Engine runs just fine but lacks power

Hi All,

I recently bought a C3 1.1 (TU1A) 2009 with the expectation (my mistake) it was as nippy as the other cars I owned before (900cc spark, 2x C1 1.0 3cyl 12v). This one has more a "joie de vivre" so to say...
The engine runs just fine, but lacks power so to say.. (is sluggish to 4000RPM and then wakes up a bit)

I've calculated the weight power and I need a minimum 20BHP more then factory (59BHP) to get the same weight/power of a C1 (68BHP).

Does anyone have experience of tuning/upgrading/modifying this engine? Or know of someone that has? It has to be done within the stringent regulations/legislation/emission in the Netherlands (where I live), so slapping on ITB's and replacing the cat is a nono.. And I bought the 1.1 for a reason, fuel economy

They say that just "chip tune" the ECU will give 13BHP more, should changing the air-filter for a more sporty one give me that 7+BHP more?

BR

Remi

Hi Remi, welcome to the forum.

And I bought the 1.1 for a reason, fuel economy

They say that just "chip tune" the ECU will give 13BHP more, should changing the air-filter for a more sporty one give me that 7+BHP more?

An air filter isn't going to give you 7BHP

If you remap the ecu, it remaps to give more fuelling, so you loose the economy. You can't get more power out of an engine without putting in more oxygen and fuel, so you may well have just purchased the 1.4 instead.

Tnx,

I should have looked at the power that was produced more closely. The 1.0 C1 3cyl 12V produces 68BHP and it never came to me that a 1.1 4cyl produces less..

I know that more power=more fuel, but I meant economy within reason.

The 1.1 will have to do for now, my next purchase will be more scrutinized and probably will have a 1.4 16V or bigger..

If economy and power are important you could include looking at the diesel engined C3s for your next purchase. As diesel technology progresses, the engines get cleaner more refined and more economical.

There are new C3s with a diesel engine that emit CO2 at 99 g/km for the 1.6 HDI and develops 90 bhp (67 kW; 91 PS), according to official figures. So maybe a pinch of salt is required, but it looks pretty impressive.

Sadly road tax is higher for diesel here. You have to drive a minimum of 13.000miles anually to overcome this as diesel cost less and you'll need less per mile.. Newer small/green diesels are tax free, untill that lasts. But have the same lacking in power problem..