In all honesty, I reckon tuning a 1.2 of any make of car isnt a waste of time if done correctly. Ok these are modern engines but it doesn't stop you using old fashioned tuning techniques to get a bloody lot more power than a remap. Ive been tuning Classic Minis for a few years now and its not too difficult to get 100bhp from a 1275cc FIFTY year old engine. Theres loads more to be had if your seriouse about it. Im developing a 360+ bhp 1460cc engine using a BMW 16v motorbike head.
For a start I cant imagine the bottom end on these car being an issue as you can rev the nuts off them anyway. Forget forged piston at this power level, they arent needed..FULL STOP. This means you can focus on the top end. Taking the cylinder head off isn't a major job so start by getting that sorted. Gas flow the ports to with in an inch of thier life and polish the exhaust side. Fit 3 angle valve seats if you want it to flow even better. Up the compression ratio with a quick and easy skim and this will allow you to use more racy cams. As for the fueling, ditch the standard inlet. Either adapt it or get a manifold made up to fit Bike carbs. They are cheap as chip and flow as good as you'll ever need on a 1.2.
Id be very suprised if you dont get over 100 banannas from that and all for pretty much bugger all. I know what its like when people say "buy a quick car to begin with"...I have, but ive still got my 50 year old Mini in the garage....which by the way would actually leave my v6 standind. Its just the grin factor when youve made something go a damn lot faster than it should.
