Welcome to vvon

Leeky · #1 25-02-11, 08:02

So as some know, I'm back in a Vectra...

Got myself a 2001 X Vectra B 2.6 V6 SRi hatchback (I know, I know!) in L20C Met black.

Its fairly high mileage, and needs some tidying up, but otherwise is mechanically sound from my experiences of it so far.

Anyway, pictures:

My plans for now are to just tidy it up really. Though I've already purchased a 4AWG amp wiring kit to install the wiring for the amp, so I can run my sub along with my DVD head unit.

A couple of things I'd like to do from the top of my head:

1. Both mirrors need changing for electric ones (manuals have been fitted)
2. Electric mirror switch needs replacing
3. Facelift GSi front bumper
4. Remove tow bar (any one want one for a hatchback?!?)
5. Replace rear bumper (due to cutout from tow bar)
6. Powerflex mounts for exhaust
7. Investigate front blowing (sounds like front flexy on downpipe) Maybe new downpipes
8. Full tracking, then straighten steering wheel, as its far from straight and annoying me. lol.
9. Sort the issue with the lock barrel not working - maybe order new lock kit if needed.
10. Full service and cambelt
11. Repair to bodywork (mainly NSR quarter arch and panel, and key markings), and OSR boot lid damage.
12. Adjust handbrake
13. Definitely Xenons!!
14. More to come I'm sure.

ASTOBBS · #2 25-02-11, 08:41

Looking good Lee. Atleast its a vectra anyway, non of that jap scrap!

How come its got the headlight washers, (or washer in your case) but not xenon's? Did they fit the washers to all 2.6's?

Since I fitted new wishbones its thrown my steering wheel off centre, can't quite get my head around that haha. Be interested to see if your tracking solves it.

Leeky · #3 25-02-11, 09:13

LOL. In fairness the Honda was very good for what it was, just out of my comfort zone as I'm a Vauxhall man. Was extremely nippy for a 1.4 though!!

I'm not sure why it has, it also has heated seats - but they seem to come on by themselves, rather than by the switches, so I'm not sure whats going on really. I've not even confirmed the washers actually work, though it would be a bargain if it did - as I'll be getting xenons anyway.

A couple of the switches are not illuminating anyway, plus a bulb or two has blown in the heater panel, so I plan to have a good investigation whilst stripping it down to do the stereo system.

I might wait though, and do the interior (and lay the wires under the carpet) at the same time - So anyone that wants a near mint half leather SRi interior (but it has worn through on the drivers bolster like they all do), you can have it for free in return for your cloth SRi interior (must have pull out thigh supports).

Yeah, I think its going to need the tracking sorted, and me straightening up the wheel as well, as its currently pulling to the left all the time (only slightly). I need to check the frontend's bushes anyway.

I also need to remove the bleeding towbar assy. as its doing my head in with the exhaust hitting it. It might also need rose bushes (be the first ever!), but I won't really know more until the tow bar is removed and I can actually hear anything else.

Its also blowing from the flexy (not checked, but sounds it), so that'll need sorting. Other than that though, she runs absolutely perfect in every respect.

ASTOBBS · #4 25-02-11, 09:50

sweet. Seen that link I've posted to the sri leather? Maybe he means half leather on reflection.

I'm about to fit my towbar to mine this weekend, managed to get one with the removable towing assy' so it wont b permanantly sat there. Saying that though, there were times when having the towbar on the green vectra really saved me. Twice I backed into block and mesh fencing and the towbar touched first, and I'm sure it kept the bumper on in scotland when the back wheels dropped into a hollow on a farm track.

I still don't get these front bumpers, why doesn't yours have a widemouth?

Think its time I did a project thread of my own lol

Leeky · #5 25-02-11, 11:10

Yeah I did see it thanks Andy - though I can do without having to buy one, so hoping I can swap for a cloth SRi interior (same as mine but cloth) costing me nothing. I actually prefer the all cloth ones anyway, I find the GSi Recaro's support my back in the wrong places, and make my back even worse than usual. The cloth SRi seats support it perfectly.

Yeah, I would keep it if I could get to remain quiet. The noise the exhaust is making slamming into the support beam of the towbar (again haven't looked, but seen it before!) is driving me nuts... I can literally drive down some local roads (which I drive daily) and its knocking the whole way down the road = me very angry, very quickly!! Pmsl.

I dunno why not, tbh I thought it was a CDX thing (for 2.2/2.6 and diesels) only. One thing is for certain though, the washers are alive and kicking on my car. I just tested them, and although I'm losing water big time (under the grille) they are trying to work - So the setup is original, so I'll definitely just grab another washer now rather than remove it all.

I might fit it all into a GSi bumper though, cos they rock!

Yes you should! It kinda gets addictive in the end, and you end up taking pictures of the slightest change, and look rather obsessive, but hey ho, worse things could happen.

I just need to recoup some cash now, and then I can take a trip to the scrappies and get some treats for her.

ASTOBBS · #6 25-02-11, 12:21

two y32se engines on ebay aswell. God if I only had the spare dough

Leeky · #7 25-02-11, 13:37

LOL, I'm trying my best to just keep it simple for now. I've a few things I need to resolve anyway, so that isn't going to be an issue.

It does look a little rough right now, but the important thing is its functional, which is exactly whats needed right now. So for now, the changes I made (besides fitting my stereo) will be to help with reliability and the replacement of worn parts essential for the cars use - not cosmetic ones.

I've agreed I won't change the engine on this one, unless something serious happens. lol.

ASTOBBS · #8 25-02-11, 18:22

my stance entirely. If the 2.6 engine goes west it'll be 3.2 super all the way. yeehaa. Kind of what I'm doing with mine. Not bought anything flashy, just been sorting the mechanical side.

flatbeat · #9 25-02-11, 21:12

dont to bad just sort that ding out change the bumper and not got a bad lookin vec m8y nice 1

Leeky · #10 26-02-11, 16:07

Yeah its pretty cool.

I have to say the rumble makes me grin everytime I pull away from a standstill. haha.

Though my driveway was looking a little contaminated this morning...

Its ATF by the way.... lol. So that'll give me something to look at in a day or so, as its seems to be leaking it nonstop. Probably a union leaking, but the underside of the bottle is looking rather wet, so it might be that.

The OSF ABS ring, or maybe the sensor seems unhappy as well, so need to whip the wheel off and check to see if its just dirt clogging the teeth up, or whether it needs a new ring/CV joint.

Oh and the exhaust banging on the towbar frame is already doing my banana's in, so I might rip the bloody thing off - unless I can persuade the letterbox exhaust not to knock its head off....

Also need to see where the exhaust is blowing too. So thats another job, along with an oil change.

Still, I'm glad to be back in a Vectra.