Test Drive Opel Calibra 1989 - 1997 coupe
Folk coupe
Folk coupe. // Opel Calibra.Opel Calibra - budget steepness
Even those who do not like cars of the Opel brand (and there are a lot of such motorists around the world), recognize that this company produced several very decent models. One of them is Calibra's coupe, undoubtedly distinguished among all the other Opel of the end of the last century. And indeed, the car has a lot of advantages, although not devoid of flaws.
The Opel Calibra coupe was first shown to the general public in 1990. It is no secret that the vehicle was based on the platform from the well-known model of the first generation of the first generation, which was produced from the late 80s. However, if Opel Vectra is very often exposed to all sorts of criticism, the negative words towards Calibra speaks much less. This is largely due to the fact that the car is endowed with its own character. Yes, and the design of Calibra is quite attractive, even according to the current standards. So on the coupe from Opel, it is unnecessary to ride steep guys, which is not enough money for serious Mercedes or BMW. But this circumstance also has the opposite direction - Calibra's judgmental people were rarely bought. And as a result, there are often dead cars, brought to the limit. It is worth being prepared for the search for a car in good condition can leave a lot of time.
The great advantage of Opel Calibra is its similarity with the design of Standard Vectra, which causes the low cost of spare parts. However, this does not concern body elements, which in the case of an accident will have to be ordered new in stores. Of course, there is a chance to meet bumpers or wings on disassembly, but Calibra goes rarely. Unfortunately, in addition to the advantages associated with the availability of spare parts, a two-door Opel adopted from Vectra and a number of shortcomings. In particular, not the best corrosion resistance of the body. Especially from this suffer from the first year of release. Calibra sold now can often see the rusty arches of the wheels (usually rear), thresholds, support cups of rear shock absorbers, etc. So that the body's condition check should be given the closest attention, and from the acquisition of rusty cars it is better to refuse.
Inside the Opel Calibra almost completely copies overra. And this is already minus. If a similar interior is suitable for a modest emboss, then in a complaint with a chance to sportiness, I would like something more original. The only thing that many Calibra owners like is the front armchairs. They are endowed with quite good lateral support, and sit in them very convenient. True, by now, some chairs are broken, so when buying it is worth seeing, whether they are regulated. Surprisingly, at the rear sofa Calibra can also be made with a sufficient part of comfort. If necessary, there are even three people here. The quality of the salon assembly is basically the same as on Vectra A. That is, everything is done more or less good, but all sorts of syligations here is a completely normal phenomenon. Periodically, something can break - more often the owners of Calibra have to look for the rear plastic shelf. New stands quite a few, but you can find used for $ 30.
Love modest
Under the hood Opel Calibra put five different gasoline engines. In the overwhelming majority of cases, Calibra sold on the secondary market are equipped with the simplest 8-valve 2-liter motor capacity of 115 hp. There is a 16-valve engine with a volume of 2.0 l with a capacity of 150 hp. And since 1994, Calibra has acquired a new power unit with a volume of 2.0 liters from the Ecotec series, which issued 136 hp. Opel installed on his compartment and engine B6 of 2.5 liters (170 hp). But it was not the most powerful, because in the Calibra gamma there is a 2-liter turbocharged motor with a capacity of 204 hp.
Naturally, Opel Calibra Turbo has the best dynamics among his fellows (the maximum speed of 245 km / h, and the acceleration time is 0-100 km / h occupies only 6.8 s). However, before you look for such a car, you need to think tightly: Does she need it at all? First, these motors are usually 150-180 thousand km of mileage fails (this is at least $ 400 for repairs). But the matter is not even in it, but in the fact that by now 204-strong engines are often in a very worn condition (and many have already managed to go through overhaul). Still, for high power with a small volume of the motor, it is necessary to pay a lower resource of the power unit. In addition, suspension, brakes, etc. Here also require repair more often than usual.
As for the 2.5-liter six, it is much more reliable than a 2-liter turbocharge engine. Its power with a margin is enough for a confident ride. However, if necessary, a serious repair owner of the B6 engine will spend larger amounts than the owner of a modest 4-cylinder unit. Yes, spare parts and work are costly more expensive. In addition, B6 weighs more than all other aggregates, and, accordingly, the front suspension during ride is experiencing an increased load. As for the value of Calibra B6, then, of course, it was not very considerable, because such cars had the maximum configuration. However, by now the difference in price between machines with 4- and 6-cylinder engines is insignificant. Now in many ways the cost of the car depends not on the year of production or engine, but from its technical condition.
As for 2-liter engines without turbocharging, then there is also its own features. So, the best one is considered the most modest engine with 8 valves (115 hp). He, however, has one disadvantage - power. Whatever they say the owners of such cars, and 115 horses are not enough for the coupe. Especially if there are passengers and the air conditioner is turned on. But then the 8-valve motor is easier and cheaper to repair! For example, in its design, the same injection system is used as our dozen. It is also important that in the event of a climb vehicle, the valve belt is not bent on this motor (on the other, alas, not avoiding expensive repairs). For Opel engines, this is a very big advantage, since the drive system of the gas distribution mechanism here is not the most reliable. The timing belt together with the roller must be changed strictly every 60 thousand km, and best of all before, since already 70 thousand km belt can break! Together with the belt and rollers, the wizards advise you to put immediately and pump. Experience shows that its resource is rare when exceeds 70-80 thousand km. As a result, the total cost of work and spare parts is about $ 180-250 (the owners of cars with B6 lay out more than $ 300).
From time to time, all engines require the replacement of the valve cover gasket. There is nothing terrible in this - the costs will be only $ 15. Once in two or four years fails the upper engine support ($ 40 together with work). Naturally, replacements may require other parts such as a thermostat or idle regulator. But their price, fortunately, is also low, because they are all suitable from the Vectra model.
Full disable
The overwhelming majority of Opel Calibra released - front-wheel drive cars. However, the Germans equipped their coupe and all-wheel drive transmission, which is most common on machines with powerful engines (Calibra with a 204-strong unit tools to make it mandatory). Without a doubt, a car with a drive for all wheels is more resistant to the road and allows you to take turns at high speed. But still buying such Opel Calibra is not recommended. The fact is that the system of full drive here is not the most reliable and after 100 thousand km often requires repair. And it is natural, notes.
In addition, there is one feature - the All-wheel drive transmission of Calibra does not like driving with different tires. Moreover, it is painful even to those situations when, say, the front wheels were worn out a little more than the rear! Typically, the first is the ussociation, which has to be changed along with the distribution. And its replacement will require about $ 500. It seems to be not so much for the full drive, but for a significant part of the owners of Opel Calibra, this amount is very substantial. That is why sometimes the owners prefer not to repair the system of the full drive, but simply remove it! As a result, the machine becomes an ordinary front-wheel drive.
In addition to the full drive, the Opel Calibra with a 204-power engine was often equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox (it flashes faster than others). Simple cars are equipped with a 5-speed manual KP. It is quite reliable and able to work for a long time. Over time, however, the sizes of the scenes can be prolonged or crashing her sleeve. But the replacement of these items is not expensive than check-in for refueling - $ 20 in the first case and $ 10 in the second. The instruction manual says that the oil in the mechanical transmission is polished for the entire service life of the car, but the Opel Opel owners know that it is better to change it every 100 thousand km. The clutch resource strongly depends on the motor power and car control style. But usually 70-100 thousand km it should be out. And if the clutch is in death, then this is not a reason to give up the purchase of a car, because the new set is inexpensive - $ 100-160. True, work on his replacement is very laborious. Therefore, the masters advise immediately put the rear seal of the crankshaft.
The automatic transmission of Japanese production on Opel Calibra is no less reliable than mechanical (true, oil in it is required to change every 40-60 thousand km). Moreover, the ACP noticeably longer serves on machines with smaller motors.
Opel Calibra has a fully independent suspension not only in front, but also from behind (such a scheme is used on the most powerful versions of Vectra a). The chassis at the coupe is tougher tougher than the sedan, but it is impossible to call her oak. The reliability of the Opel Calibra suspension is high enough, but most importantly, the price of spare parts is one of the lowest among foreign cars. Most often, the replacement requires a stabilizer rack (installed in front and rear). With an active ride, this operation has to be carried out every 40-50 thousand km ($ 35 together with the work for each rack). Shock absorbers and ball supports withstand up to 70-90 thousand km. The first cost from $ 30 to $ 100 depending on the manufacturer, and for a good support asking $ 7-10.
In the rear suspension, it is possible to check the status of Silent blocks (6 pieces), as they can be wary in our roads after 40-50 thousand km. Their replacement will cost $ 160-200. In general, the Opel Calibra suspension does not require large investments, and usually aligning even seriously rolled cars is worth not more than $ 500.
A significant part of the Opel Calibra, which is sold today in the secondary market, have steering problems. Often machines require the replacement of steering cras, which can be wary in 25-30 thousand km. A set of two pulls costs $ 70, and the work on their replacement is another $ 40-70. Not too happy and the fact that during running more than 120 thousand km begins to stick the steering rail. Who wants to have a car in an ideal technical condition, he buys a new rail for $ 250 (tightening does not always help), but a rather large percentage of drivers drive, without taking anything, for several years. May refuse the hydraulic power pump. In this case, get a new one there is no point, since it can be exchanged with a surcharge on the restored ($ 80-100). So even such a weak place as the steering Opel Calibra does not require serious costs. Do not, in theory, to deliver special troubles and brakes (on all wheels there are discs, and there is an ABS system). The set of pads is sold for $ 20-35, and disks for $ 30-70.
FITTING
Presented at the photos of Opel Calibra with a 16-valve 2-liter engine was released in 1992. To date, the car's mileage is more than 200 thousand km, but checking a hundred showed that everything is in order with the car. And there is nothing surprising in this, since the current owner is very carefully monitored by his beauty.
So, quite recently, a complete revision of the chassis was carried out (new stabilizer racks were installed, front shock absorbers, steering tips, silent blocks and ball supports). And the Bilstein sports shock absorbers are set together with Irmcher springs. Also, the replacement went and grip.
It is worth noting that the Body of Red Calibra does not even have hints on rust. In addition, a 2-liter engine at one time has passed chip tuning, and the muffler was replaced with a directing exhaust SuperSprint. All this made the car noticeably turning his analogues.
You can not pass by the fact that the interior will be transferred in red-black colors, including the ceiling, doors and sidewalls, and the music system includes a JVC radio tape recorder, capable of reading MP-3, PowerAcoustic amplifier, MTX subwoofer and six speakers. Externally, this Calibra is different from standard cars installed recently by xenon light, as well as nameplates and emblems of Inuxhall, replacing Opel's inscriptions. Now Opel Calibra is sold (tel. (095) 270-0692) for $ 7000.
EXCURSION
Opel Calibra's predecessor is a model named Manta, first introduced by the public in 1970. At the heart of this coupe lay the platform from the ASCONA model, but the car body was original. The gamma of the Opel Manta engines first consisted of two carburetor power units with a volume of 1.6 and 1.9 liters (68 hp and 105 hp, respectively), but in 1974, motors with an injection system appeared. And in the period from 1972 to 1975, they made the most modest modification of Manta with a 1.2-liter carburetor motor (60 hp).
In 1975, Opel Manta was upgraded (such cars are often called Manta B). The changes affected not only the appearance, but also technical filling. In particular, the list of engines has expanded. For example, a 2-liter engine capacity of 110 hp appeared. By the way, in the period from 1978 to 1988, Opel Manta was released not only in the body coupe, but also as hatchbacks - such machines were called Manta B Coupe CC (the last two letters are deciphered as Combi-Coupe).
In March 1990, a completely new two-door coupe was presented, which was based on the platform from the Vectra A. model. The first few months the car was equipped with only one 2-liter engine capacity of 115 hp However, then a 16-valve engine with a volume of 2.0 l (150 hp) appeared, and in 1992 and its turbocharged version (204 hp).
In 1994, Calibra was upgraded. Opel expanded the list of basic equipment (two airbags appeared in the standard) and started installing a new 2-liter engine from the Ecotec series (136 hp), as well as 2.5-liter B6 (170 hp).
In 1997, Calibra released. After that, in the model scheme Opel, for some time there was no average-sized coupe (in the period 1994-2000, the Germans did only a small two-door Tigra). But already in 1999, a new coupe was shown. This time they were made on the basis of Astra. Opel Astra Coupe production was mastered in 2000 at the BERTONE factory in Italy (the same Atelier was engaged in design). And in 2001, the company compiled a compound and a convertible.
Opel Astra Coupe / Cabriolet is equipped with several power units: 1.6 liters (101 hp), 1.8 liters (125 hp), 2.2 l (147 hp), 2.0 l With turbocharging (192 or 200 hp) and 2.2 liter Diesel with turbocharging (125 hp).
Denis Smolyanov
A source: Mkmobile magazine [12/06/2004]
