R21 Turbo

I know they are quick, but are they any good as a day to day car?
Anyone got any experience of them?
Thinking of getting a cheap one as a run around?
(Or would a 16V clio be a better bet?)
Found one just round the corner with okay history and a few new parts clutch, exhaust, discs, timing belt, has also had a couple of head gasket changes and the head has been skimmed, sounds like the compression is up a bit and it keeps blowing them...
Would appreciate any comments

got a quadra and tony smith has had/got a few

amazing cars very under-estimated!!!

2wds bit of a handfull - not THAT much mod'in potential - but u're talking to the person that found stg 1 injectors for them which nearly everyone is using!!

clio 16v's are fun cars - but if ur looking to take ya mates out - or the mrs likes a nice leather back seat - u know the 21 makes sense

Having had 1/2 a dozen of these I feel I'm in a good position to comment. There great cars but you need to make sure you get a good one, they can be very unreliable, but not major items just niggly stuff - a bit like a GTA I suppose. I always keep one as a daily driver as they offer such a good compromise of performance and economy. My phase 3 puts out about 220bhp at 16psi boost (standard engine with exhaust/filter/more boost) and they only weigh 100kgs more than a GTA turbo with a drag co. of 0.31. Anymore power than this and they become undriveable in damp conditions but then you could go for the rare 4wd Quadra but you need to have another 25bhp or so to make up for the extra 200 kgs of hardware and the extra transmission losses. A red Quadra was regularly giving EVO's, Scooby's etc a bashing on 0-60 sprints the guy posted a pic of the leader board at one showing him top 4.7sec to 60 with a list of exotic machinary underneath it! I'm sure the welsh wizard can verify this being ex- 21 Turbo club chairman. 23-25mpg urban 31-36 on the motorway - knock about 4mpg of this for the Quadra

This one also has a little rust, around the top nearside corner of the screen (causing a wet foot well) and on the off side leading edge of the rear wheel arch.

[Alpineandy]

I know Simon T was impressed when he followed Tony to Zolder!!

Andy, it was more the other way round, but just as good. Tony was impressed that his standard 21-T was able to keep up in the slip stream of my GTA at full bore. Those Belgium roads, lovely long straights and no traffic, mile after mile.

Phildini, has a clean phase 1 for sale, I think hes looking for about £800. I can tell you all the things to look for if you decide to buy one. He came to the first Ace cafe meeting -red gta turbo. You won't go faster for the money!

[stephendell]

Will he be coming to the next one & will you

possibly... haven't broached it with the boss as yet, but been doing lots of chores round the house during the w/e !!!

Will try, tho' might need a lift off Simon Taylor!!

Hmm, felt like the 21 had the edge on your GTA until well into 3 figures, but thats probably because its got more power, alot more torque, slightly lower gearing, weighs only 90kg more, and has a very similar drag co.!
Mind you as you appear to travel at 130 plus most of the time it probably doesn't matter

Rupert, I'll be going to the Ace Cafe tonight, if you are allowed out, let me know and I'll pick you up about 7ish if that's ok. What is your address? I'm sure Stephen would like some publishable quotes about "interior trims", have you done yours yet?

[phildini]

Rupert as Tony said, I am selling my lovely CLEAN!!! 21 phase one turbo . only rust you will find on it is or was on the wheel arch inside the door which it has been fixed properly. I have changed the timing belt and all auxilary belts, spark plugs and lots of other stuff.......Its grey on a F plate three owners including me. It has a stainless steel exhaust, besides that its standard.It drives like a dream, Taking it to Chelmsford today to see David Gentleman to pick some GTA stuff. (Just to show you how reliable she is). I love these cars but i just bought a 19 16valve for next to nothing...... and I also need to pay David for my GTA stuff, so i need to raise some money, and my wife is going CRAZY!!!!! with all the cars around me at the mo.Email me if you would like to see it.

[phildini]

Actually Rupert..... you can always make me an offer on the 19 16 valve?????

Well thanks Phil.... buyt I've now spent a small fortune (£350) on a Citroen XM 3.0 24V...
Planning to use it till the MOT runs out

Wonder what I'll do with the engine then?

[stephendell]

That's less than I paid for the engine on its own

so you've had a bit of a result there