Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Show off your pride and joy! All Mk3 Cavaliers are welcome (please post only one thread per car)
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

Thought I would put a build thread up for my Cavalier.

Bought the car a couple of weeks ago.

Here is a pic of the car currently.

Image

Got a few things that I want to sort out already.

To Do

Fix Washer jets
Change spark plugs
Change air filter
Change timing belt
Change Aux belt
Change Oil
Change waterpump/Antifreeze
Fit sunroof deflector
Replace rocker gasket
Replace thermostat
Fix noise from heater blower, when I figure out what it is.
Check if dash lights are all working
Fix tailgate rattle
Fit radio
Fit alloy wheels
Replace rear brakes

Long term plans

Need to replace the exhaust front pipe
Fix rust on drivers door
Sort out interior

I may decide to modify it but not 100% sure as I am not sure what the potential is for the 2.0 engine that is in this model.

Also looking for modifying ideas if anybody has any?
cavalier1990
Registered user
Posts: 1460
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 9:15 pm
Location: Paisley, Scotland

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by cavalier1990 »

Hi Blaine,

Looks like a good un, and 2 litre, result. Regarding mods, i think many peeps have plummed a 16 valver in as they are meant to be much more tunable than the 8 valve. I think with 2 litre is pretty much what most other tuners would start with, like 4 branch manifold, kn filter etc. Then onto more serious stuff like performance cam, crank, piston etc. All of which require very deep pockets.

Tuners always say start with brakes and suspension before making it faster, so might want to start there.

Or you colud keep it original :)
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

I must say I do enjoy driving it.

I have a Fiesta ST as a toy for when I want to drive quickly so I would probably prefer to just do cosmetic changes to it.

The car is quite clean apart from a little rust on the O/S door
User avatar
Mk3alan
Registered user
Posts: 632
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2014 8:40 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Mk3alan »

Hi, like the colour, champagne? Looks in good order!
My 8 valver is standard apart from the downpipe and centre section (straight through, no box)
I've always found it pretty lively.
Good luck with your new project and keep us posted.
Photo using postimage website showing my downpipe.
Image

Alan
User avatar
Cavalier342
Registered user
Posts: 9818
Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Dorset

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Cavalier342 »

As it's a rare colour, I personally would simply restore it and take it to shows. It's not the prettiest colour on the Cavalier palette, but it's rare, and that does make it interesting. With regards to tuning, apart from brakes, tires and suspension, there isn't much point spending cash unless you plan to swap out the engine itself. A good service, decent set of plugs, leads and a fresh distributor cap should make it go as well as it's designed to.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10568
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Robsey »

There are few engines about that are more reliable / bullet-proof than the 2.0 litre 8 valve units.

The 16 valve units have more poke and torque, but not quite as bullet-proof.
They tend to attract the Corsa boy racer types, so tend to get a bit more abuse.
User avatar
Cavalier342
Registered user
Posts: 9818
Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Dorset

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Cavalier342 »

I always heard that the 8 valvers have more poke and torque at the lower end which make them more favourable in acceleration. I've never owned a 16v personally so cannot comment on them but I've been in manual 8 valvers and they definitely have torque.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
User avatar
ilovedmymantas
Registered user
Posts: 1201
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:54 am

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by ilovedmymantas »

Hi,
that does look in nice nick.
Oddly, while I was searching dvla to try and find out how everybody else but me knew It was 8-valve I found something strange.
It's registered as grey!
blaine wrote:Fix noise from heater blower, when I figure out what it is.
- A common problem with age, there are many posts on this subject, a couple very recent. - bearings need oiled, otherwise thermal fuse blows.
blaine wrote:Fix tailgate rattle
I've got this to do. In my case I've found it's the rear wiper motor, I can lift it about 8mm, might be a good starting point for you?
blaine wrote:Change air filter
as suggested, swap for k&n or pipercross ( my personal choice) filter. You'll notice a bit of a difference, the car will breathe easier and be a bit smoother.
Over all a sensible to-do list for a new purchase :thumb
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

Hi everyone

The car is actually Grey/Silver not champagne. I think the light on the photo just made it look that colour.

The heaters are working but they sort of whistle when using the blowers. Its on my list to sort haha.

Does anybody know if you can get proper Vauxhall Mats still?

Thanks

Blaine
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10568
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Robsey »

If the blower is whistling, then chances are you have a dried leaf trapped behing the slats of the blower vents.

If it is more of a chirping noise, then the bearings of the fan motor may be running dry.
User avatar
James McGrath
Club Admin
Posts: 2894
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:35 am
Location: East Sussex

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by James McGrath »

Nice motor you've got yourself there.

Most of those sound like general maintenance fixes.
Be sure you ask here if you have any issues.
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

Thanks guys

I am quite enjoying driving it actually. Fuel MPG isnt bad either
User avatar
James McGrath
Club Admin
Posts: 2894
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:35 am
Location: East Sussex

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by James McGrath »

They were probably one of the best for their time when it came to fuel economy.
They were leaps ahead of the competition when it came to aerodynamics and the engines were better than most.
The 2.0 in the cavalier compared favourably to most 1.8 and 1.6 of the time when it came to fuel consumption.

They can be thirsty if you drive them hard or are poorly maintained though.
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

Managed to get one of the jobs done today. The washers are now working. Was just down to the little filter being blocked. I took the washer bottle out and cleaned it out also. When I get a bit more time I am going to buy a bottle washer and give the bottle a proper clean.

Still plenty to do
User avatar
Cavalier342
Registered user
Posts: 9818
Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Dorset

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Cavalier342 »

Nice simple job to do but worth while.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

Debating on getting the service done tomorrow. I need to give my other car a run so might take that into work in the morning and give it a good clean etc. If I don't the Cavalier will be going in and I will do the service when i am there.
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10568
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Robsey »

Cavalier342 wrote:Nice simple job to do but worth while.
90% of jobs are cleaning and maintenance jobs. When a car is close to 25+ years old, a lot of tlc is usually needed to remove corrosion, dirt and general age related skank and wear and tear.

All very worthwhile...
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

Finally got my radio in and working tonight. Is it normal for the aerial to make a banging noise when it is nearly all the way down or just starting to go up?
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10568
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Robsey »

Mine does this too.
It is the clutch in the aerial motor.
Mine bangs when it reaches the end of it's travel up or down.
User avatar
Cavalier342
Registered user
Posts: 9818
Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Dorset

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Cavalier342 »

It's totally normal for the aerials to make a series of knocks when travelling, but it's well worth keeping the aerial mast clean and oiled up, gives much less problems down the line. I used to clean my electric aerial masts every other day, they pick up a lot of dust and grit when driving around and it builds up pretty quickly.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
User avatar
Mk3alan
Registered user
Posts: 632
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2014 8:40 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Mk3alan »

I keep my aerial oiled and wipe regularly but I am thinking a 'dry' lubricant with PTFE might be better at not collecting the dirt/dust.

Alan
User avatar
Cavalier342
Registered user
Posts: 9818
Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Dorset

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Cavalier342 »

I've always used 3-in-1 oil, don't really know if a dry lubricant would be any good or not personally.
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
User avatar
James McGrath
Club Admin
Posts: 2894
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:35 am
Location: East Sussex

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by James McGrath »

For the aerial I actually don't use any lubricant. Just keep it clean and free of gunk.
blaine
Registered user
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:51 pm

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by blaine »

Thanks for the advice guys, It is just nice to finally have some music on the way to work haha.

Still got plenty of work to do
User avatar
Cavalier342
Registered user
Posts: 9818
Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:46 pm
Location: Dorset

Re: Blaine's Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLS

Post by Cavalier342 »

James McGrath wrote:For the aerial I actually don't use any lubricant. Just keep it clean and free of gunk.
You've got to keep it lubed James, otherwise it might not go up properly :p
Previous:
China Blue 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier L 18SV
Kings Blue 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LSi Auto C18NZ
Smoke Grey 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier V6 C25XE

Am I a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Well that depends on how much I've had to drink...
Post Reply