pmc_3
15-09-2004, 11:01 PM
Project Track Valver
Right, in August this year I decided I’d had enough of the modded car scene. I decided to go back to what I liked best racing. So, the hunt was on to find a decent car to use as a base for a track day car on a budget. I intend to post all of the costs I encounter and on non consumable items only purchase second hand parts.
On the 21st of August, whilst hungover, I stumbled across a GTE 16v on Ebay. It didn’t sound too bad, 96k miles, Cav GSI wheels, Koni Adjustable shocks, Strut brace, Sebring Exhaust, Tubular manifold and the owner had been honest about a rusty door, wing and rear arches. It was only about 20mins away from where I lived and it seemed like it was meant to be, so I bid on it and won the auction for £490.
Pics off the ebay auction:
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/ebay/ebay1.jpg
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/ebay/ebay2.jpg
When I picked up the car, it seemed solid enough and drove very well, except for a few problems. The exhaust was knocking and it was a little hesitant, but nothing a good service wouldn’t sort. However under further investigation at home later, I discovered it had a porous head. Not the end of the world but not something you are pleased to find! :( Still to be sorted :rolleyes:
I soon serviced it which improved how it was running and quietened the engine down a lot. I also got a new set of front tyres as one was bald :eek: and they were a different profile to the others. The following day it was off to a rolling road day at Northampton Motorsport. The car went on the rollers and did pretty well, being the second most powerful xe powered car of the day. It produced 159.2 bhp and 146.1 lb/ft of torque.
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/rr day/dscf0004.jpg
The next thing I purchased was some arch repair panels for when I get round to and have enough money to get the tatty bits of the bodywork sorted. Unfortunately the exhaust started blowing too and so I needed to track down a decent cheap replacement.
I got bored on a weekend and so decided to gut the interior, bar the front seats and the dash.
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/stripping out 030904/dscf0012.jpg
On the Sunday of that weekend, 5th September, I took a trip to a rwyb at Santapod and ran the Astra up the strip (complete with the slightly blowing exhaust, lol!) and managed a respectable time of 15.064s :D
I managed to find a bargain of an exhaust which I pick up on the 16th of September. It’s a full stainless system with twin round exit. It’s a bit odd too, its only two piece, has two boxes and is tig welded. Apparently its off an ex Donnington track car, anyways bargain for £50.
More updates soon. Expenses so far below:
Car £490.00
Service (Oil, oil filter, plugs, leads) £82.96
2x BF Goodrich G Force tyres, 4 wheel laser tracking £132.01
Arch repair panels £26.99
Stainless exhaust system £50.00
Total spent £781.96
Right, in August this year I decided I’d had enough of the modded car scene. I decided to go back to what I liked best racing. So, the hunt was on to find a decent car to use as a base for a track day car on a budget. I intend to post all of the costs I encounter and on non consumable items only purchase second hand parts.
On the 21st of August, whilst hungover, I stumbled across a GTE 16v on Ebay. It didn’t sound too bad, 96k miles, Cav GSI wheels, Koni Adjustable shocks, Strut brace, Sebring Exhaust, Tubular manifold and the owner had been honest about a rusty door, wing and rear arches. It was only about 20mins away from where I lived and it seemed like it was meant to be, so I bid on it and won the auction for £490.
Pics off the ebay auction:
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/ebay/ebay1.jpg
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/ebay/ebay2.jpg
When I picked up the car, it seemed solid enough and drove very well, except for a few problems. The exhaust was knocking and it was a little hesitant, but nothing a good service wouldn’t sort. However under further investigation at home later, I discovered it had a porous head. Not the end of the world but not something you are pleased to find! :( Still to be sorted :rolleyes:
I soon serviced it which improved how it was running and quietened the engine down a lot. I also got a new set of front tyres as one was bald :eek: and they were a different profile to the others. The following day it was off to a rolling road day at Northampton Motorsport. The car went on the rollers and did pretty well, being the second most powerful xe powered car of the day. It produced 159.2 bhp and 146.1 lb/ft of torque.
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/rr day/dscf0004.jpg
The next thing I purchased was some arch repair panels for when I get round to and have enough money to get the tatty bits of the bodywork sorted. Unfortunately the exhaust started blowing too and so I needed to track down a decent cheap replacement.
I got bored on a weekend and so decided to gut the interior, bar the front seats and the dash.
http://www.benhen.com/pmcit/photos/gte 16v/stripping out 030904/dscf0012.jpg
On the Sunday of that weekend, 5th September, I took a trip to a rwyb at Santapod and ran the Astra up the strip (complete with the slightly blowing exhaust, lol!) and managed a respectable time of 15.064s :D
I managed to find a bargain of an exhaust which I pick up on the 16th of September. It’s a full stainless system with twin round exit. It’s a bit odd too, its only two piece, has two boxes and is tig welded. Apparently its off an ex Donnington track car, anyways bargain for £50.
More updates soon. Expenses so far below:
Car £490.00
Service (Oil, oil filter, plugs, leads) £82.96
2x BF Goodrich G Force tyres, 4 wheel laser tracking £132.01
Arch repair panels £26.99
Stainless exhaust system £50.00
Total spent £781.96