Vauxhall Vectra VXR
Discussion
Been a bit of a lurker for some time now... Only finding myself a little more active in the last couple of months.
Anyway, I own the what seems to be the Anti-christ to most on PH. A Vauxhall Vectra, with a V6 and a Turbo.
I've had it for 2 1/2 years now, and bought it to replace a Corsa B which was converted to run a 1.8 16v, which I used for faffing around in and the occasional blat around Castle Combe. I was stuck between going for an Astra or Vectra VXR, as I originally wanted a Monaro, but insurance costs were double that of the other two. I eventually decided to go for the Vectra as I'm not the smallest of people in both height & girth, so decided the Vectra would be best suited.
I found a later model (this was a 2007, '57'), in stealthy Silver, and a Hatchback. This was the exact combination I wanted, and it was offered at the lowest price I could find for that combo at the time. It was actually advertised as having the earlier 255PS engine which would have been unusual for it's age (Most '07 plate & onwards registered cars are 280PS models), but checks of the VIN Plate confirmed it was a 280PS model, which was a bit of a result, and something that I didn't mention atall to the seller...
The car also had a couple of the expensive Factory options which made it more desirable to me - Full Leather, Electrically adjusted Recaros, the integrated Navigation, and the 19" Wheel option.
These were the advert pics;
I attended a Rolling Road day at Jamsport the day after I bought it, and it recorded some very healthy standard figures.
I had the car for less than a month, and caved into buying a full set of uprated OE-Equivalent Brakes (Grooved Discs, Yellowstuff Pads - the Multi-Piston AP Racing/K-Sport options were too costly), a K&N Panel Filter and some DAP-R Lowering Springs. These were promptly fitted by myself, apart from the rear brakes, as I ran out of time on the day.
I carried out a few other small changes too, cosmetically, such as removing the Amber bulbs, and doing some partial debadging. I also bought a personal registration, so got that assigned right away.
I then ended up working away for a couple of months, so didn't use the car. But, due to earning extra for the privilege of taking a corporate holiday, it did give me some spare funds for upgrades. I promptly bought a few more cosmetic items (Smoked Foglights, smaller Reg plate, LEDs etc), a High Flow Downpipe and also a Quaife ATB Differential.
Upon my return to the UK, I sourced a brand new Clutch assembly (may as well do it whilst the gearbox was out), and got the parts fitted along with the Quaife Diff. The Downpipe proved to be an issue, and we were unable to get it to seal to the Turbo exit flange, so it was blowing quite badly and was replaced with the original section again. I thought that the Garage had maybe fitted it incorrectly so decided I would attmept to DIY it at some point in the future...
The Diff was a massive improvement, and it wasn't bad at handling in the first place. The Car is much more suited to spirited driving, and the Quaife is easily the best thing that has been done to the car so far.
I then decided to buy a new set of 19" Wheels - the OE Ronals are prone to cracking - and plumped for a set of
-Spec BBS CHinese 19" Wheels. I ordered Silver ones, and was told the available set had failed QC Checks, so was offered Black ones instead. I accepted this as I liked the style mostly, and could always get the colour changed in the future. The wheels are common as muck, but I don't care really. However, the Black versions do look particularly pap. I also got some eBay special fake BBS badges to put on them.
I then revisited the Downpipe, and found that the section I had bought was poorly manufactured, with the flange welded off-square, so it would never be able to seal sufficiently. I had left too much time between attempts at fitting that any form of refund would be impossible, so had to bite the bullet and order a better example - it cost me a lot more too. Ho hum, such is life!
The new section was fitted easily and sealed first time. The improvements were noticeable - the car was much more eager to pull hard right up to the Redline, where it would seem to back off beforehand. It felt a lot more punchy too, and the exhaust note was improved a little.
I also fitted a Boost Gauge in anticipation of future Mapping work, as the peak boost pressures will almost double as a result. For now it sometimes hits a 'mighty' 8psi peak. Weak.
I then suffered from a Cracked windscreen in the winter, and from some research, and realised the Vectra C is ripe for easy factory spec Retrofitting. I promptly got on this, and had a Windscreen with the mounting for a Rain/Light sensor fitted. I then sourced an Auto Dimming Rear View mirror unit and installed that, along with a Rain/Light Sensor and a new Auto Headlamp switch. The car was then told all of the systems were present via the Tech2 Diagnostics unit, and they were all activated and working.
I suffered with a PAS Fluid Loss too, coming home from working abroad to a large pool of residue under the car - the Pump/Rack/Pipes for the Vectra V6 Turbo (VXR & Normal) is specific to this application, and as a result parts are hard to source and expensive - fearing a catastrophic failure, I had a look over it all, and eventually found the cause to be a loose pipework union - it was tightened up, and the problem hasn't resurfaced atall. Lucky!
I then moved house, and finally had a garage to put it in. Tight fit though, and i've only reversed it in the one time...
The bonus of moving, and no longer living on a farm with an unpaved road for access, was that I could give the car a bit of a deep clean & polish. Now, I'm no bufty, and I would much rather be using the car than cleaning it, but occasionally, it does deserve a bit of attention, so I went all out and used special 'detailing' techniques. The Clay bar I used took some punishment...
Also, how anyone can regularly spend hours cleaning & polishing their cars is beyond me. It's soul destroyingly boring.
I then made a little 'VXR' logo on the Dashboard illuminate. It doesn't from the factory, so looked a bit pants. This task was apparently only possible when you conver the original lighting to SMDs as so many other VXR owners (Astra, Corsa etc) do - I think these conversions are rubbish, as the lighting is too bright. Anyway, it turned out, all those that said it couldn't be done were wrong. I managed to make it illuminate for free, using existing lighting.
I had the Centre silencer removed by a local Exhaust Fabricator to try to further improve the Exhaust note, which it did. But I also wanted more. The Factory system is a Remus one, and has been proven to be capable on other Vectras running up to 400bhp, so replacing the whole system for something Aftermarket isn't a path I wanted to go down.
I eventually was able to pick up a replacement Catalyst section, with low miles. As a result, I removed my original one and had the Catalyst removed. With this section installed, the car is Fully De-Catted, and uses only the 2x rear Silencers. It sounds much better now, and has more of the 'Vee' tone to it.
Video - http://youtu.be/c47hhRTsT54
I removed the Rear Bumper to paint the 'Diffuser' section. It looks better as a result IMO. Actually looks like the separate part that it is! I then went for a drive in the Sun and got some pics.
The latest change is another Factory option retrofit. This time, i've installed the Adaptive Forward lighting (AFL) Headlamps - aka, Bendy Lights. These are the ones that turn with the Steering input etc.
The retrofit was pretty easy as the VXR comes with the correct control Modules to give the signals to the AFL Controller on the Lamps. It was a case of physically installin the 2x Headlamp assemblies and adding 2x wires. That's all to get them working. They can be further installed with Tech2 programming, but they will operate without this, you just won't get any Dash warnings in the event of any errors occurring without the Programming being done.
I recently carried out a lot of Underbonnet tidying, including painting the Inlet Plenum & Turbo Heatshield in VHT Metallic Black (which dries Grey, usefully...)
And that is currently it.
I'm still undecided on getting it Mapped. I probably should, it's supposed to be a Night & Day difference over the Standard mapping.
Oh, and the Wheels are being refurbed soon. I'm still not sold on the Black, and they still look pap. They will likely be going Silver, or maybe a shade of Anthracite.
I’ve missed a few little bits out – it’s hard to cover 2 ½ years without overdoing photos and/or little boring things!
Anyway, I own the what seems to be the Anti-christ to most on PH. A Vauxhall Vectra, with a V6 and a Turbo.
I've had it for 2 1/2 years now, and bought it to replace a Corsa B which was converted to run a 1.8 16v, which I used for faffing around in and the occasional blat around Castle Combe. I was stuck between going for an Astra or Vectra VXR, as I originally wanted a Monaro, but insurance costs were double that of the other two. I eventually decided to go for the Vectra as I'm not the smallest of people in both height & girth, so decided the Vectra would be best suited.
I found a later model (this was a 2007, '57'), in stealthy Silver, and a Hatchback. This was the exact combination I wanted, and it was offered at the lowest price I could find for that combo at the time. It was actually advertised as having the earlier 255PS engine which would have been unusual for it's age (Most '07 plate & onwards registered cars are 280PS models), but checks of the VIN Plate confirmed it was a 280PS model, which was a bit of a result, and something that I didn't mention atall to the seller...
The car also had a couple of the expensive Factory options which made it more desirable to me - Full Leather, Electrically adjusted Recaros, the integrated Navigation, and the 19" Wheel option.
These were the advert pics;
I attended a Rolling Road day at Jamsport the day after I bought it, and it recorded some very healthy standard figures.
I had the car for less than a month, and caved into buying a full set of uprated OE-Equivalent Brakes (Grooved Discs, Yellowstuff Pads - the Multi-Piston AP Racing/K-Sport options were too costly), a K&N Panel Filter and some DAP-R Lowering Springs. These were promptly fitted by myself, apart from the rear brakes, as I ran out of time on the day.
I carried out a few other small changes too, cosmetically, such as removing the Amber bulbs, and doing some partial debadging. I also bought a personal registration, so got that assigned right away.
I then ended up working away for a couple of months, so didn't use the car. But, due to earning extra for the privilege of taking a corporate holiday, it did give me some spare funds for upgrades. I promptly bought a few more cosmetic items (Smoked Foglights, smaller Reg plate, LEDs etc), a High Flow Downpipe and also a Quaife ATB Differential.
Upon my return to the UK, I sourced a brand new Clutch assembly (may as well do it whilst the gearbox was out), and got the parts fitted along with the Quaife Diff. The Downpipe proved to be an issue, and we were unable to get it to seal to the Turbo exit flange, so it was blowing quite badly and was replaced with the original section again. I thought that the Garage had maybe fitted it incorrectly so decided I would attmept to DIY it at some point in the future...
The Diff was a massive improvement, and it wasn't bad at handling in the first place. The Car is much more suited to spirited driving, and the Quaife is easily the best thing that has been done to the car so far.
I then decided to buy a new set of 19" Wheels - the OE Ronals are prone to cracking - and plumped for a set of
-Spec BBS CHinese 19" Wheels. I ordered Silver ones, and was told the available set had failed QC Checks, so was offered Black ones instead. I accepted this as I liked the style mostly, and could always get the colour changed in the future. The wheels are common as muck, but I don't care really. However, the Black versions do look particularly pap. I also got some eBay special fake BBS badges to put on them. I then revisited the Downpipe, and found that the section I had bought was poorly manufactured, with the flange welded off-square, so it would never be able to seal sufficiently. I had left too much time between attempts at fitting that any form of refund would be impossible, so had to bite the bullet and order a better example - it cost me a lot more too. Ho hum, such is life!
The new section was fitted easily and sealed first time. The improvements were noticeable - the car was much more eager to pull hard right up to the Redline, where it would seem to back off beforehand. It felt a lot more punchy too, and the exhaust note was improved a little.
I also fitted a Boost Gauge in anticipation of future Mapping work, as the peak boost pressures will almost double as a result. For now it sometimes hits a 'mighty' 8psi peak. Weak.
I then suffered from a Cracked windscreen in the winter, and from some research, and realised the Vectra C is ripe for easy factory spec Retrofitting. I promptly got on this, and had a Windscreen with the mounting for a Rain/Light sensor fitted. I then sourced an Auto Dimming Rear View mirror unit and installed that, along with a Rain/Light Sensor and a new Auto Headlamp switch. The car was then told all of the systems were present via the Tech2 Diagnostics unit, and they were all activated and working.
I suffered with a PAS Fluid Loss too, coming home from working abroad to a large pool of residue under the car - the Pump/Rack/Pipes for the Vectra V6 Turbo (VXR & Normal) is specific to this application, and as a result parts are hard to source and expensive - fearing a catastrophic failure, I had a look over it all, and eventually found the cause to be a loose pipework union - it was tightened up, and the problem hasn't resurfaced atall. Lucky!
I then moved house, and finally had a garage to put it in. Tight fit though, and i've only reversed it in the one time...
The bonus of moving, and no longer living on a farm with an unpaved road for access, was that I could give the car a bit of a deep clean & polish. Now, I'm no bufty, and I would much rather be using the car than cleaning it, but occasionally, it does deserve a bit of attention, so I went all out and used special 'detailing' techniques. The Clay bar I used took some punishment...
Also, how anyone can regularly spend hours cleaning & polishing their cars is beyond me. It's soul destroyingly boring.
I then made a little 'VXR' logo on the Dashboard illuminate. It doesn't from the factory, so looked a bit pants. This task was apparently only possible when you conver the original lighting to SMDs as so many other VXR owners (Astra, Corsa etc) do - I think these conversions are rubbish, as the lighting is too bright. Anyway, it turned out, all those that said it couldn't be done were wrong. I managed to make it illuminate for free, using existing lighting.
I had the Centre silencer removed by a local Exhaust Fabricator to try to further improve the Exhaust note, which it did. But I also wanted more. The Factory system is a Remus one, and has been proven to be capable on other Vectras running up to 400bhp, so replacing the whole system for something Aftermarket isn't a path I wanted to go down.
I eventually was able to pick up a replacement Catalyst section, with low miles. As a result, I removed my original one and had the Catalyst removed. With this section installed, the car is Fully De-Catted, and uses only the 2x rear Silencers. It sounds much better now, and has more of the 'Vee' tone to it.
Video - http://youtu.be/c47hhRTsT54
I removed the Rear Bumper to paint the 'Diffuser' section. It looks better as a result IMO. Actually looks like the separate part that it is! I then went for a drive in the Sun and got some pics.
The latest change is another Factory option retrofit. This time, i've installed the Adaptive Forward lighting (AFL) Headlamps - aka, Bendy Lights. These are the ones that turn with the Steering input etc.
The retrofit was pretty easy as the VXR comes with the correct control Modules to give the signals to the AFL Controller on the Lamps. It was a case of physically installin the 2x Headlamp assemblies and adding 2x wires. That's all to get them working. They can be further installed with Tech2 programming, but they will operate without this, you just won't get any Dash warnings in the event of any errors occurring without the Programming being done.
I recently carried out a lot of Underbonnet tidying, including painting the Inlet Plenum & Turbo Heatshield in VHT Metallic Black (which dries Grey, usefully...)
And that is currently it.
I'm still undecided on getting it Mapped. I probably should, it's supposed to be a Night & Day difference over the Standard mapping.
Oh, and the Wheels are being refurbed soon. I'm still not sold on the Black, and they still look pap. They will likely be going Silver, or maybe a shade of Anthracite.
I’ve missed a few little bits out – it’s hard to cover 2 ½ years without overdoing photos and/or little boring things!
DanielJames said:
What does the map take them to roughly, with breathing mods?
Regardless of whether its a 255/280PS model - a Stage 1 Map will result in roughly 300bhp/400lb.ftReputable Tuners are the best to visit - Courtenay Sport, Regal Autosport & Thorney Motorsport all have experience with them.
Courtenay seem to be top dog for the mapping from customer reviews, but all Stage 1 maps are much of a muchness it seems.
Looks nice, i like a wolf in sheeps clothes.
Back home i had a friend who worked for Opel, and he once took round this Opel Vectra OPC, which looks rather like yours, and that was great fun to drive!
Is OPC the European version of VXR by any chance, as come to think of it, i'd never heard of VXR before moving here.
This looks like great project - and something I am interested in, as I also have one (mine's an '07 estate) that I've had for the past 5 years, and can't see me wanting to change anytime soon.
You have certainly been busy modding yours, and have done a lot of things I'd love on mine, especially the diff! I am very surprised with all the changes though that you haven't yet mapped it - mine is standard apart from wheels and map (I did mine by bluefin 4 years ago) - and the map really does transform the car, the additional torque really makes a huge difference. I would expect that yours will need to be done by someone with a lot of knowledge of the car to take advantage of the downpipe and other mods, but it really is worth it. I've had no issues with mine while it's been mapped, other than needing to change the plugs every couple of years, and running it on decent fuel (it does seem to not like certain fuels now, so I stick to V-power and Tesco 99).
It's a car that is something that many people will either not know about or be a bit snobby over, but it can be a bit of a surprise - it drives a lot better than many would expect (Evo gave it 4 stars and liked their long termer), and with so few around, especially estates, makes it an interesting rarity! Enjoy it and I'll be interested to see how you get on if you do get it mapped!
You have certainly been busy modding yours, and have done a lot of things I'd love on mine, especially the diff! I am very surprised with all the changes though that you haven't yet mapped it - mine is standard apart from wheels and map (I did mine by bluefin 4 years ago) - and the map really does transform the car, the additional torque really makes a huge difference. I would expect that yours will need to be done by someone with a lot of knowledge of the car to take advantage of the downpipe and other mods, but it really is worth it. I've had no issues with mine while it's been mapped, other than needing to change the plugs every couple of years, and running it on decent fuel (it does seem to not like certain fuels now, so I stick to V-power and Tesco 99).
It's a car that is something that many people will either not know about or be a bit snobby over, but it can be a bit of a surprise - it drives a lot better than many would expect (Evo gave it 4 stars and liked their long termer), and with so few around, especially estates, makes it an interesting rarity! Enjoy it and I'll be interested to see how you get on if you do get it mapped!
browno said:
This looks like great project - and something I am interested in, as I also have one (mine's an '07 estate) that I've had for the past 5 years, and can't see me wanting to change anytime soon.
You have certainly been busy modding yours, and have done a lot of things I'd love on mine, especially the diff! I am very surprised with all the changes though that you haven't yet mapped it - mine is standard apart from wheels and map (I did mine by bluefin 4 years ago) - and the map really does transform the car, the additional torque really makes a huge difference. I would expect that yours will need to be done by someone with a lot of knowledge of the car to take advantage of the downpipe and other mods, but it really is worth it. I've had no issues with mine while it's been mapped, other than needing to change the plugs every couple of years, and running it on decent fuel (it does seem to not like certain fuels now, so I stick to V-power and Tesco 99).
It's a car that is something that many people will either not know about or be a bit snobby over, but it can be a bit of a surprise - it drives a lot better than many would expect (Evo gave it 4 stars and liked their long termer), and with so few around, especially estates, makes it an interesting rarity! Enjoy it and I'll be interested to see how you get on if you do get it mapped!
I've been considering selling up for a while now, due to wanting to get onto the Property ladder, but at the same time I don't want to get rid as I do like it, and it is also worth peanuts nowadays being a high-miler!You have certainly been busy modding yours, and have done a lot of things I'd love on mine, especially the diff! I am very surprised with all the changes though that you haven't yet mapped it - mine is standard apart from wheels and map (I did mine by bluefin 4 years ago) - and the map really does transform the car, the additional torque really makes a huge difference. I would expect that yours will need to be done by someone with a lot of knowledge of the car to take advantage of the downpipe and other mods, but it really is worth it. I've had no issues with mine while it's been mapped, other than needing to change the plugs every couple of years, and running it on decent fuel (it does seem to not like certain fuels now, so I stick to V-power and Tesco 99).
It's a car that is something that many people will either not know about or be a bit snobby over, but it can be a bit of a surprise - it drives a lot better than many would expect (Evo gave it 4 stars and liked their long termer), and with so few around, especially estates, makes it an interesting rarity! Enjoy it and I'll be interested to see how you get on if you do get it mapped!
I'll be considering the Mapping once the Wheels have been refurbed, as I'll need another couple of months to save again, plus decide who to get it done with!
I think with the Downpipe, I should see up to 310bhp (looking at other graphs & tuner packages etc)...
Smart car - I have seen this around on some forums.
Like with any modifying - you do it for the love of the car, not for profit, which is never good should you come to sell.
As for buying a car with more power standard, yes, you can do this as most people do, but there is something very special about surprising someone with a car that 'ishould be' a lot faster than yours
Like with any modifying - you do it for the love of the car, not for profit, which is never good should you come to sell.
As for buying a car with more power standard, yes, you can do this as most people do, but there is something very special about surprising someone with a car that 'ishould be' a lot faster than yours
Are you on Vec.C.com? car looks really good, some good mods as well. The timing chains are a "worry" point in the VXR, and not a cheap fix but apart from they they are good and rated quite highly, kept up with imprezza and evo's on the EVO road test when they came out, and thats about double the power of my crappy 1.8 vectra lol
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