Bit of help please with some info

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Bit of help please with some info

by Fraz » Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:45 pm

Ok guys and girls after a long telephone conversation with the guy writing the piece for the practical classic magazine , there is a few points that need clarification

So since I am not 100% sure of the facts I thought we might get a answer from all of you (and he seemed not t trust my answers)

1. When did the Calibra get galvanised?
2. What year did the Ecotec come in?
3. on the 4X4 what percentage of power is sent to the rear wheels
4. When did it get the V grill?
5. Was a faster steering rack fitted late 93?
6. Prices: what would you say was the price rage for buying one . Cheap to a very good one ..and the average for a decent looked after one ..turbo and then a no turbo of any engine size

Then they asked for 3 problems (not related to trim etc) I put the fuel tank flange ..could not think of any others really
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by v6 steve » Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:23 pm

1. 1995
2. who cares
3. 60/40
4. 1997
5. no
6. £300 to £2200 turbo £1200 to £3500

1.fuel tank
2.rot on wheel arch and sill
3. badly modified suspension
steve
Chairman

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LE 4x4 turbo

SE2 4x4 turbo RIP
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Callyman » Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:33 pm

1. When did the Calibra get galvanised? 1995
2. What year did the Ecotec come in? 1995
3. on the 4X4 what percentage of power is sent to the rear wheels In theory 100%
4. When did it get the V grill? Sept 1994
5. Was a faster steering rack fitted late 93? Not heard of that
6. Prices: what would you say was the price rage for buying one . Cheap to a very good one ..and the average for a decent looked after one ..turbo and then a no turbo of any engine size
From £300 to £1500 for a non turbo inc V6
£1000 (needing work) to £3500+ for a mint turbo


Then they asked for 3 problems (not related to trim etc) I put the fuel tank flange ..could not think of any others really
CTS can wreak havoc and cause non stored issues
ICV's can play up
XEV's notorious engine management sensor faults
V6 Oil cooler
Std Turbo charger not that strong, TX box issues
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Allys Cally » Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:37 pm

another problem is the rear windscreen is no longer available
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Fraz » Fri Dec 28, 2012 11:25 pm

SE2 was galvanised so I would have thought late 94 ..or was that just the SE2 do you think?

and he semed to think the ecotec was 94 ..I thought 95

been digging around my brouchers and stuff I have ..and on max boost etc and from that its saying the 4x4 is permanent 4x4 with a 75% to 25% split and in theory 100% could go to the rear ....sound right I guess

I thought V grill was also 95

never heard of this faster rack...but there is onoly 2 racks avilable as I recall

this what he had re the prices

WHAT SHOULD I PAY?
Values are dictated by condition more than spec. Outside the club scene, most Calibras change hands for under £1000. Typically high-mileage, these cars probably aren’t cherished; for something nice expect to pay £1500+. Really special cars can still command £5000 from dealers, but most good Calibras fetch £1500-3000


I said under £500 not £1000 ..and for something nice as he calls it I said around £800

so a good clean one excpet to pay £800>£1200 depending on engine and condtion

Turbo I said anything from £1200 to £5000 ...but a average around £2500> £3000
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Fraz » Mon Dec 31, 2012 1:42 am

ok I think we are getting there ..this is a new draft so PLEASE do go over it

Buying: Vauxhall Calibra: (1990-1998)

Pictures by John Colley

Price check: Mint: £2500-5000, Average: £1000-2500, Rough: £300-500

Coupés based on more mundane family hatches or saloons are nothing new, but few have the allure of the Vauxhall Calibra. As this super-stylish sportster heads for the quarter-century mark, it still looks stylish enough to blow its contemporaries into the weeds
It would be easy to think of the Calibra as little more than a Cavalier in a party frock, but Vauxhall used the GSi 4x4 version of its fleet favourite to donate its platform. That brought with it independent rear suspension to give a sportier drive; as a result, the Calibra could run rings round its more prosaic family-oriented sibling.
However, most of the Calibra’s other oily bits were Cavalier-sourced, the result of which is cheap and plentiful parts to keep the Calibra going. Throw in practicality on a par with the Cavalier hatch and values that start at all of £500 for something worth having, and the Calibra makes a pretty compelling case for itself.

BODYWORK
As a modern classic, the Calibra isn’t nearly as rust-prone as most of its forebears – but that’s not to say it’s immune. Pre-1995 cars can rust in the rear wheelarches and door bottoms; the sills can too. Wheelarch corrosion is easily repaired, as panels are available; doors rarely rust badly, but if they do it’s possible to source a perfect used replacement for just £50 or so, with the swap taking under an hour.
From late 1994 the Calibra’s bodyshell was galvanised, so corrosion is much less likely; any signs of rust suggests the car has been shunted then badly repaired. Open the bonnet and check for any rippling of the inner wings; also make sure the boot floor isn’t showing any signs of having been patched up.
The low nose means stone chips are common on the leading edge of the bonnet, but if caught in time it’s easy enough to get the panel resprayed before corrosion takes a hold. Plastic bumpers mean corrosion isn’t an issue, but if a previous owner has parked by touch, expect cracks in the finish.
Many Calibras came with a sunroof, so check the drain holes aren’t blocked; water in the boot gives this away. Also ensure the mechanism works OK – post-1994 ones are most problematic. More likely to be an issue though be a badly maintained car, especially turbo and V6
Finally, petrol smells under the car suggests a corroded fuel tank sender unit. New replacements aren’t listed; repairs might be possible or a decent usable unit costs £50.

ENGINE
There were three different engines fitted, all with overhead camshafts and a catalytic converter. 8V and 16-valve forms being the first,, the latter also coming in Turbo guise from 1992. By early 1995 the 16-valve version of this powerplant had been replaced by a new Ecotec engine; in the meantime (in 1993) a 2.5 V6 had joined the range.
All these engines have a cam belt, tensioners and water pump which should be replaced every four years or 36,000 miles; it’s an easy DIY job for £100-150 or a specialist will charge around £350.
Check the service history (if there is any) and ensure that the oil and filter have been changed every 9000 miles; anything less means wear is likely and in the case of the Turbo the problems could be more serious. Dirty oil is guaranteed to wreck a turbocharger; a caring owner will have used only fully synthetic lubricant.
On the V6, watch out for oil leaks from the rocker covers; the gaskets fail. Fresh gaskets cost £50, and while they’re a bit fiddly to fit (so potentially costly if done by a specialist), you can do it yourself easily enough. The Calibra’s plastic rocker covers distort; it’s worth fitting metal Vectra items instead; decent used items are £70 for a pair
Another V6 potential issue is a failed oil cooler. Thanks to its location in the engine’s V, you can’t see the cooler itself – but if it goes you should be able to see the white emulsion in the header tank that results. Any signs of trouble, budget £200-300 to put things right. Upgraded stainless steel coolers cost around £100.

TRANSMISSION
As standard, all Calibras came with a five-speed manual gearbox, apart from the Turbo which got an extra ratio. There was an auto option for some models too, with either three or four cogs (see Which is which? panel). Power was sent to the front wheels only in most cases, but there were four-wheel drive options for the 2.0-litre 16-valve engine in normally aspirated and Turbo forms.
Gearboxes and clutches are tough, but the latter wears out eventually – expect to pay £250 to have a decent replacement fitted. The Calibra 8-valve’s flywheel weighs 8kg; the V6’s tips the scales at 15kg, so it’s worth fitting a lighter item while you’re at it, to make the unit noticeably more free-revving.
If looking at a 4WD edition, Check the tyres are at no more than 2mm difference and preferably all the same type, press the brake pedal as you start the engine; the 4x4 light should illuminate on the dash. If it doesn’t, budget £1000 for a new transfer box to be fitted, to control the four-wheel drive transmission. If the light doesn’t illuminate at all, just walk away, as the vendor clearly can’t be trusted.

STEERING & SUSPENSION
All Calibras have hydraulic power steering; it’s a reliable system that causes no problems but it’s worth checking for leaks and play anyway.
Calibras with modified suspension aren’t unusual, but it’s not necessarily a problem. However, not all cars are tweaked properly, with insufficient tyre clearance the most likely issue. Most likely is a car with odd camber, guaranteeing uneven tyre wear, but contact with the wheelarches is also a possibility.
Standard dampers can wear out in just 40,000 miles. A replacement set of four costs £110, so many owners take the opportunity to fit something sportier – just make sure it’s not too sporty.

WHEELS & BRAKES
All Calibras came with anti-lock brakes and most came with alloy wheels. Problems are usually confined to backplates damaged by the handbrake shoe’s retaining pins; fixing this is fiddly but doable on a DIY basis; new backplates cost Around £80 a pair

The V6 and Turbo got five-stud hubs with stronger brakes; all other Calibras have four-stud items. Swapping between the two is possible but not necessary, as the standard anchors are perfectly capable.
The original steel brake pipes corrode, as do the fuel lines. Replacing the latter with plastic is cheap, quick and easy to do; renewing the brake lines is a bit more involved, but still straightforward enough to do – most cars have already had copper pipes fitted.

TRIM & ELECTRICS
The Calibra’s dash and switchgear are largely carried over from the Cavalier. Until October 1992, when leather became an option, all Calibras featured cloth trim. Hide trim brought heated seats; the base usually works OK, but the wire for the backrest element often breaks. Repairs take all of 10 minutes though. Leather-trimmed door cards can suffer from bubbling, but these can easily be retrimmed or replaced with used items.
All Calibras came with lots of electrical kit, most of which is inherently reliable. However, if you’re looking at a V6, make sure the traction control works. The TC light should illuminate when the ignition is first switched on, then go out. Find some gravel and see if the wheels spin as you accelerate sharply; the revs should be reined in, but if not the traction control ECU or motor has failed. The motor is the most likely culprit; a serviceable used replacement costs £40 and it’s easy to fit.
Also on the V6 is an alternator fan which can fail. After a decent test drive, it should cut in and keep running after the radiator cooling fan has done its job. If you can’t hear it, budget £60 for an overhaul or used replacement.

CONCLUSION
While most car designs from the 1990s have dated – in some cases pretty badly – the Calibra still looks as stylish as the day it was unveiled. Those smartly chiselled looks still look fabulous from every angle but you don’t have to compromise because there’s ample practicality too, thanks to the hatchback layout.
As with most of its contemporaries, the Calibra has been going through a banger phase for several years, with many examples succumbing to neglect. As a result you’ve got to buy on condition rather than spec; the Turbo is seriously quick while the V6 is more of a long-legged cruiser, but even the entry-level models provide reasonable performance. We’d recommend you aim for at least a normally aspirated 16-valve model, but make sure you really are getting a 16-valver; it’s not unusual for an 8-valve Calibra to be badged as something it’s not.
As the Calibra Club’s Frazer Noble says, the Calibra is a reliable, well-equipped cruiser that’s cheap to buy and run.

WHICH IS WHICH?
6/90: The Calibra arrives with 2.0-litre engine in 8 and 16-valve forms.
9/90: There are now three-speed auto (8v) and 4WD (16v) options.
9/91: The Tickford special has 8v or 16v engines; 25 made.
4/92: The 16v Turbo 4x4 has close-ratio gearbox, heated seats.
10/92: SE special has blue paint, 8v engine.
2/93: There’s now a driver’s airbag as standard.
8/93: Faster steering rack is now fitted, 2.5 V6 introduced.
10/93: SE2 has yellow paint, 16v engine, sunroof., Heated leather seats
5/94: SE3 has sunroof, red paint, 8v engine.
10/94: Facelift brings new nose, white dials, fresh alloys.
12/94: SE4 gets blue paint, 8v engine, Aircon, Heated leather seats,White dials and centre gauges.
2/95: The 16v Calibra gets a new 134bhp Ecotec engine with 4-speed auto option.
5/95: The DTM special has white paint, 16v, Turbo or V6 engine, BBS alloys, rear spoiler, FWD or 4WD. 200 made.
12/95: SE5 features black paint, 8v engine, Irmscher sports suspension, aircon, Heated leather seats
5/96: SE6 gets blue paint, 8v engine, Heated leather seats, Aircon
9/96: Turbo 4x4 LE has black paint, Irmscher sports suspension, rear spoiler, 16” alloys, air-con; 51 made.
10/96: SE7 has air-con, pearlescent grey paint, 16v Ecotec 16V engine
4/97: SE8 features air-con, 16v ecotec engine,
8/97: SE9 has V6 engine, leather trim, air-con.and no sunroof , BBS alloys, rear spoiler

LIVING WITH ONE
There are two rear seats and belts, so carrying five isn’t an option, but a hatchback configuration means excellent practicality. Parts availability is good, most maintenance can be done on a DIY basis and running costs are low.

WHAT SHOULD I PAY?
Values are dictated by condition more than spec. Outside the club scene, most Calibras change hands for under £1000. Typically high-mileage, these cars probably aren’t cherished; for something nice expect to pay £800+. Really special Turbos can still command £5000 from dealers, but most good normally aspirated Calibras fetch £500-1200; equivalent Turbos are £2000-2500.

KEY SPECIALISTS
• Autovox, West Yorks. 01924 376004, www.autovaux.co.uk
• LMF, Leics. 01858 433599, www.lmfvauxhall.co.uk
• Vauxhall dealers

SCARCE PARTS
• Fuel tank sender unit, V6 alternator cooling fan,

COPING WITH UNLEADED
All Calibras feature a catalytic converter, so unleaded fuel is essential.

IDENTIFYING MARKS
Until June 1994 the VIN was stamped into the bodyshell near the driver’s seat and there’s a plate riveted to to the slam panel. On later cars the VIN appears in the nearside bottom corner of the windscreen, mounted in the corner of the dash; this number was also etched into the front and rear screens.

OWNERS’ CLUBS
• Club Calibra (Official Club) www.clubcalibra.net
• Club Calibra (independent forum), www.clubcalibra.com

SPECIFICATIONS
2.0 8-valve (1990-1998)
Engine 1998cc/4-cyl/OHC
Power (bhp@rpm) 113@5200
Torque (lb ft@rpm) 125@2600
Top speed 127mph
0-60mph 10.0sec
Consumption 36mpg
Gearbox 5-sp man/3-sp auto
Length 177in (4.49m)
Width 66.5in (1.69m)
Weight 2679lb (1215kg)

2.0 16-valve (1990-1994)
Engine 1998cc/4-cyl/DOHC
Power (bhp@rpm) 148@6000
Torque (lb ft@rpm) 146@4600
Top speed 139mph
0-60mph 7.5sec
Consumption 38mpg
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Length 177in (4.49m)
Width 66.5in (1.69m)
Weight 2756lb (1250kg)

2.0 16-valve Ecotec (1994-1997)
Engine 1998cc/4-cyl/DOHC
Power (bhp@rpm) 134@5600
Torque (lb ft@rpm) 136@4000
Top speed 133mph
0-60mph 8.0sec
Consumption 40mpg
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Length 177in (4.49m)
Width 66.5in (1.69m)
Weight 2783lb (1265kg)

2.0 Turbo 4x4 (1992-1998)
Engine 1998cc/4-cyl/DOHC
Power (bhp@rpm) 201@5600
Torque (lb ft@rpm) 209@2400
Top speed 152mph
0-60mph 6.4sec
Consumption 33mpg
Gearbox 6-speed manual
Length 177in (4.49m)
Width 66.5in (1.69m)
Weight 3031lb (1375kg)

2.5 24-valve V6 (1994-1998)
Engine 2498cc/6-cyl/OHC
Power (bhp@rpm) 168@6000
Torque (lb ft@rpm) 167@4200
Top speed 147mph
0-60mph 7.3sec
Consumption 35mpg
Gearbox 5-sp man/4-sp auto
Length 177in (4.49m)
Width 66.5in (1.69m)
Weight 2921lb (1325kg)

THANKS TO
Frazer Noble

The owner
Text here

The specialist (with other members of the club)
Frazer Noble of clubcalibra.net bought his first Calibra 12 years ago; he’s owned another three since then. Says Frazer: “I do everything on them myself as they’re easy to maintain and upgrade – even the V6 and Turbo editions. I and a few others have helped out a fellow member to convert a SE2 (my old car) to full 4x4 Turbo– parts supply is generally good and most bits are very cheap. in my view the Calibra is the ideal modern classic”.

Richard Dredge
January 2013
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Mark1 » Mon Dec 31, 2012 1:38 pm

I have seen a few over the years, looked at one being sold as a 16v when I got the SE
Mark...........It's Red........It's a V6............It's an SE9!..............and She's bad.
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Fraz » Mon Dec 31, 2012 2:51 pm

any one got anything to add or alter as once I pass it on ...thats what will be in the magazine
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Stupink » Mon Dec 31, 2012 7:57 pm

Sorry for a pitiful inpu, but galvanised date is likely to be wobbly. as im sure they would use up left over shells before doing new ones, and so it may even vary model to model. and some old cars may get registered as new cars etc :)
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Fraz » Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:20 pm

Well correct found quite a few Ecotecs on an L plate ...including Kennys ..so I should really get a slap as I changed it to a Redtop as well as from auto to a manual

I know the SE2 was glavanised ..so I think along with the date of the brochure ..its a fair bet to say late 1993 for that
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Stupink » Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:32 pm

I have an early 93 turbo iirc thats galv could be march 03.
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Re: Bit of help please with some info

by Stupink » Mon Dec 31, 2012 10:54 pm

I'm not sure of any scientific way, I just know when you look inside the rear arches, if its not galvanised it looks 20years old, if it is, then it looks new :)
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