Autocraft SVE: Blown Hondas Get Even Stronger

Autocraft SVE Ltd., the Salisbury-based automotive performance specialist, has completed development of its supercharged Honda 1600 VTi conversion, which now delivers a 260 flywheel BHP maximum at 7800 rpm. At this point the test vehicle recorded 175 lbs ft as its peak torque, with the dynamometer plot line showing 115 lbs ft arriving as early as 3500 rpm, rising thereafter at a virtually constant rate to 170 lbs ft by 6700 rpm.

For the road, these conversions are set up for a 'soft' throttle response from low speed to avoid unwanted wheelspin, yet provide acceleration in the American 'muscle car' class from 3000 rpm upwards. By achieving power gains of 50 per cent and above over the 158 BHP output of the stock Honda power plant, Autocraft SVE have now proven in Europe the performance claims made by the American manufacturers of the ProCharger centrifugal supercharger technology that lies at the heart of its upgrade packages.

Intended for pre-2001 model year cars fitted with the 1590 cc VTi DOHC power plant, the Civic package costs £3,627.35, including VAT and fitting at the company's Salisbury workshops. Similar conversions are already in the pipeline for the Honda 1.8 litre Integra, and the Nissan 350Z V6. However, Autocraft SVE is willing to undertake bespoke ProCharger installations from around £4,000 upwards, again including VAT and fitting.

Set up in August 2003, Autocraft SVE Ltd., is a retailer of performance vehicle parts, and UK agent for the Sean Hyland Motorsport range of Ford single and DOHC V6,V8 and Zetec racing engines. The company's workshops are equipped with a 600 BHP rolling road facility, and as well as carrying out race and rally preparation, engine, brake and chassis conversions, Autocraft SVE will undertake one-off automotive projects to customer order.