Corsa C Z20 or Nova LET

[garethcolley]

I'm pretty sure on your opinions already but i'm considering breaking the Nova (happens around 6 times a year) and buying a Corsa C z20 as there are some cheap ones around at the moment.

Main reason is that i could use it as a daily which i can't/refuse to do with my caged poly carbed Nova. Another reason is the small problems that always seem to need sorting, latest ones are coilover clearances, F28 gear changes and my lairy roll cage....i think i would prefer a more standard ish Vauxhall that has a bit of poke?

You can get decent examples for around 5k with M32 boxes fitted? For that money it would be a Z20LET but i could always swap for a VXR later down the line.

Interested to hear peoples thoughts on performance as i havent been in one nor have i been in a Corsa B LET. I've seen they weigh around 1000kg so not quite as nimble as the Nova but still relatively light. Obviously they will still shift but how does it compare to the Nova, more refined? Disconnected driving feel?

Discuss......:roll:

[General Baxter]

corsa C

but dont use there fourm lol

[garethcolley]

corsa C

but dont use there fourm lol

I've just been on, its dreadful as are most. PNG is pretty good to be fair.

Have you been in a Corsa Z20 Baxter?

[General Baxter]

no

but a corsa C is better then a B

newer, younger engines

[garethcolley]

no

but a corsa C is better then a B

newer, younger engines

Indeed, i think they look well with some Irmscher bits bolted on. I'm not sure i'd be happy giving somebody 5k+ for a Corsa though :wtf:, its much easier to digest sinking money into your car over 3 years TBH. Then it makes me think what else could you get for 5K. Ideally i'd like a '96' Clio 1.8 16v for a daily and the Nova for track but its stupid having two sporty hatches.

[General Baxter]

but would you pay £3k for a nova,

i know i wouldn't lol

[Sloth]

been in a c zlet, and a c v6, both were ferking scary....

be careful there are penty of bodged conversions, few peeps know the secrets.

[garethcolley]

but would you pay £3k for a nova,

i know i wouldn't lol

lol no i wouldn't TBH, I wish i'd never bought a Nova for my first car then i wouldnt feel the need to have one....i might just get a push bike and have done with it lol

[garethcolley]

been in a c zlet, and a c v6, both were ferking scary....

be careful there are penty of bodged conversions, few peeps know the secrets.

Yeh that it is a worry, hence why i'd rather buy one complete (providing its done) right than attempt it myself.

[Rysee]

Push bikes are comfier and more refined

[General Baxter]

throw an offer at LMF for there corsa C then lol

[garethcolley]

been in a c zlet, and a c v6, both were ferking scary....

be careful there are penty of bodged conversions, few peeps know the secrets.

Yeh that it is a worry, hence why i'd rather buy one complete (providing its done right) than attempt it myself. Although parts of me thinks the hardest bit is wiring as all your doing is welding some custom mounts on?

[garethcolley]

throw an offer at LMF for there corsa C then lol

lol

[General Baxter]

http://www.midpointgarage.co.uk/images/LMF_Corsa_large.jpg

[MattBrown]

Yeh that it is a worry, hence why i'd rather buy one complete (providing its done right) than attempt it myself. Although parts of me thinks the hardest bit is wiring as all your doing is welding some custom mounts on?

I think lmf have the mounts, shafts etc all premade now.

Also, I havent been in a z20let c, but been in the astra theyre from, and wasnt amazingly fast, was fast, but not neck snapping.

However, 250bhp, in a 1000kg car will be pretty quick.

I would be more inclined to do one myself, as when im rippin around at x speed, I wana know that somethings not gonna fall offlol

[garethcolley]

Few questions:

1, Are Corsa C's throttle by wire?
2, Are they cable clutch or all hydraulic (hence being able to take F23 etc)?
3, Do they need the bay stitching up on 1.0, 1.2 shells?

[Sloth]

you dont use custom mounts, you use std gm ones ;)

Few questions:

1, Are Corsa C's throttle by wire? yes
2, Are they cable clutch or all hydraulic (hence being able to take F23 etc)? hydraulic
3, Do they need the bay stitching up on 1.0, 1.2 shells? no

[General Baxter]

Few questions:

1, Are Corsa C's throttle by wire?
2, Are they cable clutch or all hydraulic (hence being able to take F23 etc)?
3, Do they need the bay stitching up on 1.0, 1.2 shells?


yes,
hydro
no idea

but all the ecu is wired into the radio, clocks, alarm, imob, right bitch to work out

[garethcolley]

yes,
hydro
no idea

but all the ecu is wired into the radio, clocks, alarm, imob, right bitch to work out

Thanks, yeh i've read a few peoples built threads and wiring does seem tricky. My mate could do that side if i did my own. Way i see it then though:

Car = £1500
Conversion kit = £700 :eek:
Engine + box = £2000+
Brakes = £300
Suspension = £500
Fancy bits and paint = £1000++

Might aswell buy one complete and fix the rough bits.

[Sloth]

you dont need a conversion kit.....
motors and boxes are more like 1400.
brakes are easy, 288 mm fiat disks and zafira calipers.

car = 500 up, look for a salvage one with a dead motor or minor front end.

[Sloth]

baxter the radio isnt thru the ecu on the c's, and tbh itsa only 2 wires that go to the body ecu unless you buy a late model with ac and all the options. y reg 1.2 sxi's are best, very basic wiring, and cheap

[Benn]

Ben fancies a Corsa C Zlet too...

[Nick J]

Ive been saying this for a while too Gareth....... I would like a corsa zlet for my next project once I part with the nova. I think they look well and converted properly will be just as much of a handful as the nova whilst being much more comfortable!

Nick.

[dj_wudgey]

keep the nova!! old school rules!!!

[MattBrown]

Have you seen one crash?

Thats all im saying lol

[Pistol Pete]

lol and a Nova is better??!!

I'd like a zlet Corsa. Some tidy ones about.

[dj_wudgey]

matt me?? and seen a nova crash ive been in two crashes in them lol

[garethcolley]

Ive been saying this for a while too Gareth....... I would like a corsa zlet for my next project once I part with the nova. I think they look well and converted properly will be just as much of a handful as the nova whilst being much more comfortable!

Nick.

Decisions, decisions.....i'm also thinking that as winter is now coming and the Nova wont get used till March or April i could sell up and run a Corsa without the worry of the undersiding rusting!

[Mieran]

Nova to a Corsa C?! Are you mad?

Ecowreck ftl

[Shaun]

to be honest, i fancy another corsa b or a c aswel with a let in

[BENDOGGER]

cant beat one thats been converted right

[Sloth]

saw a z let c run todsay at york, best was a 14.2. not too bad

[garethcolley]

saw a z let c run todsay at york, best was a 14.2. not too bad

A standard Astra GTE isnt far from that? Any idea what power he had? I've spent most of the day reading up on them, they seem heavy beasts. I think a LEH conversion is the best option with M32 box.

[Andy]

saw a z let c run todsay at york, best was a 14.2. not too bad
If i'd gone to all that trouble and cost,i'd be bitterly disappointed with a time like that

[garethcolley]

If i'd gone to all that trouble and cost,i'd be bitterly disappointed with a time like that

Indeed, although without knowing specs and also the fact it could have been his first quarter mile its hard to judge. I reckon you could get high 13s on standard power with practice. 250+ should also help.

[Spudly]

saw a z let c run todsay at york, best was a 14.2. not too bad



Thats babba, Ricks old nova ran a 13.2 this afternoon iirc :p


Btw was that the blue one with no third gear lol

[Mike]

Given the choice Id rather attempt to chop a ZLET into a Corsa B. Corsa C's weight a tonne, and I can assure you now, they dont come apart as easy as a Nova does!

Regarding the wiring for headunit, if I take my head unit out the immobiliser cuts in & my C doesnt start lol hydraulic clutch yes as the electronic clutch switch is prone for failing & it brings on the EML. They leak water like a right bitch as theres an inherent problem with the brake servo to bulkhead seal (NOT an easy fix!) facelift bumpers & skirts etc sell for sheetloads making GSi kits look cheap.

Basicaly Ive owned plenty Nova's Corsa B's an now a Corsa C. The C being one car I wouldnt never properly modify for love nor money.

[MattBrown]

If i'd gone to all that trouble and cost,i'd be bitterly disappointed with a time like that


I'd be selling the fooker.

Standard nova xe on 45s runs 13.2

Hey hoe, could have had anything wrong with it.

[MattBrown]

Given the choice Id rather attempt to chop a ZLET into a Corsa B. Corsa C's weight a tonne, and I can assure you now, they dont come apart as easy as a Nova does!

Regarding the wiring for headunit, if I take my head unit out the immobiliser cuts in & my C doesnt start lol hydraulic clutch yes as the electronic clutch switch is prone for failing & it brings on the EML. They leak water like a right bitch as theres an inherent problem with the brake servo to bulkhead seal (NOT an easy fix!) facelift bumpers & skirts etc sell for sheetloads making GSi kits look cheap.


I put an aftermarket headunit a week ago! And it still runs lol

Was an 02 1200sxi

[garethcolley]

Given the choice Id rather attempt to chop a ZLET into a Corsa B. Corsa C's weight a tonne, and I can assure you now, they dont come apart as easy as a Nova does!

Regarding the wiring for headunit, if I take my head unit out the immobiliser cuts in & my C doesnt start lol hydraulic clutch yes as the electronic clutch switch is prone for failing & it brings on the EML. They leak water like a right bitch as theres an inherent problem with the brake servo to bulkhead seal (NOT an easy fix!) facelift bumpers & skirts etc sell for sheetloads making GSi kits look cheap.

Where do they water leak and why? Scuttle area?

[Mike]

I put an aftermarket headunit a week ago! And it still runs lol

Was an 02 1200sxi

Start the car with the headunit removed competly. Thats when mine doesnt work. 2002 1.7 Turbo

[Mike]

Where do they water leak and why? Scuttle area?

Into the drivers footwell, soaks & rots the carpet out like a bitch & finds its way into the syll & stays there unless you remove the 4 plastic bungs underneath (hence why mine are missing on drivers of my van).

Its a dash out job. The servo is set into the bulkhead with a massive rubber seal around it. There **** qaulity & leak for fun. Means you have to scrape ice of the inside of your windscreen in the winter too :(

[MattBrown]

Start the car with the headunit removed competly. Thats when mine doesnt work. 2002 1.7 Turbo


Sounds like a bridging wire then.

As rob said, it's 2 wires, so just join em together.

[Mike]

Sounds like a bridging wire then.

As rob said, it's 2 wires, so just join em together.

www.bothered.com/notreallyno (http://www.bothered.com/notreallyno)

Headunit works fine, changer works fine, speakers work fine. Job done.

EDIT: If you buy one, make sure its had the recall for the gear shifter mod :thumb: but like I said in my WiP when I first had my C, an ill say it again now, I would never in a million years consider having another one. Ever. My sisters says the same about her 1.0 12v Comfort thing (her first car).

[peester]

old cars are cooler than new cars, just more hassle/difficult.

[Sloth]

yeah spud the blue un with no 3rd. so a14.2 is fukking impressive. tehy run mid 13's usually gareth. and tbh getting 300bhp out of a zlet isnt hard.

[Mike]

Buy yourself a cheap Audi A3 an shoe horn this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUDI-RS4-ENGINE-4-2-QUATTRO-BNS-6-SPEED-MANUAL-2006-/250687159727?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM) into it.

[garethcolley]

yeah spud the blue un with no 3rd. so a14.2 is fukking impressive. tehy run mid 13's usually gareth. and tbh getting 300bhp out of a zlet isnt hard.

Yeh i thought so, i'm glad i started this thread as some good points coming out. Would you trust a 300hp ECOTEC though lol? I've heard they can let go very easily?

From Mikes comments i'm now slightly put off. I've currently got a Corsa B which i hate so its either Nova LET on the road through winter or sell everything and buy Z20LET or LEH Corsa or something else. Cars are s**t i can't seem to find the best solution.

[garethcolley]

Buy yourself a cheap Audi A3 an shoe horn this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUDI-RS4-ENGINE-4-2-QUATTRO-BNS-6-SPEED-MANUAL-2006-/250687159727?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM) into it.

Very cheap that, can someone make a conversion kit lol lol

[Sloth]

gareth, buy a zleh motor, fit pec low comps and a decent manifold (not nortec) and turbo and run it on management. 300+ bhp and cheap.

[Mike]

Yeh i thought so, i'm glad i started this thread as some good points coming out. Would you trust a 300hp ECOTEC though lol? I've heard they can let go very easily?

From Mikes comments i'm now slightly put off. I've currently got a Corsa B which i hate so its either Nova LET on the road through winter or sell everything and buy Z20LET or LEH Corsa or something else. Cars are s**t i can't seem to find the best solution.

Right ok, dont get me wrong there nice to drive by all means (as most newer/new cars are) but Ive had issues with mine (put this down to luck of the draw) an then my sister passed her test & shes had problems with hers lol

There used to be a thread on CockChuggersUK about "how many replacement engines have you had" an alot of people we posting like "engine number 3, cars done 90k" etc.

So I added that to my experience's & came to conclusion that there either properly **** cars OR there just not for me.

Ive always found Corsa B's a hoot to drive TBH, espcially on standard tyres/steelies in the wet? (also currently got one of these aswell).

[Sloth]

also, that rs4 motor will fit any audi with an inline engine built after 73. so buy a 1980s audi 90 or 100 quattro and fit it and scare yourself to fukk.

[Mike]

also, that rs4 motor will fit any audi with an inline engine built after 73. so buy a 1980s audi 90 or 100 quattro and fit it and scare yourself to fukk.

Defiently more fun then any kind of GM LET thats for sure :cool:

[Sloth]

Right ok, dont get me wrong there nice to drive by all means (as most newer/new cars are) but Ive had issues with mine (put this down to luck of the draw) an then my sister passed her test & shes had problems with hers lol

There used to be a thread on CockChuggersUK about "how many replacement engines have you had" an alot of people we posting like "engine number 3, cars done 90k" etc.

So I added that to my experience's & came to conclusion that there either properly **** cars OR there just not for me.

Ive always found Corsa B's a hoot to drive TBH, espcially on standard tyres/steelies in the wet? (also currently got one of these aswell).
i had mine from 9 months old, with 13k, and sold it 5 years later with 78k on it. i did oil and filters every 5k and it never went wrong. ever. it was an 03 plate sxi 1.2. the reason they die all the time is cos bellends dont service em right and thrash em silly. (not you mike) lol

[Mike]

Luck of the draw then I guess. My sisters is an 02 I think, shes had no mechanical problems, just loads elsewhere. Was repo car from British car auctions with 39k on this time last year'ish.

[Sloth]

true, i do belive theyre like old bl cars, i.e certain days are crap. gareth, 300bhp in one is more than enough, and due to the suspension etc they put it down better.

[Mike]

Id never buy another one given the choice. But Id never buy a LET Nova either so meh.

[BENDOGGER]

gareth, buy a zleh motor, fit pec low comps and a decent manifold (not nortec) and turbo and run it on management. 300+ bhp and cheap.

Why not nortec then?

[Sloth]

poor quality, long manufacture times and tbh ask anyone who runs a decent let, thwy aint that good.

[BENDOGGER]

Think he's based near me so thats good to hear

[Mieran]

saw a z let c run todsay at york, best was a 14.2. not too bad

Slower than a XE Nova then, lol

[Sloth]

read the post afterward, that was with a bust 3rd gear....

[dj_wudgey]

with a nackard 3rd thats not bad at all lol

[Mieran]

why go drag racing if your gears are knackered?

Just a bull**** excuse for a crap time imo.

[Edd]

I personally hated my Z20LET. I don't rate them at all.

Very very brittle engine and components
No where near as well built as a C20LET, think these were hand built.

Afm, boost solenoids, turbos are all very weak.

I had nothing but trouble with my Astra mk4 gsi which was low millage as well, I also know plenty of other z let owners who would say the same.

A Z20leh might be a better option.

[dj_wudgey]

I personally hated my Z20LET. I don't rate them at all.

Very very brittle engine and components
No where near as well built as a C20LET, think these were hand built.

Afm, boost solenoids, turbos are all very weak.

I had nothing but trouble with my Astra mk4 gsi which was low millage as well, I also know plenty of other z let owners who would say the same.

A Z20leh might be a better option.

ive heard a few people say the same!! personally im C20 LET all the way unless its in a sr that is lol

[Edd]

They really are crap IMO

If I was to get a corsa c I'd be fitting a corsa vxr lump and tuning that

[dj_wudgey]

yea is say the same matey!! but then id prob still want to let it if i was to get my mums corsa c!!

[Sloth]

why go drag racing if your gears are knackered?

Just a bull**** excuse for a crap time imo.

he grenaded it on the way there.....:roll: