Calibra models?

[Keith1983]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and was just hoping someone could give me the lowdown on the diferent models available. I know I like the styling of the DTM's but I don't know what different variations there are within the dtm's. Can someone give me the lowdown on the trim/engine variations available within the dtm's? Are there any other special editions that would be worth a look? Cheers.

[BazV6er]

here you go mate :


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.

Services 9000 miles to '95; 10000 from Aug. '95.

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.

[Mark1]

The only thing that changes between the DTM's is the engine 16v V6 or Turbo 4x4. Some did come with leather but that was an option.

SE's run from 1 to 9, of them I would saw the SE9 is the best but then I would and them you have the jast of the turbos' the LE, all where made in limted numbers.

[Keith1983]

Wow! Thanks for all the replies gents. I think if come the time finances allow it will be the dtm 2.0 turbo. I've had a couple of cavalier sri's the 2.0 litre 8v ones. I like my Vauxhalls and for me the calibra's look great the other option I'd consider is a Vec B ST200.

[BazV6er]

here you go mate :

knowledge/

dtm turbos,le turbos and turbos are all 4 wd drive as well as a few earlier non turbo 16v

[Keith1983]

sorry baz I edited my post after i read all of the previous spec info!

[BazV6er]

no probs mate

[Keith1983]

Thanks for the warm welcome chaps, much better than some forums I won't mention! I currently drive a 1.8 LS Club Ultra blue vec C with a couple of small mods. That will be going back to standard as the sensible family can and the calibra will be my toy when the mrs has finished her nursing degree and got a job!

[GreyDJ]

Turbos are much more expensive proportionately than the others due to the value of the engine/gearbox so some who do not understand their attraction break them. As a consequence the lowest price a working one will go for is £15-1600.

A late V6 is probably the best value performance buy or an 2.0XEV if you want lower fuel consumption/insurance.

Don't forget that all Calibras can normally be put on Classic Car insurance policies if you have a 'main' car as well.

[Keith1983]

Well I'm not mad about performance so maybe the extra expense of the 2.0 litre turbo would be a bit unnecessary. Are the 2.5 V6's reliable enough? I know the V6's sound nice. It would be a second car as we're looking at a boring diesel Zafira as our work horse!

[BazV6er]

yes the v6's are very reliable and quite a storng engine .
i recently learned my lesson as i neglected a few oil changes which basically made the oil cooler blow into the coolant (not nice ).

from time to time you may come across a few sensors ie knock sensor ,cam sensor ,crank sensor and a few others but with the aid of a paper clip bridged into the diagnostic pins of the ecu loom it saves you a bill of £50-60 and you do the paperclip test involving watching the amount of flashes you get on the dash and refering it to the codes on the net.


myself i also own a last of the line se9 24v v6 and ive loved it over the last two years especially for the sound as we as some of the power , there not as tunable as the calibra turbo but with mods you can take the v6 closer to 200bhp and even further depending on how you want to spend on the engine .

i had a old 16v redtop which gave me 5 good years too and that was nippy but it wasnt special like the v6.