2001 Vauxhall Astra Coupe 2.2 16v SE1
Paintwork in Europa Blue
Purchased in September 2010 with 104k on the clock, sitting there shining in the sun on the forecourt, managed to get it for a nice price as the dealer had too many cars.
Car came with a Piper cat back system, smelly cat and some crap JVC stereo. I soon replaced the cat with a custom decat pipe made by a friend who makes custom exhausts. Upgraded the front bulbs to some nice ice white ones (no blue light), put my Pioneer IPOD headunit in, replaced the speakers with some better jobbies as they were farting and popped a Sub and amp into the boot.
Bottom end started knocking @ 120k roughly March/April 2012 and decided to replace the engine with a lower mileage model.
Engine was sourced in September 2012 with 58k from a VX220 which was getting Z20LEH from a VXR. Timing chain had been done at 50k.
Commencement of engine fitting was in October at a friends house who had all the tools and a engine hoist etc as he had rebuilt his own engines inc TB'd Zetec S producing 190bhp and his 200SX. We was in no rush, I had started using my XC bike and got the bug for that again, I was quite happy to use that everyday.
Engine change was finally completed 24th February 2013 with a minor oil leak around the rocker cover (even though there was a new gasket fitted). Quick change of the rocker cover to a metal one from the VX engine (using its original gasket and a bit of sealant) and all was fine.
While the engine was being swapped the car got new engine mounts all round, a Powerflex front mount insert, EGR blanking plate, EGR Cheater, custom air intake, some blue hoses and some other things I may of forgotten along with the normal service items such as oil filter, VX GM engine oil, spark plugs and a Pipercross Performance Panel Filter.
Brakes were spongy and the gears were nasty, however on 9th the car went to another friends garage (Autotech BMW, Langley) who owed me a favour. Brakes were bled, gear linkage greased up and gearbox oil changed again and all was good!
09-05-2013
Completed MK5 Flip key conversion.
20-05-2013
Lowered 60mm on shocks and springs.
Powerflex exhaust mounts on back box.
23-05-2013
Fitted short shift kit.
