Phil_G : Vauxhall Nova Berlina - 25th Jan 2005 1:10am
1989 Vauxhall Nova Berlina
Hiya
This car was bought by me as a bog standard and very Red 1989 Mk1 Nova 1200 'Berlina' which is a special edition tha netted me a 5 speed gearbox, tilt/slide sunroof, SR specification glass (green tint) but the rest bone stock merit trim.
First mod was the ever present K&N bolt on filter, followed by 15" TSW Alpine 6.5X15" ET45 alloys wrapped in 195/45/15 tyres, and then a full Janspeed manifold and exhaust system.
Thats how the car stayed for a while until august 2000 when the headgasket failed. Whilst having the car repaired i decided to have a full Bilstein Suspension kit fitted lowering the car by 60mm to cure a list to the drivers side (looked like the car had been single occupant for most of its used life causing drivers side springs to sag)
After a slight bump (it happens to most of us at some time or another) I had an SR bumper installed as the original narrow bumper got bent.
Cosmetically thats how the car has stayed since then. TBH im happy with how the car looks and i feel no need to change it for a bodykit (most of which dont fit or dont suit the car imo)
Come MOT 2002 and im told the front brakes need replacing so I elected to replace standard equipment with the Calibra 16v discs and calipers along with new (non braided) hoses, a HUGE increase in stopping power was afforded without spending stupid money (£60 for two calipers and fitting) Discs and the pads themselves came free courtesy of the g/f who had had a 300mm brake conversion for the calibra and had 3K miles discs and pads sat doing nothing. After a precautionary inspection,all was installed and a new MOT issued.
THis car now stopped as well as it handles and again the modifications stopped, with me being happy with the car besides the persistant pinking that had plagued the car. The previous mechanic correctly diagnosed the problem in the distributor but effected a poor repair that gave trouble three or four times under warranty. At this point I sought the advice of a well respected local engineer and car enthusiast who repaired my distributor and its been spot on since.
To be continued!
Hiya
This car was bought by me as a bog standard and very Red 1989 Mk1 Nova 1200 'Berlina' which is a special edition tha netted me a 5 speed gearbox, tilt/slide sunroof, SR specification glass (green tint) but the rest bone stock merit trim.
First mod was the ever present K&N bolt on filter, followed by 15" TSW Alpine 6.5X15" ET45 alloys wrapped in 195/45/15 tyres, and then a full Janspeed manifold and exhaust system.
Thats how the car stayed for a while until august 2000 when the headgasket failed. Whilst having the car repaired i decided to have a full Bilstein Suspension kit fitted lowering the car by 60mm to cure a list to the drivers side (looked like the car had been single occupant for most of its used life causing drivers side springs to sag)
After a slight bump (it happens to most of us at some time or another) I had an SR bumper installed as the original narrow bumper got bent.
Cosmetically thats how the car has stayed since then. TBH im happy with how the car looks and i feel no need to change it for a bodykit (most of which dont fit or dont suit the car imo)
Come MOT 2002 and im told the front brakes need replacing so I elected to replace standard equipment with the Calibra 16v discs and calipers along with new (non braided) hoses, a HUGE increase in stopping power was afforded without spending stupid money (£60 for two calipers and fitting) Discs and the pads themselves came free courtesy of the g/f who had had a 300mm brake conversion for the calibra and had 3K miles discs and pads sat doing nothing. After a precautionary inspection,all was installed and a new MOT issued.
THis car now stopped as well as it handles and again the modifications stopped, with me being happy with the car besides the persistant pinking that had plagued the car. The previous mechanic correctly diagnosed the problem in the distributor but effected a poor repair that gave trouble three or four times under warranty. At this point I sought the advice of a well respected local engineer and car enthusiast who repaired my distributor and its been spot on since.
To be continued!