227 replies to this topic

[Boycie]

Secret confesion- I love Mk3 GSi's- had three 'back in the day'.

First one was a '92 redtop, second a '94 X18XE (like yours) but I converted it to C20LET power with a 6-speed box. Finally, I had a third 1.8, which I sold around 5 years back.

Loved them all. As you've found, grot claims most of them but none of it is a major problem (do check where the rear springs seat on the 'chassis' legs though.
The LET was fast and quite a handfull, the redtop fantastic and the 1.8 fun. I'd say the 1.8 is excellent for a daily driver- they put out good power (as much as the 2.0 litre X20XEV Vectra ecotec?) and return awesome mpg. Need regular oil though.

[HARBER07]

Awesomes

I've seen a few cases now of essentially standard 1.8's putting out the same power as the 2.0!. Can definitely vouch for the fun bit!!. Also glad you said about the oil, I've had a warning flash up on the screen saying "CHECK OIL" or something

Rust is a shame, but nothing I'm not used to. Will have to check to see if you can buy the repair chassis legs or whether I'm going to have to fab some up. Might as well change them both

[steve26-2008]

What's the mpg return on the 1.8 ? I have had the standard 1.6 mk3 astra and that was quiet bad.

[HARBER07]

About 30MPG I reckon. Maybe a bit more if I was trying.

[Boycie]

I could squeeze late 30's out of my C18XE's on a run if I was disciplined The Astra GSi is the only model to have the C18- all the Vectras and Astra Sports etc had X18XEVs which produced less power, probably deliberately so they didn't show up the 2.0 X20XEV. Hence the GSi is special lol (and as a result quite a different animal to the Astra Sports of the time).

Check oil on the LCD screen is relatively common, the sensor is not the best.. it says 'Oil lack' if you're really low! You'll probably find the sump gasket is dropping it. Fit a gasket intended for the late 2.0 8v to fix it, it's a bonded rubber effort that is permanently fixed to the baffle plate.

All panels are available from Hadrian etc, it's all cheap too. You'll probably find the rear chassis legs are still ok though, just keep 'em waxed

[HARBER07]

Nope 1 chassis leg is definitely gone - I stuck my finger through it on Sunday LOL.

Plenty of oil in the sump at the mo . Not really gonna bother with the 1.8 if I'm honest, as it shouldn't be in there for too long. I've had a quote from hadrian for 2 complete inner wheelarches, external arches, and sills for a reasonable price. Just need to get winter out the way now so I can get on with it!!

[HARBER07]

lmao, dad worked out how the heated rear screen works today - you have to pull the heater knob out . Glad he sussed it as I never would have

[minidream94]

how much do these tend to go for these days? they look alright to be honest although it is a vauxhall you going 2.1 turbo eventually?

[HARBER07]

It will be something like 2047cc i think, so not technically a 2.1. But yes turbo without a doubt.

£700-800 for a relatively cheap one (like mine) but not generally looked after. Will generally have some rust or other small problems for that kinda price (like mine). Th can go for anything upto and above 3k though. I would have liked one in better condition, but i NEEDED a car before next month, and funds were limited. Plus I like a play and mine wont exactly be a showroom condition car anyways, just fast!.

[HARBER07]

Also the 2.0 engines are more desirable naturally, so generally go for a bit more.

[minidream94]

seems a good car or that price mate wonder if the v6 out the vectra would fit in, with twin turbo's

[HARBER07]

Yup I've seen a few V6 engined ones on the forums!. I like the V6 engines, but bad experiences with our old vectra has put me off one for a while!!

[Pending]

day ja vue, looks just like my old one

only picture i got off it,

impulse buy mine, came across it on ebay with about 5 mins to go, chucked a bid in and got it for 800 or something like that, that was in 2006. mine was the 1.8 as well, with calibra black leather heated seats in, mine was abused, it was my climbing wagon, every weekend it took me to scotland or wales, had my crampons still attached to my boots and put an all mighty gash/scrape down the door and wing,

god i miss that car

[HARBER07]

Black ones look the best IMO.

[HARBER07]

Just found out it has a Genuine Sebring exhaust box (about £400 ) and a genuine K&N induction kit!!

Tidy.