For those who have followed my projects over the past few months, you will know what I am on about. This is the 2.5TD CDX Auto Estate i piucked up from Ebay with a blown auto gearbox.
Car cost me £530. I paid £60 to have it low-loaded and delivered to me where Laidnback and I changed the autobox for an AR35 salvaged from a dead 3.0 Elite. The box cost me £35!
It drove after this, but had no guts at all. On investigating today I discovered that I had accidentally connected up two vacuum pipes incorrectly and thus the Manifold Pressure sensor was not working and therefore the turbo boost pressure was not actuated. As soon as the pipes were re-routed correctly it went like the clappers again.
Only two things to sort are a new mid to rear exhaust section (about £120 new) and one climate control panel (glass broken). Otherwise everything works and it drives superbly.
So, I end up with a car I can make use of at last. 1996 Omeg 2.5TD Auto Estate with only 66k from new. Now for the grand old total of about £700 with the exhaust, that isn't bad for a car worth over £2000.
Have a go yourselves. It is not as hard as it may seem. Just take your time and shout if you need advise or help. If I can do them, anyone can.
Sadly, this is to be my last Omega project for two reasons. I am studying a lot at the moment for my ADI exams and I also cannot manage this level of work with my back and shoulder problems anymore. It has been great fun doing them and most rewarding both in achievement senses and financially. This car owes me nothing in real terms as I made decent profits out of all the other ones. In fact, I have made a healthy profit on all my last 7 omegas.
Like I say, don't write it off just because the autobox dies. It is actually not that hard a job as long as you have the right tools, somewhere firm to work and a decent mate to help.
Many, many thanks to Laidback for his invaluable help and generosity in time. Mark also for his wisdom
and help and mainly to all of you lot for your encouragement.