New Thorney Vauxhall Website

Thorney Vauxhall, part of the Thorney Motorsport Group, has launched it's brand new website. Designed and created by 2geedesign it provides up to date information on the services and seasonal promotions on offer from Thorney Vauxhall as well as offering practical tips and advice on how to get the best out of your Vauxhall.
Located in Redmoor, Thorney Vauxhall are Milton Keynes only dedicated Vauxhall Masterfit service and repair centre.

Z20LEH Engine Conversion Update

The Astra Z20LEH engine conversion is progressing well.
All of the major components (engine, gearbox, driveshafts etc.) are now back in the Corsa Race Car. Work is continuing on the fabrication of the numerous bespoke brackets required to mount things such as the ECU, various sensors, air intake system. In addition we will be manufacturing a full 3" bore race exhaust system. We already have produced the exhaust front downpipe and front sections, which have been ceramic coated, so we need to concentrate on the rest of the system. We have selected a full 3" bore size for the system, this is to maximise peak power from the engine but also to keep torque levels high as well, it's the perfect solution. Secondly we have used only the highest quality of stainless steel for the construction and used only the highest motorsport specification catalytic converter (200 cell to ensure it meets MOT test standards and all UK emissions laws).

Limited Slip Diff - Corsa SRI Race Car

The Corsa SRI race car is fitted with a Sachs Organic Clutch Kit (rated at 407 lb/ft) together with a lightened and balanced stock flywheel. The M32 gearbox is also fitted with uprated bearings. To ensure all of the 400bhp / 380ftlb is laid down on the road we are fitting a Quaife ATB (Automatic Torque Biasing (QDF25B) limited slip differential. Limited slip differentials (LSD) are the last connection between your gearbox and your driveshafts.
A LSD limits the difference in spin speed between the opposing driveshafts. In a standard open differential (standard on all Corsa's) there is no limit in the difference of axle speed between left and right hand sides.
In real world terms, on an open differential, if you turn your TCS off and dump the clutch the car will furiously spin the wheel with the least grip. (Usually the inside one.)
After fitting a Limited Slip Differential, the difference in torque bias is restricted mechanically. So, instead of transferring all the power to one wheel, the LSD limits the velocity difference between the driven wheels.

Britcar 24 Hour - Thorney Motorsport

Thorney Motorsport are actively involved in the Astra Z20 LEH engine conversion currently being undertaken on our Corsa SRI race car.
Thorney Motorsport recently took part in the Britcar 24 hour endurance race at Silverstone racing their highly successful BMW E92 GT.  Despite a major setback early in the 24 hours, when an input shaft sheered in half with the resulting shock shattering the clutch plates, the team managed a comendable 3^rd in class.
The full story of the trials and tribulations leading to their success can be viewed on the Thorney Motorsport website.

Corsa SRI race car - build update

Great progress has been made - we're at the stage where numerous bespoke brackets and mounts have to be fabricated to mount all of the various engine components. This is a time consuming task but essential if the resulting Astra VXR engine transplant is to look professional. We have decided that a full 3" stainless steel race exhaust system will be specified to fully capitalise on the 400+ bhp being pumped out by the stage 5 Astra VXR engine. We will probably utilise Scorpion Exhausts, the same Company that are producing exhausts for the Thorney Motorsport BTCC Insignia - so we know they are going to be of the highest quality and performance.

400bhp Corsa SRI race car - back on track

Due to motor racing commitments for Thorney Motorsport (Britcar 24 hours and BTCC Silverstone) work on the Z20 LEH engine conversion had to be put on hold. A little frustrating but fully understandable. Now that the racing season has drawn to a close TMS are back on the case with a vengance. The iterative process of developing the hybrid ECU system has necessitated stripping down various parts of the engine. This work is now complete so the task of rebuilding the engine is underway. The remainder of the underbonnet components - air intake system, intercooler rigid piping, oil pipework etc. can then be reassembled so that full ECU testing can be undertaken prior to firing up the engine for the first time - heady days indeed!

Thorney Motorsport unveil BTCC Insignia

Thorney Motorsport launched its new BTCC car, the NGTC-spec Vauxhall Insignia, on Saturday 8 October at its base in Crowfield, Northants.
Regarding the rather striking livery John Thorne had this to say .."the livery is a one off as so many people thought it looked like the Batmobile anyway and seeing as we are looking for a new title sponsor for next season (our 5 year deal with Tesco Momentum 99 comes to an end this year) we thought we'd do something different for Silverstone. The car is not officially Vauxhall backed (yet?) and so we decided to make it striking in terms of looks rather than use our own usual colours".
Following testing at Mallory Park on Wednesday 12 October the Insignia is expected to make it's debut at the final BTCC meeting at Silverstone on 16 October.
Thorney Motosport have prepared both our Corsa VXR Racing and Corsa SRI race car - here at 2gee Motorsport wish them every success at Silverstone.

Thorney BTCC Insignia Launch

Thorney Motorsport, our partner in our Corsa SRI race car preparation, is inviting fans to attend the launch of its new BTCC car, its NGTC-spec Vauxhall Insignia, on Saturday 8 October at its base in Crowfield, Northants. It is expected that the car will make its race debut in the BTCC’s final round of 2011 at Silverstone the weekend after (15-16 Oct). The launch will start at 10.00am with refreshments, food, a bouncy castle for kids and ample off-road parking organised. But spaces are limited. Email info@thorneymotorsport.co.uk to reserve a spot.

Sachs Organic Clutch - Corsa SRI Race Car

With the Corsa SRI race car putting out 400+ bhp and 385+ ftlb torque it was essential to ensure that all of this power could safely and reliably be laid down on the road. The last thing we wanted was to incur terminal damage and wear to the pressure and drive plates when driving the Corsa race car hard and fast.
Our solution has been to fit a ZF Sachs Performance Clutch and to have the standard OEM Astra VXR flywheel lightened and balanced. As the Corsa is to be driven on both the road and track we decided, at this stage, not to fit a single billet flywheel so as to avoid possible resonance and vibration transfer from the engine.
The Sachs clutch cover, matched to a rigid organic drive plate, which gives a virtual OEM pedal response is rated at 407 lb/ft torque when used in combination with this up-rated organic drive plate.

Uprated Alloy Radiator and Intercooler - Corsa SRI Race Car

The Corsa SRI-R race car had been stripped down to the bare essentials, thus freeing up more space within the engine compartment. Ever conscious of the need to provide maximum cooling efficiency, bearing in mind the 400bhp expected to be available from the engine, a bespoke all alloy radiator and intercooler with rigid piping was designed and manufactured.
The high capacity front mount intercooler drops intake temperatures by over 45% compared to the standard car and 65% when running a higher boost map. This allows a more agressive map on the ECU to take advantage of these lower temperatures and yields resulting higher power with this power more useable more of the time.
For more photos of our 400bhp Corsa race car rebuild visit our Corsa race car website.

Cam camber adjustment bolts - Corsa VXR Racing

When setting up the Bilstein B14s on the Corsa VXR Racing we noted that the front camber was unequal (-1°18' on the NS and - 0°54' on the OS). To try and achieve equal camber on both sides we are going to fit cam camber adjustment bolts which will allow both positive and negative camber changes up to approximately 1.75°. These bolts replace the original upper strut/spindle bolt and should help us to further optimise handling and reduce uneven tyre wear. Not sure what camber we will set the vehicle up with (probably start with 1/1½° negative camber) and take it from there. More details to follow once the camber has been adjusted, road tested and we are happy with the setup.

Corner Weighting - Corsa Race Car

Looking to the future once the Astra VXR engine transplant into the Corsa race car is finished attention will turn to ensuring that we have optimum chassis dynamics. Chassis dynamics is a flash title for all things that relate to the cars handling and ride. As well as setting up the suspension geometry Thorney Motorsport will also carry out corner weighting to fully optimise the car set up for the track. Proper weight distribution is critical in setting up a well-handling car, for a general overview of corner weighting click here

Thorney Motorsport BTCC Insignia Race Car

Thorney Motorsport, respondsible for the Astra VXR engine transplant into our Corsa SRI race car,  have confirmed their intention to enter two Vauxhall Insignias into the 2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. The team have long since desired to enter the championship with previous attempts in both BMW’s and Vauxhall Astras all being abandoned but with the new NGTC regulations now set the opportunity to finally enter has been realised.
For more info click here.

Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs - Corsa VXR

Now that the Corsa VXR Racing has the Bilstein B14s fitted we have for sale a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs suitable for the Corsa VXR / VXR Racing.
The springs have seen very little use (about 1500 miles) and are in pristine condition as can be seen from the photograph. 

The Eibach part numbers printed on the springs are:
- 116501502VA – Front
- 116501501HA – Rear
and the spring kit part number is 10-65-015-02-22.
This Eibach Pro kit lowers the car by 25-30mm and the spring rates have been developed for the standard Corsa VXR dampers. Installation is straightforward.
New, these springs cost £165 and we are asking £100 + £16.00 p/p so this is an excellent opportunity to grab a bargain.
These springs are currently also up for sale on e-bay so feel free to go there and make a bid!
We also have the standard Corsa VXR front and rear dampers for sale (again in excellent condition) taken off the Corsa VXR Racing which match with these springs perfectly. Contact us if you are interested in purchasing these springs or dampers or need any more information.

Bilstein B14 update - Corsa VXR Racing

So the Bilstein B14 PSS Coilover Suspension Kit for the Corsa VXR Racing has been fitted and the full fast road geometry setup completed. The Corsa VXR was already lowered with the Eibachs fitted but with the Bilsteins fitted we have lowered the car by about an extra 5mm to about 40mm. The ride is much improved, however, thanks to the Bilstein B14 shock absorbers which offer much firmer and positive ride control compared with the standard Corsa VXR shocks. The Corsa was set up with 1.5mm toe out on the front and zero toe at the rear. Photos of the Bilstein B14s installation as well as the fast road geometry setup can be viewed at the gallery page of our Corsa VXR Racing website.

Bits for Sale - Corsa VXR / Corsa SRI

As a result of the Astra VXR engine transplant project into the ex TMS Corsa SRI race car we have a long list of items for sale. Too long to list here but includes:
- 1.6 Turbo engine (Lower compression than Corsa VXR)
- M32 gearbox + standard diff
- Standard radiator + fan
- Standard VXR/SRI turbo
- Standard Intercooler
- Standard RCV etc. etc.
More info and photos will be posted shortly but, in the meantime, if there is anything you are looking for drop us an e-mail. I'm sure we'll be able to help.

Bilstein B14's - Corsa VXR Racing

At last the B14's have arrived from Bilstein. Fitting these will be the last major upgrade to be carried out on the Corsa VXR Racing. Bilstein B14 PSS Coilover Suspension Kits feature threaded body ride height adjustment, together with Eibach springs and offer the latest motorsport development for fast road use. A page on our VXR Racing website dedicated to the Bilstein B14's can be found here. The Bilstein's will be fitted by Thorney Motorsports who will carry out a full Fast Road Geometry setup to ensure the optimum settings are achieved and we take full advantage of the Bilstein race technology.

2geedesign - web design, Redditch

This blog for 2gee Motorsport has been designed and is maintained by 2geedesign. The owner of 2geedesign also owns and runs the Corsa SRI race car and Corsa VXR Racing featured on the 2gee Motorsport website.
Based in Redditch, 2geedesign is a small, professional yet flexible, web design company offering full website design, mainly to small and medium sized companies or individuals. Being located in Redditch 2geedesign is ideally placed to offer it's web design services to the whole of the Midlands area. So, if you feel your Company needs a web design and are located in or around the Redditch area or you are at the stage where you just need some friendly, impartial advice please feel free to contact 2geedesign.

Corsa race car suspension

Attention has turned to the suspension set up. Currently the Corsa race car is fitted with KW 2-Way Competition Suspension. The extra weight and slight relocation of the Astra VXR engine within the engine bay will probably mean the front springs will need changing to compensate. A range of different rated springs have been supplied by Eibach so once the Corsa SRI is up and running we will be able to play around with the suspension set up to achieve an optimum fast road/track day set up.

Thorney Motorsport

Many of you will have heard of Thorney Motorsport. Thorney Motorsport are one of the UK's largest Vauxhall Tuning companies as well as running one of the UK's largest specialist track and race preparation operations. TMS have been involved in all of the modifications and upgrades carried out on both the Corsa SRI race car and Corsa VXR Racing. In fact, it is their expertise and engineering experience which is the driving force behind the 400bhp Astra VXR engine conversion currently ongoing on the Corsa race car. Why not visit the Thorney Motorsport website and find out how they can help you.

Ceramic Coated Parts

As part of the Astra VXR engine conversion into the Corsa race car it was decided to have various underbonnet components - exhaust manifold, turbo housing, exhaust downpipe and exhaust front section - ceramic coated. This has been carried out by Zircotec with the Metallic Black finish. Ceramic coating not only significantly lowers exhaust temperatures and reduces heat loss from the exhaust resulting in lower engine bay temperatures but being coated in a metallic black finish they also look good!!

Welcome

2gee Motorsport currently owns and runs two high performance Corsa vehicles. The first is a 255bhp Corsa VXR Racing, a limited edition Corsa VXR produced by Vauxhall to celebrate it's success in the BTCC championship. It has been developed, in conjunction with Thorney Motorsport into an extremely capable fast road/track day car. Upgrades include remapping to 255bhp, uprated front mounted intercooler, uprated AP Racing 4 pot front disc brakes, Quaife LSD, uprated and lowered suspension and stainless steel full race exhaust system. Full spec details can be found at our website www.corsavxrracing.info
The second Corsa is an ex TMS Corsa SRI-R race car which has undergone an Astra VXR engine conversion. It now produces 400bhp. The specification of this Corsa race car is impressive - check it out at www.corsaracecar.co.uk
We will continue to update the progress of these two cars - so keep checking back to this blog. 
To return to 2gee Motorsport website click here