Ex works Vauxhall Astra BTCC track car

[VX BlackRat]

Possibly the most crazy purchase I’ve ever made, but I have just bought a BTCC Astra sport Hatch (2005-06 season). It was raced a few times (Muller & Kizilirmak) but it was used mainly as a 2 seat demo car by 888 engineering. After its racing career it was used by Vauxhall as a show car to celebrate 100 BTCC race wins, they have never attempted to start it!! As far as I can tell the car is complete and should run after renewing & flushing all fluids. Bonus – it has 2 seats & a silenced exhaust.

I can’t get any info from 888 or Sodemo (engine supplier) so any advice (mechanical or driving) before I press the starter button welcomed 
Cheers!

[HustleRussell]

Congrats, very exciting!

Don't let the excitement get the better of you- you could take several steps backwards if you don't work methodically. It is a race car which is presumably set up reasonably well- Ensure that you note all the nuances of the build and setup before embarking on any recomissioning work. It'll need fluids and probably belts. You might want to thoroughly research parts availability before hitting the track too...

[Swampy1982]

VX BlackRat said:

Possibly the most crazy purchase I’ve ever made, but I have just bought a BTCC Astra sport Hatch (2005-06 season). It was raced a few times (Muller & Kizilirmak) but it was used mainly as a 2 seat demo car by 888 engineering. After its racing career it was used by Vauxhall as a show car to celebrate 100 BTCC race wins, they have never attempted to start it!! As far as I can tell the car is complete and should run after renewing & flushing all fluids. Bonus – it has 2 seats & a silenced exhaust.

I can’t get any info from 888 or Sodemo (engine supplier) so any advice (mechanical or driving) before I press the starter button welcomed ?
Cheers!

outstanding!

please explain how you went about acquiring such a car!

and then document every step you take recommissioning it leading up to a video of you hooning around brands hatch or similar BTCC track

[AJB88]

Swampy1982 said:

please explain how you went about acquiring such a car!

Ex-BTCC cars come up for sale quite often.

[VX BlackRat]

Thanks guys for the positive reaction, real heart v's head stuff for me so that helps loads!

Good thinking I'll get a 4 wheel alignment done to obtain current chassis settings prior to suspension strip down.
It's a chain driven engine so no belt issues but as based on Z22SE engine (chain muncher) probably worth doing

Bought the car from our heritage dept, I work for VX.

And yes thread to come with build...

Cheers

[braddo]

Awesome!

Looking forward to seeing pics and updates.

[Micky Taylor 888]

Hi mate congratulations on your purchase, you must be the young man who outbid me on this from the heritage collection, I also work for vauxhall, give me a shout on [e-mail] as I know all about the car.

[VX BlackRat]

Thanks and sorry Micky!! Yes it's the heritage car I've been drooling over for a few years. Didn't know we had anyone with knowledge internally. Will drop you an email once yahoo have fixed their server.

[Micky Taylor 888]

No problems, speak soon

[Wh00sher]

Any chance of some photos ?

Sounds an interesting purchase !

[snowen250]

I think it would be worth letting these guys know you have it:

http://www.touringcarregister.com/

that way it fills in some history

in terms of set up/parts, these are your guys:

http://www.touringcarspares.com/

They may even have set up data etc, certainly who to go to for parts/advice though.

Get some pics up! Great purchase.

Simon

[VX BlackRat]

[VX BlackRat]

[VX BlackRat]

[MadRob6]

Great buy but that brake fluid looks utterly disgusting!

[CABC]

wow, this will be one swift track car! What are your plans for it?

[VX BlackRat]

I'm expecting a similar colour fluid in the seat after driving it for the first time

[VX BlackRat]

CABC said:

wow, this will be one swift track car! What are your plans for it?

Get it running for next year then drive as many BTCC tracks as possible + trip to Spa in spring.
Jury is out about keeping current powertrain - could be impractical for a track day car. Need to learn more about warm up and starting procedure.

Mickey - thanks again for your call last night, really useful stuff!!!

[lb3nson]

Well this is the dream right here! Can't say I'm a massive Vauxhall fan but any kind of actual touring car as a track car is frigging awesome.

[MagicalTrevor]

You can't change the powertrain!!! You'll remove all the authenticity of it. I can't imagine it

Be F1 levels of starting procedure so I imagine all you'll need to do it manage water/oil temps to a level before taking it on track.

I'd love one of these, well done OP