Erik got in touch via the Forum about his modified Honda CRX, this is what he said:

"Fitting the Ecotek valve to 2 gen Honda CRX (1.6i-16V DOHC) was pretty much a straight forward job. There were no complications whatsoever - just cut the brake servo hose near the intake manifold and install the valve and fine tune it like instructed.

My CRX is slightly modified (4-2-1 header and sportexhaust system, K&N cone filter with CAI, lightweight pulley) so the responsiveness was great  already. After the installation of Ecotek the engine runs much smoother than it use to and it seems to react even better than before. You can definitely feel the difference that the Ecotek will make to your Honda."

Gary Wood contacted us in January 2001 and said: "I've fitted an Ecotek device to my 1.8 Astra GSi 16v this morning, and so impressed was I, that I've created a section on my Max'd car club website!" You can find it by clicking here. The main site is at: http://website.lineone.net/~gary.wood/start.htm  Look in the CLUB NEWS section, and then select PLEASURE, WITHOUT THE PAIN!

Visit his site for more info and you'll see he says: "What a difference! The car feels much more eager, the dreaded flat spots have disappeared! AND, I know I'm going to save money on fuel!"

Note that the device is fitted engine side of the non return valve - there is another picture on his web site. Latest update: " Well worth the money!"

Thanks Gary!

More recently - Sept 2002 'Wizzy' (words and art) and Dave Oliver (pics) got together to give us a guide to fitting the Vauxhall Astra (2000/01 model) 1.6 16v Ecotec (SPi).

This is what they say: "As Vauxhall have pretty much standardised the engine bay in recent vehicles, you will find that the fitting the CB unit is very much the same as the Vectra 2000/01, so please refer to the instructions there as well as just reading this - click here for link.

Required: About 100mm length of 9.5-10mm diameter fuel pipe cut into two pieces, 4 x 'jubilee' clips to fit the fuel pipe (size marked '00' normally).

The CB-26P is fitted to the vacuum pipe running between the throttle body and a Purge Valve (which is located near the bulkhead on the drivers side of the vehicle)- see photos - click on them to enlarge.

Follow the vacuum pipe along the back of the air intake to the throttle body, and cut the pipe cleanly in a place that will allow unrestricted fitting of the CB26P. It is important that you don't cut the pipe until you are happy that after fitting the CB unit the vacuum pipe will not be kinked, or be restricted in any way.

Please be sure that the CB unit and jubilee clips are secure and will not rub through any fittings in the engine bay. Securing the CB unit to the air intake pipe (with cable ties) is a good idea, but place a piece of padding (foam) between the two which will help to avoid damage caused by vibration.

Once fitted, follow the normal Ecotek tuning instructions.

For further assistance please do not hesitate to email me at cb26@wizzy.org.uk , or give me a ring on 07773 058638."

Excellent - thanks Guys!

Please note: Graham doesn't work for Ecotek but happily gives his time to Vauxhall enthusiasts - if you have a more general query remember to contact the Ecotek help lines at ecotek.help@virgin.net or 01844 212939
 

 
Not forgetting emissions listen to what Jonathan had to say: "I imported a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo4 2.0 Turbo (pictured) and fitted an Ecotek CB-26P on the off chance it would get through the MoT without a Catalytic Converter - to my surprise and delight it sailed through. When I told the MOT man that the car didn't have a CAT he didn't believe me and said that the emissions were VERY low. "Are you sure you’re not running your car on water mate " he said jokingly as the figures stabilised on the emission tester.

Not only were the emissions so much better, but the device made a dramatic improvement in the low end performance. The car now felt much more like the naturally aspirated MIVEC engine which utilises a separate set of cam followers for lower rpm. I previously owned the MIVEC engined Lancer and when I traded it for the EVO, the only downside was the EVO's lack of low end torque in comparison with the MIVEC engine.

Now normally you don't get something for nothing and I was worried that the engine might be running too lean and decided to do a stethoscope test at speed to see if there was any pre-ignition. I had my boost controller set to 1.2 bar and the day was very warm indeed. The car never pinked once at these settings. The mechanic drove up an inclined dual carriage-way at 120mph with his foot hard down in fifth gear. Nothing !! 

So.... apart from improved emissions, there is better low down torque, improved fuel consumption and no problem with pre-ignition whatsoever. I have recommended the Ecotek to several friends including the owner of a Mazda 626 2.0 auto which now gets an extra 70 miles per tank at motorway speeds of 80mph, they are all very pleased.

I believe that this is a truly brilliant piece of engineering."

Jonathan Colling - Jonathan@octagonmusic.com

Kind of you Jonathan!