Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Sir Gingerlot on 02 March 2007, 23:13:17
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Wise people, I seek your advise.
I am updating my 1996 Omega estate 2L 8v. Its served well but I need something with a bit more power, which means any other engine. I am looking at a 2000 model in estate and manual form. The options available are 2.2 diesel, 2.2 petrol or 2.5 petrol. I would convert a petrol to LPG if I got one. I am keen on reliability as I don't have the time or money to spend keeping it on the road. I don't know what these engines are like so would much appreciate your views on the best buy.
Thanks
Ong.
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My first facelift was a 2.0 auto, I found it severely under powered. I'm told that there's very little difference between 2.0 and 2.2; although it's not as thirsty as the 2.5/2.6, I found myself pushing the revs to the limit in mid range which made it a false economy. A manual gear stick wouldn't change this!
My view is you can't go much wrong with a 2.5/2.6 - if it's been looked after!
Loads of experts on here can advise you about servicing costs and labour times....
:) :) :) :)
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My first two Omegas were the the 2.0 CD and 2.0 CDX. I then changed to the 2.5 mini-facelift Elite. Now i`m with the facelift 2.0 CDX. If you can bear the fuel costs untill you do the LPG conversion go for the 2.5 (elite if you can) but try for service history or at least cam belt and tensioner replacement proof.
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2.0 16V is OK but a little under powered, fine if you are prepared to thrash it, haven't driven a 2.2 or 2.5.
2.6 is pretty good, 3.0 is good
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TBH, if your 8v is too sluggish, I think you'll find the 2.2 a bit sluggish as well. If you are going to LPG it, the v6 makes an excellent choice. Personally, if I was going to LPG one, I would get a 3.0/3.2
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I had a 2.0 16v for 2 years and chose the 2.2 that I've had for 4 years now. Gear ratios are different and 2.2 is quicker around town and in manual form, quick enough everywhere else. If you want a racer plump for the V6 - and tbh if you are converting to LPG I'd tale the biggest engine evertime :y
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2.2s average performance, however makes up for performance in reliability. Very reliable even if maintained poorly.
V6 obliviously better. 2.6 V6 Manual best option.
3.0/3.2 thirsty, best lpg.
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Wise people, I seek your advise.
I am updating my 1996 Omega estate 2L 8v. Its served well but I need something with a bit more power, which means any other engine. I am looking at a 2000 model in estate and manual form. The options available are 2.2 diesel, 2.2 petrol or 2.5 petrol. I would convert a petrol to LPG if I got one. I am keen on reliability as I don't have the time or money to spend keeping it on the road. I don't know what these engines are like so would much appreciate your views on the best buy.
Thanks
Ong.
I'm currently running a 2.2 facelift on single point LPG, can't really fault it, quick enough for me off the mark, and returning fuel ecconomy like a fiesta ! 200 miles aprox £20 !
only real advise I could offer (not had mine long) is to get the ECU and autobox software updated (or even a facelift model add crusie control) best bit of money I have spent on it yet !
the software updates makes a hell of a diffrence suprising really
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I've had a 3.0L auto for 6 months now. I would probably trade some power for a little economy with a 2.5/2.6 because even the 3.0 isn't that fast, but I am happy with the 3.0 and don't plan to trade. I think the rest of the car is more important, but then I don't commute in it so a couple mpg isn't a big deal to me. I do think that a 4cyl would drive me nuts in a car this heavy.
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Wise people, I seek your advise.
I am updating my 1996 Omega estate 2L 8v. Its served well but I need something with a bit more power, which means any other engine. I am looking at a 2000 model in estate and manual form. The options available are 2.2 diesel, 2.2 petrol or 2.5 petrol. I would convert a petrol to LPG if I got one. I am keen on reliability as I don't have the time or money to spend keeping it on the road. I don't know what these engines are like so would much appreciate your views on the best buy.
Thanks
Ong.
Got to have the Daddy 3.0, I get 25 mpg to and from work, a round trip to and from the Cambelt Party which was 256 miles and stuck at about 90 (120 without realising Oh! on an Airfield Officer) on the way back 28.7mpg ;D
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Likewise, I wasn't interested in anything smaller than a manual 3.0, it's a big car so having a decent engine makes it both easier and more lively to drive. I don't expect the economy to be too much different (3.0 has slightly higher gearing so cruising in 5th on the motorway there's probably nothing in it). If you're LPGing it then I'd definitely go for the 3.0 if you can find a good one.
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Likewise, I wasn't interested in anything smaller than a manual 3.0, it's a big car so having a decent engine makes it both easier and more lively to drive. I don't expect the economy to be too much different (3.0 has slightly higher gearing so cruising in 5th on the motorway there's probably nothing in it). If you're LPGing it then I'd definitely go for the 3.0 if you can find a good one.
There is a noticable difference economy wise between 2.5 and 3.0....
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yes there is....60-80miles per tank.....
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Without question the best choice is a 2.5/2.6 in manual form.
Manual box really makes a big difference. With an lpg conversion it should be excellent. :)
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Without question the best choice is a 2.5/2.6 in manual form.
Manual box really makes a big difference. With an lpg conversion it should be excellent. :)
See, I would disagree. If leaving as petrol, then I agree. But with LPG, I would rather have the extra power....
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Thank you for all your comments. It looks like most of you who replied prefer the V6's. My last remaining doubt is whether they are reliable. Most of the posts on this site seem to be about the V6's in various states of repair. I presume this is because there are so many of them out there and not that they tend to break easily. My cousin works for Vauxhall and has warned me that the V6's are a pig to fix and very expensive in labour time. If you disagree please let me know. I have seen some great 2.5 V6's on the internet so just need a little more convincing.
Thanks
Ong
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They are pretty easy to work on for most things. They do need cambelts every 3 years or so depending on how much you drive. Mainly, they are cheap and usually need a few things doing when they are sold, like cam cover gaskets. Look very carefully at the records of recent service. Mine already had the HBV and oil cooler done when I bought it.
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the 2.2's i think tend to be more reliable, they can be abused and still go (although not very well)
Very few posts in the help section refer to the 2.2 / 2.0 engines. (apart from mpg ::))
Went to Slough today, me and a m8, full boot. Did not feel underpowered, joining motorway on an up hill ramp, 40 to 80... pulled well.
The 2.2 is fine until you get to 80... it will sit there all day long no problems and return 35+ to the gallon..... however try and go past 80, and it takes a while to wind up the speed.
Also 4 passengers in the car really hurts the 2.2 were as the V6's are fine, because its just me in it 90% of the time and i am skinny git (10 stone) it goes fast enough for me :y
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the 2.2's i think tend to be more reliable
Not sure I could agree with that. Most of the car is identical, and mechnically, the v6 engine is strong. Failed cambelts kill both engines.
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Thank you for all your comments. It looks like most of you who replied prefer the V6's. My last remaining doubt is whether they are reliable. Most of the posts on this site seem to be about the V6's in various states of repair. I presume this is because there are so many of them out there and not that they tend to break easily. My cousin works for Vauxhall and has warned me that the V6's are a pig to fix and very expensive in labour time. If you disagree please let me know. I have seen some great 2.5 V6's on the internet so just need a little more convincing.
Thanks
Ong
The V6 in a FWD car is a tight fit. In the Omega, there are a couple of common components that are a bit tight - HBV and DIS. Not impossible though. I have to say, you're cousins' comments are not uncommon from Vauxhall technicians, they are just scared of Omegas, which may be why so many are so poorly serviced.
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The V6 in a FWD car is a tight fit. In the Omega, there are a couple of common components that are a bit tight - HBV and DIS. Not impossible though. I have to say, you're cousins' comments are not uncommon from Vauxhall technicians, they are just scared of Omegas, which may be why so many are so poorly serviced
It might be big but there is nothing to be scared of, if anything it is probably easier to service than a FWD car with everything jammed into a tiny space
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the 2.2's i think tend to be more reliable
Not sure I could agree with that. Most of the car is identical, and mechnically, the v6 engine is strong. Failed cambelts kill both engines.
To me there seams to be less issues with cooling, rocket cover gaskets, oil leaks, with the 4pots compared to the V6. Weak point on all is the belt.
Most of the engine related posts in general help are related to the V6 ;)
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Most of the engine related posts in general help are related to the V6 ;)
That's cuz most of us bought the right engine! :P
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To me there seams to be less issues with cooling, rocket cover gaskets, oil leaks, with the 4pots compared to the V6. Weak point on all is the belt.
Most of the engine related posts in general help are related to the V6 ;)
From my experience, the 4 pot does not last as well as the V6...........
The HBV is the same on both
They both have simialr lead/DIS/coil pack issues.
They both suffer cam cover leaks the same.
The 4 pot is more prone to blocked breatehrs (probably due to the way it wears faster)
They both have the same service intervals....
2.2, also has an oil cooler (keep to the service schuduel and the V6 one is not a problem)
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A V6 Omega certainly isn't a cheap car to own. I've already spent shed loads on it in the last 5 months since I bought it.
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How about this one?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220088635288&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX&refitem=170087195034&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget
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The V6 is a good reliable unit if it is maintained properly.
Most of the issues are down to lack of previous maintenance/incompetence(see many Vx "technicians").
Buy the right car (eg Marks if he ever decides to sell! ;D) and follow the correct service schedule and you should have a good reliable car. :)
As for difficult to work on? Not at all. There are some things that are awkward but you won't find a better support network for an owner than this place. :)
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the 2.2's i think tend to be more reliable
Not sure I could agree with that. Most of the car is identical, and mechnically, the v6 engine is strong. Failed cambelts kill both engines.
To me there seams to be less issues with cooling, rocket cover gaskets, oil leaks, with the 4pots compared to the V6. Weak point on all is the belt.
Most of the engine related posts in general help are related to the V6 ;)
Not sure I agree with this comment. I had a 4 pot on a veccy and I spend less time under the bonnet with the meega than the veccy. in 2 years on the veccy I had : valve stem oil seal blow (complete head refurb done at the same time) new oil level sensors in the sump, timing belt change required at the same interval to be sure, although it is easier to do, breather curcuit blocked, rocker cover gaskets, rear bushes......... sound familiar?
Happier now I have the meega 8-)
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The V6 is a good reliable unit if it is maintained properly.
Most of the issues are down to lack of previous maintenance/incompetence(see many Vx "technicians").
Buy the right car (eg Marks if he ever decides to sell! ;D) and follow the correct service schedule and you should have a good reliable car. :)
As for difficult to work on? Not at all. There are some things that are awkward but you won't find a better support network for an owner than this place. :)
Agreed 110% :)
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Well personaly i found the 2.0 to be fine,owned 2 and found one to much more responsive than the other...stay clear of the 3.0 if fuel comsumption is an issue other wise there a nice powerful car and lovely with an auto box,so far my 2.5 seems ok (ish) power wise but for me theres not a lot more than the 2.0. :-?
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Wise people, I seek your advise.
I am updating my 1996 Omega estate 2L 8v. Its served well but I need something with a bit more power, which means any other engine. I am looking at a 2000 model in estate and manual form. The options available are 2.2 diesel, 2.2 petrol or 2.5 petrol. I would convert a petrol to LPG if I got one. I am keen on reliability as I don't have the time or money to spend keeping it on the road. I don't know what these engines are like so would much appreciate your views on the best buy.
Thanks
Ong.
I was in a similar situation a few years ago when buying my 406, luckily I had a mate who work for peugeot so I simply went and test drove every engine possibal, maybe you should let people know where you are and possabliy go see some of our working cars go for a ride see what you think...
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so far my 2.5 seems ok (ish) power wise but for me theres not a lot more than the 2.0. :-?
methinks you must have a poorly 2.5 then ;)
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This seems to have sparked a very interesting debate, and I am truely grateful for all the comments. Lukie's suggestion sounds good. So if there is anybody living near Leicester who wouldnt mind me having a drive of their 2.2 or 2.5 and giving me some mechanical advice then let me know and I will get in touch.
Thanks again for the comments.
Ong
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This seems to have sparked a very interesting debate, and I am truely grateful for all the comments. Lukie's suggestion sounds good. So if there is anybody living near Leicester who wouldnt mind me having a drive of their 2.2 or 2.5 and giving me some mechanical advice then let me know and I will get in touch.
Thanks again for the comments.
Ong
I'm about 50? miles away. You are welcome to drive my 3.0l auto as long as you are insured, and pay for any bumps etc... ...you need to ensure that your partner/family etc like to car as well...
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Currently on my third and maybe last Omega.....its gotta be a Monaro V8 next.. :y
1996 3.0 Elite...loved it to bits. Motorway 32 mpg
2002 2.2 CDX...just too damm slow and missed all the toys. Motorway 33 mpg
2003 3.2 Elite..The best....Motorway 29.5 mpg
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so far my 2.5 seems ok (ish) power wise but for me theres not a lot more than the 2.0. :-?
methinks you must have a poorly 2.5 then ;)
Maybe ;)
Be intresting to see what the next 2.5 will be like,and gotta be auto.
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Well personaly i found the 2.0 to be fine,owned 2 and found one to much more responsive than the other...stay clear of the 3.0 if fuel comsumption is an issue other wise there a nice powerful car and lovely with an auto box,so far my 2.5 seems ok (ish) power wise but for me theres not a lot more than the 2.0. :-?
I really don't think fuel consumption is that bad on the 3.0, mine is still averaging over 27 MPG since it was last reset about 4 or 5 months ago, and it gets a fair caning when I get the chance. Loads better than my BMW which struggles to average 18 MPG on a good day. Oh and the 3.0 is even more lovely with a manual box, quickest retail Omega you can buy and it's surprisingly fun in the twisties :)
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Well personaly i found the 2.0 to be fine,owned 2 and found one to much more responsive than the other...stay clear of the 3.0 if fuel comsumption is an issue other wise there a nice powerful car and lovely with an auto box,so far my 2.5 seems ok (ish) power wise but for me theres not a lot more than the 2.0. :-?
I really don't think fuel consumption is that bad on the 3.0, mine is still averaging over 27 MPG since it was last reset about 4 or 5 months ago, and it gets a fair caning when I get the chance. Loads better than my BMW which struggles to average 18 MPG on a good day. Oh and the 3.0 is even more lovely with a manual box, quickest retail Omega you can buy and it's surprisingly fun in the twisties :)
Well my 3.0 averages about 18 mpg.....foot down and ive seen it as low as 13mpg. :-?
After having two manual 2.0"s then a 3.0 auto going back to a manual (2.5) feels horrible....to me anyway. ;D
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Well my 3.0 averages about 18 mpg.....foot down and ive seen it as low as 13mpg. :-?
The mileage on my 3.0 is terrible on very short trips around town. However, get out of town and it does 26 on B-roads without being easy on it, 32 on the Motorway.
Oh, and my 3.0 has every bit of 200+ horsepower.
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This seems to have sparked a very interesting debate, and I am truely grateful for all the comments. Lukie's suggestion sounds good. So if there is anybody living near Leicester who wouldnt mind me having a drive of their 2.2 or 2.5 and giving me some mechanical advice then let me know and I will get in touch.
Thanks again for the comments.
Ong
I'm based in the north west so a good 100 miles drive to me, it's the easiest way to find out what engine your need, maybe look in the auto trader / dealers try test drive some there ?