[hattershaun]

Hi Willman,
That was my green Activa V6 at ICCCR, thanks for your kind comments about it.
I shall be taking it to the CXM Xantia rally in Sept, so maybe see you there.
I'm happy to show you the engine bay and talk through some of the points about converting it.
Incidentally, I used a Peugeot 406 V6 manual saloon as a donor for my conversion, much cheaper than a Coupe, especially when it had been rear ended, so was scrap value.
Whilst I've not been in a modified TCT engined Activa, I'm sure similar performance to my V6 could be achieved, but for me it's the lovely V6 noise that wins the day.
Oh, and am happy to take you for a drive too.

[Citroenmad]

Your V6 Activa was definitely one of my favourite cars at the ICCCR, its a very appealing conversion

[Deanxm]

very well done conversion and, as said has THAT noise to go with it!

D

[Willman]

"Save" has just passed its MOT

Luckily my " friendly " MOT station is open on bank holidays

Levelled the suspension out as per instructions till the ride height and level were correct

Soon as she came off the ramp and hit the roilers she decided to drop down on passenger side and stay there

I assume the front bushes for the active control rods, if worn could cause this

Any thoughts

Will order a set anyway

Tax and my traders policy wants renewing ...hope to make it to Bletchley

[Deanxm]

Its probably best to replace them anyway, the small ball joints on the end of the control arms, guide blocks and the main quadrant block between the adjusters can all wear but its usualy just the guide blocks and joints.

Is it rocking from side to side or just slumped to one side and stays there regardless?

Look forward to seeing you and the car at CXM!

D

[Willman]

Thanks for the reply

Shes just slumped to one side and sits there

Wouldnt like to drive along way with it like that

I will take your advice and check the all joints and replace the guide blocks...they cant be that expensive

I do get some discount off my local citroen dealer

CXM is where im heading

[Deanxm]

If you can check the adjustment on the rods again it may be worth it, usualy if there is play in the joints the car will rock from side to side while its running, while adjusting the lean i like to pull the actuators and rock the car each way and then let it settle and measure again, just being keeled over is usualy a sign the adjustment is out.

D

[Willman]

Control rod bushes ordered part number 527360 cost.....£8.52 a side and on back order till 4th Sept they've gone up a bit
one was well worn oval the other wasn't far behind
Might think about getting some made one day
Meanwhile chasing up genuine Dayco Cambelt kit at right price
On the bright side engine oil is very clean and the air con still has gas in it but could do with a bit more so might work when the pressure is up
Non working speedo is going to be fun
Front pads " ferodo " on order at £26.00 for a set
Got to get to Bletchly

[Willman]

Speedo issues

Ok the speed doesnt work I Knew that when i bought it

I have put two set of instruments in everything works but the speedo

I have put two known working speedo sensors in

Not twiddle or a twitch out of it

Is there anything else i need to look at

I can get lexia plugged in which will be the next line of attack

Regards will

[CitroJim]

It's more than likely a wring fault...

A Lexia will be a good idea as it will confirm if the sensor signal is present and reaching the Hydractive/Activa ECU and the Engine ECU which both use the same signal as the speedo.

The presence of a speed signal at both ECUs is critical.

I have the full wiring diagrams if you need them. Both for MK1 and MK2...