300hp Corsa VXR just what the doctor ordered
New hybrid turbo upgrade promises big gains for Vauxhall's former pocket rocket
By Matt Bird / Friday, 15 December 2023 / Loading comments
The only thing better than a fast Vauxhall is an even faster one, right? People have been fiddling with Griffen-badged products virtually since time began, and even with VXRs or anything similar conspicuously absent from the current new car lineup, the aftermarket is still finding ways to make the old ones even quicker still. Fresh from its Zafira VXR ‘charger work, TurboZentrum has a Stage 2 blower now available for the Corsa VXR. Alongside some additional upgrades, it reckons 300hp should be possible – quite some leap from the standard 192hp.
The significant gain from a Stage 1 turbo upgrade is in the size of the compressor wheel, the same sort of modification employed to get big power from the Zafira VXR’s 2.0-litre. For the 1.6, TurboZentrum’s ability to forge its own parts to its own spec means optimising dimensions to ensure that a) everything fits and b) the most power possible is made. Reliability hasn’t been forgotten, either, because altering the compressor wheel means the turbo can be more effective: ‘the turbo already delivers the stock air mass at a significantly lower turbocharger speed – and can therefore be tuned with a focus on durability’. New, reinforced bearings are also included for peace of mind.
Now it’s not possible to simply get a Stage 2 turbo and be at 300hp – if only life were that simple. TurboZentrum suggests that a ‘series of other modifications’ are required for ‘up to 300hp’, so you’ll be looking at induction and exhaust as a minimum, then probably a better intercooler, maybe injectors, and the ECU will need some optimising to take advantage. It’ll take some effort to make a 300hp Corsa, basically, but it does sound pretty entertaining. And it’s hardly like a bit of hard work ever put anyone off big tuning projects before.
It’s worth noting, too, that VXRs look like ideal base cars for tuning – there’s plenty around and they don’t cost very much. Maybe you wouldn’t want to spend loads on a 15-year-old one approaching Shed money, but when £10,000 buys a five-year-old one with just 45k it’s easy to understand the temptation to make a dinky road rocket. TurboZentrum can even recondition used turbos, should your current VXR require a shot in the arm…
- Tuner offers 400hp upgrade for Zafira VXR
- Vauxhall VXR8 | PH Used Buying Guide
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