227 replies to this topic

[HARBER07]

Thought I'd stick a project page up for my new toy, as some of you might be interested.

After reluctantly selling my poor mini, I set about looking for a new car. Only one rule -It had to be a Vauxhall. The reason? - my 260bhp spec C20XE engine built for the Mini had to be used up somewhere!. Primarily it was going to be a Nova GSi, but after some thought and this coming up at the right price, I went for an Astra GSi. This is the 1.8 version, but soon to be changed to 2.1! Sticking with the Mini theme - these suffer from rust, particularly at the rear end. It needs outer sills, rear arch repair panels and an inner arch repair. Panels are easily available though.

Only got the same few pictures that are up on Facebook at the minute, as I've not had time to take any more since the weekend. But basic plan of action (mostly for neat year) will be:

Sort the rust
5 stud conversion
SORT THE WHEELS!!!!!!!!
Engine
Big brake conversion
Full cage
etc.

For the time being though I've got to get some action out of the rear wiper/washer, and re-do the fuel hose to the fuel rail, - been bodged with heater hose!

Really nice car though, and brilliant to drive. So glad I got one despite its few problems (+ insurance!!), but I don't think I'll ever own a car thats perfect (out of choice!!!). Anyways a few pics:

Edited by HARBER07, 11 November 2010 - 05:34 PM.

[Shifty]

Its a Welsh car!!!

[HARBER07]

Oh god

[Shifty]

North Wales as well I think!!

No wonder its rusty!!

[CaptainBland08]

North Wales as well I think!!

No wonder its rusty!!

whats that suposed to mean!

HAHAHA

turbo tom! you know it makes sense!

[HARBER07]

Turbo power is in the pipeline for the future, but I need to get this one in first!!

[GreaseMonkey]

Yeah Boi! Check them rims!!

[1984mini25]

I quite like it as it is.

[HARBER07]

It is nice in standard form, it's just not my style.

Sorted the fuel return hose, and fixed the rear washer as the hose had broken at the hinge. Also took advantage of the 5p per litre off V-Power deal today

Few pics of it at its new home, and head unit I shoved in the other day

[george91]

looks tidy mate, look forward to seeing the new motor in. oh and nice wheels.

[steve26-2008]

I don't know if I have missed something, but how do you know if from wales ? Looks like a really fine example of a gsi.

[HARBER07]

Conversion should be easier than the mini

Got it up on the axle stands after work today to check it out. Cleaned up the surface rust where I could and covered it in waxoyl, so that will help throughout the winter. The front has been done, but for some reason whoever did it stopped at the fuel tank and nothing rearward of that had been done . Ah well. Found a couple of closing panels had rotted, along with a chassis rail. Bit peed off with that but nevermind. I like a challenge.

[HARBER07]

Also a random fact - Tax is £205 p.a. LOL

[mini_mad69]

Your car is baaaaaaaaaaaare sick init bluuuuuuuuuuuud. Bre bre bre bre!!!!





Ha ha, but I quite like that, how does it perform? not bad MPG readout there aswell.

Has your mini already gone?





SAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaafe

x

[HARBER07]

LMAO Ben!!

Performs really well to be honest. Miles quicker than the Mini, even though it doesn't feel it, more traction, corners better, nicer ride etc. etc. etc. And only a 1.8!

That MPG figure on the dash hasn't moved since I've had it, nor has the average speed!. Need to find out why when I get myself a Haynes and an owners manual. MPG average is most probably right though.

Mini is still sat here looking sorry for itself. Most probably start stripping it next weekend when I'm not at work.