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Hey everyone I’m new to the group and also new to the whole car-modding scene. I drive an Opel Astra H GTC 125, and I’ve recently started developing a real passion for modifying it and making it look neat. So far, I’ve done a good cleanup, repainted the car, and even painted the brake calipers. Basically, it’s now at a perfect ground zero for me to start adding mods. I’d love to hear your suggestions on where a beginner like me should start. A few things about what I’m aiming for: I’d prefer to do most of the work myself and keep learning along the way. I don’t want to mess too much with electrical components. I’m more interested in exterior mods and some light engine or exhaust changes. I’m on a budget, since I’m still figuring out what I like most. I’m currently looking at adding a fin and roof bars. One thing I’m especially curious about: exhaust mods. I’d love my Astra to have a deeper, more aggressive roar. Can I realistically do an exhaust change myself as a beginner, or is it better to get it done by a pro? What exhaust tips or setups would you recommend for a nice roar without going overboard? What have you done to your own cars—any DIY exhaust mods that worked well? The car is my daily driver (work commute + weekend adventures), so I don’t want to go too extreme, just tasteful and practical. Thanks in advance, really looking forward to learning from you all!

Hi everyone, I'm just wondering what fuel people are using on their Puretech engines: Esso or Shell. Or can we cheat and go with E10 supermarket fuel? Obviously I want the fuel which provides me with the best mpg possible.

That's amazing Andy, just goes to show what the old motors can do, and regular maintenance as well

Ah the good old days of points and the ignition coil :0) I'll have a chat with Halfords. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

I have found a drivers handbook from Vauxhall on their website https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/content/dam/vauxhall/Home/PDFs/owners/owners-manuals/meriva/meriva-owners-manual-june-2012.pdf This is for the Meriva June 2012 but there is an earlier version for the model released in January 2012 (if there are any differences - which I doubt) Also, here is a link to a video guide section from Vauxhall which may be easier to see how to work these functions https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners/information-and-safety/how-to-videos.html

unfortunately it would be an expensive modification to equip the car with cruise control - including reprogramming control units to accept the new electronics

If you can find the interior cabin temperature sensor (usually on the dash area) then this may be blocked with dust, etc Try to locate it and clean around it to ensure it is correctly reading the cars interior temperature

Hi I had the same problem and its very common issue with the grandland. The wiring loom can't take the load Apparently. I think the wire overheats and causes the wiring to fail. I had the garage look at it and they upgraded the wiring at a cost of £150. Hope this helps

Hi I had the same problem and it was a total nightmare to sort. I had to buy a certain type of manufactures USB memory stick. Had to download load the updates about 20 time before it was recognised by the car. Got there in the end and won't be updating it again lol

Hi the car has developed an oil leak and appears after the wet belt was changed a year ago. Just wondering if any one else has experienced this and what it cost to repair?

I have a 2019 Grandland x 1.2 puretech. And yes it does use oil. I was told that its because the piston rings aren't as tight to the cylinder wall. Apparently this is to reduce friction therfore using slightly more oil but that is excessive. Was there a lot of smoke coming out the exhaust? I had to pay a £1000 to have the wet belt change and Vauxhall weren't interested. Let me know how you got on.

Thats strange, i went vauxhall they said its the MAP sensor on inlet manifold.... ive check the 4 pin wiring all the way to the ECU its all good, just waiting for new MAP sensor come to see if it is that

Hi have you still got them?

I would advise you pop into your local dealership parts department and get them to print out the diagram listing the individual parts for that component. Then you can order the relevant parts and also see how it all comes apart if the diagram is detailed enough. I also tend to ask parts departments if a particular parts sells a lot of - that way you can determine whether it is a known issue or not

How did you get on with it - any conclusion as to the cause ? Possibility it could be a mechanical issue but without testing that is hard to determine

that sounds more like gummed up vanes within the turbo - you could try a cleaner to see if that makes a difference - cheapest way to start and then give it an Italian Tune-up to clear the excess carbon from the engine. But if there is excess carbon on the turbo variable vanes and the plugs are contaminated with oil I would believe it may be a little more serious. A cylinder leak test would reveal if there is any wear or damage to a particular cylinder or valves - an easy test but may struggle to find a garage that has one or knows how to use it effectively to diagnose the issue

I would normally search through eBay first and see if other models such as Carlton may have same part numbers

Hi AnyaMarie - welcome to the Club Good to have you onboard!

Hi all, anyone know where to attach an oil pressure gauge on an insignia Bi6dth diesel engine to get a reading of the pressure?

I have a brand new and packaged tow bar complete with all nuts bolts and fittings for a five door 1.6 1998 astra any offers accepted . thanks Rick on 07889220124

Wanted Rear high vis LED boot brake light for astra g convertible 1.8 2004 This is fitted to the back of the boot on the convertible and there are no new ones available . Anyone have one of these to sell me I would be very grateful. Thanks Rick

Thanks for that! Will try to get dealer to find the problem under the warranty ie free of charge!

Hi, Sorry, not sure of exact wiring, had to get a auto electrician to sort it. It was identified at the rear wheel drivers side. I had this for months, so a relief this sorted it out.

OK cheers for this will take a look at this I Ave had a look on taken the door card off but did not get around to getting it all the way off as it seemed to e stuck at top, but will try your reply first

Sorry for late update on this I ended up changing the resoviar and low and behold message gone on looking in side of the old one the float was not working so happy days thanks for any reply n this