Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo Reviews

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Latest Reviews

“I've owned my Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo for 4 years...”

★★★★★

written by on 09/07/2008

I've owned my Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo for 4 years its now 320bhp and 341ft/lb of torque. I've uprated just about everything but kept it looking standard by far the most exciting car I've ever driven.

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“It's a great car! The engine is standard out of a...”

★★★★★

written by Jonnie5 on 28/09/2006

It's a great car! The engine is standard out of a Calibra, and there you have a very fast a reliable car. I have fitted a chip, bleed valve and hybrid turbo, and I'm running 310bhp with a 6 speed LSD box. It is hard to get traction, but once it grips it's a flying machine.

I would recommend this experience to anyone. It's a great cheap toy that won't keep eating your wages.

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“I own a 2 litre 8 valve Nova. The only reason I have...”

★★★★☆

written by wigansinkeriwantafastcar on 24/02/2006

I own a 2 litre 8 valve Nova. The only reason I have gone with a stupid engine size is because I decided to race a TVR Tuscan forgot to change gear as I was looking at the beast fly past me. My engine went BANG, I think it was God's way of saying, YOU STUPID BOY. I did this in my 1.2i with twin webbers, although it was quick and matched many 1.4's it had no chance agaist the TVR. Nova's are great car's apart from the above, but with a 2 litre in it, it handles like a ton of bricks on trolley wheels and atracts to much attention off the local police. I would consider getting rid for a newer car but I just have to much fun racing scooby's and leaving them for dead, and because I have just spent 1500 doing the engine and sound system.

I think I will only get rid of it when it is round a lamp post or just falls to bits.

Anyway, I would recommend the conversion but it's up to the driver whether they tell the insurance or not.

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011896's Response to 231435_wigansinkeriwantafastcar's Review

Written on: 15/01/2007

What did you get your engine from? Because I'm doing a Vauxhall Nova 2.0 conversion myself, and I'm taking everything out to make it a track car. What made it drive like a brick, and would you recommend anything?

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“Personally I wouldn't have a 2.0lt turbo in my own...”

★★★★★

written by SpruceGuy on 27/09/2004

Personally I wouldn't have a 2.0lt turbo in my own Vauxhall Nova that I still own! I would opt for a friendlier 1600 GTE lump with modifications!
I don't know where you guys are getting your info on nova handling but fair enough standard suspension was a bit lame with excessive body roll but have you actually tried a new car the body roll is better but still not superb, handling both the nova and newer cars require suspension upgrades to fit in with the supposed sports car handling! My Vauxhall nova lowered initially 60mm was superb was like a go-kart (bilstien sprintline kit, powerflex poly bushes & also wore yokohama rubber 15" and at this point was a 1.2 and could hold its own on back roads against cars with twice the power!(1.2 = 45hp) Was going to upgrade the engine and box to a 2.0lt 16v lump but when I looked into it I found the weight of the 2.0lt block was excessive for the car for the power output so that killed the thought of even contemplating a 2.0lt turbo lump (although the conversion is relatively cheap compared to other makes of cars conversions) so in the end I opted for a 1600 that could easily have the power output raised to that of the 2.0lt 16v around 150hp also got the 1600 engine blueprinted and now weighs around 800kg with around 180bhp and revs to 10000rpm (with no turbo lag!!)This cost a fraction of the usually new car price (£7000/£8000) my engine built and suspension only cost around a grand including the powerflex poly bushes oh and the yokohama rubber! And the car cost me £1500 4 years ago so work the logic out (I have also replaced all brakes and ball joints through time too and it drives like new).
For anyone buying a nova I would highly recommend one as they are cheap to buy cheap to mod and cheap to run unless you have fitted a 2.0lt 16v turbo and cranked the fuel pressure and the boost up through the roof then it wont be driveable anyway 2.0lt 16v turbos are only good as track day cars as I have had a few friends that have had them in novas and spent a fortune to turn the boost down to gain traction lol!
But a nova is a must for the boy racer!

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Neiloakley's Response to SpruceGuy's Review

Written on: 05/11/2004

10,000 rpm? Your not on this planet. You would need to spend a LOT more than £1000 on a C16SE engine to get it to rev that high. You would also need after market management which on it's own will set you back approx £2k.

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270335_Herb2578's Response to SpruceGuy's Review

Written on: 11/12/2006

Sorry chap, but I disagree. Stick a redtop non-turbo in a Nova, apart from the torque steer, it's one of the best cars you can drive, as long as you upgrade the suspension brakes and tyres. Also, the conversions are all easy with a basic knowledge of cars.
<br>
<br>PPS don;t go above 16" rims for the handling.

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“My Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo was a 15 tdi...”

★★★★★

written by big jo on 03/12/2003

My Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo was a 15 tdi conversion, turbo and pump screwed to da hilt! 17" wheels, GTE sideskirts and bumpers, SR interior, lowered! weather u believe it or not she could sit wit a 16 vtr saxo

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Miss T's Response to big jo's Review

Written on: 02/01/2004

Your Nova should be totaly blitzing vtr's & vts's !!!!
<br>
<br>Power to weight ratio means your motor should be pumping out at least 200bhp !!!
<br>That should be eatting most motors out there !!!!

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Guest's Response to big jo's Review

Written on: 23/06/2011

1.5 td nova would get pumped off a 1.1 saxo never mind a vts, weigh your rust bucket in pronto!!

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270335_Herb2578's Response to big jo's Review

Written on: 11/12/2006

Sorry chap, but that is what a driver is supposed to feel - the road. That's how you feel what the car is doing. This is not a bad point unless you are used to luxury cars.

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“Mine was the 3 door Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo SRI,...”

★★★★☆

written by me bit on 16/10/2003

Mine was the 3 door Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo SRI, colour coded front'n'rear bumpers + sidescurts. it had a full piper performance exaust system (3.5"tailpipe)it also had a k&n induction kit + kentcam. Rollin road tuning red:105BHP not bad considering.

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270335_Herb2578's Response to me bit's Review

Written on: 11/12/2006

I had a 1.2 Merit, and because of only 4 gears, I had more in the gear range than a 5 speed. Maybe not top end (speed), but I had an obsession with Cavalier SRi's, GTE's and GSi's back in the nineties, and I killed a lot of them. I also had a 1.4 Astra Expression - same as with the Nova - I killed most of them.

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“All this talk of Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo, R5's,...”

★★★☆☆

written by TypeR03680. on 07/08/2003

All this talk of Vauxhall Nova GTE 2.0 Turbo, R5's, and old school MG's is leaving me wondering if you're all stuck in a time warp!

I know that in their respective classes about 15 years ago all were okay cars, these days they just don't cut it. They don't offer the handling, brakes, comfort or reliabilty that a modern sports car will offer.

The guy who whinks he runs 10's with 400Bhp is dreaming or on drugs, do you have any idea what is takes to run 10's?

I don't care what you say about having driven your Nova with many engines and it still handling great, the handling isn't that good to start with and the added weight up front WILL make the car less drivable. (It will have a noticable differance on the 'rate of change of direction' when going from corner to corner.)

Note about Cosworth: Sorry to break the news to all you people of think you have something special because parts of your engines are made by Cosworth. COSCAST is actually Cosworth Castings based in Worcester they make normal engine parts for normal cars, they are nothing special. (The only thing that gives them the Cosworth name is actually part of the casting process and nothing to do with the design of the parts.)

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Everthorpe's Response to 121894_TypeR03680.'s Review

Written on: 17/09/2003

hear hear well done old boy

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Vannymagnet's Response to 121894_TypeR03680.'s Review

Written on: 02/02/2006

err, Cosscast heads are non porus, its the GM heads that go porus, thats why they are looked upon as being 'special'.
And I agree with the above, I have a 2.0 16v trackday Nova on TB's, with heavy headwork, block work and cams etc.., and your 'modern' hot hatches you talk about dont stand a chance. And try doing the same amount of work to these modern 'hot hatches' for the same amount of money. hmmmm, unfortunately you cant as they are all computer controlled and regulated by very tight emission regulations, so in a nutshell, yeah, modern cars are nippy and comfy, but id rather be having fun to be honest!

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Gsifan's Response to 121894_TypeR03680.'s Review

Written on: 10/01/2005

I feel that the Nova does cut it today aswell, seeing as I own one I know they are quick as standard and although the brakes are rubbish and the suspension is soft it still holds itself round bends at speed.
<br>
<br>Anyone with a bit of brains knows that when you stick a turbo and tune it (200-300bhp) in a car that originally weighed just over 600kg its going to be quick

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Big Phil's Response to 121894_TypeR03680.'s Review

Written on: 21/07/2004

I cant believe my eyes...some of you younger viewers need some school'in (im 30 by the way)..In the 80's there was a phenomenon called GROUP 'B yes these were the days of "homologation"..a fancy term for trial and error...suck it and see where MANUFACTURERS toiled and tried and often errored to bring us FIRE BREATHING MONSTERS with super hot handling and 600+hp..to sum up!! check out the Peugeot 205
<br>t 16.

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Astra2's Response to 121894_TypeR03680.'s Review

Written on: 23/02/2004

Oh and won't cut it today.......................WHATEVER.
<br>
<br>Do names such as Bilstein, Eibach, Harry Hockley, Bill Byldenstein, Courtenay Sport etc mean anything to you?! Doubt it. Some of todays performance hatches are watered down, over weight barges that do not have the cred to back up hot hatch. Only thing hot about them is the electrically heated seats!
<br>
<br>I can introduce you to a few modified hatches from the 80's that have made 21st century supercars look limp around tracks and up the strip! LMAO at this review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Astra2's Response to 121894_TypeR03680.'s Review

Written on: 23/02/2004

The info on the Cosworth stuff you have given is not entirely correct! The early heads were designed AND built by Cosworth Engineering in Northampton (know a few employees shall we say) and Coscast was the name given to the process. NOTHING to do with some parts manufactuer in Worcester! LOL
<br>
<br>A 400bhp Nova given a good launch could hit respectable times, if not the 10 second figure being brandished. Not all to do with power. Mid range torque, gearbox ratios, suspension, tyres, driver all play a part. Have seen a 2.0 8v Turbo on nitrous (280bhp) hit 12's at Santa Pod so do the maths.

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Gunzi's Response to 121894_TypeR03680.'s Review

Written on: 18/02/2004

The head that Cosworth did for the 2.0 XE block found in the Astra, Cavalier and Calibra, was unfortunately a Porous head! A slight flaw.
<br>I feel the point that you are missing is that not every one has £7-8,000 to buy a new 1.0 hatchback, which i'm sure you would rather have all the "boy racers" out there drive. Not everyone who owns one of these types of cars fills it with ICE puts on a big bodykit and changes the air filter, then claims 4000+ bhp.

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“It is worth modifying a golf mk2 more than a nova, as...”

★★★★★

written by The Truth. on 23/06/2003

It is worth modifying a golf mk2 more than a nova, as a graduate Engineer I know that golfs are built stronger and last better, however any car nacks up if u dont look after it. For many people the mk2 has more class and is acceptable for a person who has a second car such as a BMW, or Lotus Elise to own a nice wolfsburg edition golf, they are just as classy, if done tastefully (ie no stickers and blue lights on the bonnet). Check out the ones at Http://awesome-gti.com/ Novas always look rude no matter how they are done up, however golf mk2 has potential to look v classy, i would rather a nice one than many new cars on the road today, and i could afford a subaru if i wanted; but i dont think they have nowhere near the class of my resprayed bbs alloyed 16v-g60 2.0lt wolfsberg! (200bhp) But live and let live i guess with the nova nuts and subaru nutts etc. The fact is someone will always have a faster car (maybe this nova could out do mine?) I dont care really... has it got air con, electric.... mirrors/sunroof/windows, dvd, tv, leather recaros? There are not many tasteful modifed cars out there! People like tac for some reason??? why why why!! Show me a classy nova and i will eat my words. For me German quality is the way to go. Other cars are ok? (it depends on your values and class really). Do you enjoy a sip of fine red wine or 6 skol???

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Everthorpe's Response to The Truth.'s Review

Written on: 17/09/2003

you the man

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Astra2's Response to The Truth.'s Review

Written on: 23/02/2004

Sorry fella, got my numbers confused. That was 210bhp supercharged KR unit, 4wd, five door, BBS split rims. Top end 142mph.
<br>
<br>The G60 Wolfsburg Edition as you put it was not 2litre, not 16v, but it was a 1.8 8v G60 as per any normal one.
<br>
<br>So which of these was yours??????

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Astra2's Response to The Truth.'s Review

Written on: 23/02/2004

Oh, and you know a lot about your own car...........if it is a genuine 5 door G-Ladder powered 16v engine (NOT A G60 as they were 8v engined) "MOTORSPORT EDITION" it will be producing a healthy 241bhp NOT 200bhp and you will have one of the rarest cars VW have produced. It was not a called a Wolfsburg Edition though.
<br>
<br>Not all MK2's are on this level though are they so not the fairest of comparisons. I have seen some really dodgy MK2 GTi's too..................

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Astra2's Response to The Truth.'s Review

Written on: 23/02/2004

Take off the blinkers Mr Wolfsburg. Look beyond Max Power and McDonalds and take a look at Migweb or the VxLSCC and there will be plenty of Novas on there looking fairly classy. No kidding. These cars actually do have some sensible owners!
<br>
<br>What is it with VW people any way. I have owned about 6 VW's and sure they are well built and classy, but in comparison to my Astra GTE 16v the Golf MK2 16v GTi was positively limp and boring! How many MK2 Golfs desimated all in GpN rallying? H'mm that'll be none then. How many Nova's? Speak to Harry Hockley and Bill Byldenstein about that.................may open the eyes a little.
<br>
<br>And what is it with Wolfsburg Edition? All VW's are Wolfsburg Editions are they not. They were pretty much all built there. So why not simply stick a MADE IN sticker on your car. Gets to the point doesn't it?! BMW don't make Bavarian Editions do they? Think they have more to shout about too don't they......................
<br>
<br>Rant over for now ;-)

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“Nova are as good as you make them, and even enjoy.. if...”

★★★★★

written by TechJim. on 21/06/2003

Nova are as good as you make them, and even enjoy.. if you dont like it stay away, reading through you all sound like kids "mines better than yours" etc.. I own a nova with the same engine conversions.. all I can say is it great fun and I'll put off buying that sensible family car for as long as I have it!!
Job done properly it still as reliable as a factory motor. even in without mods the standard engine's power to wieght in a nova produces excellent power to pound spent.. and the conversions quite simple (for though's technically minded-I know I've done it) my conversion cost little over a grand.. including buying a mig welder!! and as for insurance if you don't drive like a twit and havent spoilt your past no claims then you'll be fine.. make sure the alarms top spec ie CAT 1 Thatham.. it helps by a few hundred squid in insurance money.
As for the engine it can be modded quite easily and cheaply... strenghtenings where I'd put my money first.. with high tensile bottom end bolts to keep things in check and reliable. Anyway lads keep up the good motoring.. enjoy what you have and I'll see ya at the 1/4 dragways .. hillclimbs..

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Rad73Uk's Response to 109453_TechJim.'s Review

Written on: 19/10/2003

i am about to start a nova 2.0ltr conversion and i wanted to know which was the best year cavalier or calibra to buy and are there any good sites which give good hints and tips

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“The same old story you love them or hate them i never...”

★★★★★

written by badboy 2003. on 28/04/2003

The same old story you love them or hate them i never known any one whos said there ok i've had 2 novas a 1.8 and a gsi thats my current car i had the 1.2 cos it was mt first car it was really fast but not as fast as my nova

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“The same old story you love them or hate them i've...”

★★★★★

written by col. on 05/04/2003

The same old story you love them or hate them i've never known any one whos said there ok i've had 2 novas a 1.2 and a gsi thats my current car i had the 1.2 cos it was mt first car i got it for the right money and i had lots of fun in it i sold it with 129000 miles on the clock and it never let me down when i had my 1 year no clam i wanted a clio or a 205 gti but i found a silver nova gsi going for good money i trided it out and loved it i agree its not the best looking car around but it goes like hell with a few mods on the engine and its cheap to run yes the rides naff and yes its a bit cramped but im having a great time in it so wot if there a boy racers car as another guy said each to there own

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89409_Ritch.'s Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 15/04/2003

nice review im on the lookout for a gsi right now, ive loved novas since i was little and always fancied owning one whilst growing up, now ive had 2 1.2s and have a no-claims bonus im ready for the beast 1.6i engine, its amazing how much the insurance go's down after one year keep it up.

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Dizzy69Rascal's Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 14/04/2004

Whats up people, I have a 1L Nova and trying to find out if I can drop a 1.6 in without moving any engine and is there any expensive problems any surgestions.

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93371_Col.'s Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 29/04/2003

ive had a look at the shock theres nothing there so wot ive done is sprayed the under arch with white spray ill drive round with it 4 a few days then cheek where it rubed.The wheel misses the outer and inner but its just hitting somethink at the top ive put my oe springs on the back 4 now. the konis are working well a lot better thanks for the help

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92092_Chris.'s Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 25/04/2003

Your wheels could be rubbin on the actual shocks. it is possible if you have the wrong offset wheels. You could probably put sum spacers behind the wheels to put them out a bit, but you have a chance of then making it rub on the outer arch. So you might need to have the rear arches rolled. This will probably cost about £60-80 for the pair or you could grind them off but I rpobably wouldn't advise it. If you do then make sure you dont leave a sparp edge and put underseal on after. this will stop it rusting. I have 17in wheels and lowered 60mm but I have had my rear arches widened by 3/4in each. I have AVO Coilover suspension which is hieght & ride adjustable. They are really good but cost £600. You will get much better handling. I Had Gmax Shocks & Springs on before and I was happy with the handling, but then i put these on and the difference was very noticable. Hope this helps

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91918_Col.'s Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 24/04/2003

yeah ive looked then up on the net i think ill give them a call cheers mate ive got a problem after fitting the konis on the rear my near side wheel is scrubing some where and i dont know where as there are no marks on the tyre or under the arch im running on 15s 6 and a half wide i was told that they would be ok it has avo 25mm lowering springs on ive had to put the oe springs on the back to stop it catching anyone got any ideas on how to stop this happening

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91213_Chris.'s Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 22/04/2003

I had my 2l conversion in nottingham. A place called Just Novas. They did the whole conversion. They welded up the engine bay, supplied engine gearbox, ECU, drive shafts, cv joints, I had a JR airfilter, full magnex, Avo Coilovers, Astra Brakes front and a rear disc conversion, coswoth bolts, perofrmance clutch It took them 2 weeks to do it. If you want more done to the engine, you might as well get it done all at the same time, i.e. cams, pistons etc. My insurance isn't too bad it is £1500 TPFT from adrian flux. That is with all mods done to my motor. I Have a CAT1 Toad Alarm & Immobilisor. I am 20 and have been driving 2 1/2 Years but I don't have any NCB. No Points. My opinion is that for that sort of power at my age is worth £1500. It beats most cars and keeps up with most turbo's My mate has got a 330BHP 3dr COS and from 40mph to 120mph, I was sitting on his backside I couldn't have overtaken him but, he wasn't even leaving me by an inch.

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90932_Col.'s Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 21/04/2003

cheers guys i'm thinking of going for a 2.0 litre myself but i'm not sure who to contact if any 1 knows whos the best to do a conversion in birmingham let us know i've just put some koni adjustable shocks on the front and rear ill let you know how they are when i get some miles on them ive also put some clear rear lights on and it looks great well worth the money anyway thanks for the comments guys

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89550_Chris.'s Response to 86431_col.'s Review

Written on: 16/04/2003

Good review. i have a nova with the 2l 16v C20XE lump in it. I've had so much fun in it, just cruisin around and thrashing most things on the road. I have just fitted a NOS system on it with 50bhp increase. It works really well! Performance is great, handling is great in the dry. Definetly a dry weather car in the lower gears if you want to race off the lights. I have had no problems with engine very reliable. Not too bad on fuel until you hammer it for long periods of time then it drinks. it drinks a lot more with the NOS on. Lots of torque steer, especially with the NOS on.

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“My Vauxhall Nova 1.4 SR Has got twin webber 40s, a K&N...”

★★★★☆

written by Greg. on 18/02/2003

My Vauxhall Nova 1.4 SR Has got twin webber 40s, a K&N induction kit, a 4 branch manifold, and straight through Magnex exuast system. This means that it is fast for a first car. It has also got upgraded shocks and springs with 15inch alloys and wide tyres. This means that it handles well. It also looks lovely in very shiney black with a rear spoiler. A very nice starting car as long as no rust is present.

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Djg's Response to 73824_Greg.'s Review

Written on: 02/04/2004

A 2ltr gte turbo will be a quick car. A Saxo VTR is a quick car. Everything is quick if you beleive it is and want it to be. I prefer a Nova. I'd rather a 2ltr gte turbo lump in a nova than I would a Saxo. If you have the time and money anything is quick. Try £25k for 2 calibra v6 turbo engines 2.8 or 3.2 Im not sure. stuffed front and rear of the humble Nova and push 0-60 in 2.73 secs.600+ bhp.(read it in max)I wouldnt mind. But then again anything is possible. You could probably do the same in a saxo with 2 williams clio v6 24-valve stuffed front and rear. Got money and time go for it. A fiesta xr2 with a cossie or rst lump front and rear. Again got money and time try it. If you don't like novas dont bother with them just leave them. You don't have 2 drive them.enjoy chaps hope my reveiw has opened some eyes and shut some mouths.

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Robburroughs17's Response to 73824_Greg.'s Review

Written on: 12/05/2005

The twin 2.0 16v turbo engines in the Max Power Nova where both from calibra's. It was 4 wheel drive and was running a whopping 696bhp with 0-60 in 2.63 seconds. Thats nearly the fastest car on the planet (Except for R&j's 900bhp evo!!) I can guarantee that 696bhp in a nova would whoop any car on the road these days and put all you boy racers to shame. Why mod all your fiestas with lexus lights when you could produce a monster like this.

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“Done up and lowered they look special, they go like...”

★★★★★

written by Covo. on 10/02/2003

Done up and lowered they look special, they go like fassst! and they pull the birds, what else does an 18 year old lad want from life than a nova?!?!?!?!?!

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Snypa's Response to Covo.'s Review

Written on: 16/08/2003

What else does an 18yr old want from life than a nova?
<br>
<br>lets say a decent car that actually pulls women who can talk more than just with their mouths full.

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Sexc's Response to Covo.'s Review

Written on: 03/04/2004

Its not just what the lads want!!! I'm a chick, had 2 Nova's in the past(only 1.2s!!!)and definitly going to get another Nova, except mine will be the daddy of all novas' and still be cruising when your all well past it!!!

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Seriouslyitsadiesel's Response to Covo.'s Review

Written on: 11/12/2003

How about a 350Z?
<br>I'd much profer one of these babies compared to a nova!
<br>I'm 24 and i'm about to place an order for 350Z but have to wait til spring 05 for deliveries!!!!!!!!
<br>This is just my opinion but I'm sure a Nova is a lot of fun to some people.

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“THE NOVA 2.0 WAS THE FIRST CAR I EVER OWNED AND I'M...”

★★★★☆

written by ROY BACER. on 17/01/2003

THE NOVA 2.0 WAS THE FIRST CAR I EVER OWNED AND I'M HOPING IT'LL BE MY LAST THEY'VE GOT SO MUCH CHARACTER AND ATTITUDE LONG LIVE THE NOVA!

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108438_Ricky.'s Response to 65947_ROY BACER.'s Review

Written on: 18/06/2003

hi there respect what drive shafts did u use 4 ur 2l

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“The Vauxhall Nova ste turbo is one of the most fun per...”

★★★★★

written by DeXx. on 27/09/2002

The Vauxhall Nova ste turbo is one of the most fun per pound cars have ever owned. Citreon AX's are rattly biscuit tins, Peugeot 205's are fun but too tinny, fiesta's are just rubbish full stop, and you can't fit a big engine in a saxo! So for one of the best moddable cars around, buy a nova. Or if you want something newer, buy the corsa :) By the way, my mate has 320bhp pulsar and my 230bhp nova turbo can beat it :)

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Stitch.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 13/11/2002

Thankyou for your review i am on the lookout for a 1.3sr and am reading up on them, i have had a nova before and think they are great, thankyou for your reviews, stitch

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Farrant4246's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 29/12/2006

Some good info on here Dexx. You seem to know your stuff. I have just bought a Nova 1.2. The engine seized, so I bought a 1.6GTE with the shafts for £80, and all in all, with the new fuel tank and bits, it cost me £500 to fit. Have you got any advice on what to do next with it? It's flying at the moment, but I want some more speed. I'd say it's quicker than the 2l Nova I had before, and my reg 5GTT, but wouldn't touch my old Uno.

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 04/08/2004

I agree with you that the nova is sketchy fast with a turbo engine in it, but thats half the fun of driving one :) Wrestling the torque steer is great fun :D

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Julian123's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 03/08/2004

Hello to all petrol heads out there. I have had n mg montego turbo, nova 2lt turbo also an astra gsi fitted with 2.0 16 turbo. Apart from the montego the conversions were done by myself....both were extremely easy particularly the astra....as a good brake mod oi converted over to 5 stud...used a v6 cavalier rears and clibra turbo fronts......amazing dceleration for little cost. The trick part is the exhaust systems...trial and error an flexipipe did the trick...stops stainless systems cracking.
<br>now the montego was good in its day at acceleration ......but the disturbing torquesteer almost remover several road refuges !.......the nova was fast real fast....but the astra gsi was refined fast and handled it with ease. I fitted a hybrid turbo , large intercooler, bigger injectors, oversized valves ( inlet ), a little porting and and good mapping (a dutch guy whos name is erm incomprehensible )...all this managed 287bhp and the car was a delight.....tractable in town a with no detrent whatsoever.....but open it and it flew....it would particularly on cold mornings shred tyres in 3rd gear.....the nova was fast too....but the gsi was better quicker faster and safe......remember guys the more air/fuel you get in there for a given boost.....better the end result.ie get the bigger flowing turbos and a good manifold design......if you cant find one have one cast .but get the nickelcontent correct.....hope this has been some help..enjoy all what you do, that’s what lifes for.....and please you guys stop quarelling between you.

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161745_Throttlebodied Nova's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 10/07/2004

hey peeps, drive a 2.0L 16V nova and all this arguing about the handling makes me chuckle! My engine bay has been fully seam welded and plated and i have some uprated bushes. I agree and disagree with various comments in the thread. I find that if i go into a sharp corner with no power it handles just as well as a standard nova but if you have try to hit the power too early then you drift out a bit.
<br>
<br>MG Maestro's are quick cars but the design is a bit dated and parts aren't particularly readily available! (i think)
<br>
<br>The man with the 400bhp 10 second car.......think i can smell some bull poo in the air! At santa pod this year my best time so far is a 14.23 quater, but i aint running a quaife diff yet so im hoping that with that in i might be able to get into the high 13's.

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Bobbins's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 07/07/2004

Lads, why are we biteing each other's head off?
<br>
<br>DeXx - well done, you've spent loads of money on a car that you like. Power to your elbow, but other people will have diffrent out looks. Just let them say there bit and move on.
<br>
<br>To mikey the pikey & others - what is the problem with the whole MG Maestro thing? Have any of you actually driven one? Got behind the wheel and had a go?? No? so how can you comment?? If you haven't driven one then you have really missed it.
<br>So the guy is 30, so the MG rusts - but so do 99% of cars yours and mine, so if looks like an old mans motor so?? Why the big show??
<br>I had a 2.0 EFI Maestro, yes it rot, yes my bum does look better than it, but if your buying a car on grunt - do you know what 'normal' car holds the fastest 0-60 time at santa pod? (excluding the Supercars) mmmm? Its a MG Maestro Turbo!
<br>
<br>You lot really do need to chill, different people have different idea's respect them for that and earn that respect back.

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Opelvaux's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 22/06/2004

Hi I'm a vauxhall man all the way but for the cost of the conversion on the nova you can buy a cav or calibra turbo which is designed to hold the engine as standard which is a safer option all round !!
<br>As for cossies I had a early E reg astra valver which only had a superchip fitted and it kicked cossies, gt turbos, mgs etc... not saying any of these cars are rubbish because they're not.
<br>Everybody seems to forget it's not the car it's the driver and the size of your b**ls that count in every case.
<br>Many thanks for keeping the Nova alive they are so much fun no matter what size engine is in them and will always look good because there not Japanese and don't carry a ford badge LOL sorry ford boys and girls but if it aint got rs500 on it buy a vauxhall.
<br>keep up the good work...
<br>:~)

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 21/06/2004

I'm not particularly keen on corsas, but at least it's a vauxhall :) I've got an XE lump in mine at the moment, she still pulls well but no way near as well as the turbo did. From experience I'd buy a turbo lump as cheap as possible and rebuild it totally from scratch. That's what I'm doing with mine at the moment. I agree with you that big power doesn't always mean it will go fast. No point sticking 300bhp in a 2 ton car and expecting it to be lightning quick. Stick that sort of power in a more lightweight car like a Nova or a Renault 5 turbo and your talking serious speed. I was at santa pod on the weekend and wasn't that impressed with the RS4 on the strip. For the power they have they aren't that quick. The scoobys, EVOs and pulsars were all chucking in times regularly faster. Fastest RS4 I saw did a 13.8 1/4 mile. Fastest car of the day which I saw was the GT-ART skyline with a 11.14 1/4 mile. A lot of things vary to make a car fast. Weight, horsepower, torque, transmission type and gear ratios are a few that I can think of just now.

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156351_Nass's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 22/05/2004

I've got a Corsa, maybe not as light as a nova but I'm about to get a mechanic to fit a 2lr 16v lump in, I've just got the conversion kit from pvd for £630, I was wanting a turbo lump but all the ones in Newcastle available at the minute are rubbish as they're mainly rebuilds or on there way out, but my brothers got an Evo 8fq300 running about 390bhp at the min, I've heard the discussions about big power means that it will go quicker, well to be honest that's a load of rubbish! Yea sure power is important but it's what you do with it that counts, my bother beat a Ferrari 360 up until 160 (or so he tells me) and I've been with him at 180mph, the point is it's how the power gets transferred to the ground that counts, (I know this sounds sad) but on Clarkson's latest DVD he's looking at the best cars of 2003 and he races an Evo 8 fq300 (300bhp) against a Scooby and a rs4 (350bhp/450bhp) I think) and the Evo whoops the rs4 and Scooby by quite a bit so in theory apart from the weight factor I'm assuming the power transfer is quite important?

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Matty Nova's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 28/04/2004

Theres a lad on novaload with a 1.2 carb with a flamer kit and his seems to work. Are all the features the same between them? E.g central locking, electric windows, buckets etc. Do you know the 0-60 and top end speed of SR/ SRi? Cheers DeXx

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 27/04/2004

1.4 SR is 72bhp where as the 1.4SRi is 84bhp. I haven't heard of many injection systems going wrong. If anything its normally the airflow meter that goes on them. Similar system to what the GTE engine uses, if not the same.
<br>Best thing to do is shop around to see what there is, don't just pick up the first car thats available. I've made that mistake before and bought a right pig :(
<br>The usual mods such as full system, exhaust manifold, induction kit (make sure you have a decent cold air feed because the airflow meter doesnt like hot air) and chip would get you more on an SRi than similar mods would on an SR engine. So if your gonna modify the engine without going too far once the insurance lets you, go for an SRi.
<br>Flamer kits that rely on extra fuel coming through the exhaust to be lit probably wont work because the engines dont fuel enough to do it. I have heard of ones using gas to ignite, but I dont fancy that myself lol.

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Matty Nova's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 27/04/2004

DeXx what is best in standard form? Because i'm only 18 and won't be able to do any work on it for a while because of insurance. I talked to a lad with a SRi and he has just spent about £1000 getting the injection system fixed is this a common problem? Would a flamer kit work on either of these?

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Jsm's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 26/04/2004

Quite a lot of spouting in this review! It is all too easy to boast on horsepower figures. Doing a fair bit of drag racing myself, just thought I'd add a few comments...
<br>Santa Pod might have a slippery track on some FWD days, but when prepped I have no traction problems at all.
<br>My fastest time 12.82 @ 107 (RWD Rover V8 power + nitrous)
<br>The 200hp engine has run a best of 14.1 without nitrous at York.
<br>
<br>Fastest street legal car in UK is 8.1 @ 170 ish
<br>
<br>Also interesting that many V8 scene people spend a lot less cash than the FWD crowd.
<br>(I only came here from Google looking for the injector flow rate on the C20XE engine)

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 26/04/2004

Get an SR if you want to go webber 40s, can get about 140bhp I think with that setup. Very revvy ;) Mates 1.3SR with twin 40s race engine makes 120bhp but its only tuned up to 6000revs. Theres more there.
<br>Or can get a turbo conversion on an SRi which would take it up higher than carbs will with a bit of work :)
<br>Saying that, to get 140bhp on carbs, the same sort of work with a turbo would get you more. Pistons, cam, headwork etc....

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Matty Nova's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 26/04/2004

Can anyone help? I've decided to sell my 1.2 and get a SR/SRi what are the performance differences? I thought I might be better getting the SR then I could upgrade to webbers if I wanted more power. Any ideas lads?

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 05/04/2004

I've never quarter miled my car personally, but there is a guy called breeny that did a 1/4 run in a similar spec car. He did it in 13.7 secs with 220bhp, and Isaac Hunts 2L 8V turbo did it in 12.4 with 280bhp.

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Spardz's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 30/03/2004

Hehe, I see what you mean, from my experience in the jap motors scene most Pulsars ive come across are unreliable due to very bad maintenence and not enough care when modding, lots have raised boost with no concern for detonation or fueling issues which leads to all sorts of problems, if looked after they should run well however.
<br>
<br>Out of interest what 1/4 does your car do? and where was it, (Santa is notoriously slippy for FWD or RWD cars, very biased to the 4wd lot)

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 29/03/2004

My Nova would still do 0-60 in under 6 secs without an LSD, which would have improve traction. 0-100mph was timed at between 10-11 secs with wheelspin problems as I hadn't had the car for long when I tried it :P
<br>Pulsars suffer with handling problems too, they have an understeer problem (although whiteline do a handling kit thats suposed to improve this). 4WD transmission suffers from large power loses through the drivetrain, FWD being the tranmission that loses the least amount. So the amount of power actually getting to the wheels would be far less on the pulsar.
<br>It may have another 90bhp, but also weighs a darn sight more. Nova turbo weighs in at 880kgs whereas the Pulsar weighs in at about 1250kgs. Nova power to weight ratio = 261.4bhp, Pulsar power to weight ratio = 256bhp.
<br>I didn't have any reliability problems as far as mechanicals went (no broken shafts or transmission problems, unlike the pulsar which transmission is a key factor in problems). The only problem I did have, was I caught the sump on something and smashed a hole in it. All the oil drained out and it ran dry long enough to cause long term damage to the bottom end :( Would've rebuilt the engine if it hadnt have split a bolt hole in the block. Now just about to put the car back on the road with a 2L 16V in it. Not as fast, but cheaper to maintain. 2 people I know have got, or have had pulsars. From their experiences they seem to be as reliable as chocolate fireguards.
<br>And to end this arguement, i'd just like to say your car would wipe the floor with both :P Wanna give me your car? lol.

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Spardz's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 28/03/2004

Id just like to add that a 230 bhp Nova wouldnt beat a 320 bhp Pulsar at anything, for one the Pulsar is 4wd, better traction better handling, another its got another 100 bhp, + its probably 10 x more reliable, this is an impartial view as I drive a 600bhp Supra just thought id stick up for the pulsar a bit.

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 09/02/2004

I think someone might have fitted lambo doors to a nova in the past, i know someone fitted suicide doors. As for the flame kit on a 1.2 nova it wont chuck enough fuel out to do it. I know there are some kits that do it with gas, but i'd steer well clear. High fueling NA and Turbo cars can spit flames without the need for a kit (My nova turbo, bros Celica GT4, mates Skyline and other mates Scooby have all spat flames without the need for kits :D ). Saying that my mates Supra wont flame, which he's a bit gutted about, he fitted a kit too.

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Novaboy's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 07/02/2004

has anyone ever fitted lambo doors to a nova

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Novaboy's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 06/02/2004

thanx for the info mate, do you know anything about flaming exhausts? will my 1.2 carb nova be ok to support one? Also does anyone know about fitting lambo doors. thanx for your help

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Matty Nova's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 04/02/2004

Just to let you lads know I bought a 1.2i K reg nova its in good condition. Full MOT and long tax etc. Its lowered and uprated on 15" alloys too. But the the petrol gauage seems to be going down quickly and a couple of people said they can smell petrol does it sound like I've got a leak?

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 02/02/2004

I wouldnt bother doing an injection conversion on the 1.2, injection 1.2s are 10bhp less for a start and getting the multipoint system to work off a 1.4SRi would mean a pain of a job and a remap. I'd go for any of the decent 16v engines vauxhall have. X14XE and X16XE engines are the best (Corsa SRi and GSi engines) for a balance of handling and power. Whereas the C20XE and C20LET engines (2L 16V and 2L 16V turbo engines) are best for power, even seen a V6 put in a nova!!! I did have a C20LET engine in mine and it went like the clappers. But that eventually died and im sticking in a C20XE (2L 16V) engine for the mo till the turbo engine gets rebuilt. Only problem with fitting the larger 2L blocks is the engine bay has to be stitch welded up to take the power and many other specialist parts used. I've heard the corsa GSi 1.6 engine uses basically the same bottom end as a GTE engine, so possible all mounts, gearbox, driveshafts etc can be used to fit it. Only go for the 2L 16V turbo conversion if your 22+ years old and got a good few years no claims behind you, cuz the insurance is very expensive. Unless your a competant mechanic, your going to have to pay someone to do the conversion. Regal and Courtenay can do this for you but ive heard good things about cossvaux, so give them a bell cuz i think they're quite a bit cheaper than the other 2 and do just as good, if not a better job.

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Novaboy's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 01/02/2004

I need to ask a question, ive got a 1.2 carb 1990 Nova, at the moment. I'm sorting out the outside and inside but im worried about the lack of power I have, its nippy but by no means quick, so what engine can I put in? 2.0. Can I do a injection conversion, also is turbo power available, Supercharged? I know its going to cost but im willing to get a loan for it. can you guys help?

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 26/01/2004

Feminine?!?! Cheeky git :P

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Niacuk's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 24/01/2004

was just checkin. no offence like but you have a rather feminine writing style. look forward to seeing your valver.

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 17/01/2004

100% red blooded male :D My cars on www.novaload.net, just look under 2.0L 16v section for DeXx's Valver. Far from finished, did have a turbo engine but oil pump went causing loss of oil pressure and bottom end was starting to knock, so whipped the engine out and sticking a valver in for the mo.

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Niacuk's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 16/01/2004

thanx DExx. are u male or female by the way?

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 15/01/2004

OK that was a slightly longer explanation than mine...... Well written tho :)

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Niacuk's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 14/01/2004

The injection, as I imagine u already know is the electronic device that controls the amount and the pattern of which feul is allowed into the engine. from standard the electronic injection systems are mapped by the manufacturer to be as economical as possible. basically they have made a performance/fuel usage compromise. Usually meaning that the engines performance could be better. This can be re-mapped with a chip to bring out the full potential of the engine. Though with a standard remapped system you are only looking at an improvement of maybe 10-15% power. As with carbs, it does away with the electo gizmos and allows the tuner to manually set up the feul supply so that it is at its best setting for performance or economy. If you look at most properly tuned cars you will see that they have carbs of various sorts. they do need regular retuning though due to heat, vibration and general wear and tear. with proper tuning, carbs can see phenominal power gains with the addition of cams and other shiny bits. But power means money and the practicallity of it all depends upon your budget, age and will to pay the insurance man. In my opinion, which is what you asked for, you should weigh up all your options before setting your heart upon a mission to the stars in a Nova. But carbs are nice. next Q? backboxes. The backbox is a varied and rather inexpensive modification to a car. The backbox will not really provide any extra power but as you asked it can/will change the exhaust note of the car. The exhaust note is also determined by the number of silencers in the system, the more you have the less noise will be emited. am I right to assume that the Nova is fitted with 2 silencers including the backbox? As for the comparison between the backboxes, you are best phoning around to speak to the people who fit them. I can recommend sebring as a sporty sounding backbox, anything japanese will invariably be loud. and peco/or magnex produce quite mild sounding backboxes for the low key boy/girl racer. If you wanna do a performance upgrade with your exhaust you are best getting a full system. This should include a manifold as the power gains will come from this. ASACAR at http://www.exhaust.co.uk/ do some brilliant custom systems while magnex do off the shelf full systems at reasonable prices. Hopefully that answers your questions. Give me a bell on [email protected] if you have any other queries

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 14/01/2004

Cosmetically there are no differences between carb and injection. Electronically there will be and fuel tank will also be different with an external fuel pump underneath the rear of the car to the right of the spare wheel well. The carbed engines are more powerful than the injection engines of similar size normally. 1.2 carb is 55bhp and 1.2i is only 45bhp. Best novas to get are the multipoint injection models (1.4SRi and GTE/GSI). Backbox should sound the same cuz the engines are basically the same cept for the fueling system. Although if u get a model with a CAT, will probably be quieter. Abd no Rage backboxes arent easy to fit, at least by your own fair hand. Ive got an SP1 rage box on mine, and it was a pain to fit and still doesnt really sit properly. Would sooner have a full powerflow system :)

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Matty Nova's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 14/01/2004

Is there any differences between carbs or injection. I have seen both sorts advertised. What are the advantages/ disadvantages of each?. Also would an exhaust backbox sound the same on either? Are rage universal backboxes easy to fit?

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Niacuk's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 12/01/2004

Fair play to all you old skool car boys. we need to keep the old cars that we drive 'on the street'. Im not a big fan of Novas to be honest but I admire your enthusiasm to keep a legend alive. im a 205 man running a 240bhp gti-6 rally spec car. Its no turbo freak but it'll do the job it has to. well, have fun lads and lasses, keep on enjoying your hobby and maybe i'll see you out there on those race track b-roads.

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 07/01/2004

get the 1.4i because at 60bhp, its 15bhp more than the 1.2i. Performance should be a bit better acceleration wise and top end should be better too. 1.4i a little bit heavier on fuel, but nothing major seeing as there is only 200cc between the 2. Anything 15" or bigger in wheel size is going to need arch mods. Rear arch lip normally has to be ground off and rolled to fit 15". 16" wheels look quite big on a nova and is the optimum size for handling and looks. Bigger Wheels affect handling.

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Matty Nova's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 07/01/2004

Hi I am 18 and considering which Nova to buy. I can either buy 1.2i or 1.4i as its only £30 more insurance for the 1.4i is thier much difference in performance between the two. Is it much heavier on fuel and what are the biggest alloys able to fit without complicated arch work.

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Mgturbo's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 04/11/2003

Beak bean tin maestro?.
<br>
<br>Funny how a 16v turbo engine can put in a maestro without making the chasi stronger. Yet i hear the you need to strengthen the chasi on a NOVA to fit a 16 valve.
<br>
<br>The maestro actually has a very strong build design as it was the first car to be built using C.A.D. and the chasi is good for well over 300bhp as prooved by Andy Nichols who holds the fastest FWD car record in the UK.
<br>
<br>I own a 8vTurbo running low c/r and high boost, and have also just got an EFI to run about in the winter, theirs loads a Novas round here and most have more rust than either of my cars plus their also alot slower.

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Mgturbo's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 04/11/2003

turbo's rule

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Grubby's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 29/10/2003

HELLO PEP, I OWN A NOVA SRI `92 K PLATE SHES IN MINT CONDITION AND IM LOOKING TO SELL IT BUT DONT NO HOW MUCH THERE SELL FOR WHAT DO U ALL RECON?, ITS GOT 76,000K ON CLOCK, R/C/L, ALARM/IMMOB, NEW CLUTCH, 12MONTHS MOT, 6 MONTHS TAX AL OLD MOT`S DIGITAL DASH PIPER BACKBOX RECENTLY FITTED ONLY MOD. BY THE WAY I HIGHLY RATE NOVA DUE TO THE FACT MY BROTHER DID HAVE A J PLATE NOVA SR 1400CC, AND WE HAD ACCIDENT INIT TRAVELING AT 60MPH HITTING A KERB AND ROLLING THREE TIME, THERE WERE THREE OFF US INIT, THE THE CAR ROOF CAVED IN ALL WINDOWS SMASHED, SUB AND SPARE WHEEL FELL OUT BACK WINDOW COME 2 STOP UPSIDE DOWN AFTER A LAMP POST STOPED US FROM GOING ANY FUTHER AND ALL THREE OFF US GOT OUT UN INJURED. IF YOU WANNA SEE PICKS OF HIS CAR BEFORE AND AFTER THEN E-MAIL [email protected] YOU WOULD HAVE DIED IF YOU DONE THAT IN A BEAK BEAN TIN MAESTRO.

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Bertybassett2000's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 27/10/2003

Bloody hell that seems expensive to fit a 16v engine into a Nova and lots of hassle. I'm in the process of converting my MG Maestro 2.0I to 16v Turbo power. Its going to cost the following:-
<br>
<br>1. Engine and gearbox 67,000 includes 4,000 miles old turbo. £300
<br>2. cut out section of front cross member £50
<br>3. Strut brace £100
<br>4. 305mm front discs and 4pot callipers £800
<br>5. turbo drive shafts £40
<br>6. K&N 57I £70
<br>
<br>estimated 200bhp sub 6 seconds 0-60 and the ability to stop for about £1400
<br>
<br>The block and mounts are excactly the same and the engine has 8 wires to connect up. Hardest bit is finding pipework to fit.

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 26/10/2003

Converting a Nova to a 2L 16V turbo can be expensive, unless your good at DIY :) Decent second hand engine can be bought for around £1200. Don't just snap up the first engine that becomes available, wait till something decent comes round. Or you have the other option of buying a tired old engine and doing a full rebuild (I'm in the process of doing this now because my engines knackered :( ). If your not gonna put any more than 250bhp through it, i'd recommend an F20 Gearbox as they're lighter and easier to put in than the F28 box. Anything more than 250bhp, and the F20 box will probably pop. Another good thing about the F20 is its cheap as chips to buy, normally costing around £50. Next thing you'll need to do is to buy a conversion kit to put the engine in. Best place i've seen to get a kit from is PVD. These kits include driveshafts and hubs, engine and gearbox mounts, induction kit, fitting guide and new anti-roll bar mounts. This all costs £440. If you want to fit the engine with an F28 box, it will cost you £780 for the fitting kit. The driveshafts in this kit are not tappered, so wont snap easily like the tappered ones do.
<br>You'll also need to have a custom exhaust system made up for the car, which I reckon would cost you around £350 for a decent one. You'll need to have your engine bay fully seam welded and strengthened to take the power/weight of the engine. All the info on how to do this should be in the conversion kit. You'll need big brakes too to be able to stop the thing. I'm gonna have a Astra 16v setup all round on mine once its finished and eventually put Wilwood 4-Pots on the front. You'll need to put a bias valve in on the back if you fit a disc beam to stop the back end locking up. A new suspension system will also be needed to take the weight of the engine. Courtenay Sport sell a nice Bilstein Setup for £435, or i think AVO do a special set of coilovers for £550. So if your looking to do it yourself, I would say it would cost you around £2500-£3000. Courtenay Sport, Regal or Cosvaux would do this sort of conversion for you for about £5000-£6000. Hope i've been of help ;)

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Fastdriver65992003's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 25/10/2003

hi dexx
<br>
<br>i have just bought a nova 1.4sr, the reason why is because i had a nova 1.6 gsi and it was fun until i crashed it into a bus shelter . anyways im very intrested in the nova turbo, how much do reckon it would cost me to get it done?? the reason why i ask is because you seem more wised up then the ppl who are writing things about their puny r5 turbs and mgs
<br>
<br>cheers
<br>nova 1 - mg and r5 -10 ha ha ha

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Stubbsy's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 18/10/2003

all I can say is silverstone- trax september 7th 2003 nova 0-60 2.83 seconds. wow.

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Bertybassett2000's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 19/09/2003

Hi folks,
<br>
<br>If anyone is interested I have now aquired the Maestro EVO kit has pictured in my earlier post. Also I have the meshed front grill, scooby scoop bonnet and Quadheadlight conversion (not stick ons). I've nearly finished my DTM/M3 mirror base plates and deep front grill. I'm currently talking to a couple of companies about Full exhaust system with twin 3" s/s tailpipes, 4 pot callipers and big discs and rear disc conversions. Once I have finished my EVO6 style bonnet vent i will take a mould. And I have nearly completed my smoothed and meshed version of the efi bumper. Let me know if your interested. [email protected]

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Mg Driver's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 18/09/2003

Mahoney,
<br>
<br>Your opinions don't hurt me. Yes, I'm over 30, no: I don't belittle (all) Nova owners. If you had the ability to read at all you'd have read in my earlier posts that I said I LIKED Novas; I just said, perhaps in kinder words than those I’m about to use, that some Nova drivers are myopic morons (no doubt you'll need to look up that word in the dictionary).
<br>
<br>I'll say to you what I said to the idiot further up the page: I DON'T CARE what you think of my car. Your opinion that “they’re rubbish” is just that: your opinion. Nothing more, nothing less, based on your own preconceived ideas. Having said that, I accept it’s probably also the opinion of other easily-influenced lads who have never owned nor driven a Maestro Turbo, and whose beliefs on what cars are good and bad is dictated solely by the views of journalists who earn more money to write such rubbish than many of their impressionable readers will ever earn.
<br>
<br>>You obviously are unable to get out much (through being either ugly or socially inadequate)
<br>
<br>Because you are such an idiot your only course of action while arguing against something that is completely out of your depth is to recourse to personal insult. That’s fine: I have a psychology degree, I spent a whole term studying reactions like that which often happen when people like you attempt to argue about something they know nothing about.
<br>
<br>>because if you did you'd realise just what society thinks of you in a Maestro
<br>
<br>Who’s society? Only a small percentage of ‘society’ are car-enthusiasts; 90% of the population don’t think twice about what cars they own; some people can just about tell you what colour their car is, let alone its make or model. Or is your definition of 'society' limited to your like-minded band of mates who are just as brain-washed as you are? Probably the latter.
<br>
<br>>my grandparents used to own one [a Maestro] so i know they are as reliable and good to drive as they are attractive.
<br>
<br>Glad you think so too! I’ve always liked the look of them, and I too have found them to be 100% reliable. See, we agree on something.
<br>
<br>(note to readers: misinterpretation of Mahoney’s attempted insult intended)

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Mahoney's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 17/09/2003

Note to MGdriver: you're over 30 years of age, drive a Maestro, yet still feel able to try and be-little a young chap with a Nova? I drive neither but would sooner have a Nova over a Maestro any day of the week. You obviously are unable to get out much (through being either ugly or socially inadequate) because if you did you'd realise just what society thinks of you in a Maestro. The excuse they're a good car doesn't even work as they are rubbish.. my grandparents used to own one so i know they are as reliable and good to drive as they are attractive. I think in your case a life is needed.

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 19/08/2003

I think you leaving behind 2 nova turbos is more down to driving ability than anything else. For a start a nova turbo is lighter and has about 30bhp more. So if you were driving the nova, and they were the ZX, you'd drop em even more in a race :P
<br>And as for a ZX lookin better than a Nova?!? Think thats just down to personal preference, but more would ppl i think would sooner have a Nova.

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Tecw's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 19/08/2003

by the way i have my old mi16 engine which is doing about 190bhp in a citroen zx. So far i've wiped the smile on many peoples faces including 2 novaboys in there turbo 2 litre courtney conversions! Sure the novas look good in the rear view but is that all they can do? Get blown away by real cars then the owner looked gobsmacked when you show him the n/a engine that a monkey could fit? Then you feel sorry for him when he tells you "but it said 180bhp on the rolling road" and " i paid them 3K".
My car cost about 600 in all and looks better than a nova, goes faster, handles better, and has 4doors and bigger boot space!

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 18/08/2003

Good thing im not a typical "barryboy". My name is Barry tho, seriously!
<br>Im more into handling, go, and stopping than big bodykits. I used to be into that but grew up a bit. Of course the car is gonna get resprayed and some modest mods. Front GTE bumper being cut to take bigger intercooler, flushed tailgate, badboy extension(maybe), smoothed bumpers and functional scoop on bonnet to keep engine cool.
<br>I've already uprated the suspension but want to go to coilovers. I have polyflex bushes all round and a front strut brace. I haven't got a back one yet but it is planned. Biggest Wheels im gonna have is 16", and thats just so the brakes i want will fit inside the rim :) Front willwood 4 pot calipers and rear astra 16v jobbies.
<br>I dont dis cosworths cuz my mate has a saphy cosworth. Goes plenty fast, so does my mates R33 skyline GTS-T. After ive finished with the nova, i will be getting a different car. But im not bored of it yet, so im gonna keep going :P
<br>The scene should be about the whole package, looks, handling and power. Don't forget stopping too, if you cant stop when youre horseing you car then its bloody dangerous!

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Snypa's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 16/08/2003

amazing how many typial 'barryboys' in here going on about straight-line speed. what happened to handling and cornering?
<br>a couple of people in here know what they are talking about, the others are just concerned with their image in typical fashion, who believe that having that extra speed means they have a better car and can actually drive. But the truth is you are not going to get anymore respect for a nova over a maestro for example, the money you spend on doing these conversions can be put towards a car with refinements inside and out which are missing from a standard model, making an overal better buy and driving experience.
There are a few that seem to diss performance cars like cosworths and the like, have you ever driven one? i didnt think so, once you have you will know why they are legendary, so no need to come out with rather childish comments.
<br>
The sad fact is the scene is now ruined by the 'rudeboy burberry baseball capped wearing barrys' who try to gain an inch of respect from tired old rinsed motors with an f1 style spoiler on the boot, when it used to be about nothing but power and handling.

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Gread's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 13/08/2003

Think it was the drugs. It was supposed to mean it is possible to make it a 10 second, unlike a nova unless it has a helicopter engine strapped on its bum. there are many 10 second cars that have little more than 400bhp.

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Mg Driver's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 08/08/2003

Hi DeXx
<br>
<br>>Don't diss these cars [MG Maestro Turbos], they go well (0-60 in 6.9 from factory i think?).
<br>
<br>Thanks for the comments. Close guess ... 6.7 at standard boost (10 psi). Also thanks for proving to me that not all Nova drivers have no brain, unlike mickey the piky whom it seems I successfully out-argued (not a hard job, really!), seeing that he's not been seen again in this review.
<br>
<br>>Who the heck has an MG Maestro turbo that can run 8.2 to 100mph :O
<br>>Is it twin engined/rally gearbox or what????
<br>
<br>LOL! No, it's powered by a highly-modified Rover T16 twin-cam turbo, probably originally from a Rover 220 Tomcat Coupe, delivering 418bhp @ 23 psi boost. The car's insides have been stripped and rebuilt for drag-racing, but the fun thing is it's still road legal :-) It belongs to a guy called Andy Nicholls, who runs a company called (not surprisingly) AN Racing, www.an-racing.co.uk
<br>
<br>You and I may choose different cars, but we can sure agree on one thing: there's nothing quite like leaving someone for dead (in your case, a Type R driver) who thinks he can paste your backside. You don't get that fun from owning dedicated two-door sports-cars, as everyone expects to get pasted by one of those. But when you blow them away in a Nova (or in my case, a Maestro Turbo) you cannot put a price on the look on their faces :-)
<br>
<br>Best wishes, "MG Driver"

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 07/08/2003

Let me guess, you drive a Civic VTI?
<br>I agree with you that when you change direction in my car, it is a lil more sluggish than a GTE when u change direction. The front end does bounce a little bit more aswell, due to the 40-50kgs extra weight. But it can still go round corners at a good rate of speed :D
<br>Ive been in a Civic Type R before, and they handle well, but arent the best thing since sliced bread.
<br>At high speed cornering, i notice they do the same thing my old standard nova used to do. Back end swims back and forth on its suspension, most unnerving sensation :S
<br>I've still blasted a Type R b4 at night time. All I could see was some fools headlights too close to my rear bumper >:( Was bumper hogging waiting to overtake. I thought by the shape of the lights it was a F*rd Focus. So when i turnt onto the next road, I floored it and left it for dust, and he was trying too. I could see the thing swinging round the corners in my rear view mirror. Eventually dropped back cuz he couldnt catch me. Its only when i got to the next junction and i was waiting to turn left, the car came up beside me. I was shocked when it was a brand spanking new Type R in black!!! He looked angry, and I was looking smug :D
<br>There are things u can do to solve the handling problems with 2L novas. The engine doesnt weigh a vast amount more than a 1.6 GTE lump (I had one of those too), so the handling isnt too different.

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121906_Typer03680.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 07/08/2003

MG's engine is rubbish- 150-160 Bhp stock from a 2000cc turbocharged engine, I know of a number of smaller normally aspirated engines that produce more power than that.
<br>
<br>The cars being talked out in this thread were okay 15 years ago, these days they just don't cut it. Modern sports cars are better handling, more efficient, more reliable, need I go on.
<br>
<br>The Guy who thinks he can run 10's with 400Bhp is either dreaming or on drugs, have you got any idea what it takes to make a 10 sec. car?
<br>
<br>The 2L 16V convesrion in the Nova DOES affect the handling. I don't care what you say about having driven other Novas and it handles ok in comparison, have you even driven a car with REAL handling ability? The physics involved when change direction whilst going from corner to corner will have been altered, the front now has more mass, this means more inertia. (In simple terms). I've got a n/a 1800cc engine in my car and I would put money on you not being able to keep up cross country, and more than likely not in a straight line either.
<br>
<br>In my opinion the cars being talked about make okay budget hacks to drive over the winter but as a drivers car they just don't cut it.
<br>
<br>Note about Cosworth- Those of you who think you have something special because some of your engine components are made by Cosworth please think again. COSCAST means Cosworth Castings based in Worcester not Cosworth Racing based in Northhampton. The COSCAST parts are just standard parts made to a standard design, they are not special and are not performance parts.

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Bertybassett2000's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 04/08/2003

Howdy Folks,
<br>
<br>Its true, MG Maestros arn't the best looking cars out of the box, but there bloody good cheap fun.
<br>
<br>But even you Nova boyz might admit that this is a mean maestro with a little tinkering here and there and he could have gone a lot further.
<br>
<br>http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgm/mgsd03/MGSD033310.jpg

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Dexx's Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 04/08/2003

Yikes, my review has turnt into a slagging match for MG Turbo owners. Don't diss these cars, they go well (0-60 in 6.9 from factory i think?).
<br>Who the hell has an MG Maestro turbo that can run 8.2 to 100mph :O Is it twin engined/rally gearbox or what????
<br>The guy who thinks his 300ZX will do a SQM in 10 secs with 400bhp is dreaming (simon norris' EVO 7 715bhp will only do mid 10s). Mind you his gearing has been raised for higher top end, so he could probably get it lower.
<br>Cossies are cool cars, mate has a Sapphire cosworth and it shifts well (yes it did melt, but he was doing 150mph and rising at the time).
<br>I do think most fords should be melted down and the metal be reused to make a decent car, but cossies and RSTs are ok.
<br>As for golfs, Mk2s are horid, Mk1s and Mk3s are much better (I owned a Mk2 golf and got rid of it A.S.A.P).
<br>R5GTTs as ive said b4 are a waste of time, which chrissy has kindly confirmed for me. 5 minute racers is all they are.
<br>The only downside of the 2L turbo nova conversion is the initial cost of the engine transplant (Unless your a competant mechanic then its much cheaper). Or you can do what i did and wait for some other poor sucker to pay for the conversion and buy the car off him when he sells it :D

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113272_Mg Driver.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 05/07/2003

FAO Mickey the piky. Why does it not surprise me that you drive a Nova? Perfectly good cars spoiled by the fact that too many are bought by brainless morons such as your good self. The more you type on this review the more you make yourself look stupid. I quote from your post:
<br>
<br>>would not drive a shed meestro i don't care if its quick i won't drive it.<
<br>
<br>No, of course you wouldn't. I said as much in my last post. You'd be concerned that your street-cred would suffer too much and your manhood would shrivel, because to people like you a car is as more of an extension to your sexual organ than as a way to get from A to B.
<br>
<br>I'm guessing you're still young and largely concerned with "fitting in" with your peer-group. I was like that once, and MG Maestros just don't have that image: I cannot deny that basic fact. But since I turned 30, I've learned that I actually possess the ability to think, and I chose my MG Maestro Turbo. It is very fast, usefully has five doors and is totally rust-free. Unlike the similar-aged Astra GTE across the road from me. It must go like a rocket: the spotty baseball-capped youth who owns it has totally rebuilt most of its rusted-out shell with fibre-glass and filler, so it's bound to be very light!
<br>
<br>>I used to know someone who had one it handle rubbish ...<
<br>
<br>Mine handles just as well as any other medium-sized hatchback that has an engine at the front and a lot of power delivered only to the front wheels, which includes quite a few well-regarded sports saloons. The one you tried must have been thrashed. Actually, I don't believe you've ever been behind the wheel of a Maestro Turbo at all. Or, for that matter, that you've ever known somebody who owned one. Tickford only made 500 of them (like Tickford Racing Pumas) so they were never plentiful when new, let alone 14 years later.
<br>
<br>>...looked rubbish was rubbish...<
<br>
<br>Your opinion. Give me facts. Oops! Sorry, I keep forgetting: you don’t know any facts. Your ‘facts’ are founded on urban myth, conjecture and your own opinions.
<br>
<br>>...Meestros have rubbish engines don't denie it...<
<br>
<br>Explain what's rubbish about a engine first seen in 1984 that was only a 4-cylinder 8-valve 1994cc SOHC unit, but which can do about 150,000 miles between major rebuilds, develops 152BHP at 5,500rpm and delivers 169lbs of torque at 3,500rpm 'out of the box'? Sounds pretty impressive for a 19-year-old design to me! Neither Ford nor Vauxhall had anything quite like it in rival cars. Which is why it blows away similar-aged 'out of the box' Escort RS Turbos and Astra GTEs (but probably not the GTE across the road, seeing that it's made largely from filler - see my previous comments). Even the normally-aspirated injected Maestro EFi blew away the likes of Golfs and XR3is. As for reliability, I’ve owned Maestros for the last 19 years, easily covered 100,000 miles and have spent more money on unused AA membership fees than I’ve spent on fixing the cars. Even Maestros’ most ardent detractors have to admit that the ‘O’-series engines are about as bullet-proof as you can get. Again, your comments betray your complete ignorance of the subject.
<br>
<br>>I've been to MOTOBUILD looked at what they can do i am not impressed at all there all cowboys<
<br>
<br>Many MG Maestro enthusiasts will agree with you there. How about that? We agree on something! But quite why you've been to Motobuild (a Rover performance specialist, for those reading this who don't know) when you own a Nova, is somewhat beyond my understanding...
<br>
<br>By the way, learn to spell: it helps to make you look intelligent. And you need all the assistance you can get, because you're clearly arguing out of your depth and, in the process, making yourself look an idiot. I don't expect everyone to like Maestro Turbos: we all like our own cars and think they're the best; individuality is what makes the world go round. But you so obviously know nothing about the cars you're slagging off, you make such an easy target!!
<br>
<br>I actually quite like Novas: it's just that some of their owners put themselves across as being brainwashed, myopic, mindless morons. Can't think what makes me think that.

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112704_Mickey The Piky.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 03/07/2003

big words for someone who reads the "lover's guide to meestro's".I drive a nova gte and it has good basis to be quite fast, and i don't have any big spoilers or stupid graphics. I just like it simple. I drive what i can afford and i can afford to buy a meestro turbo if u can find a clean one "yeah right". like i said before i would not drive a meestro i don't care if its quick i won't drive it.
<br>I used to know someone who had one it handle badly looked terrible was beastly. Meestros have horrible engines don't deny it.

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112220_Mg Driver.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 01/07/2003

FAO mickey the piky:
<br>
<br>Your comments re MG Maestros are just like water off a ducks back to those of us who own them and who have actually driven them. Though you wouldn't dream of doing that because your kind are only interested in driving and owning a car which you perceive to have that all-important peer-group approval. I'm sure being made to drive a car which doesn't have what you call 'street cred' would give you impotence. Your loss, our gain, sucker.
<br>
<br>
<br>Your comments will bring a smirk to the faces of like-minded (small minded) boys who, like you, obviously know no more about cars than what they are brainwashed to think through reading crap porno magazines, vaguely disguised as 'performance car mags'. But to those of us who have actually driven the cars you ignorantly sneer at you simply look a complete fool. Is the fact that YOU think they are ugly of any importance when discussing the merits or demerits of these cars? Shows you know so little about them. Crap engines? My, you have a lot to learn!
<br>
<br>
<br>The 'modded' brigade make me laugh the most! Huge wings on the back slow cars like 1.4 Novas and 'snow plough' splitters and bumpers on the front that make the car as aerodynamic as a housebrick. Prats.
<br>
<br>I came across a chap like you a few months ago. He was driving a 2001 Golf VR6. (Aren't modern Golfs a disgrace to their name? All fat, podgy and middle-aged. Bring back the slim, trim Mk1 & 2; true classics. Anyhow, I digress.) He was trying to overtake me on the inside as we decended the two-lane sliproad onto the motorway. Twit. He couldn't keep up with me in my old 'grandad' Maestro Turbo. I slipped down into third and literally blew him away. I'm sure had I been a passenger in his car I would have been able to see his manhood visibly shrink.
<br>
<br>Looser.

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112214_Mickey The Piky.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 01/07/2003

what colour is yours, if its that light mettalic blue thats nice, get some white wheels on it that would look sweet.
<br>
<br>(wheres the MEESTRO kru then) oh yeah there just sticking black tape over those rusty arches, no one'll notice pucker job that!!!!
<br>(MGTURBO, check list to self)
<br>1.buy more mechano
<br>2.build another shell with mechano
<br>3.job well done!!!
<br>still can't polish a turd
<br>

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112136_Zafira Za Faster.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 01/07/2003

The conversion included mods to the traction control which severely limits your off the line take off in standard form. Sampling time has been increased and brake activation and throttle control more accurately mapped with less aggressive changes when detecting wheel slip etc... Standing start time monitored by dash mounted giro device so it's not 100% accurate but not far off!!. One further point to mention for anyone out there with one of these you can get to 208 bhp from standard once your car has registered 1,000 miles or more with a simple tweak of the waste gate. Vauxhall restrict the allowed boost pressure in the ECU until the odo has more than 1k miles.

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112132_Mickey The Piky.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 01/07/2003

gready, 400hp does not make a 10sec car.
<br>You need 700 or 800hp, 400hp should just get u high 13's as yours is so heavy.
<br>
<br>This is going out to MG TURBO & MGTURBO500 Look mates you can't polish a turd. Meestro's are rubbish they rust. Just look at that grandad shape its so ugly.
<br>
<br>It may be quick but its still a rubbish engine rubbish body, ugly interior, yuk its a rover how many meestros do u see about, oh i forgot they've all rotted away in some field or there at the scrappie.
<br>A couple of years ago there were loads of em at the scrappie they must've rotted away! oops my mistake scrappies are to ashamed to take em! oh well. No spare parts for u then, better get the macharno out to fix it then.
<br>

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112069_Mickey The Piky.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 01/07/2003

zafira 280hp ok but 0.60 5.5 from spending 1,400
<br>yeah!!. The standard zafira turbo is the same speed as a standard gte16v and u reckon you've knocked 2.1 secs of the 0.60 yeah right try 330hp that might just do it

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111773_Jamie Cass.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 30/06/2003

just got a hold of a c20let 4 my corsa b but it has no ecu?!!!!.can any one help me out????.
<br>[email protected]

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Zafira Za Faster.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 27/06/2003

Ok so it's not exactly relevant to the reviews so far- but i just wanted to mention my own car.
<br>7 seats 0-60 in 5.5 secs and 160 mph flat out. Not bad for a minibus. Mods total a measly £1,400 giving overall output at 280bhp. Now i know everybody's gonna tripe me for having one but this is one seriously quick motor. Only problem is people keep on pulling out coz they don't expect you to be doing 140+ in a zafira!!!.

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110649_Gready.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 25/06/2003

Nova Nick, I'd get a 300zx, i reakon they must be one of the fastest standard cars under £5k.
<br>4x4 Supra based BMW, sounds cool. I would kill for a supra, 300zx has to do, still outs a smile on my face.

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110303_Tom.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 24/06/2003

hi agn... spending money on a nova IS daft! very true! but... cost of nova 30quid. gte engine an box was 60 including loom but i used it to repair my astra gte so its collecting dust. twin 45s 60 quid too. venoms 80 quid plus 15 for a refurb and 15 for three part worn tyres.im a welder so will b able to pay myself nothing to do the mods needed to take the powerr. all in all itll cost 260 for a nova pushing 130ish bhp on 17inch venoms that any nova boy would pay silly mony for cos they are stupid idiots!!! like i said im helping melvin dickson do his 3litre tt supra lump into a bmw. now thisll b a car worth doing and itll cost but he wants it and isnt a cashless brainlees novaboy!!!

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Gready.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 24/06/2003

Seems a bit daft investing shed loads of money in a nova, how much does it cost to put in a 2lt turbo engine? why not buy a fast car from the start? a nova was never designed to have all that power and this must effect the safty of the car. I bought a Nissan 300zx twin turbo for a little over £4000, it has around 300bhp as standard, with it chipped and a few other mods it now pushes out over 400bhp and the car is relativly safe. I would like to wager it will beat most cars on the road and any nova, it is a 10 second car after all.

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Nova Nick.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 24/06/2003

i have had four nova in my driving experience. and have only been driving just over a year. io started off with a 1.2 merit that was so rusty i gave it away, then a k reg merit 1.2 which was perfect cond. after ploughing it inbto the back of an fiesta XRpoo i got a 1.4l (because it was lower insurance than an SR) It was crazy power. I did nothing to the engine but it used to lick up GTE's and RS Turbos no problems. I had 124mph in 4th gear and there was still more in it. after many problems it caught fire and retired form service. i thought i would try my lcuk with something else so i got a golf 1.3 (slowest thing i have ever seen) sold it and got a mini 1 litre quicker than the golf! Then went back to nova's with a 1.4SR (no comparison to my 1.4l tho). but with the problems i had with them all i just thought screw it so i went out and brought a nearly new peugeot 106. i miss my nova's and am debating whether to get a 106 gti or a 2ltr 16v nova instead! suggestions?? PS i am off the road now anyway because i got 6 points in my first two years of driving. but will be back soon...cant wait!

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110089_Tom.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 23/06/2003

hi... ive just motd my 8v astra gte... i also have a spare gte lump n box... i was wondering if any of u have info on converting to twin weber 40s(i have a pair of these). also the spare engine is to go into my(cough) nova (cough ) SALOON!! i het novas. they r rubbish. but im going to make this beast and itll b different... i have 17inch novaboy venoms for it too!can the webers b run using existing 1.2 nova sallon electrics? what engine can i gat a dizzy and fuel pump from?if this works well itll fund my next project... twin engine 4by4 4ltre gte quad twin 45 NOVA!lol. by the way im getting the MELVIN DICKSON van this week to put back on the road... it was the first calibra turbo 4by4 with 6speed box to b put in an astra max van!!250bhp rolling roaded and never featured!im helping him build a 3series bmw running 3litre twin turbo supra 4by4 gear! he can do it cos he has money. im doing the nova cos i dont!!! email with any questions/info. thanx [email protected]

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106399_Chrissy.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 11/06/2003

Fair play to the boys with the 2ltr turbo novas, im now planning to invest aswell after reading these reviews. In respect to the guy with the R5 turbo........ if even you have a thought of buying one, please, please please erase this thought out of your head( unless you have a fat wallet for all the repair bills). The reason i say this is cos i once owned one, and to cut a long story short.......... it was rubbish!. So to everyone who is modding novas, ill give you a big thumbs up........ and im pretty much sure i will be another nova modder soon.......gud luck 2ltr turbo guy!!

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104035_Bulletmagnet.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 04/06/2003

The C20LET rocks as a donor for a transplant. I had one planted (with F28) into my Astra 16v and the extra 60 hp adds massively to the grin-factor. Running standard boost, i;ve done 14.6 at SantaPod....more boost on the way......Keep up the good work boys

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100788_Rob Russell.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 23/05/2003

Look boys all this talk about the clasics you forgot to mention the Dubs!
<br>ive got a mk1 golf GTi conv and im in the middle of an engine convirsion to 2ltr 16v..
<br>now this is goner be a fun car and will give all your 205's saxo's and fords a whipping but as for the novers, my mate has a 1.6 on twin carbs and it go's like the wind and sounds amaising!!
<br>so on the whole if your after one of the most respected and fun cars on the road you cant go wrong with a golf or if you dont fancy that a nova is a good 2nd best.
<br>cheers lads and remember..
<br>If they aint rubbin you aint dubbin ;)

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99762_Mgturbo.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 20/05/2003

Yeh u are totally right, well he`s a common from essex with a cossie. (how original)
<br>
<br>He obviously dosnt Know anything about the Montys and Mastroes as u say, (too many people like this around)

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Mgturbo500.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 18/05/2003

What a wally Cosworth boy is. If he knew anything about anything at all, he would realise that the MG Maestro is fast because it is light so not two tonnes of anything! - and why do all the 5 or 6 year old Escorts and Fiestas I see have rust coming out of places you wouldn't even imagine?

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Turbomax.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 17/05/2003

oi cossie boy unless you have had one dont comment. just like the people that slag off the nova with the 2ltr turbo lump in it it turns it in to an animal of a car. i would like to own a cossie untill i see my mates and how rubbish they because there all ways going wrong and blowing diffs,clutchs,heads, as soon as they run decent power plus all that insurance for wot?

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98594_Dandare.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 17/05/2003

400bhp Escort Cossie - wi wot u spent mate on that daft high winged dagenham dustbin u cd prob have bought a Ferrari!!!!!!!!!!!!
<br>As 4 Novas ........ITS A VAUXHALL for evins sake, chrise a Maestro Turbo wd blow it to pieces. Getalong 2 Santa Pod an cee wot i meen. u lot ave to spend all ur ruddy wages on ur cars yet a Maestro or Monty Turbo just needs lowering and set of allys straight off a MGF, and 3inch exhaust system (only part we really have to pay for) and we are strait up yr exhaust pipe. then wen we get fed up we sell for more than we spent while u lot are still paying for urs for yrs to come HO HO HO

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98485_Mgturbo2.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 16/05/2003

I cannot slag off Cossies because i work with them and know there is nothing wrong with them, but no doubt you have no expereince with Maestro Turbo's so what makes you qualified to call them a 2 tonne skip on wheels? Fastest FWD car in the country is? Oh, its a Maestro....

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John O.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 16/05/2003

Skips in wheels? LOL!! Funny how it's a modified Maestro Turbo that's UK's fastest road-legal front-wheel drive car (0-100 in 8.2 sec).
<br>
<br>If you want to buy an unreliable, over-priced piece of junk, that costs a fortune to maintain, most of which are patched together with fibre-glass and filler in an attempt to hide the grot and help the owners justify the rediculous prices they ask for them, by all means buy a Cossie ... and we 'in the know' will stick to OUR cars.

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98108_440Bhp Escort Cossy Owner.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 15/05/2003

MG LOL, skips on wheels, 2 tonnes of rust, get a real car mate if ur gonna spend money on hybrid turbos etc..........

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Mgturbo.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 06/05/2003

Hmm, all this talk of cheap fast cars, well ive owned both a pug 19gti, and a nova gte, never bothered with droping a 16v norm asp or turbo in the nova, whats the point of going to all the hassle.
<br><br>
<br><br>Slag me if you want but i settled for a MGMaestro 2lt 8v Turbo, lowered the compression to 7.1, fitted large exhaust, filter, alloy intercooler, and put the boost up to 1 bar, est 210 bhp, all i need next is a hybrid turbo turbo then the boost can go up to 20 psi. 0 to 60 in low 5's high 4's, and sould see 155 mph with no probs. and i can hontestly say this car out handles and perfomres better than any golf, pug, or nova i have driven.

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95211_Jim.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 06/05/2003

I've recently aquired a 16v lump out of a astra GTE. It turns out that not only did Cosworth design the KBA heads but in fact made some for the early 2.0L's. The difference is they have a non-porous head and produce somewhere in the region of 10bhp more than other standard heads. The only identifying marks are that they have no core plug under the distributer and the word COSCAST is printed under the 2nd and 3rd exhaust port. I am curious if anyone knows whether there are any extra modifications made to the engine (ie forged steel crank etc)as I intend on rebuilding it before fitting it into my Nova.Any info would be greatly appreciated.
<br><br>Email me at [email protected]

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80626_Dexx.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 17/03/2003

Best cars for the 2l 16v conversion are Nova GTE/GSI and the corsa GSI. Thats because they have the right size radiator and are already wired for Injection. Also the Nova GTE/GSI and TD have thicker gauge engine bay metal. This makes it stronger and more able to take the engine weight. But it can be done with any other model, just have to do more work.

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80581_Larry.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 17/03/2003

Ive just bought a 1.4sr. Owner before me was a mechanic who maintained it for the previous owner. Anyway the car has a weber twin carb fitted and a sports ignition set. Loads of other little mods.
The 1.4sr i currently own has immaculate body work. It's lowered and in excellent condition. I paid 700 notes for it. My mate a mechanic thinks i should sell it for double that. Two of my mates own VTR's and they cant do anything without seing me up their rear in the rear view mirror. I'm really considering getting a 2.0l turbo conversion. Don't mind the insurance its only money. Will it cost me considerably more because im converting an SR as opposed to a SRI or GTE. Or would the conversion to a 1.6 corsa GSI engine be more favourable. Bearing in mind i am throttle heavy.
Cheers for your opinion.

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Mic Nova.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 12/03/2003

I m in england since 2001 and now (2003) I bought a nova, and for me this is a nice car!
<br><br>My car is 1 litre, white, and I m a little bit sad because I start to change things now , and I don't know if the results will be exactlly I expect.
<br><br>My car is white and I m just start to change things, like paint under the line in the door side, I ll paint in black color. I ll make this car a very good car, and I had a nice experience in Brazil with my Ford Verona and now I ll do my best. My Ford Verona was a perfect car, with agood sound, flogs lights , nice wheels and a very good engine 2.0 litres with speed of 198km p/h .
<br><br>In 5 months time I ll send for all the pictcure of my nova, and everybody will see the diference...
<br><br>if you knew places to buy accessories to the nova models, please send me a e mail to [email protected], Thanks .

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76561_Dexx.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 01/03/2003

Let me guess, R5 GTT owner? The R5 GTT is legendary for being fast, but also for overheating, breaking turbos etc etc... A couple of my mates have had them and wont have 1 again. 1 mate went through 2 engines, 4 turbos and a melted piston. Another has eaten 3 turbos. If i had to have a R5 GTT, it would have a 1721cc engine in it. Bigger and more reliable, seen it done before and produces bigger power without blowing up.

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75965_Chickenbone.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 27/02/2003

Dexx. If you add half as many mods on a GT5 as u've done on you're Nova, then you'd have an F1 car banned from the streets. Your car is the equivalent of a bodybuilder packed full of steroids. The nova is OK, but the Renault 5 GT is legendary...Vauxhall VS Renault?? Vive la Francais baby. And the calibra engine was not designed by cosworth, only a couple of parts (KBA heads) were planted in there. But well done though, best Nova i've ever read about.

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75132_Dexx.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 24/02/2003

Hiya Raj, my car is running standard boost at the moment, because i haven't been able to afford the parts to up the boost :( 7:1 Compression seems pretty low seeing as the standard C20XE is running 10:1! If you have a normal C20XE lump in the car, it would be better to get hold of a decent 2nd hand C20LET lump, as will save you the cost of turbo converting it. This will slot straight in as replacement to old engine, but radiator may have to be moved to accommodate turbo and intercooler. Have seen these engines for £2k from www.vpsc.co.uk, but can be got cheaper elsewhere. Cheaper than converting existing engine to turbo, which would cost around £3k. The C20LET parts are much stronger as in standard form can take upto 320BHP, with only needing to change pistons (maybe injectors).
There are 2 routes to go with tuning. You could go courtenay who are expensive but reliable. Or you could go with Regal, who sell the EDS chips, which will get you the power but reliabity is not quite as good. You had the same idea as me Raj, bout a 4x4 2.2 nova :D But i was quoted about £8k to have it done by regal :( Tell me how it goes with the conversion.

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74784_Raj.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 22/02/2003

You got a good deal mate. I'm planning to build my car myself, i'm gonna use forged pistons, conrods, steel crank, decent pistons. It should see a 7:1 compression ratio. Then i'm going to add a turbo and run it at about 30psi. This should show me figures easily over 300bhp maybe even towards the 400bhp mark. To give the car traction my cavalier 4x4 (rust bucket) is gonna give up its life as a donar car for the nova. The thought of a 2.2 turbo 4x4 nova really puts a smile on my face. Hopefully it wil be near complete next summer.

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74769_Raj.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 22/02/2003

Just wanted to ask the novaboy what exactly have you done to your nova to get that type of power? I'm askin as i am plannin to turbocharge my 2l nova. I am currently driving a 300zx twin turbo (even though its runnin 165bhp) i want atleast 300bhp

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74578_Dorzy.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 21/02/2003

Just picked up my 2.0 turbo nova, didn't realise how fast it would be compared to all my mate pulsar's & scooby's! As you said, if the jobs been done properly, and fully seam welded, it still handles beautifully. What a car!

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Lock_Stock.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 19/02/2003

Fair play to the nova turbo mate,
I've got a 1ltr panda that will even speed through those bends and the fiat 995cc will charge into any hairpin!
I want to fit it with 100bhp noz to give it that extra little bit,
It's slamed on 23inch rims and cromed 1.1ltr head.
keep up the good work and keep the sit posted on the 2ltr turbo mate.

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59511_Dexx.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 21/12/2002

Well im 22 years old and have been driving for 2 years and 8 months. I have 2 years no claims and insurance is still horrendous!!! I pay £964 TPFT on my car. The only reason I dont pay Fully Comp is that it costs £1700!!! Insurance is done through Adrian Flux insurance, who are probably the best for modified cars. A 2l 16v non turbo conversion is much more insurance friendly, thats why there aren't that many turbo novas and more valvers. Insurance on my car is about the same as it would cost me to insure a Nissan Pulsar or any other group 19 car. So scope out how much it would cost you to insure yourself on a group 17-20 car, and that will give you a rough idea of what the insurance will be like to drive a car like mine.

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59251_Monty1.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 19/12/2002

hello, JeXx
I would be intrested to know how old you are and how much you are paying with what company for these kinds of mod's because it the insurance thats puts me off modding my car with an engine transplant.
cheers

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58049_Dexx.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 15/12/2002

Glad to hear you're enjoying your GTE :D I used to have a GTE before I had this 2L 16v turbo'd one. Wasn't the fastest car in the world but a hell of a laugh to drive it.
I bought the car ready done by someone else for £4K. Since I have changed the suspension, added a dump valve and changed all service parts. Unfortunately I had a close call in the car, when someone pulled out as I was overtaking them at 120mph+!!! Slammed the brakes on but had to jump road to avoid smacking into their rear end. Ended up in a ditch with a smashed sump, bent downpipe and busted ECU. I replaced the ECU with a MBE programmable one, got new sump but the downpipes were still wrecked :( Gonna be getting new exhaust and downpipe, forged pistons, quaife diff and uprate the brakes and then I should be touching 250bhp. The car is only running 10psi at the moment which is about 210-220BHP as its standard boost with modest engine changes. Am aiming at a 280-300BHP figure tho :D Will need to get an F28 box for that tho as the F20 I have will not survive!

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Glen Barnett.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 13/12/2002

I've just bought my very first Nova! It's a bog stock GTE 1.6i. I've had some wickedly quick cars in my time (Supercharged, V8 engined MkII escort, Capri RS 3.1, 230bhp cosworth tuned Mk I RS Turbo, Full race 1310 Mini Cooper S etc) and I can honestly say, this thing is awsome!
I dread to think what over 200Bhp would be like.
what sort of bucks did you spend to get it to that spec?

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52372_Dexx.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 21/11/2002

Shows you don't know what your talking about GT boy.
The front end won't rip itself apart cause its fully seam welded and strengthened. The only ones that might do are the ones done by dodgy kevs motorcompany.
The handling isn't affected as far as I can tell by the weight of the engine. I have had a 1.2, 1.6 and now the 2 litre engined nova and they all handled well.
If you are not running a slip diff in your car, you will waste a lot of power to wheelspin. I have had mine wheelspinning at about 70mph before and faster, cause I haven't got a slip diff. Went in a 260BHP nova with 6sp box and slip diff, and the amount of grip for a FWD car was amazing!
Why do you bother running a poxy 1.4 with that much power? It wont last long, you hate to admit it but you know it's true. The best thing i've ever seen been done to a GT Turbo is a 1731cc engine conversion. Bigger and more reliable.
The 1.4 (PUSHROD!!) GT engine hits power ceiling at about 350BHP whereas the Calibra Turbo (COSWORTH DESIGNED!!) can be tuned up to around 550BHP.
PS. I have plans to 4x4 my car with 300BHP and 50BHP NOS. Stripped out with lightweight carbon fibre panels and full rollcage. Beat that :P

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52112_300 Bhp Gt Turbo.'s Response to DeXx.'s Review

Written on: 20/11/2002

My GT will do both the Nova & the pulsar - no probs. 230 BHP nova is all well & good in a straight line but hit that first corner at speed & watch the front end tear it's self apart or watch out for that tree.

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Was this review helpful? 5 5

“VAUXHALL ENGINES GO FOREVER. VERY NIPPY CHEAP TO RUN...”

★★★★★

written by biggsy. on 19/09/2002

VAUXHALL ENGINES GO FOREVER. VERY NIPPY CHEAP TO RUN AND THEY LOOK NICE TOO.

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Wee Shaun.'s Response to 38633_biggsy.'s Review

Written on: 22/11/2002

The nova was the best car ever made by Vauxhall shame it was replaced by the Corsa. You know who you are A.Campbell!!! YOUNG NOVA TEAM FOREVER. I`M SELLING A SET OF PLATES IF ANYONE INTERESTED H2 NOV!! THE ULTIMATE NOVA PLATES. EMAIL ME

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Was this review helpful? 0 2

“see above for projective insults and basic slagging of...”

★★☆☆☆

written by James. on 01/06/2002

see above for projective insults and basic slagging of the Vauxhall Nova gte.

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28375_Gaz.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 18/06/2002

Ace....couldnt have summed it up any better....:)

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Pringle's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 03/10/2004

your all bulling about the power, yes they are quick and ok little cars but no way 0-60 2.3 sec
<br>
<br>"A high performance version of Vauxhall’s award winning VX220 is being built by Hertfordshire based company S Sport ready for Summer 2004.
<br>
<br>Combining the VX220’s bonded aluminium chassis with a supercharged version of GM’s 3.0 litre V6 engine, S Sport intend to create the ultimate VX.
<br>
<br>With a claimed power output of 320bhp and 280lb.ft of torque in a car weighing 875kg, performance will be brisk! S Sport predict a top speed in excess of 150mph with a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds."
<br>You see 4.5 and its not got the drag or the extra weight of the engine
<br> also
<br>"Recipe for fun: add 16v brakes from an astra GTE, upgrade suspension, skim the head, add a cam and exhaust manifold + full system + panel filter = 125bhp / 845kgs * 1000 = 148bhp per ton. = 0-60 7.1, 1/4 mile 15.4secs. This what I have done to my baby 1.6, and she flies. The times are confirmed 0-60 @ TRAX 2003 and 1/4 mile at Santa Pod"
<br>these were taken from official websites and let me tell you my golf mk2 not gti 1.8 stock apart from new exhaust does 0-60 in 7.9 sec with 350000 miles on clock ok handles crap but its about the same as a nova
<br>these two cars are almost identical so i wish you nova guys and some golf fanatics would stop saying stupid things like 0-60 in 2.3sec
<br>also the golf 1.8t mk2 can do 0-60 in 5.3 sec

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Kj's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 25/04/2004

Under the age of 23 the average person is very limited in what he can afford to insure and run. In fact you're down to either the Fiesta or the Nova. Suddenly Novas don't look so bad.
<br>
<br>They're cheap and have reliable engines. If your car's bad it's probably because you don't know how to buy cars, or you drive like a monkey.
<br>They're mechanically simple so you can yield great results modding them for not much cash.
<br>
<br>Yeah they rust like anything and the handling's awful as standard, but they're Ferrari's compared to Fords.
<br>
<br>If you can afford it get something better.
<br>
<br>If you need something cheap, reliable, and something you can learn about cars on. There's only one choice - Novas.

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Dave Hitchen's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 06/04/2004

The performance is acceptable it's practical cheap and reliable the potential for tuning and performance is unrivalled in its class and as a practical car it runs rings around its opposition :)

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Bye Bye Gti's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 25/11/2003

The Nova sport used for rallying did o-62 in 6.5 seconds as for falling off a cliff, ever seen a black twin engined nova??? does o-60 in 2.8 seconds n pushes out 556bhp. ha ha weed on your bonfire.

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Bye Bye Gti's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 24/11/2003

I agree nova power, however the Nova sport that was available to buy only did it in 8.8, still rapid for an NA 1.3. I have GSi and used to own a Golf, my GSi is quicker than the MK1 and MK2 GTi's, it is better on petrol and parts are cheap. Golfs are nice looking cars, they are just unreliable, and slow and handle like a bag of spanners. And have major problems with snapped supsension arms (G60 any one)? If comparing like for like, age for age the Nova is a much better package and was quicker than the Golf which looks equally dated. END OF ARGUMENT

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Gluge2000's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 21/11/2003

i think that you are bulling about the 6.5 seconds. yes there is a small car as quick as that, my swift gti with gas. You will see 0-60 in 2.5 seconds when a nova falla off a cliff. Wow!!!!

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Novapower's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 18/11/2003

well did vauxhall make such a bad car? didn't think so, have you been in a GSi before? novas are well equiped little cars, lights on the sun visors! The original 8v engine has to be one of the hardest motors built, across the range from 1.2 to 1.6, far superior to vauxhalls eco-tec pile of poo in todays cars. oh and has anyone ever heard of thatvery special NOVA the SPORT? 0-60 in 6.5 seconds out of a 1.3, bilstien suspension... yeh coz there wrere other cars to compete with that... like what? a 1.6GTi 205? hardly!

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Gluge2000's Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 14/11/2003

Did Vauxhall ever make a worst car than the Nova???? no i dont think they did. Actually have vauxhall ever made a decent car??? The nova is ugly, common and damn right annoying. why do all 17 year olds insist on putting bake bean cans on the end of their exhausts?

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120209_Dan.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 30/07/2003

I had a 1.2 Nova Wiv 80k on the clock n the only thing that went wrong wiv it wuz the altenator,i then sold it 4 wot i thought wuz a betta car (a WV golf MKIII)only 4 it 2 fail miserably,it has had the head gasket done twice new brakes all round a new clutch n then the latest wuz the whole top end of the engine needed replacing wiv only 75k on the clock.And it is startin 2 rust loads despite cleanin it every wk end.It has poor acceleration n fuel economy n it handles like a steam roller.I am now savin upt 4 a nova GSi-Long live the Nova.
<br>

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$Kratch.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 12/07/2003

Nova's are bad they are raw you cant test a nova im on my second one and i got a 2ltr 16v and i can cane the GTI golfs and most other cars i keep up with the 325i and the z3's ya get geeza so dont test novas...

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113324_Gsi Chris.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 06/07/2003

hey guys come on now it is after all only a car !! please bear in mind that when boy racers started sticking bigger engines in these cars and adding spoilers, bigger alloys and stuff vauxhall took note of all this and now they have involved performance tuners like irmscher into the designs and manufacturing, lets face it how many 1.2 cars have a twin stainless exhaust fitted from new !! i had 18 grand to spend on a car last may and after lots of test driving would u believe i am now the proud owner of a vauxhall astra GSi turbo 16 valve with all options fitted...it goes like the wind and attracts more attention than an audi TT or subaru impretza although it will depreciate like a fast i just love driving it ... just look out for the new vectra 300 bhp i32 and astra GSi ...all thanks to those (including myself) boy racers.

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107936_Gaz.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 16/06/2003

This whole forum is based on a car that didnt exist as standard (2 litre Nova). These reviews are for cars with bits and bobs off other rubbish vauxhalls.If you like the Nova so much,why have you scrapped the old engine? Not good enough? Why bother spending an awful amount of money only to find when you want a true performance car....your Boi Racer Nova is worth little more than a Lada?
<br>
<br>Look at you all drooling over a car which didnt have a big engine in it. 1.6 was your best, and those silly boy kits you have, you actually think they look good? you would sooner spend £2 - £3k on a £400 car? You could have had a great mid powered car for that money. Insurance shouldnt be a question because you have already told your insurers of the modifications on your nova's and that has pushed the premium up accordingly... You lot are nearly as bad as the VTR/VTS Clan.

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107640_Jayman.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 16/06/2003

It always makes me laugh when you get someone that has no idea what he is talking about. Nemesis 250Bhp is very acheivable from a 2.0 16v NA engine.
<br>
<br>A good example would be the Honda Civic R-Type. A 2.0 NA engine which is 200Bhp standard (or 197Bhp to be precise.) My point is, if you know what you are doing then you can acheive a lot with the engine.
<br>
<br>And if you had the harder suspension on the Nova it would corner alot better than the golf because it is lighter (hence less body roll) so would keep a better line.

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105898_Bikerchris.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 10/06/2003

Cheers Gary, glad you agree.<P>
<br>Just so ya'll know, it looks like I've re-entered a few comments, when I haven't, so not my fault, must be "reviewcentres".<P>
<br>Keep the rubber side down!<P>
<br>Chris

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104041_Bikerchris.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 04/06/2003

Hiya Gaz, nice one, really funny!<P>
<br>
<br>Perhaps all of the writers on these two pages should get together and race their respective cars...Standing start for example; 0-150,000miles over two years :o)<P>
<br>
<br>Cheers,<P>
<br>
<br>Bikerchris

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103917_Gary.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 03/06/2003

Nemesis dude........ You said it perfectly then! Good 1 ;)

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103711_Bikerchris.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 03/06/2003

Hiya Gaz, nice one, really funny!<P>
<br>
<br>Perhaps all of the writers on these two pages should get together and race their respective cars...Standing start for example; 0-150,000miles over two years :o)<P>
<br>
<br>Cheers,<P>
<br>
<br>Bikerchris

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103607_Nemesis.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 02/06/2003

You guys are a freakin joke. You should listen to urselves...
<br>" My mates nova 16v has 250bhp"....er..no it dosent my friend.
<br>Not from a n/a..oops better simplify it 4 u, not from a naturally aspirated 1.6 or 2 litre it dosent...
<br>Got any idea how many turns on the rubber band youd have to do to get that kind of power? NO! Didnt think so!
<br>The other muppet has really made my day,..."My nova(giggles) can go around a corner 30 to 40 mph faster than a golf"....again..NO it cant!
<br>Something called friction, or rather the lack of it, will prevent that kind of star trekky performance.
<br>Get educated, get real and then get a friggin life.
<br>Compare like for like, and stop makin out with the BS claims. Its a NOVA not a F1 mclaren. WAKE UP DOZYBOLL*X!!!

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102469_Gaz.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 29/05/2003

Dude bikerchris .....if you found the 'nova' section funny.....read this one..even funnier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<br>
<br>
<br>http://www.reviewcentre.com/review8442.html

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Bikerchris.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 28/05/2003

Ahh, this is without doubt, the funniest page I have ever had the privilege of reading! Keep it up! <P>
<br><P>
<br>As my "nickname" suggests, I'm a motorcyclist, so why you ask, am I interested in your little cars? Well, my good friend who's at Oxford and considerably more intelligent than me, is trying to sell his Nova. Having failed to find a taker (for £150), I thought I'd try the internet...and this is what I found...the cream of enthusiasm.
<br><P>
<br>Reading through the various comments for and against this little Vauxhall, from what seems to be a wide spectrum of illiterate and literate drivers - I can only observe one thing:<P>
<br><P>
<br>It can't be THAT bad.<P>
<br><P>
<br>OK, so it rusts, handles like a bag of nails when not maintained and well looked after...like any car I would have thought? Yes it has a stigma attached, boyracers love and inevitably crash them a few times. But it must be special for so many people to argue a point over it, whatever that may be, even if they've made up their minds and don't care what others think.<P>
<br><P>
<br>Fact of the matter - people drive what they can afford, insurance costs are going up, for cars as well as for bikes (ZZR1100 - £300TPFT). We all just ride/drive what we can afford, for example, I would love a Ducati (with AA Cover!), but my current bikes always the best, because it's what I can afford.<P>
<br><P>
<br>Hope I haven't bored the life out of too many people, and enjoy your life, two wheels or four. Oh, and if you pull up next to a fast'ish looking bike...race me :o) HA HA! Bet you thought I had no testosterone!<P>
<br><P>
<br>Be good...and don't get nicked.<P>
<br><P>
<br>Bikerchris

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100314_Fudgeass.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 22/05/2003

oh, and nova bird, do you really think novas will be around forever???
<br>
<br>ill give you another, oooh, half an hour before it rusts away from existance! lol

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Fudgeass.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 22/05/2003

just face it,,,, novas are just rusty little boxes, no matter how much you spend trying to make a £37.50 1.1 nova look good - you cant!
<br>
<br>and why does every nova owning boy racer think thier 1.1 can have anything cos they are fastest cars in the world...........?
<br>
<br>its beyond me...
<br>
<br>just remeber boys and girls, you cant polish a poo!!!

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86454_Bob.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 05/04/2003

I think that novas are alrite little cars, but only nova 2.0 litre 16v or 2.0 turbo's.if anyone wants a decent fast cheap little car then pick up a fiat uno turbo for bout £1.500 do few little pods to engine and u'l whoop all the nova's, R5's, and deffinately golf's.When dun up nicely they will do bout 147mph and will get there qwik.They'r only 1.3 litre but will shift and make you bean yourselfs boy's angd girls. : )

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83581_Jay_Man.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 27/03/2003

Gaz,what are you going on about!Golfs are heavy tanks.There rubbish,my younger bro owned a standard 1.4sr and i put a set of twin weber carbs and an induction kit in it and it toasted 1.8gti golfs!I currently own a R5 GTT and I thought that was fast till i strapped myself into my mates nova 2.0 16v. That thing is 250bhp and slays scooby's. I dont think your ever gonna do that in a golf the germans could of done with in the war!

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77772_Riccardo.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 06/03/2003

Fair play mate the review was good, and i agree with most of your points, but everyone knows this already - it would be more satisfactory if you actually commented on the mods that can be added to the basic models!

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Nova Bird.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 04/03/2003

i think novas are a great car and gona be around forever.

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66361_Wrally Buoy.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 18/01/2003

As soon as I read '2 novas' ..... I switched off ;)

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Crazy Sri.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 17/01/2003

Novas, i've had two, both bought for £300 one G reg 1.2, one J reg white 1.2 (current one) both had engine conversions G reg became 13SR lowered 60mm gte lookalike, again what a car for the money new engines can be picked up for £60 parts are so available it's almost unreal! I've also had 2 peugout 205 1.4 XS twin webber carb, my white nova has been modified with a 1.4SRi engine GTE skirts front and back bumpers spoiler e.t.c and lowered 60mm it totally outperforms and outhandles my old 205XS both similarilly spec cars! I'ts great taffing round the country roads no car does it better! e.g my brothers got a really smart 1.8GTi mk2 golf it certainly isn't fast and handles cack despite stiffer springs, my car blitzs him in a straight line despite my measly 1.4 and a GSi would destroy it!

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61764_Rallyslag.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 31/12/2002

Only one thing about Saxo's and Pug etc... to add. Undeniably they are good motors (today's modern equiv.) But they do have a tendancy to be paid for by Mummy and Daddy.

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60568_Dexx.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 27/12/2002

Your right, couldnt have summed it up better Rallyslag :D
<br>Novas do get there bad image form ppl who drive the lower engine models like absolute losers with really badly done body mods.
<br>Must admit im a bit guilty of that myself when took my hand to some DIY and messed it up! That car's getting scrapped soon so who cares! But never had anything sad like a "motorsport" sunstrip or go faster viper stripes or LED washer jets like some fools do. There are some really dodgy lookin cars about at the moment, mainly drivin by boys racers who have no clue what style is!
<br>The Nova is a good car, end of. Can think of a worse car, and thats the Citroen AX! Drove one of those as my learner car for 3-4 months and hated the rattly little french P.O.S.
<br>Saxo's are just a build upon the old AX floor panel, but somehow manage to improve by loads. What gives? P.S All saxos are a waste of time unless you have one of those lovely VTS's, engines are great :D

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59895_Rallyslag.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 23/12/2002

May I add I can think of nothing more satisfying than sitting at the lights in a 80's shed next to a shiny new modern race chariot and leaving them for dust. If youre not careful it could be you. Each to there own!!

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Rallyslag.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 23/12/2002

The age old argument...Nova's are rubbish...well I have to disagree. I admit I am an existing Nova owner and therefore have a tendancy to be biased but I think everyone has to accept that the Nova will always be remembered for it's racing merits (track or town centre). Colin McCrae himself was once a Nova driver and the car provided him with much success. Novas still feature in autocross and track races against Pug106's, Saxo's etc. and continue to be successful. I think the main prob with owning a Nova is the stigma of Boy Racer image and 1.2l merits with stick on plastic spoilers etc. The car itself provides fantastic performance/£ from the 1.3l engines and above (the 1.2l responds to tuning about as well as a deaf dog to the word fetch!) Great Go-Kart handling, I have never had any other FWD car sideways with so much control. With a bit of taste and style, rally slag looks. To sum up this will be remembered as a cult hot hatch of teh 80's and will go down in history regardless of what people think today!!

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55599_Dexx.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 04/12/2002

Sorry bout forgetting to mention about bein a 1.3 golf earlier :P The comparison I made was between the 1.2 nova and 1.3 golf. My mate done up a 5 door 1.8 golf and that was pretty quick, but my GTE I USED to have before I got this turbo'd one still beat it. And I had only added a FSE valve, full stainless zorst and filter. The GTE was dyno'd at 117BHP (94BHP ATW). Veedub engines are engineered for longivity so produce less power than is easily possible from an engine of that size. I wouldn't mind having a Mk2 16v (139BHP) golf, always fancied having one of those or a G60 :D But I'm gonna be going jap next after had this car for a couple of years. Will either be getting a Pulsar, a 200sx S14 or a Skyline R33 GTS-t(2.5l twin turbo). Don't think I could live without a turbo now :P

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55245_Gaz.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 02/12/2002

Oh my DexX ... im so sorry ... when you said you drove a Golf ... I assumed it was a GTi model ... instead .. it was one of the lamest golfs you could get. Nova Sri's were supposed to be 'sporty cars' so they uprated various components. The Sadsack 1.3 Golf was aimed at Mr Normal - hardly a comparison between the two cars. True about the cost compared to a super car tho! But which one would you be seen in? :P Even still - there are so many other better reliable cars out there which can be brought cheap and you don't have to modify them to appreciate power ( not that I ever break the speed limits (",) !!!

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55120_Dexx.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 02/12/2002

Ok so maybe i lied a bit on how much faster my car can get around corners. From memory can remember a sharp long corner going up hill, that in the golf could only get it to go round at 45-50 mph until the back end wanted to overtake me!!!
But in the Nova I've got now, I can manage to get round it at 60-65 with only slight understeer.
so that makes it about 10-15 mph faster round corners rather than 20-30mph (slight lie on my behalf ;) ). The golf I had was only a 1.3 55bhp model, which i could have pushed faster! It would only do about 68mph in 3rd!!! And topped out at about 95mph at a real push. Golf engines have problems with overheating too. Several times the thing lost oil pressure cause it got too hot. Besides Gaz, the golf is only a family run about itself. Its just they made a sporty model of it like everyone else does. I see plenty of older people driving golfs as many as I see dribblies driving novas. The nova is a good car for modifying. Cheap as chips and can do anything with them. Golfs are good too, but very hard to make look different and individual cause of the lines on the bodywork. Try to have an unbiased view about things Gaz. Instead of "Golfs are amazing! Everything else is rubbish" attitude towards other cars. By the way, I know my car isnt a Porche or a Ferrari, the badge on the boot gives it away :P When my car is tuned to the 250bhp I want, it will actually have more bhp per ton than a Farrari Testarossa. So will be faster in straight line, even though wont have the same street cred :( Then again, the car has cost me no where near as much as the Farrari costs! My car has got a Cally Turbo engine in it, so it is actually a Turbo Nova. Running it on an MBE management system which has to be setup properly yet.

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54649_Gaz.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 29/11/2002

Biggsy ...?????? Not run in until 90,000 ... is that it??? Is that supposed to be a good thing? Oh deary me ....even a maestro turbo diesel isnt run in until 150000!!! 90000 miles??? lmao ! oh ... 30 mph more faster around the corners ????? typical Boy Racer thinks his car is a porsche or Ferrari!!! its a flippin NOVA for gawds sake!!! Nanny owns one, Grandad has one in his shoebox...eke... zero street cred!!

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54366_Biggsy.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 28/11/2002

right then gaz mister know it all golfs are rubbish. The're not even run in until about 90'000miles

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54191_Dexx.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 28/11/2002

Gaz is obviously a Veedub nut and has a biased view against anything else! I actually owned a VW golf Mk2 and have not been in a worse handling car yet! Only kept in until could manage to sell it and get myself another nova.
I had always wanted a VW golf before I started to drive. They had the image every looks for, and the speed. But when I got one, it handled like a barge and was no where near as fast as the nova! The nova I've got now can go 20-30 MPH faster round corners without the back end coming out on me which the golf did one night and scared the cr@p out of me!
So I hold an unbiased view of the 2 cars. My mate has a 200bhp Mk3 VR6 golf, and my 2l turbo Nova toasts it :P
I'm planning to go jap next, 200sx S14 with a skyline engine anyone?

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3Corsameal.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 11/10/2002

This is why there r so many makes and models of cars. To cater for everyone, people like modifying there novas, why it should matter to any one else is beyond me.

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42825_Jim.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 10/10/2002

who cares, novas are cheap & cheerful & an unsuspecting shopping trolly like this might leave you chewing on your steering wheel as they say bye bye hahaha!!!!!!!!!

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38781_Gaz.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 20/09/2002

Great argument ...... novas are history...... even when they came out, they were outdated by the far more superior Golf. Vauxhall's are generally unreliable and slow. Who on earth would want to spend 1000 pounds upwards on a car like that when they can find better cars out? why people 'modify' basic small engined cars is beyond me .... there are so many powerful cars out there already!! Anyway - German cars have the last say on 'lasting'. British cars ( alas ) suffer badly.

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38639_Biggsy.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 19/09/2002

THERES NOTHING ROUNG WITH A NOVA. VAUXHALL ENGINES GO FOREVER AND THERE PRETTY NIPPY TO IF YOU,VE EVER OWN,D ONE U WILL NO WHAT I"M ON ABOUT [GAZ]

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38230_Gaz.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 17/09/2002

Yeah man ..... lets spend 9,000 quid on a nova ....what a GREAT idea (",) ( I need to think of a joke in which ' nova', ' waste of money' and ' idiot' is mentioned in the same line. Please forward any suggestions to this review page. :) Gaz

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37495_Petrol Head.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 12/09/2002

ever heard of courtnay turbos !!! you can make them the fastest cars ever it just costs money. you can't just chuck a bigger engine in, the chassis needs a lot of reinforcing. if done properly you hit 0 - 60 in 5 .5 secs. expect to pay 6k - 9k it depends on how far you want to go. A slip diff is needed to get these times.

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30462_Chris.'s Response to 26074_James.'s Review

Written on: 20/07/2002

i couldnt agree with you more! the true king of the car parks!

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Was this review helpful? 4 5

“i give 9 out of 10 only thing that make it poor is its...”

★★★★★

written by whitey. on 20/05/2002

i give 9 out of 10 only thing that make it poor is its a vauxhall

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Puntogtdriver01.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 01/06/2002

funny how your nova is neither a 2 litre or a turbo! your car is a 1.6 normally aspirated car and i have killed MANY in my time, as if anyone would belive you, no wonder you have no respect. at least tell the truth. mind you 0 to 60 in over 9 seconds (just i admit) is not very fast. You really are a boy racer, NOT!

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103856_Paul (Gally) Gallacher.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 03/06/2003

i have owened lots of quick cars ie ( 2 RS TURBOS) ,SAPHIRE COSWORTH , RENAULT 21 TURBO ,2.8 TURBO CAPRI i had to get rid of my turbo when my wife passed her driving test and found out insurance was too high, what was the solution to my problem buy her a nova gsi not only is it a nippy little car it handles great and i love it compare it to a punto and it wins hands down and at least it is not italian junk lets see how many puntos are around in 10-15 years .

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86434_Col.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 05/04/2003

ok i liked the punto gt until i drove 1 for a newish car it is a bit poor ive had 2 novas a i.2 that was my first car and i loved it i left it standard just got the ride better then i got a gsi thinking its only 400cc more its not going to be fast how wrong i was with a few cheep engine mods it can keep up with puntos easy yes its not gona win any beauty contests the ride is poor a bit cramped but there cheep to keep going and they do handle well as for toyotas

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82412_Nova Gsi.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 23/03/2003

Just a few words. If nova's are not that great then why has everyone got or owned one in the past. I'm on my third now which is a J-plate, red GSi and right now in the middle of a 2L 16v conversion. Their great cars for blastin about, cheap parts from main dealers and were made by the best manufacturer in the world. Toyota corrollas should be renamed toyota corrosions. I only see old women in them...

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71110_Scottsport Uk.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 06/02/2003

The 2.0 ltr turbo is an engine conversion!!!
anyway vauxhalls are top cars

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Biggsy.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 19/01/2003

My mate had a 13sr with a back box and a twin choke webber and raced a punto gt and was all over his back end. He spoke to him after and the punto driver was choked!! When he found out it was only a 13

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Toyota Corolla Gti.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 28/12/2002

I've got a Toyota Corolla Gti twin cam 16V and which has great power, i've left enuff Nova's for DUST on the motorway, traffic lights you name it....122MPH top speed on a NOVA (HAHA) 133 outta my Corolla !!

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38578_Stevie.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 19/09/2002

Nova's are certainly not the best car in the world but you cant go wrong with one for your first car. Nova's have alot better road holding than naff punto's which by the way look total crud. i used to own a f-reg 1.3sr and standard it used to do 0-62 in 8.9secs i had it at 124mph with another 1,000rpm to go. 2.0 16v nova's do 0-60 in about 5.5secs and thats quick enough for most people, especialy for beating Punto's. thats about all i have to say on the matter just dont say anything bad about nova's they were good cars in their time and they are still fast in comparision to new cars of the same size (engine and mass)

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37323_Han.'s Response to 23978_whitey.'s Review

Written on: 11/09/2002

come on... nova's look good. on average the perfomance is good, and they look a hell of a lot better than some punto

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Was this review helpful? 0 3

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