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.
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)...
Cheers for the replies all.
And some suprisingly positive comments... ha.
I'm definitely getting the Wheels done in a more 'Standard' colour, hopefully within the next month or so too.
Never have been sold on the Black, just haven't really got round to getting them done.
Not really worried about the Timing Chains if I'm honest - I wouldn't have bought one if they concerned me! I'll handle that issue if it ever arises. The cost of replacing them isn't cheap, but at the same time, it's also not too bad a price really.
And some suprisingly positive comments... ha.
I'm definitely getting the Wheels done in a more 'Standard' colour, hopefully within the next month or so too.
Never have been sold on the Black, just haven't really got round to getting them done.
jebus said:
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
I am registered on Vec-C but don't regularly use the site. Not really worried about the Timing Chains if I'm honest - I wouldn't have bought one if they concerned me! I'll handle that issue if it ever arises. The cost of replacing them isn't cheap, but at the same time, it's also not too bad a price really.
elephantstone said:
djgritt said:
can't insure one for the same money.
I am surprised about that if you have declared all the mods? How much has it added to your premium?I'm 28, in a good Postcode area, with 4 years NCB and a single 6-Points/SP30 Endorsement for Heroic Speeding.
A VXR8 is a 4-Figure price to insure for me. A VXR8 also wouldn't have cost me less than £6500 to buy over 2 years ago, and still isn't anywhere near that price now...
LiamM45 said:
Nice car OP, really lovely example. Is the Quaife diff a really good upgrade? Looking to get one for my Astra.
It's a brilliant Upgrade. Massively improves the cornering ability, and am able to power through bends a lot easier than before - I've only noticed this on the roads though. I have tracked the Car a couple of times, but only since it's had the Quaife fitted. Of course it will still make Track improvements, but I never experienced the difference. The only thing thing that is unnerving, is when the tyres are low and grip is poor, I've experienced that both front wheels will break traction rather than just one (as it would without the Diff) - however, I see it as just a reminder that I'm probably pushing on a bit much and that my Tyres need a change!
Oh, and it's brilliant for leaving 11s through Car parks and looking totally cool. Not that I've done that of course, not in a grown up & sensible Vectra. Nope, never...
Atterz said:
I have a SAAB 9-3 with the same engine, i to have installed a downpipe and front mount intercooler. It has then had a map installed taking it to roughly 360Hp and my god does it shift. Go with JZW if you want to tune it as you can get new maps as you mod it. Otherwise that is a lovely looking car! I shall be posting a project thread with mine shortly!
Someone has mentioned JZW Maps over on the VXR Forums, however no-one has used them on a Vectra as far as a UK Distributor is aware, and no-one seems to be willing to take the plunge either.The maps seem good etc, but the fact that they will come from someone in the US who could probably quickly disappear in the event of an issue arising kind of puts me off. The UK Based Tuners with experience of the Vectra will cost more, but will potentially be easier to work with if problems arise.
Atterz said:
I agree to an extent but the scaremongering on the VXR forum is unreasonable. The UK Saab scene on the other hand have many users of the tuning module and in terms of price it is so much more cost effective than doing a mod, remap, mod remap. As long as you follow the determined tuning route, ie, downpipe, intercooler, then injectors and larger turbo then there will be a map for you.
I appreciate it will never be as perfect as a custom map but for £400 your pretty future proofed unless you do something crazy. In terms of him disappearing, JZW is responsible for a couple of high power Opel Vectras on the continent and also tunes BMWs, trionic based SAABs etc etc. I will never say never but having spoke to him i can not see him going anywhere anytime soon!
If you want to contact a UK distributor i know one if you want to discuss it more with him.
I am just a happy customer.
Is the distributor a guy called Martin? If so he is on the VXR forums.I appreciate it will never be as perfect as a custom map but for £400 your pretty future proofed unless you do something crazy. In terms of him disappearing, JZW is responsible for a couple of high power Opel Vectras on the continent and also tunes BMWs, trionic based SAABs etc etc. I will never say never but having spoke to him i can not see him going anywhere anytime soon!
If you want to contact a UK distributor i know one if you want to discuss it more with him.
I am just a happy customer
.I am tempted, but juat have that little resistance in going for it - I won't be going any further than a map that is essentially Stage1 but takes my Downpipe into account. I'm not going to be chasing number atall.
LiamM45 said:
Where are you based mate? If it's northern-ish I could point you towards some good tuners.
South/South West... Regal Autosport are my closest 'known' VX tuner, and they are around 1.5hrs away. Ish.I've messaged the JZW Guy mentioned above anyway to discuss what's available for now, it's worth looking into at least.
I've also been given a reasonable Quote for a Wheel Refurb too today, so that'll be the priority for spending once I get back to the UK from my current work trip.
LiamM45 said:
I've heard more bad than good about Regal. Are Courtenay Sport far away for you? Although being South West most places will be a decent trek!
Courtenay are a long way away - somewhere in Norfolk? Plus as they like the cars early AM, I'd also have to factor in a B&B, food etc, holiday booking and the long waiting list for a slot. The costs & time mount up, and they are also the most expensive for the Mapping, albeit probably the most experienced with the Vectra as a whole. ChrisRS6 said:
Can you tell me the size of your front plate and where you got it from please?
It's a 390x84mm '3/4' SizeFrom Fancyplates.com
Been stopped for Speeding with it fitted, and also had a couple of random looks whilst parked by Police. Not had anything mentioned about it since fitting in early 2012. I do swap it for full size come MOT Time.
griffin dai said:
+1 for the JZW remap
Here's my 9-3 with it done, currently at stage 1A (aggressive map) goes like fk to be fair Should be at least stage 3+ by now but not sure if I'm keeping it or swapping later this year for an XJR so holding off on any further mods.
http://uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=...
I did a quick review on the map last year, worth a read just to get some more info.
http://uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1...
Really surprised none of the vxr guys have gone for it yet, but I guess it is a bit of a gamble if you're not into the Saab tuning scene. There is a UK distributor though on Uksaabs in South Wales.
All I can say is John (JZW) is one of the best in the business for tuning these engines. He's built some right monsters over the years, he's currently working on a 20t tune.....which should be pretty quick
Only thing I would advise to get is an uprated clutch as the jump in torque is huge over standard.
Already seen your stuff on UKsaabs, joined a couple of days ago on my quest for information - you'll find a few posts by me under the same username. Here's my 9-3 with it done, currently at stage 1A (aggressive map) goes like f
k to be fair Should be at least stage 3+ by now but not sure if I'm keeping it or swapping later this year for an XJR so holding off on any further mods.http://uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=...
I did a quick review on the map last year, worth a read just to get some more info.
http://uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1...
Really surprised none of the vxr guys have gone for it yet, but I guess it is a bit of a gamble if you're not into the Saab tuning scene. There is a UK distributor though on Uksaabs in South Wales.
All I can say is John (JZW) is one of the best in the business for tuning these engines. He's built some right monsters over the years, he's currently working on a 20t tune.....which should be pretty quick
Only thing I would advise to get is an uprated clutch as the jump in torque is huge over standard.
I've also been in discussion with Martin already and I'm 99% certain I'll be taking the JZW route. It's just a case of getting my summer holiday out of the way (due to saving money for it) and then buying the system.
My clutch is genuine GM and currently on around 20k miles - should be ok for a little bit I imagine, but will keep my mind on replacements - already found new a reasonably priced supplier for the 0.8mm Uprated Spark Plugs too, which will be bought at the same time as the Mapping.
Edited by djgritt on Sunday 4th May 21:57
Atterz said:
Haha i am also biased towards JZW as i think its fantastic and transforms the car. Your clutch should hold up well for a while with it being so new, but you have to avoid trying to demand full power in higher gears or i still think it will slip. I am outstanded by the performance on offer and im sure John will also be able to provide you with a map that takes full advantage of your decatted downpipe as well.
On another note, seen my first VXR on Friday at tesco! Rare old beasts arent they to be fair!
Speaking with Martin, it seems that with my mostly derestricted Exhaust, Fully Decatted and with the Silencer removal, I may be able to get it close to the Stage 3 figures, but we shall see.On another note, seen my first VXR on Friday at tesco! Rare old beasts arent they to be fair!
John will obviously give the best feedback as to what is achievable with the current setup.
Remagel2507 said:
Nice car OP and I really like the mods you have done especially the retrofitting ones - always my favourite for some reason. Friend of mine has just replaced his Cavalier turbo with an VXR estate although his doesn't have the same subtle effect as yours as its in Arden Blue
Cheers.Do love a Cavalier Turbo! Know a few guys who do/did own them, and always been a fan.
I considered an estate, as they are massive. Couldn't find a Silver one at the time though. Arden Blue is my least favourite option - sure they stand out a lot more, but it isn't a colour that suits the Vectra atall imo! Too shouty...
LordGrover said:
Yep. I know the owner personally too. Guy called Nick, he's had the car for years, it's reliable too. He used to be an Admin on the Vauxhall Club I am now on the Admin team for. Our web address is across the Strut brace. Looks like he's taken his Personal Reg off now though.
His comment about not abusing it is entirely accurate too, he's not one for hammering it around atall.
Nice guy, nice car. Good price too!
Edited by djgritt on Tuesday 6th May 13:25
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