Ian T's long term GTE project

[Ian T]

I'll post some content up here directly, but in the mean time, have a look at this temporary link...

http://www.abs-zero.com/Project_cars/GTE16V.htm

Total shed at the moment but I'm hoping I can turn it into a car again. Those that know me will know how I like a good challenge. The diary will be updated on the website as and when progress occurs.

Overall plan is to get it sorted in terms of metal replacement, then find a Vectra V6 engine to go in it.

Ian.

[caul pope]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Oooh Vectra V6, which one you hopping to use Ian?

Good to see another astra being 'revitalised'!

[Ian T]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Well, most of the worthwhile modifications went into the X25XE lump from the beginning, but in 1998 there were some more changes, so ideally I'll find a post 98 lump to put in. Then the usual stuff, 3.0 cams and see how it goes from there.

A 1996 lump would be fine also, as a good one will still purr nicely.

Ian.

[Tom]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

What have you got planned looks wise ? Mostly standard looking ?

[Ian T]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Yeah, as standard as I can keep it really. I have to sacrifice the wheels because of the 5-stud conversion, so I'll be using my Cav Turbo rims instead, as 16" should be a good compromise between looks and handling.

I'll be interested to see if all the black plastic and rubber bits are available new though... I know people are removing them, but I want that standard look to be preserved if I can.

Ian.

[Steve Heley]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

You can still get all the trim.. i recently got a complete sticker set, front GTE badge and grill, skirts, headlight washers, rubber strips, front and rear bumper trims, mirrow covers, tailgate handle and the rear 1/4 air vent things.. You cannot get the black tailgate sticket with 16v on anymore, so i've had to get the earlier one without it.

[Ian T]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Good news...

I sprayed my old Mk2 with satin black where the strips fitted. Came out pretty well to be honest, but if the strips that fit between the doors and rear windows are still available then I might peel mine off and do a full respray, rather than masking them.

How much were the rubber side strips? Were they already cut to length and including the sticky pasd to secure them?

Ian.

[Steve Heley]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Yeh, they are sold ready to fit.. about £30 a side i think..

[REMUS]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Are you taking about the bump strips? Are you going to keep it fairly standard on the outside or tart her up?

[Tom]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Yeah, as standard as I can keep it really. I have to sacrifice the wheels because of the 5-stud conversion, so I'll be using my Cav Turbo rims instead, as 16" should be a good compromise between looks and handling.

I'll be interested to see if all the black plastic and rubber bits are available new though... I know people are removing them, but I want that standard look to be preserved if I can.

Ian.

Sounds good

Bit sleeperish then, I like that

[Ian T]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Yeh, they are sold ready to fit.. about £30 a side i think..

Excellent... I know that isn't cheap but it'll get more showroom appeal that way.

@Remus: Yeah, standard look for me, no tarting up really, although I will be updating the electronics inside, probably along with the engine, as the car the engine comes from will naturally have a standard immobiliser, central locking, alarm and other functions.

As I said, long term project!

@Tom: Slightly sleeperish, certainly nothing more than the turbo alloys to belie anything out of the ordinary from the outside. it has currently got a double-round tailpipe (2 x 3") which will have to go probably, but I'll wait and see what a V6 sounds like with it first, as it's all stainless and would otherwise last forever. Cheers for the comments.

Ian.

[Steve Heley]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Mines going back to standard to look at.. just got a standard 16v back box from the dealers for the exhaust people to cut the trims off when they make the exhaust..

[Dan Gliballs]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Lovely colour Ian

When are you going to make a start mate? I'll have to take a drive over to you when the work commences - good excuse for a drive out and would look forward to talking about Vauxhalls/life with ya

Paul.

[Ian T]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Lovely colour Ian

When are you going to make a start mate? I'll have to take a drive over to you when the work commences - good excuse for a drive out and would look forward to talking about Vauxhalls/life with ya

LOL... I have already started, although it's far from looking progressworthy at the moment. Towards the bottom of that link are the galleries of the progress so far. Need to book some good weather (and health) and get cracking now that Christmas is out of the way.

Here's a taster...


With the panel tried for fit:


Ian.

[Dan Gliballs]

Re: Ian T's long term GTE project

Ahh, so you HAVE taken the plunge then

Will it be OK to come over sometime then?

What are your sills like BTW?

Paul.