Is this a load of tosh? Care to elaborate...
Discussion
Been debating a VX220 for a while now and pretty much got my heart set on one now, but after comparing it with the Elise in the general forum of the owners club I'm in at the moment, this post got my worrying...
"Bare in mind the 2.2 engine has a well known issue which is rather more expensive than a head gasket (1.8 K-Series) to rectify when it fails..."
Does anyone know what he's talking about? I wasn't aware of any problems with the 2.2 N/A engine?
"Bare in mind the 2.2 engine has a well known issue which is rather more expensive than a head gasket (1.8 K-Series) to rectify when it fails..."
Does anyone know what he's talking about? I wasn't aware of any problems with the 2.2 N/A engine?
Probably the cam chain mate. The Z22XE engine is great but its Cam chain driven and the lubricating nozzle is too small, it gets blocked and chain stops being lubed. Chain the jumps or snaps and head becomes uber fooked. If you buy a car with this engine Astra/Vectra/VX220 then ensure it has had the relevant work carried out to fix (new updated cam chain and lube nozzle). Bear in mind this is not a recall its typical Vx, they know theres a problem but just shut their eyes and go LA LA LA very loadly hoping you will go away.
HTH
HTH
Best bet is to post on vx220.org.uk as you'll get much more of a response. I've had my 2.2 NA for just over 2 years (originally a 2001 model), 30k on the clock and the engine has never missed a beat. I think the issue mentioned above relates to the 2.0 Turbo as I've never heard of a major issue with the 2.2 NA.
The only thing I've recently found that can be expensive is the radiator. The normal OEM one has a weakspot which will break and cause coolant to explode all over the windscreen. When looking check if this has been changed to an alloy one (£200 of elise parts) and if it has you should be fine. Other than that the engine itself is pretty bullet proof so don't be put off by a higher miler as they can be pretty good bargains.
Other things to note are engine mounts will go, tie rod ends tend to go plus maybe some others that I've forgotten about. Servicing is piss cheap compared to the Lotus, but better to have it done at a specialist like TMS or Plans rather than a dealer as most don't get good reviews.
Go for it, you won't regret it
The only thing I've recently found that can be expensive is the radiator. The normal OEM one has a weakspot which will break and cause coolant to explode all over the windscreen. When looking check if this has been changed to an alloy one (£200 of elise parts) and if it has you should be fine. Other than that the engine itself is pretty bullet proof so don't be put off by a higher miler as they can be pretty good bargains.
Other things to note are engine mounts will go, tie rod ends tend to go plus maybe some others that I've forgotten about. Servicing is piss cheap compared to the Lotus, but better to have it done at a specialist like TMS or Plans rather than a dealer as most don't get good reviews.
Go for it, you won't regret it
I'm sorry mate but i think you're giving out bad advice. It is definately the 2.2 engine that has the major issue with the cam chain failing. Infact you quoted the very site that is full of topics like "Another cam chain snapped" etc etc.
Like i said they are good engines but they do have underlying issues and you would be a fool to ignore them.
Here read them for yourself http://z22se.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=22
just scan down the page at the post titles you will see that there IS a problem with this engine.
Good luck i hope it works out for you.
Like i said they are good engines but they do have underlying issues and you would be a fool to ignore them.
Here read them for yourself http://z22se.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=22
just scan down the page at the post titles you will see that there IS a problem with this engine.
Good luck i hope it works out for you.
It's only an issue with earlier engines I think. The later ones had the correct size of nozzle to lubricate the chain.
There is a leaked memo on z22se.co.uk which basicallly says that vauxhall will carry out the rework on a complaint basis only.
It's worth looking into before buying but not a huge issue.
There is a leaked memo on z22se.co.uk which basicallly says that vauxhall will carry out the rework on a complaint basis only.
It's worth looking into before buying but not a huge issue.
Gassing Station | VX | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff