vectra 2.2 16v reviews/opinion please

[astra v6 230bhp]

i have the astra mk4, but need something bigger with all the con's on it!

i have been looking at the vectra 2.2 16v 2001 models also the 2.0 16v 150's!

how good are the engine's? and what ones the one to go for?



ash

[Grim Reaper]

have you considered the 1.9 cdti version???

[astra v6 230bhp]

yep i did that there a 2002 onwards mate

[kazsymonds]

My Z22 drinks fuel at a stupid rate, it doesn't go over the mid 20s in MPG, although i've never driven it real careful to see what kind of MPG i get.

Biggest thing to consider is the chain, there was a massive recall because oil jets got blocked due to a design flaw and chains were snapped. Apparently there's even some out there that have the flaw and weren't covered in the recall. If you do buy a 2.2, check that it's been recalled.

Info on that;

VECTRA 2.2SRi Timing chain prob - TIME FOR WATCHDOG ??
Vauxhall 2.2 (Z22SE) Timing Chain Survey
[Vectra B] [95-02] timing chain problems

My cousin works for Vaux and he told me to stay away from the 2.2! Also, as soon as i got it the EGR Valve went which is a pretty common problem, £120 for a new one, more info on my engine in general;

Z22SE.co.uk • View forum - Engine Queries

I think the Vectra had the Y22SE (my cousin had one in his 51 Vectra?), someone else will need to tell you if that is basically the same engine or not.

[kazsymonds]

Oh, and the good points lmao;

1. Fairly good power, can make some pretty good gains by removing precats etc.
2. Engine is smooth and torquey, picks up nicely from 3500rpm.
3. Can make some pretty good gains by removing precats etc.
4. I think all 2.2s came with the F23 bolted on, bit notchy in the cold (but what gearbox isn't) but seems cool apart from that.

[@ndy]

I thought the 2.2 was the only 150 and the 2.0 were up to 140?

I thought the chain problem was never a recall, it was in fact a field remedy, number 1532. Info is on z22se.co.uk. According to VX mine had not been done but when it was stripped down it had been done. If they can't prove it has been done knock off a few hundred. Manifolds are prone to cracking. Need to keep the oil topped up and change it regularly. They are quite thirsty, i get about 30mpg around town taking it easy. 35 on a run.
I have had mine a few months and it's great, although it is slower than a stripped out mk3 astra with an XEV driven by a Welsh nutter.