Corsa 'D' VXR Nurburgring Edition

Service by Michael Smith, on Flickr

That time already!

Completed today, apart the the Pollen Filter, but will do that another time, so the current mileage at the time was 23033. First Service in my ownership, feels good lol.

Have to say the 'Box does feel better, it's still woeful but it does feel better, so that's one plus point. Stuck 2.8L in.

Next on the list is Discs and Pads all round.

62 plate with 23k and you're servicing it yourself? Gotta be worth the stamp I'd have thought?

TomSx said:

62 plate with 23k and you're servicing it yourself? Gotta be worth the stamp I'd have thought?

Click to expand...

That was a thought, but it's still 5 year old car at the end of the day, granted its low mileage, but I'am not sure a couple of Service Stamps will make a difference when it comes to trading it in ? It's never been an issue in the past, but I'll have loads of paper work and receipts though!

My 'mates got a mate who knows a mate with a Service Book Stamper' though lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Everybody raves on about service stamps, but in my opinion they don't mean anything!

I manage a garage, and the amount of cars we service. Then advise a shitload of work and they don't have anything done whatsoever! Because all they want is a lovely little stamp in their service book to say its been 'well looked after' 😂

Yeah... Both you're rear trailing arm bushes have un-bonded, but don't worry at-least you've had an oil/filter change! :neutral:

It's b****cks! Far more important are a stack of invoices/receipts to show work that's been carried out.

So yesterday whilst the Weather was truly superb, decided it was the right time to give the 'Burg a really good 'Detail' i hate that word but seems popular these days, anyway! started of with taking the Alloy's of and doing the usual, Iron-X'ed, De-Tar'ed, Shampooed and then Waxed, no pictures of any interest unfortunately, along with doing that i give the Arches, Suspension, Brembo's and any other undercarriage components a good scrub, again no pictures of any interest :/ With that done, set about giving the Bodywork a good seeing to, did the usual and went and got some pictures

Fresh by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Fresh by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Fresh by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Fresh by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Fresh by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Shine by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Cheers!

Looks spot on mate!

I really do like these. A friend of mine had a grey one which was a 'clubsport' ? Supposedly that version replaced the Nurburgring edition. Either way it looked fantastic!

Looks good!
A friend has just had his Arctic version forged. Sounds brutal now with a custom straight pipe.

RMDavis said:

Looks spot on mate!

I really do like these. A friend of mine had a grey one which was a 'clubsport' ? Supposedly that version replaced the Nurburgring edition. Either way it looked fantastic!

Click to expand...

Yeah that would be the Clubsport mate identical to these but with the Remus Back-Box, and that went on to be the standard fit on the current Corsa 'E' VXR's


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RMDavis said:

Everybody raves on about service stamps, but in my opinion they don't mean anything!

I manage a garage, and the amount of cars we service. Then advise a shitload of work and they don't have anything done whatsoever! Because all they want is a lovely little stamp in their service book to say its been 'well looked after' 😂

Yeah... Both you're rear trailing arm bushes have un-bonded, but don't worry at-least you've had an oil/filter change! :neutral:

It's b****cks! Far more important are a stack of invoices/receipts to show work that's been carried out.

Click to expand...

Whilst I agree, there's many people who don't have the passion for cars we do and the stamp (with receipt) means everything. With such a new car with low miles it's something I'd personally consider.

For me, a nice pile of receipts where I know top quality oil etc is best but a LOT of people don't think that way.

I like the whole service it yourself thing but folk do like seeing

Full Vauxhall service history.

TomSx said:

Whilst I agree, there's many people who don't have the passion for cars we do and the stamp (with receipt) means everything. With such a new car with low miles it's something I'd personally consider.

For me, a nice pile of receipts where I know top quality oil etc is best but a LOT of people don't think that way.

Click to expand...

Totally agree bud.

Just like a LOT people thinking that an MOT test/certificate is the be all, end all of vehicle maintenance! 😂

A Vauxhall sevice stamp would mean didly squat to me. Dad had an Insignia for 3 months most of which it spent in Vauxhall and the service and general quality of work was absolutely woeful.

My mate says you can get Vauxhall dealer stamps on ebay :wink:

JamesBryan said:

My mate says you can get Vauxhall dealer stamps on ebay :wink:

Click to expand...

LOL

Silent_Scone said:

LOL

Click to expand...

No joke

Yeah, don't disbelieve it. Just had the mental image of someone stamping their book up to date before listing it

Silent_Scone said:

Yeah, don't disbelieve it. Just had the mental image of someone stamping their book up to date before listing it

Click to expand...

😂

Well took the VXR in for its MOT a few weeks ago, well it passed with zero advisories which i'am chuffed about, current Mileage was '25853' at the time.

Also took it on a good 'spirited' drive to Wales on some ace roads i know and on 'Evo Triangle' took a few pictures as you do :smiley:

Evo Triangle by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Evo Triangle by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Evo Triangle by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Evo Triangle by Michael Smith, on Flickr

And a good 'detail' inbetween.

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Also put some Drop Links went on!

Maintenance by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Now, for that past few months and even more so now after Wales and even passing a MOT with zero advisories! i've had a slight 'Click/Clunk/Knock' or whatever you call it from the Front N/S, only happens every so often, i could be pulling of gently and it'll Knock, could be slowing down and just before the car comes to a stop, i'll get a Knock, it does that randomly then it could do it for a few days straight, its very frustrating, it even could do it when manoeuvring into car parks etc, again, every so often. I've also replaced the Drop Links to no avail, along with a slight 'Groaning/Whirring' noise that appeared aswell when travelling 30-60MPH which does point to a Wheel Bearing, So ordered one of ebay.

All the symptoms do point to a knackered Bearing, the obvious 'Groaning and Whirring' but also the car 'feels' loose to drive, like your having to keep your correcting it on the Motorway and the Steering Wheel Vibrates like your on some rough Tarmac, again every so often, also I've noticed after a longish journey one Wheel is hotter than the other, can feel the Heat, so I'am hoping the 'Knock/Clunk' noises is down to the Bearing being shot and causing movement, hence to low speed noises.

Front Wheel Bearing by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Also some Maintenance stuff,

Brakes by Michael Smith, on Flickr
*Apec Front Brake Discs
*Brembo Sport HP2000 Brake Pads
*Brembo Rear Brake Discs
*Brembo Discs
*Bremtech replacement Pins

I'am itching to fit it all and start the enjoy the 'Burg again! next weekend looking likely.

Oh and these,

Wheel Nut Covers by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Wheel Nut Covers for when i get the Alloys refurbed at some stage.

Nice car mate but too many inverted commas.

kayzee said:

Nice car mate but too many inverted commas.

Click to expand...

Point noted haha [emoji23]

Just a bad habit [emoji849]

So yesterday i took the car into my mates Garage and he set about fitting my supplied Discs and Pads and replacement Brembo Caliper Pins for good measure as the Passenger side ones were seized in..

Anyways after a Bleeding them and a good few miles bedding them in i can say the HP2000 Pads are great, no more squeaking Brakes. Jobs a good'un.

Next on the agenda is Two front Tyres as the Super Sports are nearing the end of there life now!

Yesterday took the 'Burg to Wales again with some mates to have a real good drive and my god it was, it was probably one of the most memorable drives out i've had, so i'll let the pictures do the talking.

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

RS by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hardcore by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Selection by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Selection by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Apologies for the amount of pictures!

The RS's are running MR375 for the Mk2 and FPM375 for the Mk3 and barnstorming performance to match, the GP though is on a different level Handling wise the 'Burg and the RS's, the Corsa can keep with it to a point and at the point when it runs out of ideas the GP just carries on! the Chassis, lower Weight and coupled with the B14's and sticky Yokohama ADO8R's it really is a step up from the Corsa and that is one capable car its self, i was just blown away. It does't even had a proper mechanical LSD either and it doesn't need one IMO.

Just under 30k showing on the Clocks now, nearly 15k i've done since i picked it up last August and i've loved every mile.

Thanks

So today set about giving the Car a decent clean to get all of the dead Fly's and grime from Wales,
Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr


Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr
Looks bloody good Chilli Orange, its such a rewarding Colour.

Also some Exhaust Noise from the OEM Remus Cat-Back Exhaust from the Corsa 'E' VXR,

Noise by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Still need to fit the Remus Centre Pipe.

Noticed @charltjr wants a modern Hot Hatch.

Well have a good look into the VXR Nurburgring’s/Clubsports or the new ones with the Performance Pack as they are an absolute blast to drive. Can’t recommend one enough. Any questions fire away

Nothing much to report as such. Mileage is currently on 32468 and it's fast approaching its 34000 limit for the 2nd Service in my ownership, will consist off the following,

*Oil & Oil Filter
*Gearbox Oil
*Air Filter

The Rear Wiper could do with being replaced aswell, so that'll get done and the Front MPSS Tyres are down to around 2.3-2.5mm on both Axles which considering i got them fitted at around 14.5k i believe, they have lasted way longer than i expected them to be! so i'am hoping get Winter out the way and fit some fresh MPSS depending on circumstances as they're not exactly cheap Tyres unfortunately.

Overall the car has been faultless since i picked it up last August and i've driven it enthusiastically like it was designed to be and obviously within reason, as its still my daily which does 50 miles a day so i like to try and keep it reliable and in decent nick. Well i say that but a few weeks ago a slight loss in concentration resulted in a Kerbed Passenger side rear Alloy

Kerbed by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Kerbed by Michael Smith, on Flickr


Utterly annoyed, but can't blame anyone else but myself. So i;am planning on getting all Alloys Refurbed and Powdercoated next Spring/Summer, so we'll see.

But enough of that. On Sunday a wet, miserable Sunday spent a good Afternoon blasting around my local B-Roads with a Focus Mk2 RS that's been breezed on by Mountune, so its MR375 and by god its ballistic, i've never driven anything like it and was lucky enough to spend a good amount of time driving it and its cemented a place in my heart. I honestly do think if was spending 22-25k on a Hot Hatch, i would drop a few years and opt for the RS and having MP350/MR375 kit fitted. Special special car. I drove it standard guise when he first picked it up and it was great but with the Mountune kit its night and day difference, Exhaust pops and bangs like an Group B Rally car and the endless surge and pulling power from that 5 Pot is additive and his MPG overall was 21.5 and mine was 31.5 so not a massive difference considering the extra power, well that's what i'am telling myself.

Handling wise it copes really well given the extra power the front wheels kept in check with the LSD, plus being a Ford Chassis its so adjustable, lift of mid-corner, back end steps out and use that LSD to pull you back in, its great. It might lack the finesse of the period Megane R.S's but god its close. He's thinking about going to whole Mountune Clubsport spec with it now so that will be very interesting.

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr


I adore it so so much! But the 'Burg is staying for a few more years yet as it's everything i want and for me its affordable to Fuel and run, and i love the fact its a Vauxhall. Just because no one expects them to build such a competent Hot Hatch. Love it still.

So today i set about giving the VXR its 2nd Service in my ownership. Consisting of, Gearbox Oil, Engine Oil and Oil Filter and Air Filter and a Magnetic Sump Plug, just because

Service by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Service by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Along with that, fitted the Bosch Rear Wiper Blade,

Wiper Blade by Michael Smith, on Flickr

All done at 33648, should keep it sweet for another year/10k.

Now a few day's ago i noticed my N/S AFL Headlight was not lighting up when unlocked with the Key Fob, thought nothing of it so gave the Headlight a firm Tap and it lit up and was fine on the drive home from work, the next day had to do the same, but this time it was flickering on and off until it finally died. Bought some replacement Osram H9B Bulbs,

Bulbs by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Bulbs by Michael Smith, on Flickr

So set about fitting the 'blown' Bulb and nothing! found and un-clipped the AFL Module to see if that caused any issues and apart from loosing the movement in both AFL's it was fine. So i've ordered a Voltmeter to see if there's actually any power going to it! If not it's looking like a new AFL Headlight [emoji20]

I really do have a soft spot for these! A lad with a green one chased me for a while in the Golf, they go well!

Good cars gutted i sold mine tbh

After exactly 18151 Miles from the Front MPSS's it was time for a change, even had 2.3mm Left across the Tyres! Anyhow opted for some Continental Sport Contact 5's, fitted at 33956 Miles.

Tyres by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Tyres by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Tyres by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Tyres by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Its good to have grip again!

I've bit the bullet and ordered a new N/S AFL Headlight from Eurowagens. Merry X-Mas to me!

Any reason you opted for the conti's over the PS4? I'm due some new fronts and although the PS4 was great when I got them, they hit the wall very quick and stopped having anywhere near the amount of grip. I've still got 3mm left on them.

welshname said:

Any reason you opted for the conti's over the PS4? I'm due some new fronts and although the PS4 was great when I got them, they hit the wall very quick and stopped having anywhere near the amount of grip. I've still got 3mm left on them.

Click to expand...

Price mainly mate. Got these for at local Tyre Place.

I noticed that with the Super Sports, even though had 2mm+ tread they just stopped gripping, and the tram-lining became pretty annoying.

So the replacement N/S AFL Headlight came today,



Promptly fitted,



All ok thankgod! Checked the old one and was greeted with a snapped wire,





Years of wear and tear must have taken its toll.

Lovely looking car, I certainly have a soft spot for these also but..
.. Is there a reason you've used decent quality Oils but the cheap and nasty Crossland filters?

The amount of BMW's and MINI's I see that have had issues with Crossland Filters, either losing shape and/or breaking down (The filter itself) is comical.

Surely a MANN/Genuine Vauxhall filter can only be a couple of quid or so more.

I’ve never really had any issues in the past with using cheapo OEM Filters from what i can remember, perhaps I’am being a little naive ? Plus it was when ECP had a weekend sale so was all dirt cheap! Oil wise, i’ve always had/used premium stuff.

They’re a genuinely good capable car if you can ignore the Badge and stigma attached.

Smiffyboy1990 said:

I’ve never really had any issues in the past with using cheapo OEM Filters from what i can remember, perhaps I’am being a little naive ? Plus it was when ECP had a weekend sale so was all dirt cheap! Oil wise, i’ve always had/used premium stuff.

They’re a genuinely good capable car if you can ignore the Badge and stigma attached.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately there is nothing OE about Crosland.
Back in the day they used to be a budget brand at best, but now, ECP own the Crosland name but not the actual product, meaning no official product development, no technical back up.
What they do with Crosland boxes is fill them with cheap, globally sourced filters that you've never heard of and sell on the perceived quality of the name.

Genuine or MANN/Mahle FTW.

Bit of an update.
Gave the VXR it's first good Clean of 2018 and fitted some things to freshen it up,

Misc by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Consisting of,

*Number Plates
*Citroen C2 Aerial
*VXR Valve Caps
*VXR Badge

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hole by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Plates by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Empty by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Plates by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Aerial by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Little things to just freshen the ageing exterior up, along with the usual afterwash pictures,

Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Clean by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Jobs a good'un...

...or so i thought,

And to cut the long story short my Drivers side Brembo Caliper has failed, i had my suspicions for a few weeks that it was on its last legs with various symptoms. Anyhow bought 2x new Brembo Calipers and the ones that arrived where the ones fitted to the Performance Packed Corsa E VXR's.

Brembo by Michael Smith, on Flickr

All that's different is the Carrier/Spacer or whatever its called that allows it to use 330mm Discs

Spacer by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Above Carrier for the E Corsa VXR with Performance Pack with 330mm Discs

Spacer by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Above Carrier for the D Corsa Nurburgring & Clubsport with 305mm Discs

Quite a difference tbh!

So instead of messing around trying to swap Carriers over i bit the bullet and bought the 330mm whoppers instead.

Brakes by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Nice difference, and it'd be rude not to fit from HEL Hoses,

HEL Hoses by Michael Smith, on Flickr

330mm by Michael Smith, on Flickr

But like all things that didn't go to plan so i've stuck with the OE Hoses, give them a Bleed and i've only been around the block as they need 'bedding' in but i can tell the difference straight away! Love it


So to recap, my Nurburgring has the Remus Back-Box from the Corsa E VXR and now the Brembo Calipers and the 330mm Discs from the Performance Pack Corsa E VXR.

Next up i really want the Alloys a refurbed and the Rear Calipers painted. Just under 38k on the clocks now.

Thanks [emoji1]

still looking fab

fez said:

still looking fab

Click to expand...

Cheers

I certainly try and keep it that way although it’s hard when it’s my daily driver doing around 40-50 miles a day and then thrashed when the opportunity arrives.

I’d really like new Bilstein B12’s as although these are fine they are as can see, fairly rusty etc and it actually irritates me, but main one is getting my Alloys Powder Coated.

The B6255 the lovely piece of b-road that runs from Ingleton to Hawes, i’ve thrown all my cars down it in the past as it’s a good test of a car but never the Corsa, so today decided it was time to do just a thing!







The ‘Burg was great to a point the LSD and the upgraded Brembo’s and bigger Discs were formidable and still amazed me, really can cover ground at quite an alarming rate for a humdrum Corsa

Apart from that it’s comfortably coming up to the 40k mark now :O Still reliable as can be. Oh and went into Vauxhall on Friday for a recall on the Handbrake.

Cheers

Just a tad over 42k now! so time for another Service.



*Engine Oil & Filter
*Air Filter
*Gearbox Oil

Should keep it sweet.

Also had Spring snap on the front, so sourced some new replacements and fitted them a few week ago along with new Top Mounts. Back to rude health now.







Tar