In June 2000, my life changed in
more ways than one. Firstly I moved from the UK to New Zealand - then I bought
myself a
car I had wanted to own for a long time. A Rover 220 GTi turbo.
When I first arrived in NZ, I was unsure as to which car to buy, but it was
literally love at first sight! The car is a Japanese
import and was first registered in 1993. When it came into my possession it only had
32,000km (20,000miles) on the clock
and in immaculate condition. The car is well equipped with luxuries including
air-conditioning, electric windows/sunroof and
mirrors, half leather seats with adjustable lumbar supports (height adjustable driver's
seat), power assisted steering, adjustable
rake steering column, central locking and remote release for the boot and petrol filler flap. There are also the
15" 7 spoke
alloys and ABS equipped all round disc brakes along with factory fitted front fog lamps.
Since purchasing the car, many
modifications have been carried out, including a T28 turbo, piston dump
valve
water / methanol injection and the
standard exhaust being replaced by a custom made 2.5" stainless steel
system.
The OE air box has gone in favour of a custom made unit complete with a K&N filter, a chargecooler fabricated
by Quest4 replaces the OE intercooler and the brakes have also been upgraded. I have
also installed a quick shift
gear lever and a steering wheel from a late spec
Tomcat Coupe. There has also been the addition of its new registration plate,
220 GTI. The car came with a Japanese spec stereo
which has now been replaced with an Alpine CDA-7852R head unit.
The whole package is protected from certain 'undesirables' by a Thatcham Category 1 alarm
and immobilisor.
Model
Rover 220 GTi turbo, 3 door hatch
Colour Flame Red
Year of Manufacture 1993
Engine T-Series, 1994cc, 4cyl, DOHC, 16V sequential fuel injection, late
spec tri-laminate uprated head gasket, Garrett
T28 turbocharger, atmospheric piston type dump valve, oil cooler, custom built chargecooler, K&N air filter in cold air box.
FSE rising
rate fuel pressure regulator, GReddy electronic boost controller. High boost 12.4psi - Low boost 8psi.
Aquamist system 1 water
/ methanol injection .
Exhaust Custom made 2.5" stainless steel system with catalytic converter removed. 4" round
tailpipe.
Interior A Pillar mounted GReddy electronic boost gauge, MGF white dials,
late spec leather steering wheel.
Suspension - Front: McPherson type Monroe Sensatrac struts with
-35mm coil springs. Supaflex uprated bushes.
Custom made chrome plated strut brace.
Suspension - Rear: McPherson type Monroe Sensatrac struts with
-35mm coil springs and independent trailing arms.
Supaflex uprated bushes.
Brakes - Front: Brembo 282mm vented discs with single sliding piston callipers.
Mintex 1144 pads
Brakes - Rear: 260mm discs with single sliding piston callipers. All round
anti-lock braking system
Elf HTX race spec brake fluid
Wheels/Tyres Factory 15" 7 spoke alloys with Bridgestone Potenza
GIII 195/50 x
15s
For track use - Factory 15" 6 spoke alloys with Dunlop Formula R D01J
195/50 x 15s
Power 202bhp (148.24kW) @ wheels
1/4 Mile Sprint 14.652sec @ 158.59km/h (99.1mph)
(Nb 1/4 mile figure taken
before T28 turbo installation)
