Meriva Z20LET project.

[joff-turbo-nova]

love what you done with it. one thing id think about changing is the headlamps to the smoked xenon ones found on some later merivas.

also keep the gsi wheels they work well

I think you are referring to the AFL's like on this Meriva here :-

http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/183797/2008-opel-meriva-headlight-photo-184101-s-1280x782.jpg

These are not a plug and play upgrade as there is a load of extra wiring needed, which is usually added at the factory. You need to upgrade a sensor on the steering column as well as well as the Body Control Module via a TechII machine.

Then there's the cost of the headlights, new they are something like £350+VAT each , and second hand are like rocking horse poo, and still command £100+ .

All in all I've thought about it , but discounted it as a viable upgrade option.

Cheers for the comments !

Joff

[elgan]

is there not a way to make them work without the steering control? just to have forward facing lighting? also do depo do replacement lamps in this style?

[joff-turbo-nova]

is there not a way to make them work without the steering control? just to have forward facing lighting? also do depo do replacement lamps in this style?

This may be true, but without getting hold of a pair to "try them out" then I'm not sure, however a) I can't find any second hand b) I'm not shelling out +£200 on second hand ones or +£700 on new ones for something that "might work"

Just looked at the Depo site - they only do the standard types of headlights, nothing modded or darkened .

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Just got back from a rolling road session with VXRO at RS Tuning in Leeds. Specky was his usual jovial self and seemed quite surprised to find a Z20LET in my engine bay !

Anyway, a bit of a mixed result - power output was 225 bhp with 290 ft/lb torque, however the revs were only taken to 4000 rpm, as it was getting very lean, and in Speckys words "if I take it any further it will break!"

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/scan0009_zps5529c033.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3652_zps29d76d91.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3653_zps57971783.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3654_zps600a8f87.jpg

So good news that its got 225 bhp and not so good about the running lean. I will be getting this booked back into RS Tuning in a few weeks time to get a proper live map put on and all should be well !

Joff

[Benn]

Still made a nice power figure.

[Kev Turbo]

Good luck with the remap - Look forward to the results!

[nova_niek]

With 225 BHP @ 4,500 rpm and another 2,000 rpm to go, it's got plenty of potential! Looking forward to the live mapping session results. Any chances the torque curve will flatten a bit with remapping?

[joff-turbo-nova]

Any chances the torque curve will flatten a bit with remapping?

Hopefully, ideally a nice n shape would be good rather than the spiky output we have at the moment - there still may be a blip as that's the overboost coming in.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Now booked in at RS Tuning on the 17th June , so will need to keep things lower down the rev range for the time being.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Well, needed to exploit my celebrity neighbours today, Sarah Beeny lives just round the corner from me, and I was passing the end of her drive.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/MerivaRise1_zpsee3abef8.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/MerivaRise2_zps3b51954f.jpg

Needs a good clean and polish before PVS next weekend !

Joff

[mowgli]

you are actually at sarah beeny's gate.... that's a definite claim to fame... lol

[dgbnova#1]

Looks like your the lookout driver watching for the cops at the end of the lane lol look forward to seeing this at pvs

[joff-turbo-nova]

Quick update....


Thought I would get my finger out and get some cleaning done ready for PVS .....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3726_zps573949f7.jpg


Before I dried off the paint work I noticed a difference in the water - guess which panel has been polished and waxed and which is just clean....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3727_zps68ae437a.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3728_zps576f1bff.jpg


Amazing stuff these cleaning products !


Need to take the wheels off and give them a good clean inside along with the brakes and suspension, and then a good polish and wax all over .


Even organised my cleaning products into a handy carrier ...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3737_zpsbad1ca24.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3738_zps5226c449.jpg




Cheers


Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Well PVS is now done and dusted, hope everyone had a good time (apart from the chap in the Astra Burg with a knackered gearbox/driveshaft who stopped 1/4 of the way up the strip!) Here's a few pics ...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3768_zps232b4a5e.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3761_zps68b21f57.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3744_zps98fb5936.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3752_zps519fd31d.jpg


This coffee table was cool - the wife has said "NO"


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3745_zpsf8921360.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3770_zpsddcbf122.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3763_zpsf0e8a44e.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3771_zps2aa56ef7.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3773a_zps2f1c8798.jpg


Mr Skunkworkz (VXROnline)


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3780_zps70d5f8ba.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3782_zps7b0c7865.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3774_zpsb082327c.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3779_zps49606e17.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3789_zps23ac9c0f.jpg


Cont/....

[joff-turbo-nova]

Meriva's were in a very elite class at PVS , there were 2 !


Here's mine...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3791_zps3e91bec2.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3741_zps0c38841a.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3742_zpsb5dfb4b1.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3743_zps3d295918.jpg


Joff

[Benn]

Nice pics Joff, non of mine? :(

Meriva looked great, had a lookie around it...

Love the rims on this one!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova002/IMG_3771_zps2aa56ef7.jpg

[Balley]

Great photos and a great car, a credit to you sir!

[joff-turbo-nova]

Quick update....


Went here yesterday...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3842_zps15123ed6.jpg


And got back on the rollers....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3843_zps40cd3eb5.jpg


The guys at RS Tuning have done their magic and have got the engine running sweet. There was an intank fuel regulator (built into the fuel filter in the swirl pot) which was creating issues. This was bypassed and the map extensively reworked and we now have this .....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/scan0010_zpsdf81e88d.jpg


253.4 bhp with 290 ft/lb torque .


The injectors and airflow meter are now the limiting factors so an upgrade to VXR jobbies will be on the cards at somepoint in the future, but very happy with the results.


Joff

[Novaload_Nick]

Good power there joff, 300bhp mark next :cool:

[nova_niek]

Likey likey :d

[krobinson]

Great figures!

[Southie]

Get this down York Dragstrip Joff, it would be very entertaining lol

[joff-turbo-nova]

Not a good day today - got about 10 miles from home on way back from work and just coming out of a small village, I get a strange gearbox change, and then the clutch pedal goes flat to the floor , I try again on the clutch and managed to get neutral on the gearbox , then nothing from the clutch , just straight to the floor.


Coast to a halt on a farm entrance. Try a few more pumps on the clutch - nothing ! Grrr. Jump out and have a quick look under the bonnet - brake fluid OK , but slightly lower than normal , inspect flexi hose to clutch - no leaks , still connected - look underneath - fluid dripping in a nice puddle from gearbox bell housing !!! Concluded that the less than 3000 mile clutch slave cylinder has failed.


Then arranged one of these ....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/LEGOCityFlatbedTruck60017_2_zps525f9dbf.jpg


And got home 2 hours after I should of - phew!


Just need to round up a new slave cylinder and "just" whip the gearbox off and change it !


Joff :( :( :(

[Vlietje]

Not good matey, but nothing you can't fix in a weekend! So have fun tomorrow!! ;o)
See you at Billing!!

[joff-turbo-nova]

Right, quick update.....


Here we are again , gearbox on the floor.....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova007/IMG_3970_zpsd51afdd3.jpg


The bell housing had a fair bit of brake fluid swilling around inside so needed a good clean out...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova007/IMG_3971_zps905fb003.jpg


And this is the offending item that caused all the problems ...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova007/IMG_3972_zps7444b0a9.jpg


Looks like the seals have failed on it - annoyed - very - its done less than 3000 miles but because its more than 12 months old there is no warranty claim available - grrrrr !


The clutch plate also had some contamination so I changed this out for a brand new Luk plate and cover - the slave cylinder was Luk as well. I chucked it all back together, however then hit another problem.


I have had a custom shaft made up from a firm in Chester who specialise in grasstrack type racers, but said they could make a shorter shaft. It arrived Friday and when I started putting the inner CV joint together , the inner tripod engaged on the splines like this....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova007/IMG_3964_zps2cb2d421.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova007/IMG_3966_resize_zps3df8b600.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova007/IMG_3969_zps1a05c69c.jpg


Absolutely shocking level of engineering. Suffice to say I would not be making any recommendations regarding their work seeing as though a) the first shaft I got was 38mm longer than the original (I wanted 38mm shorter than OE) b) its taken since 20th April to get this far c) the level of workmanship is well below an acceptable level.


If I had fitted this, the first bit of power would have just minced the splines that are engaged and would have left me stranded somewhere. Back to the drawing board on this area me thinks.


Joff

[nova_stee]

Could you not move the circlip groove up on each end of your original shaft to give you a bit of movement? Its been ok so far fully compressed

[dgbnova#1]

There is a place up In Newcastle that go shafts not sure of the name but have been informed they made shorter shafts for Rwd and 4wd nova will see if can get the name if them

name the place in Chester please as there local to me and I don't want to be going there !

[joff-turbo-nova]

There is a place up In Newcastle that go shafts not sure of the name but have been informed they made shorter shafts for Rwd and 4wd nova will see if can get the name if them

name the place in Chester please as there local to me and I don't want to be going there !

DRD Racing Ltd

[joff-turbo-nova]

Made this last week as well ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova006/IMG_3962_zpse7af5c26.jpg

For our friend James Britton ...

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Doctor-James-Britton-takes-Tour-France-memory/story-21332685-detail/story.html

Joff

[Benn]

That's cool.

[nova_niek]

Bummer on both the slave cylinder and the shaft. Hope you get all sorted - and please mind your back mate!

[joff-turbo-nova]

A few shots from Billing....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_4026b_zps2222b13f.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_4011a_zpsc95a6118.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_4015a_zpscc51127d.jpg


Joff

[88ESR]

Looks superb....:thumb:

[chrisd1986]

Was good to catch up with you again Mr joff, car looked absolutely mint. Ypu doing retro rides?

[L14MNP]

Commercial Propshaft is the company in Gateshead.

I know a few people that have used them over the years and they are always bang on.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Commercial Propshaft is the company in Gateshead.

I know a few people that have used them over the years and they are always bang on.

I will bear this in mind if I have any further issues - cheers !

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

I wonder what's in this months Total Vauxhall magazine.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova011/IMG_4191b_zps9366069f.jpg

A 5 page spread. Very happy with the results !

Joff

[Southie]

Well done Joff full deserved, I'll enjoy having a read through it.

is this your 3rd feature you've now had in TV?

[Mazz]

Nice one :)

[Shamish82]

Well done read the feature well done, nice to see your hard work featured :thumb:

[totalnova]

well done always nice to see something different and it looks great.

[Ben]

Looks superb, not seen it for a while, fantastic!

[dgbnova#1]

Well done on the feature Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Well done on the feature Joff

Cheers for the comments !

New driveshaft came week before last - needed a new circlip to hold the outer CV on which I picked up yesterday....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova012/IMG_4183_zps4dec86cc.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova012/IMG_4184_zpsa98f4f87.jpg

Had a problem putting the inner CV joint back together, but with a little filing and some heat it all popped back together nicely...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_4186_zps9e4c7b99.jpg

Pulled the offside drivetrain out this morning ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova012/IMG_4192_zps26be6238.jpg

And pulled the standard shaft - here's the old and new one , the new one is 38mm shorter...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova012/IMG_4193_zps0d298f03.jpg

Also had a couple of badges for the engine bay made up - a VIN plate ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova012/IMG_4194a_zps1feccd7a.jpg

And a plaque for the engine - I like made in England !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova012/IMG_4195_zps1d4c4f48.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova012/IMG_4196_zpsae244175.jpg

Good news is the driveshaft works a treat and no more vibration issues when cornering left - phew !

Joff

[MK999]

Those driveshafts are interesting :) any on length/sizes relative to a nova? Have they got 3 sphericals on both ends?

[joff-turbo-nova]

Those driveshafts are interesting :) any on length/sizes relative to a nova? Have they got 3 sphericals on both ends?

Inner CV has the tripod arrangement - the outer is just a standard cage and ball affair. The shaft splines are the standard ones from a Meriva Z17DTH or Meriva VXR

Joff

[Dervy]

congrats on the tv feature, its well deserved

[nova_niek]

Liking the carbon badges. Good job on the driveshaft. Glad you got the vibration under cornering sorted.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Just got all the official photographs from the TV shoot from Chris Wallbank photography - this is my favourite - mean and moody....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova018/DSC_5944a_zps0f191e9c.jpg


Joff

[Southie]

Love that picture, anymore to perv at?

[John]

Nice to see it get featured Joff! :)

[joff-turbo-nova]

Love that picture, anymore to perv at?

Here you go...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova019/DSC_5762a_zps41ec99a3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova019/DSC_5796a_zpsf37baa35.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova019/DSC_5828a_zpsda47869e.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova020/DSC_5821a_zps71ed8163.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova020/DSC_5930a_zps9e323c2a.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova020/DSC_5912a_zps265a82bf.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova020/DSC_5886a_zpse8561531.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova020/DSC_5851a_zps961f053f.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova020/DSC_5787a_zpse773648f.jpg



Joff

[7ova]

Looking mean joff
Who thought a Meriva could be like this
Loving your work!

[craig green]

Love this Joff.

That fr mount & poly bush need satin-Blacking though. ;-)

[joff-turbo-nova]

Well, there is a saying "from adversity comes opportunity" - well this is how last week panned out. I was in a small car park in Scarborough and caught a steel beam which was hiding in my blind spot and ended up with this damage....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5858_zpsctzyitkr.jpg

Not very happy but it was my own fault , it needs a fettle and a respray, however this got me thinking, I have a spare bumper in the garage....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5857_zpsx3kpjoy2.jpg

Which happens to be a Meriva VXR item !

So pulled the damaged bumper off to inspect for damage...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5863_zps1zgyucdm.jpg

Fortunately it was just the plastic bumper which had suffered, the crash bar was untouched.

Next was trying the VXR bumper...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5864_zps8ikdnzc2.jpg

Which sort of fitted, however needed to space the exhaust down by 2 inches which wasn't good (the impact adhesive tin was the spacer!) ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5866_zpsrrscscuu.jpg

So decided to get creative with the dremel.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5875_zpsr3ttxskl.jpg

And after a bit of cutting and sanding we had this....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5877_zpssen8lq98.jpg

Which fitted a lot better .....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5878_zpslo1vxsos.jpg

May need to just space over the exhaust slightly however have 2 joints to play with which will help. Also had my little helper for the morning...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5871_zps9mljvoyw.jpg

Was thinking that when I get the bumper sprayed up, making the diffuser part black a bit like this - what do you think???

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5878b_zpsbxpn3xhp.jpg

Spent the afternoon rubbing down the bumper ready for the sprayshop next weekend.

Joff

[nova_niek]

Well, there is a saying "from adversity comes opportunity"

I like how you put this saying to good use. :)


Was thinking that when I get the bumper sprayed up, making the diffuser part black a bit like this - what do you think???

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5878b_zpsbxpn3xhp.jpg
Joff

Yes, black out the diffuser. Nice touch.

[joff-turbo-nova]

OK quick update,

Picked up the resprayed bumper from the sprayshop, very nice job they have done, complete with satin black diffuser....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5980_zpsuqmvlzkr.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5981_zpscjtf1weo.jpg

Fitted the parking sensor that been on my shelf for the last 18 months (doh!).....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5983_zpsgvvielfv.jpg

Fitted the bumper, sorted the wiring for the parking sensor and wired in the 12v accessory plug whilst I was there ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5984_zpsnfa5k6co.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5979_zpszzs1ajet.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5978_zpsa3llwenx.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5977_zpsmqfmn9fq.jpg


Swapped the number plate and sorted - very happy with the results and the colour match is spot on ......


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5985_zpsltajkoea.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5988_zps7e8ggt6y.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5988_zps7e8ggt6y.jpg

I'm liking the satin black diffuser !

Joff

[Walshysr]

Looks great im very very tempted to do abit to my girlfriends Meriva now it's got the irmscher kit but other than that it looks very sad from car park door battles

[Benn]

Love that, satin diffuser sets it off nicely.

[Southie]

It looks brilliant once again Joff, loving the added extra of the VXR bumper and the sensors.

With a car like this originally being a cat c and all the extra effort you've put into it how do you now do a valuation on it for say insurance?

[joff-turbo-nova]

It looks brilliant once again Joff, loving the added extra of the VXR bumper and the sensors.

With a car like this originally being a cat c and all the extra effort you've put into it how do you now do a valuation on it for say insurance?

Unfortunately as with any modified car less than the sum of its parts. Its insured with Greenlight on a like for like basis in the event of damage. If a total loss I have first rights to salvage . As with Nova's a modifed one is worth more in parts than as a whole.

Cheers

Joff

[mowgli]

joff, would a second, fake tailpipe make the rear end look better?

[joff-turbo-nova]

joff, would a second, fake tailpipe make the rear end look better?

Thought about it when I got the exhaust done originally - it would take a lot of hacking as the towing loop sits right in the way - have a look at where the bracket sits - right in the way !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/PICT0610.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5863_zps1zgyucdm.jpg

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Quick updated.

Finally got round to fitting the Z20LEH injectors , fuel rail and AFM I had sitting on my shelf since September. I was in Leeds today to popped into RS Tuning for a tweak on the map....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_00431_zpsxmwpbwba.jpg

Last time it was 253 bhp with about 280 ft/lb torque, we now have this...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/Dyno0001_zpslxdzema1.jpg

281 bhp and 320 ft/lb torque ! It delivers the torque and power much earlier in the rev range making it a lot more drivable on the road. Its a bit more fun now !

Cheers Paul and Andy (Specky) at RS Tuning (http://www.rstuning.co.uk/) .

Joff

[krobinson]

Rapid :D

[joff-turbo-nova]

Rapid :D

Oh yes but civilised .... not as brutal as the Nova.

Update...

Last year I picked up a set of Omega Elite alloys which were a bit on the rough side....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3504_zpsbyodo0aq.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3505_zpsb5xqzuak.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3506_zpsw7gijcry.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3507_zpssdejfnhz.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3508_zpslscqddjt.jpg


These are destined for my wife's new meriva project. I had them shot blasted last month and they have been at the sprayshop for the last couple of weeks getting some love & attention....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5901_zpsnplkihrt.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5902_zpsx2mmmtbk.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5903_zps7jd2b7eo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6057_zpsvi0nocz7.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6058_zpsqhjqocaj.jpg




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6059_zps0f1fztwy.jpg


So I thought it would be rude not to try them on mine first, Astra GSI snowflakes currently fitted....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6065_zpsomfunigg.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6066_zpsfbpf0ndr.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6068_zpsvcs4fisz.jpg



Cont/....

[joff-turbo-nova]

Omega Elite Alloys ......


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6072_zps8jmvcp4v.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6071_zps2jyubulz.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6076_zpsfpfr0wch.jpg


They are wider (7.5") than the Astra alloys (7") and with an ET35 which makes life interesting in the clearance department on the spring cup - nothing that some 5mm spacers and longer bolts won't fix !


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6070_zpssw48r5gl.jpg




I then put them onto where they are meant to be, the wife was very happy with the results...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6077_zpsienoypng.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6083_zpsuls3owgy.jpg


I just need to fix the rest of the car now!


My Dad is also dropping off some Meriva VXR alloys tomorrow I unexpectedly won off the bay of E .... decisions ... decisions :D:D


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/Meriva%20VXR%20alloys_zpsq8zhfakt.jpg


Joff

[nova_niek]

Nice progress no the alloys Joff!
The pic with the spring cup/tyre interference looks like you'll need 25mm spacers to clear that!

[Benn]

I find with Elite wheels the car needs to be lowered... Found it on a few cars i've seen them on.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Nice progress no the alloys Joff!
The pic with the spring cup/tyre interference looks like you'll need 25mm spacers to clear that!

There is actually a gap but its only a mill or two - I have ordered some 5mm spacers which should sort it out otherwise the angle grinder comes out !

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Meriva VXR alloys were delivered Sunday evening by my Dad. What a state they are in !!

Some people really need some lessons in how to sell stuff on Ebay - top tip don't take pictures whilst caked in mud.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6086_zpsfod2wvt4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6087_zpsqipnwtgi.jpg

Use a pressure washer - dry and hey presto, looking 100% better already ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6088_zpsysztyeb2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6089_zpsxgqiyfv0.jpg

You can see they have kerb rash under the black coating which is quite thick in places. Shot blasters here we come !

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

I was at a clients premises today - do you think I could give it a run for its money???


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova035/IMG_0110b_zpsqby6qmml.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova035/IMG_0112a_zpsglq3xsb8.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova035/IMG_0111_zpsts96gdcb.jpg


Joff

[mowgli]

maybe not, but the owner would wonder how the hell you kept up for so long.......lol


i did once overtake a lotus esprit turbo v8 in my L200 pickup...he had passed me down a country road, and seriously, its rear springs were so stiff that its wheels were leaving the ground over bumps.. then it started pissing it down, and he got really scared and was doing about 35 when i sailed by..

[John]

Hey Joff, can I ask a few questions? do you use it daily? what's it like on mpg? where did you find your wiring guide?

[joff-turbo-nova]

Hey Joff, can I ask a few questions? do you use it daily? what's it like on mpg? where did you find your wiring guide?

Yes I do use it on a daily basis for my commute to work which is about 17 miles each way. The journey is 4 miles of dual carriage way and the rest small A roads. I normally get about 40 litres in my tank and that gets me about 280 miles which works out about 32 mpg which isn't bad for this engine - I do a fair bit of overtaking so I'm not driving it like a granny !

I didn't build it for the mpg otherwise I would have done a 1.9 cdti conversion!!

Wiring guide was supplied by WarrenG from WG Motorworks - https://www.facebook.com/wgmotorworks?ref=ts&fref=ts

Joff

[John]

That's better than I thought tbh. I really want to do a 5 door c for a daily, so doing a bit of research first. :)
Cheers, i'll take a look. I've seen the wiring guide on corsa c but I don't find it overly clear.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Picked this up from Rich (Novasport) at Billing - it was a bit rough and needed a re-lacquer (hence the excellent price) - you could see the "Forge" sticker which had been previously stuck on ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova038/carbon1_zpsizhqrtev.jpg

so sorted that yesterday ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_8136_zpscu7zrnmk.jpg

Real carbon fibre no less....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_8137_zpslrysu084.jpg

And installed (the rest of the engine bay need a good clean I know!) ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_8138_zpscoxt4uzb.jpg

Joff

[Novasport]

Nice one Joff, you have done a good job of refurbing it. Looks excellent, glad it has gone to a good home.

[joff-turbo-nova]

The Meriva went for an MOT this week, I've been busy with the other Meriva so chucked it in early on the basis that they will pick up any issues and it failed sadly.

It failed on 3 items :-

- N/S rear indicator not orange enough
- O/S rear indicator not orange enough
- Front brake pads below 1.5mm pad depth

The front pads were police spec Vauxhall pads which did not have the tang on the edge to make a noise when the pads get low, so sourced some replacements this week from EBC...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9580_zpsdemyc0wh.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9581_zpsyxbsotvr.jpg

So removed the front wheels and things needed a bit of a clean...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9582_zpsmlz2ulku.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9583_zpsytbvyxvd.jpg

Swapped the pads over on the offside and cleaned things up .....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9584_zps9wvf4hfy.jpg

And then the same on the nearside...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9590_zpssorkknd2.jpg

As you can see the pads were a tad bit low !!! ......

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9588_zpsw950kxok.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9587_zpsjp9k0mwe.jpg

Cleaned the wheels on both side whilst they were off the car...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9589_zpsnzwwituz.jpg

And all back together...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9591_zpsnrttgute.jpg

When having a tidy up earlier in the week I cam across these , which were damaged in transit and came with some other Meriva parts....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9592_zpstmrw5qeo.jpg

I think they look a bit cack in standard form.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9593_zpspsnudx0t.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9594_zpsruwi4xvz.jpg

However a quick blast with some matt black and we have EVIL Meriva.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9598_zpsqnywoudn.jpg

Joff