Vauxhall Cavalier GSI RestoMod Track Car

[Batch 7.5R]

CouncilFerrari said:

Thanks dude, I just hope they suit it. LM's are the absolute nuts, and being in the correct offset for the Cavalier is perfect. They're as near to the supertourer wheels as I'd like to go. Centre locks are a nuisance on the road, and I've no need for 18's with the power I'm running.

Stupid question alert!
Apart from, in my mind, the obvious issue of a puncture or wheel damage and having to carry all the kit, what are the issues/hazards of running centrelocks on a road car? I’ve toyed with the idea of some ex-BTCC Dymags for mine. Whilst a huge outlay, I’m so tempted!

[CouncilFerrari]

Batch 7.5R said:

Stupid question alert!
Apart from, in my mind, the obvious issue of a puncture or wheel damage and having to carry all the kit, what are the issues/hazards of running centrelocks on a road car? I’ve toyed with the idea of some ex-BTCC Dymags for mine. Whilst a huge outlay, I’m so tempted!

Hello mate, sorry for the delayed reply! I've not been on PH for a couple of weeks.

I've been put off by a few things, the hub socket needed to change the wheels doesn't bother me too much - I have a selection of large sockets and a rattle gun.

It's more the potential for hidden damage/internal corrosion and the chance of damage on UK roads which would put me off buying a used set. I'm sure I was told once that mag wheels need to be periodically x-rayed, but I can't remember what context I was told that in.

It's not something I've put too much thought into, but several Porsches run centrelocks and E-Types did alright too so they can't be that bad!

[LeighW]

CouncilFerrari said:

Stick Legs said:

Well that rules out TSW Hockemheims which would have been my 90’s wheel of choice.

Hockenheims are lovely, but aren't available in the right size, stud layout and offset for the Cav.

Great thread, I've got a real soft spot for a GSi.

I put Hockenheim R on mine. Just realised this photo is 25 years old, and now I feel ancient.

[CouncilFerrari]

LeighW said:

CouncilFerrari said:

Stick Legs said:

Well that rules out TSW Hockemheims which would have been my 90’s wheel of choice.

Hockenheims are lovely, but aren't available in the right size, stud layout and offset for the Cav.

Great thread, I've got a real soft spot for a GSi.

I put Hockenheim R on mine. Just realised this photo is 25 years old, and now I feel ancient.

That's a really love example that one, do you know if it's still alive? Those wheels suit it perfectly, I couldn't find Hockenheims in 4x100 or I would have had a set.

[CouncilFerrari]

Not much progress with the Cav of late, I lost all my garage time last couple of rotations.

I did manage to find a GM non-ABS master cylinder, it had been on my list of things to try and find for a while and gave me the greenlight to rip out the ABS unit.





Another 6kgs gone from under the bonnet, every little helps!


While in that area, I cleaned up the power steering pipes and reinstalled them. Before/After

[CouncilFerrari]

I also found a crank seal in the pile of parts waiting to go back on the car... that's right, in my haste to get the engine back in the car I completely forgot to refit it. To say I was annoyed would be an understatement, fking livid would be close to how I felt when I realised.

Anyway, subframe off, engine out, gearbox separated, flywheel off and crank seal in;



Flywheel refitted with a new clutch;



I then attached the gearbox back to the engine, I'll get it put back in the car but I'm leaving it out for the time being because it'll be easier to run the new brake lines. On that note...

What happened next was unexpected and is a bit of a problem. While poking around under the car and checking out the routing for the new brake lines, I noticed that there was a load of oil on the floor. Turns out my coilovers have sprung a leak;





I have previously spoken to the supplier about these before, on the lowest setting they're not low enough (still a decent arch gap) and I was told it would be a full rebuild at 300 a side plus VAT to rectify. Given what they cost initially, I'm not mad keen to throw more money at them. Now, despite not having done a full mile the shocks are leaking and will need rebuilt.

Pretty disappointing really, and I need to have a think about what to do next.

Edited by CouncilFerrari on Thursday 7th April 19:42

[Sf_Manta]

I've heard about Gaz having some issues with quality before , but this is the first time seeing it.
Shame they won't repair it given they're brand new and barely been used.

Given the money and such, i'd honestly have considered checking out what KW had to offer, think they have something for the Cavalier on the shelf
https://www.kwsuspensions.co.uk/shop/OPEL_VECTRA_A...J89__04_1988-12_1995_J89_2.0_i_16V_Cat__F68__M68Petrol_110KW_1998ccm_A4Ci9GGUJCViWp23vfCM5Q../56/Street_Performance

[CouncilFerrari]

Yeah, I'd seen isolated posts about the odd quality issue but there's also hundreds of people running them successfully for race/track cars.

It just doesn't seem sensible to have them rebuilt by the same people, if they fail again I'll be kicking myself. Stupidity is doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result.

To be fair, I haven't approached them about the leak yet, but I didn't get the feeling from them when we spoke last time that they were willing to waive any charges or meet me halfway which is disappointing given they can't be used to lower the car!

The KW's are a good shout, a mate of mine recommends the Spax kit too, fixed height but adjustable damping. Both of those solutions require me to find another set of front legs etc though

[English expat]

I can only echo the other posters, fantastic thread and makes me feel like a child again. Looks great and I have a soft spot for a cav. Last worked on one 15 years ago so I guess that ages me.

Keep at it, can’t wait to see it roadworthy.

[frodo_monkey]

CouncilFerrari said:

Yeah, I'd seen isolated posts about the odd quality issue but there's also hundreds of people running them successfully for race/track cars.

It just doesn't seem sensible to have them rebuilt by the same people, if they fail again I'll be kicking myself. Stupidity is doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result.

To be fair, I haven't approached them about the leak yet, but I didn't get the feeling from them when we spoke last time that they were willing to waive any charges or meet me halfway which is disappointing given they can't be used to lower the car!

The KW's are a good shout, a mate of mine recommends the Spax kit too, fixed height but adjustable damping. Both of those solutions require me to find another set of front legs etc though

I’ve just had mine rebuilt by Cornering Force in Harrogate, I’d recommend having a look at them.

[LeighW]

CouncilFerrari said:

That's a really love example that one, do you know if it's still alive? Those wheels suit it perfectly, I couldn't find Hockenheims in 4x100 or I would have had a set.

It's long since dead sadly, I sold it to a young lad quite cheap as I'd found an Impreza that I really wanted (it was around 99 when grey import Jap stuff was in demand). Not sure what he did with it, but I remember checking it years ago and it was untaxed with a police marker on it. The red top was a brilliant engine, it's on the 'wish I'd kept it but couldn't afford to' list. We all have a list like that don't we!

[CouncilFerrari]

English expat said:

I can only echo the other posters, fantastic thread and makes me feel like a child again. Looks great and I have a soft spot for a cav. Last worked on one 15 years ago so I guess that ages me.

Keep at it, can’t wait to see it roadworthy.

Thanks very much, appreciate that. It's scary how quick life gets away from you isn't it.

Shouldn't be too much longer now, big push to have it on the road for this summer.

frodo_monkey said:

I’ve just had mine rebuilt by Cornering Force in Harrogate, I’d recommend having a look at them.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll give them an email. I'll be passing Harrogate while I'm off, too.

LeighW said:

It's long since dead sadly, I sold it to a young lad quite cheap as I'd found an Impreza that I really wanted (it was around 99 when grey import Jap stuff was in demand). Not sure what he did with it, but I remember checking it years ago and it was untaxed with a police marker on it. The red top was a brilliant engine, it's on the 'wish I'd kept it but couldn't afford to' list. We all have a list like that don't we!

That's a shame, sounds like he had good fun in it though if he managed to get himself a police marker. The 90's/early 2000's were a fking riot weren't they!

[mattvanders]

https://youtu.be/VQia-THrLyM

Saw this and though you might be interested. Have been reading up on your thread, the old man had a grey saloon growing up as a company car and last year I helped sell my neighbour sell his one owner 2.5 V6 special edition cesaro

[CouncilFerrari]

mattvanders said:

https://youtu.be/VQia-THrLyM

Saw this and though you might be interested. Have been reading up on your thread, the old man had a grey saloon growing up as a company car and last year I helped sell my neighbour sell his one owner 2.5 V6 special edition cesaro

Thanks mate, it's a great video. There's a couple more in the series too;

part 2 of the above,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN2p-IFzyeg

and close up to the later Cav with reverse head;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG5SZHEm_z0

[Polly Grigora]

CouncilFerrari said:

Not much progress with the Cav of late, I lost all my garage time last couple of rotations.

I did manage to find a GM non-ABS master cylinder, it had been on my list of things to try and find for a while and gave me the greenlight to rip out the ABS unit.





Another 6kgs gone from under the bonnet, every little helps!

That's a massive reduction in weight, would never have guessed 6kgs.......nice

Is the steering lock with ignition switch heavy? Held several but can't remember

[CouncilFerrari]

Polly Grigora said:

That's a massive reduction in weight, would never have guessed 6kgs.......nice

Is the steering lock with ignition switch heavy? Held several but can't remember

Not bad is it, I won't be out in the rain and I don't plan to use cheap tyres so hopefully getting rid of the ABS will be the right decision.

I'm not sure on the steering lock, I haven't checked. You've got me thinking now though...

[MDMA .]

Good work on the car. I always liked Speedline Mistral’s on this era of Vauxhall.

[CouncilFerrari]

MDMA . said:

Good work on the car. I always liked Speedline Mistral’s on this era of Vauxhall.

Thank you. I'd never heard of Mistrals before - only the more common Alessio's - but they look the nuts!

[Polly Grigora]

CouncilFerrari said:

Polly Grigora said:

That's a massive reduction in weight, would never have guessed 6kgs.......nice

Is the steering lock with ignition switch heavy? Held several but can't remember

Not bad is it, I won't be out in the rain and I don't plan to use cheap tyres so hopefully getting rid of the ABS will be the right decision.

I'm not sure on the steering lock, I haven't checked. You've got me thinking now though...

If your driving is as good as your engineering you won't be needing ABS

[CouncilFerrari]

Polly Grigora said:

If your driving is as good as your engineering you won't be needing ABS

That's kind of you to say, thanks!