Finally own a cavalier, is that a good thing?

[Cavvyboy91]

Hey guys, craig here .... just bought myself a vauxhall cavalier mk3 1.8i classic, quite clean from what I can see, obviously a few bits to sort so need to find somewhere that specialises in cavalier parts? Mot history doesn't show anything bad other than bulbs or general wear and tear.

Definitely appreciate help i receive along this long journey!

[3cav3]

Hi, welcome to the forum. For general service items i find my local motor factor quite good at being able to source parts. For parts like panels etc its just a case of keeping an eye out on ebay, and similar. The thing i like most about Cavaliers is they are simple to fix with very limited electronics.

[Cavalier342]

Welcome to the forum, you've made a good choice. I've had 3 and I never regret owning them. Good simple reliable cars.

[Robsey]

Hi Craig,
Welcome to the forum.

Classic is a nice simple trim level, and not too common, so worth keeping it original.

The C18NZ engine is a good willing little engine, rated at 89 bhp.
Being an 8 valve unit, you do not need to rev the nuts off the car to make progress.

Central Fuel Injection is like an electronically controlled main jet, so easy to care for.

Engine maintenance is quite easy, as long as you have a decent set of normal tools.

Nothing too outlandish, unless you want to work on the head bolts or the crank-shaft sprocket. (Head gasket or timing belt).

Weak spots are corrosion on the underside, sills and rear arches.
And the usual stuff needed on a 25+ year old vehicle.

Regular maintenance should include cleaning of the breather hoses.
Keeping electrics clean and dry.

[btcctroy]

Hi Craig,
Welcome to the forum.

Classic is a nice simple trim level, and not too common, so worth keeping it original. if your a librarian

The C18NZ engine is a good willing little engine, rated at 89 bhp. - About as much power as an petrol lawnmover!

Being an 8 valve unit, you do not need to rev the nuts off the car to make progress. - Yes its pointless as it wont go any faster

Central Fuel Injection is like an electronically controlled main jet, so easy to care for. - standard for a lawn mower engine

Engine maintenance is quite easy, as long as you have a decent set of normal tools. - in the case of Rob, not a great big hammer

Nothing too outlandish, unless you want to work on the head bolts or the crank-shaft sprocket. (Head gasket or timing belt). -How do you work on a bolt

Weak spots are corrosion on the underside, sills and rear arches. - basically the whole car! bar tthe seats and dash
And the usual stuff needed on a 25+ year old vehicle.

Regular maintenance should include cleaning of the breather hoses. dont forget sweeping up rust of your drive as that usually builds up quite quick with these cars

Keeping electrics clean and dry. jet washer!

Welcome to the site, i do hope you enjoy you stay.
watch out for the sarcastic buggers like Rob!

Troy

[Robsey]

Oh you are such a joker Troy.

The C18NZ powered Classic is one of the easiest to look after.
(Less to go wrong).
But you will not get bags of ooomph, and there is no real ability to tune-up the engine to improve performance.

Troy prefers the other end of the range.
A BTCC replica fitted with a C20XE (Red Top) matched with an F16 gearbox.
Fast and raucous driving... mainly for track day events.
Full on 'balls out' driving.

[Cavvyboy91]

Other than a few subtle mods its getting kept quite standard! Love the car, sills look quite clean, rear arches are exceptionally clean underside looks not so bad either from a quick look gonna get it lifted and checked properly and undersealed, will need to get some pictures uploaded..... how!?

[Robsey]

Hi Craig,

You need to host your pictures off site.

Using companies like Photobucket, PostImage, Flikr or something similar.

I use postimage, as they promise no fees, unlimited photo storage quantity and give reasonable reliability.

Photobucket have stung a lot of people in the past couple of years - including myself, forcing me to close my account and go elsewhere.

There are How 2's to explain how to host off site, and how to post links in your forum threads.

viewtopic.php?f=80&t=16827

[etd]

Welcome! Look forward to seeing some pics