RE: SOTW: Vauxhall Omega 3.0 MV6
Discussion
About 8 years ago, we used to use one for work as a workhorse before we switched back to vans, we had a '95 2.5 V6 GLS, really comfy, stupidly huge boot which swallowed all of our tools, (alarm and cctv installers) quite a nice throaty sounding engine and a brilliant stereo as per all mid 90's Vauxhalls. Best of all, it looked ridiculous going sideways round a roundabout with the back end weighed right down and a set of ladders on the roof!
Never really had much trouble with it, got it cheap, (£450 IIRC) as the heater matrix was weeping coolant and it had an oil leak. One tub of rad weld and it was sorted. Was a really tidy car, interior was clean, no dents, rust or scratches, even the alloys looked brand new.
Never really had much trouble with it, got it cheap, (£450 IIRC) as the heater matrix was weeping coolant and it had an oil leak. One tub of rad weld and it was sorted. Was a really tidy car, interior was clean, no dents, rust or scratches, even the alloys looked brand new.
Like many others here, my Dad had one - 2.5 Elite in gold (!) with all the toys available in 2000. Loved it.
I work in a school and some years ago we had a Royal visit - HM the Queen no less. Some of the Sixth Form were allocated to direct visitors parking.
2 lads came in long leather trench coats, dark glasses and put a wired mobile phone headset in an ear. They looked the part and it was quite funny watching them direct traffic like bodyguards.
Enter a dark green, very discreet Omega. Occupants were 4 large, short haired guys in suits.
It sweeps in and parks in a "Reserved" space.
My two lads saunter up. "Sorry - this is reserved...."
Driver opens the door and unfolds himself. His jacket falls back into place, hiding his gun. Gets a badge out and shows them, simply saying "Royal security".
My two lads have just met the real thing. I've not seen anyone shrink so far, so fast, since. The genuine guys just smiled - fair play to them.
Still makes me smile - the car alone should have told them!
I work in a school and some years ago we had a Royal visit - HM the Queen no less. Some of the Sixth Form were allocated to direct visitors parking.
2 lads came in long leather trench coats, dark glasses and put a wired mobile phone headset in an ear. They looked the part and it was quite funny watching them direct traffic like bodyguards.
Enter a dark green, very discreet Omega. Occupants were 4 large, short haired guys in suits.
It sweeps in and parks in a "Reserved" space.
My two lads saunter up. "Sorry - this is reserved...."
Driver opens the door and unfolds himself. His jacket falls back into place, hiding his gun. Gets a badge out and shows them, simply saying "Royal security".
My two lads have just met the real thing. I've not seen anyone shrink so far, so fast, since. The genuine guys just smiled - fair play to them.
Still makes me smile - the car alone should have told them!
Devil2575 said:
Epic shed. Can you get 200+ bhp of RWD V6 loveliness for less?
V6 might be difficult as RWD cars tend to use inlines as they don't require the more compact format, but inline sixes or V8s:E34 540i: 286 bhp 4.0l V8
E39 535i: 245 bhp 3.5l V8
E38 728i: 193 bhp 2.8l I6 (notoriously conservative rating)
Lexus LS400: 260 bhp 4.0l V8
Mercedes E430: 275 bhp 4.3l V8
Occasionally a 300bhp 5.0 or 326bhp 5.4 V12 appears in the form of an E32 or E38 750i too. Twice the engine for only around 4-5mpg fewer...
lionrampant said:
I approve of this shed, seeing as I drive an Omega. Big, comfy cars - only complaint is the fuel economy. >_>
The MPG I think is their one big downfall.As I said earlier, I had a 'breathed on' 3.0 24v Senator dyno'd at 230 BHP, (BC was there, he'll tell ya! LOL ), before I had the 3.2 Omega. The Senator would do 39 MPG if I was nice to it but when I bought the Omega I genuinely thought there was something wrong with it because I couldn't get anywhere north of 27!
Didn't seem to matter with the engine size either as SWMBO ran a 2.5 V6 Elite for about a year and that wasn't any better.
(For the record, the Elite was better spec'd, ridiculously comfortable and had an awesome stereo but it was just a bit too wafty for my liking. The MV6 was felt as tight as my current Z32 but was soft enough to accomodate 1000 mile round trips. The perfect compromise I think.)
SuperHangOn said:
Agree.
Every car comes with its potential faults, you could easily say rusty fuel tanks, autoboxes, nikasil, vanos, electrics etc for the E38 (a lovely car but in a different league of £££ to run than an Omega). As barges go, in my experience the Omega isn't too bad at all and fairly cheap to fix when it does break. Just that 'orrible placcy dash I don't like!
AgreedEvery car comes with its potential faults, you could easily say rusty fuel tanks, autoboxes, nikasil, vanos, electrics etc for the E38 (a lovely car but in a different league of £££ to run than an Omega). As barges go, in my experience the Omega isn't too bad at all and fairly cheap to fix when it does break. Just that 'orrible placcy dash I don't like!
Edited by SuperHangOn on Friday 20th January 19:01
You're right about the fuel tanks in e38, good point. I totally forgot about that, not a fun job to replace either..
However, nikasil is no worry now, it was years ago and many had new engines from BMW anyway. Also, to my knowledge the auto box in the e38 is no problem, it was the later BMW's that had the weak box, I think. I don't think a well bought e38 costs anymore to run than the Omega, it's just personal choice. Some will want a BMW, just for the badge, some will prefer the Omega, exactly because it does not have a BMW badge and some will have other reasons.
I ran a resplendent white previously enjoyed by Dorset Constabulary MV6 estate (complete with gun boxes on the doors) until July 2008 when it was replaced by a V70 T5 (ex-Surrey!). I tried selling the old girl (on here and elsewhere) but had not takers. It covered 220000miles pretty well faultlessly. I had a LPG system fitted which had a few issues, but sorted them and worked around them. On Guzzoline it would do 26-28mpg on a long run, on lpg, subtract 2. One thing it would do better on LPG than petrol is pull to the limiter in top.
The LSD was an ATB type from what I could work out, not a plate diff.
It wasn't as comfortable as the Senator that it replaced (3.0i ex-Leicesterceistershire) but it was a little more economical, and being an estate had more space for stuff.
Looking back, the Senator was a great barge, the Omega was more pointy. The Senator had BAGS of grunt, the Omega needed revs to cover the same ground.
I will say that the gearbox was much sweeter than the Senator's. The shift was a lot lighter. It stopped better too.
Shed of the Week? Oh yes. Bargain barge, just keep an eye on the tin-worm around the arches, bottom of doors. If it's done 80K+ keep an eye on the head gaskets, they often go porous. The valley gasket (where the oil cooler sits) also goes hard and leaks. 3.0L engines eat coil packs, plug and leads. 3.2's are better as they are coil on plug. Go for ones that have Xenon lights, no point having a 150mph car with 60mph lights!
Aircon compressors are a total b*tch to change (engine supported, subframe dropped!)
Other than that, a MV6 should be fine for 300K without any major work.
I still have a full sequential LPG kit for a Omega 3.0L up for grabs!!!
The LSD was an ATB type from what I could work out, not a plate diff.
It wasn't as comfortable as the Senator that it replaced (3.0i ex-Leicesterceistershire) but it was a little more economical, and being an estate had more space for stuff.
Looking back, the Senator was a great barge, the Omega was more pointy. The Senator had BAGS of grunt, the Omega needed revs to cover the same ground.
I will say that the gearbox was much sweeter than the Senator's. The shift was a lot lighter. It stopped better too.
Shed of the Week? Oh yes. Bargain barge, just keep an eye on the tin-worm around the arches, bottom of doors. If it's done 80K+ keep an eye on the head gaskets, they often go porous. The valley gasket (where the oil cooler sits) also goes hard and leaks. 3.0L engines eat coil packs, plug and leads. 3.2's are better as they are coil on plug. Go for ones that have Xenon lights, no point having a 150mph car with 60mph lights!
Aircon compressors are a total b*tch to change (engine supported, subframe dropped!)
Other than that, a MV6 should be fine for 300K without any major work.
I still have a full sequential LPG kit for a Omega 3.0L up for grabs!!!
Zwolf said:
Devil2575 said:
Epic shed. Can you get 200+ bhp of RWD V6 loveliness for less?
V6 might be difficult as RWD cars tend to use inlines as they don't require the more compact format, but inline sixes or V8s:E34 540i: 286 bhp 4.0l V8
E39 535i: 245 bhp 3.5l V8
E38 728i: 193 bhp 2.8l I6 (notoriously conservative rating)
Lexus LS400: 260 bhp 4.0l V8
Mercedes E430: 275 bhp 4.3l V8
Occasionally a 300bhp 5.0 or 326bhp 5.4 V12 appears in the form of an E32 or E38 750i too. Twice the engine for only around 4-5mpg fewer...
None of those you mentioned will appear for less than £3995, let alone £995!!
As for V6 vs Straight 6, a non-comment really. Alfa used V6's in their lovely GTV6, as did FIAT in the 130. Ford use the V6 route after they pensioned off the old Zephyr straight 6.
There are Buick, Chevy, Pontiac RWD V6's out there too... if you're not worried about LHD.
I do, prefer the silky sound of a straight six to the more raspy V6 though. V6 is just more compact, and can be better for weight distribution.
thunderbelmont said:
I ran a resplendent white previously enjoyed by Dorset Constabulary MV6 estate (complete with gun boxes on the doors) until July 2008 when it was replaced by a V70 T5 (ex-Surrey!). I tried selling the old girl (on here and elsewhere) but had not takers. It covered 220000miles pretty well faultlessly. I had a LPG system fitted which had a few issues, but sorted them and worked around them. On Guzzoline it would do 26-28mpg on a long run, on lpg, subtract 2. One thing it would do better on LPG than petrol is pull to the limiter in top.
The LSD was an ATB type from what I could work out, not a plate diff.
It wasn't as comfortable as the Senator that it replaced (3.0i ex-Leicesterceistershire) but it was a little more economical, and being an estate had more space for stuff.
Looking back, the Senator was a great barge, the Omega was more pointy. The Senator had BAGS of grunt, the Omega needed revs to cover the same ground.
I will say that the gearbox was much sweeter than the Senator's. The shift was a lot lighter. It stopped better too.
Shed of the Week? Oh yes. Bargain barge, just keep an eye on the tin-worm around the arches, bottom of doors. If it's done 80K+ keep an eye on the head gaskets, they often go porous. The valley gasket (where the oil cooler sits) also goes hard and leaks. 3.0L engines eat coil packs, plug and leads. 3.2's are better as they are coil on plug. Go for ones that have Xenon lights, no point having a 150mph car with 60mph lights!
Aircon compressors are a total b*tch to change (engine supported, subframe dropped!)
Other than that, a MV6 should be fine for 300K without any major work.
I still have a full sequential LPG kit for a Omega 3.0L up for grabs!!!
The LSDs were odd. They were the same as the Senator/Carlton items in a different box. They don't behave the same as 'common or garden' LSDs but are very good nonetheless.The LSD was an ATB type from what I could work out, not a plate diff.
It wasn't as comfortable as the Senator that it replaced (3.0i ex-Leicesterceistershire) but it was a little more economical, and being an estate had more space for stuff.
Looking back, the Senator was a great barge, the Omega was more pointy. The Senator had BAGS of grunt, the Omega needed revs to cover the same ground.
I will say that the gearbox was much sweeter than the Senator's. The shift was a lot lighter. It stopped better too.
Shed of the Week? Oh yes. Bargain barge, just keep an eye on the tin-worm around the arches, bottom of doors. If it's done 80K+ keep an eye on the head gaskets, they often go porous. The valley gasket (where the oil cooler sits) also goes hard and leaks. 3.0L engines eat coil packs, plug and leads. 3.2's are better as they are coil on plug. Go for ones that have Xenon lights, no point having a 150mph car with 60mph lights!
Aircon compressors are a total b*tch to change (engine supported, subframe dropped!)
Other than that, a MV6 should be fine for 300K without any major work.
I still have a full sequential LPG kit for a Omega 3.0L up for grabs!!!
With regards to the 'comfiness', I agree. The Senator was considerably more cosseted. However, I can't make my mind up whether I preferred the Senator's manually adjustable suspension, (not available on plod spec' cars), or the well tuned MV6 package.
The gearboxes, (at least the auto's!), were the same with the exception of the cases. I can't fault them to be honest. As I said earlier, they're good for 250 BHP so for 'spirited' road use they're fine and respond well to manual intervention of the 'S' button.
The brakes... The brakes are the same as the Carlton GSI. They're good until they warm up under VERY heavy braking... Brake fade is a bit of an issue in my opinion but they can be easily upgraded!
I will say that I've never heard of a V6 Omega with genuine CHG problem. It's the oil cooler every single time!!
I'll concur on the tinworm though!!
One last note...
There's nothing like swathing through traffic in a white Senator!! It must be imprinted on motorist's minds! It's like being Moses!!!
Top shed getting the recognition it deserves. Mine served me well for many miles, a few laps of the nurburgring, family holidays and general wafting. Surprisingly well built, great sound system (bose) and adequate power. I genuinely miss it......would I swap it for my W124 though .....probably not.
Big Rod said:
lionrampant said:
I approve of this shed, seeing as I drive an Omega. Big, comfy cars - only complaint is the fuel economy. >_>
The MPG I think is their one big downfall.As I said earlier, I had a 'breathed on' 3.0 24v Senator dyno'd at 230 BHP, (BC was there, he'll tell ya! LOL ), before I had the 3.2 Omega. The Senator would do 39 MPG if I was nice to it but when I bought the Omega I genuinely thought there was something wrong with it because I couldn't get anywhere north of 27!
Didn't seem to matter with the engine size either as SWMBO ran a 2.5 V6 Elite for about a year and that wasn't any better.
(For the record, the Elite was better spec'd, ridiculously comfortable and had an awesome stereo but it was just a bit too wafty for my liking. The MV6 was felt as tight as my current Z32 but was soft enough to accomodate 1000 mile round trips. The perfect compromise I think.)
I bought one of these here in States just last year. It's a 2001 Cadillac Catera 3.0 V6. The Cateras were built on the same Russelsheim production line as their Opel/Vauxhall Omega brethren. It had 116,000 miles when I bought it last summer and I'm up to 123,000 now. I love the Bose stereo in this car. Bargain barge, indeed!
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One of my fave motors ever. Alas she is no more because I'm a t
t and seem attracted to concrete pillars in underground car parks.
Before:
After:
She was manual too with Draytek chip dyno'd at 238BHP. 145MPH (GPS) on the Autobahn, the cars natural habitat. A lovely V6 howl through a custom built stainless exhaust. Oh and just to confirm my ttness, I gave her away because of the above damage (after spending shed money++ on making her just right.)
It has to be the estate and it has to be manual and it has to be pre-face-lift. Top Shed!
t and seem attracted to concrete pillars in underground car parks.Before:
After:
She was manual too with Draytek chip dyno'd at 238BHP. 145MPH (GPS) on the Autobahn, the cars natural habitat. A lovely V6 howl through a custom built stainless exhaust. Oh and just to confirm my t
tness, I gave her away because of the above damage (after spending shed money++ on making her just right.)It has to be the estate and it has to be manual and it has to be pre-face-lift. Top Shed!
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