[dangermouse]

That website looks like just what I'm after, thankyou E_T_V, for the link.

Next question!

Earlier in this thread you said that it was fairly easy to tune these engines and 130bhp is achievable for £100 - I'm very interested in this, please tell me more!

[E_T_V]

Sadly tuning them just got a fair bit more expensive as the old tuning box the TU1 was discontinued this week and its replacement is about 120 quid. (the old one was about £60).

Anyhow the tuning depends on exactly which engine you have.
Assuming it is an intercooled 2/4/600 then an old TU1 or a new digital version of it, plus a decat, plus upping the boost to 19psi should see figures of 130ish bhp and 200ish ftlb of torque.

[dangermouse]

Very interesting! Thanks again

Well, as don't actually have one of these cars yet, I suppose I should start looking on ebay and autotrader

One more question, do intercooled models have their own specification letter(s)?

[E_T_V]

Yes and no. The intercooled ones should have a Di at the end whereas the non intercooled ones end with just a D. They are often missold though and it is always worth checking to make sure. There is also the complication that not all of them will have badges on the back of them.
Also some are badged 200 and some 220, 400 and 420 etc there isn't any difference really between them.

If you can get an intercooled one then they are more economical and more powerful too, so they are usually the more desirable ones to have.

[dangermouse]

I will be shortly going to look at some diesel 200s & 400s, all post 95, with a view to buying.

Can you experts tell me what I should be wary of? Are there any recognised weak spots to look out for when looking at these models that should have me running away with my cash still in my pocket?

All advice greatfully received

[carl747]

so would a pug 306 1.9 turbo d be smoking a rover in a little race then?

yeah i would get a 306 D turbo good cars and nice to drive

[E_T_V]

I will be shortly going to look at some diesel 200s & 400s, all post 95, with a view to buying.

Can you experts tell me what I should be wary of? Are there any recognised weak spots to look out for when looking at these models that should have me running away with my cash still in my pocket?

All advice greatfully received

The L series diesel is pretty reliable with the most common issues being split intercooler hoses and wiring chafing. Neither are expensive to sort out.

The only one potential problem that is expensive to fix illuminates the engine management light, so check that this comes on and goes out as it should when the engine is started.