Vauxhall 2.0 Litre (Turbo?!) Think I may turn to the dark.
#1
PassionFord Post Whore!!
![](https://passionford.com/forum/images/pf_gold_member.png)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SUFFOLK
Posts: 7,482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Its one of those evenings.
Really fancy a 2.0(turbo perhaps) Nova or Mark 2 Astra. (Obviously a conversion)
Now that the red top is a good engine but are there any people out there who have owned or own one of these.
Despite looking for bodge conversions what else should be looked forr.
Really fancy a 2.0(turbo perhaps) Nova or Mark 2 Astra. (Obviously a conversion)
Now that the red top is a good engine but are there any people out there who have owned or own one of these.
Despite looking for bodge conversions what else should be looked forr.
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
i've got a mk2 GTE turbo, some pics in the project & restoration section, couldnt really advise you what to look for to be honest, when i viewed mine i was more concerned about the state of the shell as i didnt want another rust bucket, luckily its in good condition, the fresh low comp engine rebuild was a bonus
I'm sure if chip or rob see this they'll give you some better pointers than me
![Big Grin](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
I'm sure if chip or rob see this they'll give you some better pointers than me
![Top](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/smile011.gif)
#5
PassionFord Post Whore!!
![](https://passionford.com/forum/images/pf_gold_member.png)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SUFFOLK
Posts: 7,482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Will go and look at the resto.
Was looking @ this onehttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Nova-Van-2-0-16V-redtop-c20xe_W0QQitemZ4566608104QQcategoryZ9858QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Was looking @ this onehttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Nova-Van-2-0-16V-redtop-c20xe_W0QQitemZ4566608104QQcategoryZ9858QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
link dont work mate
I think if your looking at a n/a red top nova then its just the shell to check as the engines pretty much bomb proof if its been looked after. if you go for a turbo nova 270-285bhp is quite easily had and quite cheap, and with the weight of the nova should be quite entertaining
![Sad](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
I think if your looking at a n/a red top nova then its just the shell to check as the engines pretty much bomb proof if its been looked after. if you go for a turbo nova 270-285bhp is quite easily had and quite cheap, and with the weight of the nova should be quite entertaining
![Big Grin](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
#7
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
same stuff as most, clean oil , no blue smoke , but nitty gritty stuff is : gunge froth in the head tank= porous head. noisy tappets not expensive if your confident with taking the cams out re-timing etc the tappets need de-carboning every 80k or £350ish done for you with new lifters. LET: erratic boost = actuator or worse the wastegate is stiff . smoking on idle = worn turbo
![Top](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/smile011.gif)
Trending Topics
#8
Advanced PassionFord User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SW London
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
'OLD'! FECKING OLLLLLLLLD!
The cheek! The redtop has ALWAYS been a good engine![Wink](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
My mate Rob has a MK3 gsi with a C20LET, we fitted it ourselves over the space of about 3 days paying close attention to detail.
It is savagely quick, its done all scoobies its come up against, so it can't be bad at all
Shame it keeps breaking the rear engine mount, and bursting the same water hose all the time
The cheek! The redtop has ALWAYS been a good engine
![Wink](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
My mate Rob has a MK3 gsi with a C20LET, we fitted it ourselves over the space of about 3 days paying close attention to detail.
It is savagely quick, its done all scoobies its come up against, so it can't be bad at all
![Wink](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
Shame it keeps breaking the rear engine mount, and bursting the same water hose all the time
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
#9
Whassup
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: puuRS - Belgium (ThE LaNd Of BeEr!)
Posts: 6,275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by RST_lee
Will go and look at the resto.
Was looking @ this onehttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Nova-Van-2-0-16V-redtop-c20xe_W0QQitemZ4566608104QQcategoryZ9858QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Was looking @ this onehttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Nova-Van-2-0-16V-redtop-c20xe_W0QQitemZ4566608104QQcategoryZ9858QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
![Wink](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Nova-...QQcmdZViewItem
#11
Advanced PassionFord User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SW London
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by cossiemen
there are 2 cossies in the background
![Smokin](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_smokin.gif)
![Banana](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/banana_dance.gif)
![Banana](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/banana_dance.gif)
![Banana](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/banana_dance.gif)
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
p.s that's the second time i seen someone say 'I used de-ionised water to stop the head going porous'
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
#13
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: London
Posts: 4,301
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
if its a nova check this little lot as well.
engine bay has been seam welded
what brakes he is using, most people go for 2ltr 16v discs and calipers (256mm)
what drive shafts, most go for gte shafts with cav inner cv's
if it isnt an injection model already (gte, gsi, sri) make sure he changed the fuel tank and lines
Ive seen people using strage lumps of metal and about 15 washers somehow to mount the engines. probably not recomended so make sure he has a proper mount on the left and you need a 10mm spacer on the gear box side.
Good luck finding one, im sure you'll have fun in what ever u buy
engine bay has been seam welded
what brakes he is using, most people go for 2ltr 16v discs and calipers (256mm)
what drive shafts, most go for gte shafts with cav inner cv's
if it isnt an injection model already (gte, gsi, sri) make sure he changed the fuel tank and lines
Ive seen people using strage lumps of metal and about 15 washers somehow to mount the engines. probably not recomended so make sure he has a proper mount on the left and you need a 10mm spacer on the gear box side.
Good luck finding one, im sure you'll have fun in what ever u buy
![Top](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/smile011.gif)
#16
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Worry more about the shell than anything else TBH, as has been said already you need the correct seam welding.
Ideally (if its a nova, its not an issue on astras) you want group A driveshafts too in my experience, but no fooker ever seems to bother with that.
As far as the engines go, no smoke and a decent compression test is about all you need to worry about, and obviously that its not rattling its tits off.
Join migweb if you havent already.
Anymore questions just ask.
Thought for the day:
320bhp 800kg nova = 240bhp @ wheels = 320bhp per tonne at the wheels
600bhp 1400kg escos = 450bhp @ wheels = 320bhp per tonne at the wheels
So that gives you an idea of what the acceleration in the middle couple of gears is going to be like!
Ideally (if its a nova, its not an issue on astras) you want group A driveshafts too in my experience, but no fooker ever seems to bother with that.
As far as the engines go, no smoke and a decent compression test is about all you need to worry about, and obviously that its not rattling its tits off.
Join migweb if you havent already.
Anymore questions just ask.
Thought for the day:
320bhp 800kg nova = 240bhp @ wheels = 320bhp per tonne at the wheels
600bhp 1400kg escos = 450bhp @ wheels = 320bhp per tonne at the wheels
So that gives you an idea of what the acceleration in the middle couple of gears is going to be like!
#18
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Theres a few of us round my end with them.
Mines running just under 300, another mates has done a 12.5 1/4 and another has just finished putting a 378bhp engine in his Nova van. All it has is 2 seats and a dash inside. I imagine that will be keeping up with most things off here?
Bangs for buck you can't beat them!
Mines running just under 300, another mates has done a 12.5 1/4 and another has just finished putting a 378bhp engine in his Nova van. All it has is 2 seats and a dash inside. I imagine that will be keeping up with most things off here?
Bangs for buck you can't beat them!
#19
Advanced PassionFord User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SW London
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Cowboi
Originally Posted by chip-3door
Thought for the day:
320bhp 800kg nova = 240bhp @ wheels = 320bhp per tonne at the wheels
which all = FUN
320bhp 800kg nova = 240bhp @ wheels = 320bhp per tonne at the wheels
which all = FUN
+ Slipery patch + bend + tree = DEAD
#21
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chesterfield
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Snowy_Astra
Shame it keeps breaking the rear engine mount, and bursting the same water hose all the time ![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
#22
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That van has had bulkhead removed but hes not sorted the wiper linkage? its disappeared?
Also re mann shafts, check they are the heavy duty ones not the astra ones tapered down to fit a nova outer cv, if they are they WILL break. The heavy duty ones require a bigger cv and hub machining to match. gte shafts and mk2 cavinner cvs are the way to go.
Also re mann shafts, check they are the heavy duty ones not the astra ones tapered down to fit a nova outer cv, if they are they WILL break. The heavy duty ones require a bigger cv and hub machining to match. gte shafts and mk2 cavinner cvs are the way to go.
#23
Advanced PassionFord User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SW London
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Cam
Originally Posted by Snowy_Astra
Shame it keeps breaking the rear engine mount, and bursting the same water hose all the time ![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
![Big Grin](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Top](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/smile011.gif)
#26
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chesterfield
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by RST_lee
Very suprised. No slagging off the old vauxhalls yet!!
#27
Advanced PassionFord User
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by chip-3door
Thought for the day:
320bhp 800kg nova = 240bhp @ wheels = 320bhp per tonne at the wheels
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/shocked.gif)
80bhp = 25% transmission losses. I'd have thought 15% max on fwd
So more like
320bhp 800kg Nova = 272bhp @ wheels = 340bhp per tonne
![Wink](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
#28
Wahay!! I've lost my Virginity!!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: sheffield
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
a standard let in amk2 astra takes all scoobys fact get a heath robinson eds conversion phase 3.5 and upset many cossies you need 350 plus to get on terms with it in a cos on terms not beat it cheapest performance you will ever have god i miss my battered mk 2
![Banana](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/banana_dance.gif)
#34
PassionFord Post Whore!!
![](https://passionford.com/forum/images/pf_gold_member.png)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SUFFOLK
Posts: 7,482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Either a Mk3 GSI. 2.0L. Or Mk 2 GTE 16v or a silly nova.
Money wise will be what I can get for my S2.
Been looking on Mig last few days for help.
Money wise will be what I can get for my S2.
Been looking on Mig last few days for help.
#35
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Ive a mate selling a Mk2 GTE Champion (Ltd edition)... its on MIG?
Hes just had the head overhauled and sleaved so it can't go porus. Think he wants 3k or just under?
Hes just had the head overhauled and sleaved so it can't go porus. Think he wants 3k or just under?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
big_Rad
General Car Related Discussion.
8
15-09-2017 09:36 AM
Matt Baxter
Ford RS Cosworth Parts for Sale
6
16-09-2015 08:30 PM
The Underdog
Pictures, video & Photoshop Forum
29
07-09-2015 09:49 PM