Topic: Guide to Calibra Model History & Model Feature Guide (Read 5178 times)

ClubCalibra · « **on:** May 09, 2006, 20:14:55 PM »

The Vauxhall Calibra Model History

Stylish low-slung four-seater hatchback coupe based on the Cavalier. An impressive four-star performer with V6 or turbo power, though the 2.0 16v is cheaper to run and perfectly acceptable to most owners. Cavalier parts mean that service costs are not excessive. Not as fashionable now as in the early '90s, so prices are becoming more affordable. Rear headroom is a bit restricted for adults.

Check For: Rattly camshaft; oil leaks; excessive brake pad wear; driveshaft leaks; occasional gear selector problems; heavy front tyre wear; suspension wear; smoky Turbo engine; possible `boy racer' abuse.

Servicing: 9000 miles to '95; 10000 from Aug. '95.

Model History
01/06/90 Calibra front-drive 3-door Coupes launched: 2.0i 8v (115 bhp) and 2.0i 16v (150 bhp), with `cat', 5-speed gearbox (optional 4-speed automatic on 2.0i), PAS, independent suspension, ABS. Equipment: central locking, elec front windows, sunroof and mirrors

01/06/90 Calibra frontdrive 3door Coupes launched: 2.0i 8v (115 bhp) and 2.0i 16v (150 bhp), with `cat', 5speed gearbox (optional 4speed automatic on 2.0i), PAS, independent suspension, ABS. Equipment: central locking, electric front windows/sunroof/ mirrors, sports seats, split rear seats, sixspeaker audio system and tinted glass. 2.0i 16v also has alloy wheels.

01/09/90 2.0i 16v 4x4 (150 bhp) launched in UK.

01/09/90 2.0i 16v 4x4 (150 bhp) launched with fulltime four wheel drive and equipment as 2.0i 16v.

01/10/91 All models have uprated stereo system with RDS radio. 2.0i 16v and 2.0i 16v 4x4 have multi-function trip computer.

01/10/91 Now has RDS radio/cassette with `faceoff' panel.

01/04/92 2.0 Turbo 4x4 (204 bhp) launched in UK with 6-speed gearbox, larger alloy wheels, uprated front brakes, leather trim.

01/10/92 All models now have side-impact protection beams and seat-belt tensioners. 2.0 16v has `low noise' engine. Optional driver's airbag available. Special 2.0i 8v `SE' (£15070) launched. Used and Trade values slightly higher than standard 2.0i 8v.

01/08/93 2.0i 8v now has standard alloy wheels. Turbo 4x4 now has front passenger airbag.

01/10/93 2.5i V6 (170 bhp) launched in UK with 5-speed or 4-speed automatic gearbox, traction control, ABS, alloy wheels, electric sunroof, passenger airbag, leather trim. Driver's airbag now standard on all models. Special yellow 2.0i 16v `SE2' (£18195) launched.

01/03/94 2.0i 16v now has 136 bhp ECOTEC-4 engine and optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

01/05/94 Special edition 2.0i 8v `SE3' (£15995) launched in UK. Used and Trade values slightly lower than 2.0i 8v.

01/09/94 All models have new `V'-style grille and redesigned fascia with white instrument dials.

01/10/94 All models now have engine deadlock immobiliser.

01/12/94 Special edition 2.0i 8v `SE4' launched in UK. New price £16995. Used and Trade values slightly higher than 2.0i 8v.

01/05/95 Special edition `DTM' models launched in UK. New prices: 2.0 16v £18855; Turbo 4x4 £23565; 2.5i V6 £21020. Used and Trade values approx. 7% higher than standard models.

01/09/95 Improved security: uprated alarm, locking wheel bolts.

01/10/95 Limited edition (of 400) 2.0i 8v `SE5' launched. New price £17975. Used/Trade values approx. 5% higher than 2.0i 8v.

01/05/96 Special edition 2.0i 8v `SE6' launched. New price £18500, Used/Trade values approx. 5% higher than 2.0i 8v.

01/09/96 Limited edition (of 51) 2.0i Turbo 4x4 Special (£27500). Used/Trade values approx. 15% higher than standard 4x4.

01/10/96 Special edition 2.0i 16v `SE7' launched. New price £18995. Used/Trade values slightly higher than standard 2.0i 16v.

01/12/96 Revisions: restyled alloy wheels on 2.0i 16v and 2.5 V6; standard air conditioning and trip computer on 2.5 V6.

01/04/97 Special edition 2.0i 16v `SE8' launched. New price £19585. Used/Trade values slightly higher than standard 2.0i 16v.

01/08/97 Special edition end-of-series 2.5i V6 `SE9' (£21495) launched. Used/Trade values slightly higher than standard 2.5i V6.

Models Engine MPG Fuel
2.0 4 cyl 1998cc 27-43 UL
2.0 Turbo 4 cyl 1998cc 27-43 UL
2.5i V6 cyl 2498cc 25-42 UL

merciless447 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2006, 17:39:01 PM »

Hey guys, I was wondering if theres any difference to the "Holden" Calibras seen here in australia in terms of engine components. Im looking to buy one and wasnt sure if there was something I should look out for in particular on the australian models if they arent simply a badge swap.

J@zV6 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2006, 19:36:45 PM »

I'm pretty sure that the 'Holden' Calibras were exported to Oz from the factory in Europe, just as the Vauxhall Calibras were exported to England. I'm pretty sure that there are no fundamental differences, unless they had to meet any specific Ozzie build regs, or emission controls. The later Ecotec engines were designed specifically to meet stricter US emission regs, although I don't think that the Calibra was ever exported there officially, but fitted throughout the range.

lazee_guy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2006, 11:13:51 AM »

Hi Ash, great guide to the history.

Over the last 12 months I have come across 2 Tickford 2.0i 8V Calibra's for sale, and just wondered if you knew anything about these models (how many made etc.). I know they have a special interior leather trim, Tickford steering wheel. Tickford badges etc.

DeepSnoozer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2006, 12:45:20 PM »

ratly camshafts? my cam shafts make a toc toc toc noise, but much silent than my x12sz engine in the corsa. is that normal?

ClubCalibra · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2006, 10:43:06 AM »

Quote

Tickford 2.0i 8V Calibra's

Unfortunately I know very little, haven't ever found a member with one either so I presume they're just 'that' rare!!

lazee_guy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2006, 11:47:19 AM »

One sold on eBay yesterday with 11 months ticket for a mere £200, couldn't quite believe my eyes at the price!

redgriffen · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2006, 12:59:16 PM »

Anyone got any pics? Never heard of this one before as I thought they were more into Fjord.

lazee_guy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2006, 13:50:11 PM »

Here's the one listed on eBay yesterday.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&item=140008402800&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3APIC&rd=1

I have only ever seen one more of them at a local bodyshop.

ClubCalibra · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2006, 14:02:25 PM »

Blimy!!!

Well just found this...

Quote

Apparently the Tickford Calibra was made to promote the Calibra at the October 1990 motor show, normally came with half alacentara/leather trim, but the last few including the original show cars came in full leather

mayro74 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 29, 2006, 20:23:58 PM »

Hi ppl, new owner off a cali, I'd lke to find out from you guys about my car.Going on what Ash had recorded on the history of the calibra's. My cali is an N reg but first registered in 29.03.1996, the type is SE5, 1998 CC,8 V.
I'd like to know what the limited edition entailed for the SE5?
My car also Y BBS which I don't know if it is original?
I'd be great full if you could resolve these questions.
Thanx DEE

ClubCalibra · « **Reply #11 on:** July 29, 2006, 21:43:51 PM »

Welcome to the Club mate!!

Not personally sure about the SE5's features, but a few owners of SE5's on here should be able to help!

J@zV6 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 29, 2006, 21:50:39 PM »

Quote from: Ash on July 29, 2006, 21:43:51 PM

Welcome to the Club mate!!

Not personally sure about the SE5's features, but a few owners of SE5's on here should be able to help!

Didn't someone once do a whole list of the features of the 9 Special Editions on the old website?

I've got a vague recollection that the SE5 may have had different rims, a few options were incorporated as 'standard' and I've got a vague feeling that they might even have been lowered slightly compared to the standard models.

vauxmad_kev · « **Reply #13 on:** August 11, 2006, 16:42:00 PM »

I think this is the place to post this!!!! My sister in law bought a DTM Turbo Cally and was told there were only 22 made.... I`ve just seen no. 50 for sale, so its obviously more than 22! Anyone got any info on exactly how many were made or where I can find out? Also, while we`re on the subject, she is selling her SE8, how many of those were made? Her`s has cream leather too, I thought they had black leather as standard? An optional extra maybe?

Sorry to be such a pain now, just like to know. Thanks in advance.

Kev..

tilley441 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 14, 2006, 22:04:57 PM »

hey there just would like to know about the tickford calibra (i.e what they are worth,how many are still on the road etc etc) a friend of mine has just got no.4 out of 25 ever made

J@zV6 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 14, 2006, 22:20:39 PM »

Quote from: vauxmad_kev on August 11, 2006, 16:42:00 PM

I think this is the place to post this!!!! My sister in law bought a DTM Turbo Cally and was told there were only 22 made.... I`ve just seen no. 50 for sale, so its obviously more than 22! Anyone got any info on exactly how many were made or where I can find out?

You're right, according to Vauxhall's Customer Assistance Department's highly suspect figures, only 22 DTM TB 4x4's were ever produced: 20 in 1995 & 2 in 1996. However, this may only be Vx variants, it is possible that they produced more under the Opel (& possibly even the Holden) badge. Perhaps they made over 50 in total, of which 22 were badged Vx...

Quote from: vauxmad_kev on August 11, 2006, 16:42:00 PM

Also, while we`re on the subject, she is selling her SE8, how many of those were made? Her`s has cream leather too, I thought they had black leather as standard? An optional extra maybe?

As for the SE8, there were apparently a total of only 520 made, 280 in 1997 & 240 in 1998 - although again, this might only be the Vx variants & there may have been more Opel versions. These only came in Magnetic Blue, but I suspect that buyers could specify the colour of leather interior.

See http://www.geocities.com/the_calibra_se/ for further details.

vauxmad_kev · « **Reply #16 on:** August 19, 2006, 22:44:38 PM »

Wow.... you dont half know your stuff fella! Thanks very much. I appreciate that.

Steinmetz calibra · « **Reply #17 on:** September 24, 2006, 13:10:19 PM »

HEy im a new owner of a cali ive never come across another one of these cars it has Steinmetz writen on the back right hand corner and on the back 2 windows does anyone have any information about this model? its a 93 2.0 4 cilinder i herd it came with factory shaved head much apreciated

ClubCalibra · « **Reply #18 on:** September 24, 2006, 13:49:03 PM »

Welcome to the Club! I think you'll find that your Calibra isn't a genuine/official 'Steinmetz Calibra' but that infact one of the previous owners had stuck on additional decals.

Steinmetz make bodykits for many cars, including the Calibra.

Steinmetz calibra · « **Reply #19 on:** September 25, 2006, 12:38:51 PM »

realli sounds bout right but i herd it came with modified parts out of the factory shaved hed suspenion cross bar modified clutch has there ever bein a factory Steinmetz calibra made?

Author Topic: Guide to Calibra Model History & Model Feature Guide (Read 5178 times)

merciless447

DeepSnoozer

vauxmad_kev

tilley441

vauxmad_kev

Steinmetz calibra

Steinmetz calibra