Author Topic: My first Cali - All original SE5 (Read 16706 times)

Chucky · « **on:** May 10, 2013, 11:51:35 AM »

Alright guys, i'm new to the forum and this is my first calibra. I'm lovin it! i've upgraded from a 1.0 1985 nova saloon so i can't get enough of the power xD

So the cali is a 1996 se5, 89k on the clock, full history in mint condition. Glad the guy held onto it for me.

I will be keeping the exterior and interior standard, the steinmetz kit looks nice, the blaupunkt sterio is good, the irmscher suspension is quality.. i will be tinkering with the power side of things a bit, i aim to uprate all breathing mods (induction, manifold, full system) kent cams, clutch, brakes, flywheel, power boost valve, tyres, spacers, bushes, plugs, leads, quick shift, possibly new ecu and remap.. Will take time but bit by bit she'll improve =)

Opinions?

DanSE4 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2013, 11:59:49 AM »

Welcome to ClubCalibra, looks like a good example you've picked up there.

I won't jump on your comments on tuning it yet (I'll save that one lol) but the 2.0 8v is the baby of the range, you won't get a great deal more out of it whatever you do (believe me, I toyed with it for a long time & ended up dumping a 2.5 V6 in mine instead)!

Cracking engines though from a reliability factor so concentrate on keeping it well maintained & serviced & you'll get plenty of years of fun!

Chucky · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2013, 12:22:00 PM »

Thanks mate =) Yeah i know what you mean, i'm in two minds about it at the moment. I know i'll struggle to get it past 130bhp but i love the grunt it has.. the low down torque on the 8v is really good, I suppose i could give it a good service, sort out induction, exhaust and new brakes and leave it like that for a while.

I'm just not sure what'd cost me more? drop in a redtop or v6 or get a few bits and bobs for the 8v and accept it won't be the fastest cali around.. I'll have a good think about it but for now she's all good! =D

DanSE4 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2013, 12:35:08 PM »

I've owned my SE4 since 2003, remained an 8v until 2011.

I had a Powerflow Exhaust, originally a K&N Induction kit which I binned off for the standard airbox with a decent panel filter. Also had an FSE on it which ironed out a few flat spots but possible that was just the placebo effect I was looking for after fitting it.

Never bothered me really until I got a Vectra GSi as well, that gave me the V6 bug. A V6 conversion though is NOT a walk in the park, I'd personally rather set fire to myself than ever have to do it again!

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2013, 12:58:17 PM »

Welcome

I'd leave that engine well alone TBH. If you want proper grunt buy a V6

Miscbrah · « **Reply #5 on:** May 10, 2013, 13:26:06 PM »

Woot! Another SE5!

Welcome.

Gotta be honest, I've wanted nothing more than to squeeze a little more oomph out of mine but it's just going to be a money pit tuning the C20NE. I've gone with a manifold, super panel filter and bloody good service, but that's about all that's reasonable on the wallet to do! Your front bumper is different to mine though, as is your exhaust, and I don't have that spolier nor yellow flashes.

Gorgeous car you have, looks really really smashing. Take care of him/her!

I think there's only 49 of them left in the world now!

DanSE4 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2013, 13:39:26 PM »

Quote from: Miscbrah on May 10, 2013, 13:26:06 PM

Your front bumper is different to mine though

Looking at it I'd say the bumper has been replaced with an earlier one, quite possibly to obtain that front splitter. Don't think the headlamp washers came with those originally.

Teejay · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2013, 13:59:49 PM »

Welcome along, lovely SE5 there and in really nice condition, as above 8Valver, just leave it alone and enjoy.
If you're thinking about a V6 upgrade to yours, read Dan's project thread first !!!!!
Get your name down for our annual meet at Billing in August, would be great to get some newbies along to say 'Hi'

purepleasures · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2013, 14:20:05 PM »

As Miscbrah....Yey another and a crackin one too.

Your all putting mine to shame

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

vexorg · « **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2013, 14:43:05 PM »

It wasn't moving at ?900, how much had the price dropped when you bought it?

DanSE4 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 10, 2013, 14:54:44 PM »

Oh, if you do end up dropping a non 8v engine into it, Gav will try to tell you it's no longer an SE5.

If he does, just shove a banana up his exhaust.

sealeysonic · « **Reply #11 on:** May 10, 2013, 15:48:55 PM »

looks great to me....8v`s are cool !!

Teejay · « **Reply #12 on:** May 10, 2013, 16:19:21 PM »

Quote from: DanSE4 on May 10, 2013, 14:54:44 PM

Oh, if you do end up dropping a non 8v engine into it, Gav will try to tell you it's no longer an SE5.

If he does, just shove a banana up his exhaust.

http://youtu.be/HktV2yGtLv8

balls_i_brokemycalibra · « **Reply #13 on:** May 10, 2013, 16:27:05 PM »

That is one nice looking......Nova

oh yeh the calibra's ok too XD nah i like that, to be fair i like all calibra's with a front end, they look much better that way, 10 out of 10 would recommend you dont crash it!

benjinh0 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 10, 2013, 19:03:48 PM »

Looks nice mate, i'd stick with the 8v, mine has very little in the way of maintenance and starts every time. Every other engine type I've had has given me problems even when maintained well. Although iam looking forward to getting my 3.0 Dtm back on the road cos the growl is tremendous!

DanSE4 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 10, 2013, 21:55:52 PM »

Quote from: benjinh0 on May 10, 2013, 19:03:48 PM

Looks nice mate, i'd stick with the 8v, mine has very little in the way of maintenance and starts every time. Every other engine type I've had has given me problems even when maintained well.

What this man said.

Start swapping engines, you're opening yourself up to a world of sh*t (I bloody know)!

Chucky · « **Reply #16 on:** May 11, 2013, 11:11:26 AM »

Thank you all for the kind comments! glad you all like it as much as i do =)

It has Steinmetz plaques on the inside of the door sill so i believe the kit is original, the splitter also has steinmetz written on the corners.. not sure really.

I think i'll take all you guys advice, i'll stick with the 8v, dont want to tear it to bits really. In the next month i'll be having it fully serviced (?140) from there i'll sort new panel filter and exhaust. I know that i won't get massive amounts of power out of it, but i am actually very happy to gradually spend thousands on it. If it results in better handling, slight power gains, smoother delivery and better reliability then i'll be happy.

Haha don't worry i won't crash it, got 4 years no claims never had a crash, i'm sensible (ish) xD

And yeah i'm up for Billing! how do i go about putting my name down guys?

Berny · « **Reply #17 on:** May 11, 2013, 11:36:08 AM »

That is a luvly example of a calibra matey

and if your coming up from a 1.0 Nova the 8v will probably keep you well entertained for a long time haha, my 8v was my first car but couldn't insure it till i moved to Germany, I had to drive a 1.3 escort till then and the cali blew my mind after that haha

plus i found it faster than a mk4 astra SRi witch i briefly owned as mad as that sounds ( worst cars ever don't ever go eco-tec ( my opinion) )

Teejay · « **Reply #18 on:** May 11, 2013, 12:08:44 PM »

Quote from: Chucky on May 11, 2013, 11:11:26 AM

And yeah i'm up for Billing! how do i go about putting my name down guys?

Good news, all the info is found here fella
http://www.clubcalibra.com/clubcalibra-events/billing-2013-august-9th-10th-and-11th/

Chucky · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2013, 13:19:40 PM »

Thank you mate =) yeah it's a wee bit faster than the ol' nova haha! it puts a big grin on my face every time i drive it so she'll do fine for a while.

And thanks teejay i'll sort that out soon, sounds like a good few days!

balls_i_brokemycalibra · « **Reply #20 on:** May 12, 2013, 17:16:03 PM »

Quote from: Chucky on May 11, 2013, 11:11:26 AM

Thank you all for the kind comments! glad you all like it as much as i do =)

It has Steinmetz plaques on the inside of the door sill so i believe the kit is original, the splitter also has steinmetz written on the corners.. not sure really.

I think i'll take all you guys advice, i'll stick with the 8v, dont want to tear it to bits really. In the next month i'll be having it fully serviced (?140) from there i'll sort new panel filter and exhaust. I know that i won't get massive amounts of power out of it, but i am actually very happy to gradually spend thousands on it. If it results in better handling, slight power gains, smoother delivery and better reliability then i'll be happy.

Haha don't worry i won't crash it, got 4 years no claims never had a crash, i'm sensible (ish) xD

And yeah i'm up for Billing! how do i go about putting my name down guys?

yeh i had four too, until the master brake cylinder stopped working, doesnt matter how much you press the brakes nothing happens...good job my handbrake worked...oh yeh wait no thats sh*t too, change the master cylinder!

marklwilliams · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2013, 17:17:10 PM »

Welcome Chucky,

Your car looks in realy nice condition, good find

I whent from a 1.4 Orion to a 2.0 Turbo

and still loving it 10 years later

balls_i_brokemycalibra · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2013, 17:18:27 PM »

lucky git, how much was the insurance?
at 17 i did the swop from a 1.2 corsa to the cally and it was 3k

EddeyDancer · « **Reply #23 on:** May 12, 2013, 17:33:25 PM »

Quote from: Chucky on May 10, 2013, 11:51:35 AM

I will be keeping the exterior and interior standard, and the Steinmetz kit looks nice...

Will take time but bit by bit she'll improve =)

Opinions?

Looks Lovely...

It really would look even better, with the full Steinmetz Body Kit and matching 17" Steinmetz Alloys...

Having that Front Splitter, makes the Side Skirts look very ordinary, and the Rear lacking, in comparison...

Also Tinting of the Windows, would enhance the look...

marklwilliams · « **Reply #24 on:** May 12, 2013, 18:29:24 PM »

Quote from: balls_i_brokemycalibra on May 12, 2013, 17:18:27 PM

lucky git, how much was the insurance?
at 17 i did the swop from a 1.2 corsa to the cally and it was 3k

I was 21 went from paying ?600 to ?1400TP but it was well worth the

Now it's about ?300 fully comp

But i still drive it like i stole it, just ask ALZ

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 13, 2013, 12:16:09 PM »

Quote from: marklwilliams on May 12, 2013, 18:29:24 PM

I was 21 went from paying ?600 to ?1400TP but it was well worth the

Now it's about ?300 fully comp But i still drive it like i stole it, just ask ALZ

He really does, I kinda thought to myself 'you carry on mate, I've no chance!'

Chucky · « **Reply #26 on:** May 13, 2013, 13:23:59 PM »

Yeah i think i know what you mean mate! tried stopping for a roundabout on the A14 from about 70-80mph and nothing happened for a while... got to the roundabout and was still going about 40mph and thought "oh dear", thankfully it was clear. The brakes are normally alright round the city, on main roads or faster speeds not fantastic so i brake earlier. I think i better get it checked or replaced!

thank you guys for the nice comments, i'm still debating what i'm going to do to the exterior.. lots of options, the windows will be going darker soon, maybe smoke the rear lights, then i'll consider wheels etc.

Miscbrah · « **Reply #27 on:** May 13, 2013, 13:37:29 PM »

Have to say I did uprate the brakes on mine; and new pads one end at a time, and now it stops like I think it 'should'.

This happened after I borrowed my sister's Nissan Micra and thought "oh my the brakes are great on this."

balls_i_brokemycalibra · « **Reply #28 on:** May 13, 2013, 15:42:24 PM »

thats a sign the brake fluid needs changing or you need a new master cylinder, do both, peace of mind, if they stop working after wards can at least get the cars worth back off the parts company or the garage that fitted the parts

balls_i_brokemycalibra · « **Reply #29 on:** May 13, 2013, 15:43:30 PM »

Quote from: marklwilliams on May 12, 2013, 18:29:24 PM

I was 21 went from paying ?600 to ?1400TP but it was well worth the

Now it's about ?300 fully comp But i still drive it like i stole it, just ask ALZ

jesus pick and arm either arm, and its yours, as long as my insurance can be hell even 600 is ok

craigw131 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 23, 2013, 20:30:34 PM »

Stunning looking car.

Chucky · « **Reply #31 on:** May 24, 2013, 12:42:21 PM »

thanks bud! =) like the look of yours too, especially now that you've sorted the lights and grill etc.. very nice.

Chucky · « **Reply #32 on:** June 21, 2013, 12:45:30 PM »

Heres my lovely ol girl after a good polish and the arrival of the club stickers! =D

lammy · « **Reply #33 on:** June 21, 2013, 12:52:09 PM »

Very nice...The front bumper valance looks very similar to mine (not that clear on your photos)..but like my Zender front valance..(if it is the same you may want to source the side skirts and rear valance to match?)...

Chucky · « **Reply #34 on:** June 23, 2013, 13:51:34 PM »

Thank you mate! Well the front bumper has "steinmetz" written on it at the bottom corner, and above the sill inside the doors are steinmetz plaques aswell, so i thought that's how it came as standard..

pm3k · « **Reply #35 on:** October 10, 2015, 13:00:00 PM »

This is my old SE 5,is it still around?

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #36 on:** October 10, 2015, 13:10:53 PM »

"vehicle details could not be found". Dead I guess..... or plate change.

sealeysonic · « **Reply #37 on:** October 10, 2015, 22:42:59 PM »

looks clean mate !! welcome to the club.

sealeysonic · « **Reply #38 on:** October 10, 2015, 22:47:01 PM »

looks clean mate !! welcome to the club.

Author Topic: My first Cali - All original SE5 (Read 16706 times)

vexorg