Astra van 1.6 to Z20LET

[steve1974]

Hi all my names Steve. I've posted a few times before but been confused when it comes to uploading photos so am trying again. Hope everyone likes the van.






Had the van for a few years and slowly converted it. The latest stage has just been completed and thats the engine conversion from its humble 1.6 to the powerful Z20LET, its now full GSI spec apart from seats and steering wheel. It has all the A/C and C/C etc.

[daddy cav]

Are you leaving the rear window and roof rack for the van look ?
Are you going to have rear seat conversion ?
Try to get some engine pics
Nice van that .

[steve1974]

I'm 50/50 about removing the bars. I do use them for all sorts but like the look without so abit torn on that front. Think the seat situation may just be limited to the fronts unless a good full set comes up in half leather.
As its standard really want to tidy up the engine bay. The engine is black right now but got an original rocker cover coming with a VXR plug cover. Im looking to put a reverse air box in and new boost hose soon then a new exhaust and possibly a few mods like VXR turbo, MAF and injectors and thats it. Just money thats all. Its a bit tight this time of year. Its coming along tho. Will get some engine pics up soon!!!!

[daddy cav]

Leave roof bars and paint them white
As for seats , what are you looking for ? will you need mk4 estate type or can you mod some from a Vectra or something ?

[steve1974]

Gonna try and keep it genuine to the GSI AStra so looking for Half or full leather recaros.
I think vectra B recaros will fit straight in so I'm told. As for the Roof Barrs I think White will be too much. I'll Prob take the cross bars off and leave the side bars when I find the key!!!!

[paddy>gsi/turbo]

very nice. love the snowflakes.

can i ask were you got rear bumper from? genuine ? tailgate trim is missing

welcome to mig

[steve1974]

The bumper came from ebay £100 bargin and its a genuine vauxhall/opc item. To buy you can get from LMF Vauxhall - The Vauxhall... they are around £360 and come from germany I think. I am told that you can also get from main vx dealer too but not 100%. The tailgate trim I'm not too worried about think its around £160 for the genuine article as its got a slope and not like the basic one you get on some vans or estates.

Glad you like it. Its all been done on a reasonable budget with some good bargins from ebay !!!

[Kev_G]

I'd leave it how it is looks fantastic well done on your hard work

[paddy>gsi/turbo]

just fitted a vxr astra backbox and middle section to my mk4 van bolted up no probs. am running a saab lump in mine had use saab front pipe

bargain that back bumper sell it me!

[steve1974]

Sorry no can do mateo. Bet the vxr box looks cool though.

[paddy>gsi/turbo]

will post you a pic up not that keen on it myself!

[steve1974]

Hi guys, not posted for a while vans been off the road whilst I waited to get a new hub/knuckle fitted as I had alot of play in the NSF wheel. Now done and all ok.
Just want to know what you guys think about colour choice for theengine bay. Its all black at the moment, I have a new rocker I want to get painted I was thinking of getting the rocker done in silver to keep standard or white to match the van colour. I'm planning on getting chrome boost pipe and air intake from TXautosport but not sure of the colour hoses to get. I was also thinking arden blue cover with blue hoses to match the blue LEDs in the van. Will post more pics soon of engine conversion. Cheers

[steve1974]

Hi Guys and Gals heres the pics of my engine conversion done by Griffin Autos.
Already for the strip out


All stripped out and cleaned up

Dash and interior out. Had A/C and C/C fitted plus passenger airbag. Full GSI spec going in.

The new engine and all the parts sourced from CS Autos


ABS pump fitted and all lines were hand made by the chaps at Griffin.

Dash and new loom back in

All ready for the new lump to go in.



Engine in and bolted up. Almost there!!!


All done. Now what colour should I do the rocker and pipes? I was thinking the rocker white with blue or black hoses or Silver rocker. Or rocker in Arden blue with blue Hoses. What do you guys think



Its all standard at the moment but the usual mods will be added in time, VXR turbo, injectors, MAF, New exhaust and intercooler, boost pipe and converted airbox.

[steve1974]

Hi guys not updated for ages as not done much since the birth of our daughter

Just a little update. VXR turbo fitted along with de- cat and sports cat exhaust. Miltek middle section (£25 bargain from fleabay) powerflow back box as before. All marries up perfect. Had the rocker painted Arden blue with gold flake and an enlarged top hat/boost pipe fitted. Had it rolling road tested and it put out 223.4 bhp as it is now running standard let boost pressures. Not bad I think will try and get some pics up later.

Any ideas on air induction. Should I go for the TX autosport one. Heard mixed views about them?

[GTE 16v]

That looks lush, good work.

[steve1974]

A few updates when I can remember how to upload the pics

[Paul]

Whats the insurance like? Much extra?

[daddy cav]

Missed the update with the engine fitted , nice one

[steve1974]

A couple more pics as it stands now,

Nice rear view

Full GSI interior

[steve1974]

Whats the insurance like? Much extra?

My insurance before was around £600 now I pay around £900 fully comp with Adrian Flux, they know about all the engine conversion etc. Also now shows proper details on log book so all legal

[steve1974]

Missed the update with the engine fitted , nice one

Must have sneeked it in goes like a rocket tbh. want a bit more out of it and to tidy it up a little but its all money

[steve1974]

That looks lush, good work.

Cheers mate, next to do is the air induction, FMIC and a re-map, should get some good figures

[steve1974]

Does anyone know if I can transfer this thread to Projects and restorations??????

[steve1974]

Fitted my freshly painted rocker cover today. Metallic blue with sone gold flake. Looks good. More pics to follow soon

[daddy cav]

Great work ,