THE GUBBERMINT ALWAYS KNOWS BEST

[Cavcraft]

In the middle of yet another Mr Sheen/excretia interface, pictures and what not L8RZ. See if you can spot my special repair using Mondeo bumper fixing solution. Back soon...

[cms206]

Sorry to reignite the whole VEKTRAS R SHIT M8 debacle, but I had to spend a chunk of today in a 130k-miler 52-plate Vectra SRi. Selection of warning lights on top of the obligatory engine check light, misfiring like buggery and the whole time I was at the wheel it was using some sort of magic petrol as the range remained at a constant 27 miles.

 

I'd like a shot of a decent one to find out if there are good points, but other than being quite comfy I couldn't find any.

[tonedepear]

Well, it failed, obviously. No big surprises. Needs some welding round the back, plus the brakes are shit. Only one page of fails tho. It's possible it'll be too much for me, but i'll give it some thought.

 

I like the first bit, not so much the second. How bad is the bit that needs welding?

 

Not horrific, but not bodgeable with a tube if chemical metal and some thick paint. Rear chassis up where it mounts bearish the fuel tank, same other side, and the outboard ends of the rearmost outriggers.

 

Brakes just need proper adjustment on the front I think, and a bit of fettling on the back.

 

I've calmed down now anyway. I'll have to get someone to do the welding, but the rest I should manage myself. Was nice to actually have a drive in it tbh.

 

Oh, and ny vectra wasn't in terrible nick and if was still the worst car I've owned. And I've owned some right shit.

[Pillock]

Was it a very late Vectra B or an early Vectra C on a 52-reg?

I rate the earlier model over the later one, both in value for money stakes and niceness to drive. I know they're no sportscar before anyone starts but my 1999 SRI140 gave me almost no trouble (aside from the "they all do that" exhaust manifold stud - a cheap fix as it came out without hassle), was cheap to buy, nice spec and was gutsy enough to be an OK drive. It was certainly no worse than anything else of that ilk I've driven.

[Cavcraft]

 

 

You know you want it.

[Angrydicky]

That's actually cleaned up surprisingly well!

 

Still horrible though

[Guest]

Are these any good at banger racing?

[dollywobbler]

Here's like a preview shot of the Rangie - note to all, the BlackBerry is definitely not a camera with a phone attached.

 

It's a well converted Vogue SE with velour interior and a 200Tdi motor. It's a bit shabby, but very solid - in other words, absolutely what I was looking for. I don't want something that's falling apart and neither do I want something that's too nice to off-road occasionally. It was remarkably pleasant to drive. There are a few issues - things like heater blowers (a common and easily fixed fault) and a couple of non-working electric windows (I'd be happy with Austin A30-style sliders!) but that gives me stuff to work on.

 

It is a gamble. The English ID doesn't currently have an MOT, so it'll be straight off for a test. It does have a French CT though. However, I'll still have spending money left from selling the Scimitar, which'll hopefully cover that and a bit of road tax.

[Cavcraft]

*Think they're single point injection so GR6 4 NUDGE AN SPIN or junior bangers. Or something like that. If you want to buy it and find out though I won't stop you.

[cms206]

Was it a very late Vectra B or an early Vectra C on a 52-reg?

I rate the earlier model over the later one, both in value for money stakes and niceness to drive. I know they're no sportscar before anyone starts but my 1999 SRI140 gave me almost no trouble (aside from the "they all do that" exhaust manifold stud - a cheap fix as it came out without hassle), was cheap to buy, nice spec and was gutsy enough to be an OK drive. It was certainly no worse than anything else of that ilk I've driven.

 

 

Early Vectra C. Only Vectra B I've driven was a 51-plate DTi taxi which felt like it had done every one of the miles displayed on the clock at least twice.

 

The C wasn't really that bad a drive, but it had lots of really irritating issues like a grinding noise which sounded like brakes, a suspension rattle, those bloody rediculous indicators and the single thing that annoys me more than anything on any car... the steering wheel was at a tilt to one side. Really, really bugs me...

[Guest]

I've got an untested solex for a 405 if it's any use to you for parts.

 

 

Have PMd you about this.

[Station]

My sister's golf is misbehaving, so I've got it to sort out.

 

It's 9 degrees, which is frankly disgustingly shitty weather for June.

[dollywobbler]

STOP PRESS. Dollywobbler in VM FAILZ0RZ SHOCKER!

 

Yes, a day late, I've realised that the Range Rover has the VM engine, not a Tdi. For some reason, I was looking at Tdi engines online - they don't have four cylinder heads...

 

I R TWAT!

[jonathan_dyane]

STOP PRESS. Dollywobbler in VM FAILZ0RZ SHOCKER!

 

Yes, a day late, I've realised that the Range Rover has the VM engine, not a Tdi. For some reason, I was looking at Tdi engines online - they don't have four cylinder heads...

 

I R TWAT!

 

Later RRs did have the TDI engine, and it is a popular retrofit.

 

IIRC the VM engine was not the best

 

Not as noisy tho...

[Guest Len H]

The VM engine is fine.

[dollywobbler]

Actually, I think it was the fact that the thing sounded a bit like an Iveco when ticking over that twigged something in my mind. Then I was looking at Tdi pictures and noticed the turbocharger was in the 'wrong' place...

 

It is a surprisingly smooth engine on the move though, and pulled really well once the turbo kicked in. That and thermostat location mean it is at least the 2.5, which is apparently a bit better than the 2.4. Does mean that there's no truth in the fact that the timing belt was changed last year, as there isn't one...

 

I may well still have it, with discussion to be had on value, which is obviously less than if it was actually a Tdi. That's thanks to the reputation that Tdi engines never go wrong. Apart from when they start ingesting their own engine oil and rev to death. Or blow head gaskets. Or crack cylinder heads.

 

In fact, I think perhaps the VM is a WIN engine. Apparently, it was fitted to the Alfa Romeo 164 in some markets!

[Cavcraft]

Ivecos don't tick over, are you confusing it with something else?

 

If it's a 2.5 VM unit won't it be the same one as fitted to earlier Jeeps amongst other things? I seem to recall they were prone to cracking heads.

[jonathan_dyane]

 

A mechanic neighbour of mine had a 'boxy' type Jeep Cherokee with the VM engine, it never went wrong and was more economical than I would have thought possible, so it may be win all the way.

 

If it goes pete tong you could always throw a Perkins 4.203 in

[dollywobbler]

Apparently they don't crack heads, just warp them. Which still leaves them as scrap. I think (OMG!) that Len's right. The more I read into it, the more it seems to be the diesel K-Series in that nowt finishes them off like neglect - and folk all too readily ignore coolant levels and the like...

 

Presumably it's not too much bother to fit a Tdi if the engine does die spectacularly. Engine donors are plentiful and cheap at the moment (that situation can't last!).

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Only some E/F/G reg rangeys have the VM, after that theyve got the TDi effort.

[dollywobbler]

Only some E/F/G reg rangeys have the VM, after that theyve got the TDi effort.

 

Incorrect. VM continued until 1992, the last year as larger 2.5. The Tdi took a while to filter through the range - 1989 for Disco, 1990 for Defender, Rangey had to wait another two years.

 

Regardless, this one was actually retro-fitted in 2004 as it started life as a Vogue Auto.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

PS I love the VM engine, spesh in 120bhp 2.5 120bhp flavour, I would say its better suited to a Rangey than a 200TDi.

[Pillock]

 

It's 9 degrees, which is frankly disgustingly shitty weather for June.

 

And she's only getting 21mpg, is it a frickin' R32??

[Negative Creep]

Ah fuckbeans - i have a gouge in the rear tyre. Not sure if its deep enough to worry about or present any problems at MOT time

[bangers & mash]

Watanabe, I've got another one you can have for spares if you want it.

 

 

You can have them both for the price of postage.

[Rocket88]

After being dicked about for days trying to get a set of front brake pads and a pair of front wheel bearings for my 2002 Touring, bit the bullet, and phoned Jaymic [arse rapeing 2002 specialists]

Them ; "Yes sir, we have all of that in stock"

Me [tentatively] "Pair of front pads, and a pair of front wheel bearings?"

Them " Yes, sir"

Me [more tentatively] "How much, I'm in Jersey, so no VAT applicable"

Them "£41 for the lot, with postage"

Me " Card number is....................."

 

I'd been quoted £24 for the [wrong ones, as it turned out] just for the bloody brake pads over here!

[dollywobbler]

Proof that rip-off merchants are capable of delivery value sometimes!

 

Anyway, I am still buying the VM Range Rover. My evidence was confirmed by a Landy specialist who agreed it's not a Tdi. Can't say I blame them double-checking - made me look like a right chancer agreeing to buy and then saying "hold on, this has got the wrong engine!" So, £300 off the asking. Did I mention that it has no MOT at the moment? Has French CT so taking it straight to a test on Monday. However you look at it, this RR is going to be a right ol' gamble! Hope it ends well. Still, more fun that government-supported online gambling isn't it?

 

Scimitar leaves here on Saturday evening.

[trigger]

Cleaned the Mk4 Escort up today ready for it's buyer to come up from Plymouth tomorrow to collect it (fingers crossed) Also washed the Mk3 and then took the Kadett out to a few local garages to get some estimates done on the front wing, No doubt the price will shock me.

 

Also looking at buying this E28 BMW 520i at some point but still in the negotiation stages at the moment, the cars been in a lock up for 8 years but still in lovely condition, Maybe £500 with no test but I'm waiting for the guy to get it back to his workshops so i can look over it.

 

 

 

[dollywobbler]

That looks beautiful. The E28 is definitely one of BMW's best efforts. There's one around here I see on a regular basis.

[Volksy]

Raised the Renault Master from its near two year slumber. Fired up pretty much first touch once we gave it a boost from my mates Van. It's booked in for an MOT on Friday, which is when the decision is made as to what to do with it. Had a quick check round it, defo going to need a patch on one of the sills. It certainly needs a good bloody scrub and de-mould.

 

The engine settled down to a quiet idle, well a quiet at these can be, but when revved it has a pretty nasty bearing squeak, I'm assuming (and hopeing) its the Alternator, but it could be the camshaft... The engine it bloody inaccessable, just a small hatch in the cab, and the drivetrain is typically old Renault, with the gearbox in front of the engine. Meaning the bonnet is just a service hatch to check levels etc.

 

I guess if it's a catastrophic phail on friday, it'll be worth a bit weighed in..