I've just viewed an 03 VRS Octy VRS estate and during the test drive it seemed a little under powered compared to previous ones I've driven. Also the Turbo whistle was a little louder and there was another high pitched noise when it was at high revs.

I've decided not to buy it, but I was wondering what could cause this for future reference. Could the Turbo be on it's way out?

Possibly a boost leak.

Major issue or a simple fix?

Major issue or a simple fix?

It could be something as simple as a split hose , or could be the turbo itself,

If the seller didn't mind , then scanning the system for fault codes would be a very good indicator but to be honest they aren't in short supply so I'd be very reluctant to take a chance on a car that you know isn't right unless it's a lot cheaper than the rest.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm definately not going to buy it, if I have any doubt then it's best to walk away. I just needed some advice as I have this is only the second VRS i've driven.

If the turbo was knackered, more than likely you'de know about it, masses of thick white smoke out the back etc.

Down on power can be as simple as a hole in a boost pipe or a pipe popped off. 5 minute fix either way.

Down on power can be as simple as a hole in a boost pipe or a pipe popped off. 5 minute fix either way.

Yes .........As long as you can find the leak/hole, some of them can be a pain in the nuts too find.

Just spoken to the dealer and he is convinced it's just a boost leak. A split pipe maybe. He's calling back later to let me know.

The delaer has just called back saying that he cannot find any leaks or any splits in the hosing. However, he has noticed that the car is fitted with a low pressure Bailey Sport dump valve, which maybe causing the issues... What do you guys think?

If it is the Bailey ‘DV30’ the piston has a tendency to stick, also check the plastic attachment at the top of the valve, as these can crack over time (especially if it’s the right angle attachment).

I had one and I changed it 3 times under warranty before I changed to the APR diaphragm type - 200% better IMO.

Steve:)

After searching through various threads on here there seems to be lots of issues with the Bailey dump valve on a MK1 Octy VRS.... I guess I'll be asking him to replace it with the standard OEM valve.

This is how I see it...

The purpose of the dump valve is to dump the pressure built up by the turbo when the throttle is closed, hence the "whoosh" noise. However, on this car the power is down and the turbo whistle is more audible than normal. This tells me that there is a boost leak. Also, when the throttle is closed there is no "whoosh" noise so there is no dump of pressure, as there is no pressure to begin with.

It sounds to me that the dump valve is causing a leak of pressure. Could this be the case?

Could be, but the DV could be a re-circ which you want hear much noise with anyway as it's vented back into the airbox. Try and find out exactly which Bailey model it is.

Could be, but the DV could be a re-circ which you want hear much noise with anyway as it's vented back into the airbox. Try and find out exactly which Bailey model it is.

Thanks.. will do.

Either way, a faulty DV that's dumping boost before it should could cause a down on power engine.

The "advantage" of a recirc type is purely that it's quieter than an atmo, or one that dumps into the exhaust.