Following the demise of my M140i (again), I am on the look out for a new motor.
I have decided to put the Desmond on the road for a month or two while I purchase and fettle its replacement (most likely with added lpg). I have a couple of little jobs to do on it to get it ready for sale (sticky ignition switch and blow in the join between the cat and middle exhaust sections) plus the MOT is up in March, I am 99.9% confident it will pass, with no advisories once I join the exhaust properly, but until I put a fresh ticket on it, its basically unsaleable.
I have spotted a good looking Vectra C 3.2 v6 auto with less than 100k on the clock and a good wedge of history. Its Elite spec so has the necessary minimum toys: leather, heated seats, etc. looks promising
But, as I have not had dealings with the 3.2 I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I understand the basic lump is the same as the omega, but that the inlet manifolds are different, so thats belts and pump every 4yrs/40k? Also, what's the auto box like on these? I'm guessing its not going to be the same, or as strong as the omega as it has to squeeze into the gap between the flywheel and the wheel arch liner.
Also, any general tips on the Vec C? all I know about it so far is that its ugly as sin and bloody enormous. Also, they seem to wear well inside, there's a few taxis with 250k + on autotrader, and other than worn steering wheels and gear knobs, the interiors look in good fettle.