Probably decent engines when low miles and looked after ie well serviced and plenty of history, turbos are weak though so make sure if you get one it's maybe been replaced.
Probably decent engines when low miles and looked after ie well serviced and plenty of history, turbos are weak though so make sure if you get one it's maybe been replaced.
Stem seals is a common problem and clutches fail when running more than standard power
Run a 280 ish bhp mk4 gsi as my daily. Handle very well and driving it normal I get 35 mpg and on a run it does 38/40 mpg.
It's poorly at min wants a set of rings but it's done 136000 so I can't grumble
Bought a 2001 Astra coupe turbo with 110K on the clock, did a phase 1 remap but turbo failed at around 120K (this is good for a factory Z20LET turbo)
Broke up car for spares and kept engine
Fitted engine into Carlton with a massive turbo (no internal mods), remapped to 350bhp
Everyone (including the tuner who mapped it) said it wouldn't last 5 minutes, will throw a rod etc....
It ran very reliably for 2.5 abusive years to 175K where number 2 piston ring failed - not bad eh!!
It averaged 30mpg till the day it died
Last edited by Johnny A; 25-06-14 at 06:48 PM.
Sounds like if I get myself a half decent one then I'm on to a winner! Looking at a couple now actually. Lovely standard example, and one that's had a tune up. Made an offer on the tuned up one and I'm just waiting upon a reply from the seller. Shall see what happens!!
Not sure on the wheels but the rest is spot on
Looks sweet apart from the wheels! Im sure you will get a lot of fun out of it. I got my old one pretty cheap as it needed a new turbo and new stem seals, but once I replaced them bits it was a peach. Some cheeky mods and a remap saw 272bhp (could have gone more but standard clutch was letting go on the rollers) and I was getting 28mpg driving it steady round town. Would have it back in a heartbeat!