My Astra GSi project

TomGTE · 06-08-2008, 09:54

Well here we go this is going to be the start of a new project for me after going as far as I can with my old mk2 GTE. Not planning on going too far bodywork wise with this GSi, just some subtle but necessary mods.

Engine wise the ecotec will be replaced with something with a bit more go, the window tints wil be removed, suspension will be looked at and I`ll probably just replace the springs as it already has bilstein shocks. The 18" wheels will be changed to 17" ones that are on the GTE at the moment. Phase one bonnet is on its way and is in paintshop now, got a box of goodies coming from vaux this week so will have some more pics shortly.

**Brett** · 06-08-2008, 10:13

good luck with this motor Tom, your Mk2 was legendary mate.

Have to admit though Im hoping you'll join the leigons of Mk2 Astra owners whove come back to the Mk2 saying the Mk3 just isnt the same

DaveB · 06-08-2008, 10:23

mk2s feel way more raw than a mk3. I feel alot safer in a mk3 though

Looks a nice example of a mk3 to start a project with

TomGTE · 08-08-2008, 18:41

My goodie box from vauxhall arrived today

Inside we have a pair of phase one rear lights, a pair of gsi16v badges, a door check strap, rear headrest sleeves, the proper mk3 electric sunroof surround, oil cooler sandwich plate O ring seal and a oil level sensor O ring

Also fitted some chrome vectra door handles:

Replaced airbag steering wheel with a nice Momo race one:

Much better !

Need to find a matching Momo gearknob and handbrake handle next, to go with the new leather gaiters

Also have vectra delocked door handles in the paint shop too.

Managed to get a full set of standard windows too so the tinted set will be for sale soon.

More soon !

J Sabo · 09-08-2008, 07:43

Very nice mate - some tasty additions. How much were the rear lights from Vaux?

*Adz* · 09-08-2008, 09:49

looking good mate, i so badly wanna ph2 gsi

i really like them

TomGTE · 09-08-2008, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Sabo

Very nice mate - some tasty additions. How much were the rear lights from Vaux?

Cheers

The lights where £22.73 each plus vat, trade.

TomGTE · 30-08-2008, 14:34

Update time, I now have the docs back from the DVLA so the private reg is going and I have got the cars original reg back - R827 ECL

Done a couple bits on the interior:

Tailored mat set from here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Car-Mats-in-Bl...d=p3286.c0.m14

Really impressed with them, they fit well and are made from a good decent quality carpet

Leather gear stick and handbrake gaiter set again from a seller on ebay here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=150278696492

Also fitted new Momo Race gear knob too.

Fitted the rear headrest sleeves too and on the look out now for a pair of dark headrests to match the front ones.

Fitted the phase one rear lights and badge, I detangod the lights and they look much better than the ones that where on it. I will take a better pic once the car is out.

Still waiting on my Phase one bonnet/vents and delocked handles to be painted but they should be done this week

Got a brand new bonnet in the end as the one I got had hidden rust and a fair bit of filler work.

Lots more soon

Gsi-guy · 30-08-2008, 14:48

nice! looks clean, black is my fave in these Gsi's.

*Adz* · 30-08-2008, 15:29

Looking really nice mate! i must say, me liking them mats

may have to invest in some of them!

J Sabo · 31-08-2008, 10:20

Looking very nice mate, all them little bits make it sweeter

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomGTE

Got a brand new bonnet in the end as the one I got had hidden rust and a fair bit of filler work.

A new bonnet from Vaux?

TomGTE · 31-08-2008, 19:34

Thanks chaps

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Sabo

Looking very nice mate, all them little bits make it sweeter

A new bonnet from Vaux?

Not from vaux no Its a pattern one but its a very good quality one and fits great

Dan Boyes · 01-09-2008, 08:56

nice car that mate, love it

TomGTE · 26-09-2008, 18:10

Changed rear discs and pads as I think they where abit past it lol !

looks ok`ish on the outside :

Another story on the inner

And Im pretty sure the pad material is ment to be stuck to the backing plate!

Started on some real work to, C20LET taken out of the GTE and now sat waiting patiently for its refurb and new home

*Adz* · 26-09-2008, 18:37

coming along nicely mate

braders · 26-09-2008, 18:50

Tom is this the GSi which is on the rollers in this months Total Vauxhall? I would go an check but cant be bothered gettin the mag out the car lol

TomGTE · 26-09-2008, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by braders

Tom is this the GSi which is on the rollers in this months Total Vauxhall? I would go an check but cant be bothered gettin the mag out the car lol

I believe so matey, I will have to get the mag and double check myself !

mikegray · 27-09-2008, 10:50

Lovely motor mate. That LET looks nice

KeithRobinson · 27-09-2008, 11:27

Great project, I've no doubt that it's going to be stunning when finished!!"

TomGTE · 15-10-2008, 21:45

Some very strange noise`s are coming from the front suspension so I suspect a broken spring or damaged top mounts so I`ve bought an Eibach pro spring kit which I should hopefully get chance to fit this weekend

Got a few bits done on the engine after work today fitted a pair of new camshaft oil seals and painted pulleys, Then a new cambelt/waterpump and tensioner.

Next on the list is to replace the rear crank oil seal, replace the sump gasket with the 8v bonded one and sort out the water pipes as the mk3 is a different layout to when the engine was in the mk2.

Some pics:

new cam seals and fresh silver pulleys:

SBD Steel guide pulleys, no plastic here lol :

All done timed and tensioned up spot on

Also fitted a 100 Amp beefcake alternator

Fitted my quickshift kit and mk3 rear mount to the gearbox whilst I was at it. Quick shift has nylon pivot bushes and the linkage has been shimmed up to remove any slop and play so its nice and tight.

Thats it for now until I get the other parts from vauxhall.... more soon

ally astra · 15-10-2008, 22:03

looking good mate.

**Benn** · 15-10-2008, 22:05

Very nice.

TomGTE · 01-11-2008, 21:48

update time

More bits from vauxhall:

8v bonded rubber gasket baffle plate, rear crank oil seal, oil filter adaptor so I can run without the oil cooler until I decide which way to do it, and a set of shorter bolts that are ment to be used with the baffle plate but are too short

So going to use M6x20 stainless allen head ones instead.

Debating if I should fit ARP rod bolts whilst the sump is off or not...

Cat 1 alarm/imobiliser now fitted along with delocked colour coded vectra door handles.

Just need to order a couple of new water hoses from http://www.roosemotorsport.co.uk/ then I should be ready to fit the LET

Also have got hold of an F28 gearbox at last, but it needs a few things sorting out on it first.

And tomorow I will be fitting my brake upgrade which consists of :

Hi Spec 300x28mm Discs and Billet 4 calipers, had these on the GTE and they did the job nicely

Fitting Goodridge hoses, using 5.1 fluid and a Calibra Turbo master cylinder as well

Dell Balallan · 01-11-2008, 22:10

Stunning looking astra mate, look great in Black

mikegray · 02-11-2008, 00:18

Very nice mate, some awesome parts