|
|
|
|
|
Having suffered the failure of my £250 Pug 306 timing belt in January ( retrorides.proboards.com/thread/185516/320tourings-pug-306-9dt-baby) and having pressed the £200 Alfa 156 into daily service covering 4000+ miles in 2 months ( retrorides.proboards.com/thread/186181/righting-wrong-alfa-romeo-156) I have done what any right minded chap would do.. I Flew from Glasgow to Gatwick to collect a £150 Vauxhall Vectra. But this was not just any Vectra! Oh no. This was an SRi Vectra. And not yer poor man's 130. this was the full fat 150bhp 2.2. I must be out my mind. Anyways, have some pictures and a touch of narrative: I happened upon this 92k mile example whilst perusing a forum. It was almost being given away, and I knew a little of the history of the car. At the money asked, I'd have been a fool not to have bought it. It has MOT until Jan 2017 A quick consult with the ruling party allowed for the booking of flights to collect - with 1 proviso. Her ladyship wanted to break up the return journey with some nights away. We caught a redeye down to Gatwick - and enjoyed the complimentary BA breakfast!  Then it was time for our third mode of transport for the day - a train to Sunny* East Croydon   Yer man the Vendor met us at the station and we retired to his abode to complete the deal   Deal done, it was time to fuel up and head to meet mates in Rye for lunch - heading in the wrong direction for getting home!  Over the course of that first drive I figured out 3 main things: 1. The 2.2 lump has a good dollop of torque, so you can drive it lazily 2. The front tyres offer sweet FA grip in the wet - Hopefully new rubber will tame that, but I think its also something I'll need to get used to as I don't think the front suspension is as good as the Alfa's 3. It is most pleasant having a car that doesn't rattle and bang over bumps due to worn suspension. After an elephant's sufficiency of a lunch, it was time for the good lady to get her first shot of driving it. On the 45mins back to our hotel, she found it comfortable and easy to drive - good news! Our day ended by bringing a bit of "Photocopier salesman" Chic to the Tunbridge Wells Hotel we were staying at  If anyone is still reading and interested at this point, I'll pap some more up later:) |
| |
|
|
|
|
qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,409
Club RR Member Number: 52
|
2001 Vectra 2.2SRi £150 dailyqwerty
@qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member 52
|
|
|
|
Interesting buy. These have got so cheap now that they will soon all disappear. Haven't seen an early one for ages!
I've read differing reports on the 2.2 engine. Will be interesting to see how you get on.
Tom
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interesting buy. These have got so cheap now that they will soon all disappear. Haven't seen an early one for ages! I've read differing reports on the 2.2 engine. Will be interesting to see how you get on. Tom thanks! I hear that the 2.2 can have timing chain issues- but at £150 I'll take a shot:) Reckon I'll fling a service with decent oil at it and see whats what. |
| |
|
|
woodenspatulas
Part of things
Retro in ways you can't imagine
Posts: 448
|
|
|
|
|
the 2.2 is a good engine. just listen out for chain rattle.
It may have had the oil squirter which causes the problems replaced, so if theres any history have a nosey.
Nice cars and cheap now too. once my Diesel dies I will be popping back in B ownership myself.
|
| |
1999 Vectra Estate + 1995 Saab Engine = Good Times
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the 2.2 is a good engine. just listen out for chain rattle. It may have had the oil squirter which causes the problems replaced, so if theres any history have a nosey. Nice cars and cheap now too. once my Diesel dies I will be popping back in B ownership myself. I have no history, is it a simple job to replace or would it need a full strip down? I can't really afford to have it in bits, as its my work car. |
| |
|
|
woodenspatulas
Part of things
Retro in ways you can't imagine
Posts: 448
|
|
|
|
|
Ive never done the job myself, but I don't think its any more difficult than swapping a cambelt.
If you have a look on vectra owners clubs theres always a thread or two on it.
|
| |
1999 Vectra Estate + 1995 Saab Engine = Good Times
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
spent quite a bit of time in vectras. 2.0 eco LS, 2.0 eco ST, 2.6 gsi. get allot of car (and engine) for your money tbh!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
spent quite a bit of time in vectras. 2.0 eco LS, 2.0 eco ST, 2.6 gsi. get allot of car (and engine) for your money tbh! Based on initial experiences, I'd tend to agree. the only thing I'm struggling with is that its handling is utter gash compared to the Alfa. I've been ruined by its prowess:( |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looks a complete bargain for £150 mate, well done! As you said though the chains can be problematic, but every engine has its issues, I've had 9 of the dam things now...
|
| |
|
|
qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,409
Club RR Member Number: 52
|
2001 Vectra 2.2SRi £150 dailyqwerty
@qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member 52
|
|
|
|
I always think that Vauxhall do a better looking family wagon i.e. Vectra vs Mondeo, but that dynamically the Fords are better.
Uprated ArB's from a GSI might help the handling.
Tom
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I always think that Vauxhall do a better looking family wagon i.e. Vectra vs Mondeo, but that dynamically the Fords are better. Uprated ArB's from a GSI might help the handling. Tom I think that the handling issues are down to the fact that there is no feedback via the wheel, coupled to a fairly soft front end - I imagine there is plenty wear in the suspension components after 93k miles. I may have a look to see what can be done to improve the situation - but only after I've had a look at it, which will likely be at the weekend:) |
| |
|
|
|
|
gazz81
Part of things
Posts: 842 
|
|
|
|
Thats a bargain, my brother bought a sri140 a few years ago for £400 and I remember thinking it was a good deal!  |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 2.2 has an appetite for destruction. They have the oil squirter issue and can also go clunk bang! . Good news is its a bit random as to if and when it goes pop.
My neighbour had this lump in his Zafira and it used a lot of oil before it went and ate a big end or two. He got a refurb block for about £400 and had that fitted with all the ancilliaries and head etc off the old block and it goes really well now.
As for handling, a friend worked for Vauxhall BTCC and when John Clelland first drove their Vectra he did a few laps came in and commented that it would kill someone as the handling was so dire...
As a road car they were designed to tramp up and down Motorways not to excite in the urban grand prix. Nice and comfy though and good space inside.
|
| |
Needs a bigger hammer mate.......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is something fun with really cheap bargain cars that you can throw away when something too expensive happens.
|
| |
194? Willys Jeep MB 1965 Volvo 544 Special 1968 Opel Rekord 1975 Opel Kadett Estate 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E 1985 Datsun 720 King Cab 4x4 diesel 1997 Volvo S70 2.5SE (ex. "Volvo544special65" - changed to more reader friendly username.  ) |
|
philpy
Part of things
Posts: 69
|
|
|
|
A few years ago I had a 1.8 SRi, was given it! Fitted new brakes, a tyre and tightened up a bolt on the power steering to stop a leak and drove it for 2 years before the gearbox went bang. To add to your comments I have never had a car with such little grip on the front wheels and it was only 115bhp IIRC. In the wet it would literally light the wheels up in second for a magnificent distance if you wanted to! Prob led to the demise of the gearbox! Ha!  |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
^ that'll be the debica passio tyres |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looks like it's in good shape, especially for the money! We used these and 2.0 140's as works cars (mostly armoured!) never had many issues with them apart from people being heavy handed with them.
I took a moment of retro nostalgia about 4 weeks ago and bought a 1998 SRI 140, significantly more expensive than yours unfortunately! Forgot how solid they actually feel. Looking forward to the updates!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 2.2 has an appetite for destruction. They have the oil squirter issue and can also go clunk bang! . Good news is its a bit random as to if and when it goes pop. My neighbour had this lump in his Zafira and it used a lot of oil before it went and ate a big end or two. He got a refurb block for about £400 and had that fitted with all the ancilliaries and head etc off the old block and it goes really well now. As for handling, a friend worked for Vauxhall BTCC and when John Clelland first drove their Vectra he did a few laps came in and commented that it would kill someone as the handling was so dire... As a road car they were designed to tramp up and down Motorways not to excite in the urban grand prix. Nice and comfy though and good space inside. Yeah I saw that the 2.2 had squirter issues (ooh err missus!) but at £150 I figured it was a risk worth taking.. If rezolving it is fairly straight forward I may give it a crack! I can imagine Mr Cleland being less than complimentary- its hard work in the dry, but in the wet its rubbish. So much so that the 335i e30 on coilovers is more relaxing to drive fast in the wet! It is something fun with really cheap bargain cars that you can throw away when something too expensive happens. Pretty much my entire plan here- depreciation proof motoring with a devil may care attitude:) A few years ago I had a 1.8 SRi, was given it! Fitted new brakes, a tyre and tightened up a bolt on the power steering to stop a leak and drove it for 2 years before the gearbox went bang. To add to your comments I have never had a car with such little grip on the front wheels and it was only 115bhp IIRC. In the wet it would literally light the wheels up in second for a magnificent distance if you wanted to! Prob led to the demise of the gearbox! Ha! I get the impression I could lunch through 3rd in the wet if I wished. Currently researching tyre options/suspension mods that may tame it Looks like it's in good shape, especially for the money! We used these and 2.0 140's as works cars (mostly armoured!) never had many issues with them apart from people being heavy handed with them. I took a moment of retro nostalgia about 4 weeks ago and bought a 1998 SRI 140, significantly more expensive than yours unfortunately! Forgot how solid they actually feel. Looking forward to the updates! Get a thread up for yours- that way neither of us will look as sad as we are;) |
| |
|
|
philpy
Part of things
Posts: 69
|
|
|
|
|
I was sure something was up with mine, geometry wise, maybe not? If desired you could do a full lap of a roundabout in the dry in second with smoke poring off the inside wheel! I have had much more powerful FWD cars which would require a lot lot more provocation to come any where near it! Had some good times with that car tbf, ended up getting scrapped after the gearbox went bang!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
)