AX questions

hammerong · Post by **hammerong** » 21 Mar 2010, 20:00

I am soon to be the proud owner of a Citroen AX 10.

It's several different colours, I won't change it as I'm going for the sleeper look (Q-Car for those of you born before 1985).

Got a couple of questions about the engine (TU9???):
Does it share the exhaust manifold with the bigger engine sizes (1.4 8v etc)
Do the cams from the larger engines fit and are they different profiles?
Are there any major weaknesses with these engines?

Thanks

evilally · Post by **evilally** » 21 Mar 2010, 23:10

Well a 1.6 16v engine from a Saxo VTS/106 GTI will drop straight in

Speaking of which, here's a supercharged 1.6 AX at Knockhill:

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 22 Mar 2010, 08:20

not sure about the other questions, but the one weekness they suffer with is the head gasket failling, at the front left corner were the main oil way/feed to the head runs through the gasket,

you will know if it has failed as there will be oil on the face of the block just by the cam belt cover,

regards malcolm

Chris570 · Post by **Chris570** » 22 Mar 2010, 08:58

ok right

the manifolds from the 8valves are the same up until mk2 saxos so mk1 saxo, ax and 106's till about 2000 all share the same manifold, can be ported very easily to give a little improvment but on the bigger TU's a 4-2-1 is very easily fitted with big big gains

if you want to tune your AX ditch the 954cc lump as it will never really be any good.

I've had both a 8v 1.6 and a 16v 1.6 i prefer the 8v as its a lazier engine with more low down grunt but if you like an engine to rev then the 16v is very good in the AX shell above 4.5k.

As has previously been said the HG is not the best design in the world but isnt a massive job to do.

The bottom ends on these TU engines are bullet proof

(AX/TU geek)

hammerong · Post by **hammerong** » 22 Mar 2010, 09:52

Thanks for the replies guys.

For modified cars I pay £2 a cc for insurance TPFT so I'm sure you can understand the need for a tiny engine. Plus I get an immense satisfaction from squeezing every last horse from a tiny engine.

4-2-1 manifold time then :p

One more question (for now:p) what flywheels fit? I want to get one lightened and balanced and having trouble finding a TU9 one.

Thanks again

Chris570 · Post by **Chris570** » 22 Mar 2010, 09:57

i think the 954cc is the lightest one you can get, but all the TU fly's will fit (not sure about diesel) the clutch sizes are different as well but match the clutch to the fly and you'll be away.

if its a 4 speed ax change it for the 5 speed as they have better ratios for acceleration and are a straight swap

hammerong · Post by **hammerong** » 22 Mar 2010, 10:17

That was gunna be my next question. It desperately needs a 5 speed.

My mods so far are gunna cost more than the car did.
Car: £250
4-2-1: £140
Flywheel: £130
Clutch???
Drilled and grooved brake discs: £40

Still, it's a very cheap project

Chris570 · Post by **Chris570** » 22 Mar 2010, 10:45

4-2-1 you can get cheaper than £140
clutch get valeo £60 ish

don't bother with the brakes go saxo 4 stud, much better brakes to start with very easy to change

hammerong · Post by **hammerong** » 22 Mar 2010, 11:05

yeah but 3 studs weigh less than 4 :p gotta keep the weight down eh? Plus quicker pit stops.

Chris570 · Post by **Chris570** » 22 Mar 2010, 11:38

interesting theory, but 4 stud means much better choice of wheels and 266mm brakes are very very easy

hammerong · Post by **hammerong** » 22 Mar 2010, 11:47

Yeah, I'll put that in my 'possible future mods' pile. I'm gunna eventually want alloys and 3 stud alloys are pretty rare and extra expensive.

There's a few 106's and saxo's in my local scrappy, can I keep my current driveshafts or do I need the 4 stud ones? What about brake calipers? And shocks?

Brigsygtt · Post by **Brigsygtt** » 22 Mar 2010, 13:24

Ditch the 1.0 for the 1.6 16v, the pounds for hp is by far best value

Chris570 · Post by **Chris570** » 22 Mar 2010, 13:28

the shocks are dirt cheap, best bet is to pick up a complete leg front a scrappy.

Now the shafts are always fun, you have tapered and non tapered you have to choose the one that suits the hub. if you stick with the 1.0 engine you won't need to worry about better shafts but anything more and i'd be tempted to go to the 1.6 shafts, much stronger and also plug and play

hammerong · Post by **hammerong** » 22 Mar 2010, 14:28

Well thanks for all your help, it's given me something to do for a few months.

Stronger shafts sounds good especially when it come to nitrous time :p

Chlorate · Post by **Chlorate** » 22 Mar 2010, 14:32

Dave Baker's page on the TU3 engine is worth a read:
http://www.pumaracing.co.uk/TU3.htm