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1

General Car Chat / Re: Parts ordering and prices

« on: 12 April 2016, 03:26:06 »

Clever use of existing equipment, very impressed

Thanks, there are a few more mods under consideration that I will share details/photos once completed. 

The next major task is the Oil cooler/exchanger bypass. 

The concept is to not remove the factory lines (at first) and to plug them at the oil filter location while connecting new AN10 fittings/SS braided hoses to an external cooler, directly behind the radiator. 

Years ago when I removed the 403 CI (6.6L) engine and stuffed a 455 ci (7.4L) Oldsmobile motor into my 1978 Trans Am, I placed a two B&M 30,000 lb rated stacked plate trans coolers in service; one for the TH400 trans and the other with a filter relocation kit to achieve what was needed for the engine. 

Ordering parts this month so about 9+ weeks down the road (after ordering, ocean shipment and final reconfiguration) there could be another of my Opel Omega projects completed.

2

General Car Chat / Re: So what have you done to your car today?

« on: 10 April 2016, 14:45:38 »

Flushed cooling system and loaded it with Toyota Antifreeze/Coolant for max protection.  Used the concentrated "Long Life Coolant" due to it not having silicates, borates, net gelling and no seal issues.  I prefer the Ethylene Glycol based stuff over DEX cool and have seen very long water pump service in my other GM cars with this Toyota product.   Finished the coil pack relocation this past week.  Next project is the Oil exchanger bypass to external cooler. 

3

General Car Chat / Update 2 on Coil Pack relocation project - A few words on preparation

« on: 10 April 2016, 07:27:04 »

The ACDelco 12595087 Coil Bracket comes with 4 threaded holes that match the thread size of the coil pack bolts.  However, the alignment is not the same and will require a min. of two hole drilled and taped.  I selected to only mount 2 of the 4 bolts since one could interfere with an existing wiring harness and the my particular selected skewing of the coil pack to the housing leaves the 4th coil pack attachment point without a contact to the bracket. 

The initial plans were to relocate the coil pack at the rear of the engine compartment but it was not doable and would not fix any heat issues.  Nonetheless, longer wires would still be a key to best relocation options and the plan to only order the 1, 3, 6 wires remained set.

With all parts and car on hand and after careful placement, calculation and reviewing heat/air flows, the skewed mounting of the coil pack to the new bracket; with that now new assembly being mounted close to radiator worked the best. 

Others may adjust the mounting based on different country/options/year model.  However, the pics below should convey the concept well.

Note:  The ACDelco 12595087 Coil Bracket is a thick piece of quality steel that serves quite well as an added "Heat Sink" to the coil pack bottom.  It is factory powder coated and should last many years.  Living in the tropics with daily temps always above 27C in most locations, will cause constant engine bay elevated temps. 

See preparation of ACDelco 12595087 Coil Bracket @ http://s392.photobucket.com/user/Calif-Native-Data/library/Opel%20Omega%20Parts/Opel%20Omega%20B%20Coil%20Pack%20Relocation/Coil%20Pack%20mod%20prep

4

General Car Chat / Re: Key updates on 1997 Omega Wagon (Estate) in Philippines

« on: 10 April 2016, 07:02:41 »

Update on Coil Pack relocation project - All done and it works perfect!

By using the ACDelco 12595087 Coil Bracket, the OEM coil pack was removed from the back of the engine and relocated to a position just behind the radiator fan housing on the driver's side (LHD) of the engine bay.  The factor coil to ECU wire was rerouted thru the plastic harness housing (where it now exits from the front via new notched hole) and is used without length modification and connects properly.  The new GM wires ordered were randomly reassigned their positions in the coil based on the new length to plug location and all connect properly.  Note: this is possible by ordering 2 sets of 1, 3, 5 wires and not using the 2, 4, 6 shorter wires. 

In a trip from last week from Tagaytay (temperature was 25C, elevation about 690 meters) to Alabang (temperature about 39C, elevation about 12 meters), the coil remained very cool/I was able to touch the housing without burning fingers upon returning to Tagaytay.  With just over 27K KM on my clock, this permanent modification will result in any distant future coil pack changes to be a 4-7 minute task.

See modification @ http://s392.photobucket.com/user/Calif-Native-Data/library/Opel%20Omega%20Parts/Opel%20Omega%20B%20Coil%20Pack%20Relocation

5

General Car Chat / Re: Parts ordering from US: Update

« on: 02 February 2016, 12:38:18 »

All parts ordered finally arrived and all made it fine from California.

Here are a few pics of what is intended to be installed over the next few weeks.









Or see Slide Show in Photo bucket @ http://s392.photobucket.com/user/Calif-Native-Data/slideshow/Opel%20Omega%20Parts

6

General Car Chat / Re: Tow Bar assy for Omega B Wagon

« on: 29 November 2015, 18:12:04 »

Saloon and estate (wagon) are very different. Sounds like you want a detachable tow bar. Perhaps look at other makes...  By that I mean, it doesn't have to be Vauxhall/Opel branded

It is more like the BMW 5-series electrical towbar that folds up and tucks away.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uevjTbkU-ZU

7

General Car Chat / Tow Bar assy for Omega B Wagon

« on: 22 November 2015, 10:27:40 »

Is there a tow bar for the Omega B (1997) Wagon/Estate that can fold up or be tucked away?  Also, will the Omega B (1997) Sedan/Salon tow bar fit the same year Wagon/estate properly?  I'm looking to install a tow bar assy on my 97 wagon but these are impossible to find here in the Philippines.  Thanks all...

8

General Car Chat / Re: Cadillac Catera...

« on: 18 November 2015, 12:35:38 »

Yes I agree, the added US Model Oil Temp and Volt gauges are missing.. a Catera only feature.

9

General Car Chat / Re: Cadillac Catera...

« on: 18 November 2015, 08:11:38 »

... anyone? 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vauxhall-omega-elite-3ltre-year-2000-very-fast-car-if-needed-/221935789963?hash=item33ac67678b:g:LsEAAOSwwbdWJBGL

That must be a mistake folks!  The Catera was ONLY a US model Opel with slight body and structure updates.  It never was offered in a RHD model.  The GM agreement was for Vauxhall & Holden to handle all RHD market segments and for Opel Germany to handle the LHD segments. That means this car would have to be manufactured in Rüsselsheim, Germany by Opel, and shipped and sold in the United States as a rebadged Opel Omega by Cadillac as the US only rebadged Catera.  It can't be a Catera if it was not made by Opel in Germany since that GM location never made RHD models.  This must be a Vauxhall with Catera badges and rear spoiler added.  I would think before any person would buy this "Catera", they would do a simple VIN search to confirm a so-called Catera vehicle. 

10

General Car Chat / Parts ordering and prices

« on: 18 November 2015, 07:19:44 »

Hi All,
Just thought I would update my progress on the part ordering and the mods I intend to do to keep my Wagon in top shape.

Most of the parts ordered are from US sources and are based on the 97 Catera 3.0 engine.  The parts and tools I have on order form California include:

List of parts ordered as a Catera = US Model or just GM parts:

 1. 1/4 - 20 SEMS body bolts and U-style clip nuts - set of 5 each - GM fender, body

 2. ACDelco 12595087 Coil Bracket

 3. Two sets - Spark Plug Wire Set ACDELCO PRO 9746HH fits 97-98 Cadillac Catera 3.0L-V6

 4. Brand New Ignition Coil Pack 6 in 1 For 97-98 Cadillac Catera 3.0L V6 UF379 D598

The above wires sets and parts are ordered this way to relocate the coil off of the engine and place it above the engine just under the cowl lip.  The coil bracket will be used to mount the new coil.  The wire sets were not order for left & right banks but two for the right (pass side in USA) bank to enable enough lead for the top/center coil relocation.

 5.  Engine Coolant Recovery Tank 90500223 fits 97-01 Cadillac Catera

 6.  1997 Cadillac Catera Original OEM Shop Service Manuals 3 Volume Set

 7.  6-PCS NGK 3199 Laser Plantium High Power Spark Plug 4-Prongs BKR6EQUP

These plugs are the best for GM DIS with multi ground electrode plugs although listed for BMW.

 8.  KnuKonceptz Kolossus Flex Kable 0 Gauge Power Wire Red OFC (Sold in 5 foot increments) Will run the battery to starter at 1/0 gauge OFC wire and will also update all battery to fuse & grounds with a "big 3" setup.  All will be 1/0 gauge OFC KnuKonceptz Flex Cable 0 Gauge OFC.

 9.  Earthquake Sound UBT0488 Platinum Plated Universal Positive and Negative 0/4/8/8 Gauge Battery Terminals.

10.   Alpha Fry AM53982 Cookson Elect Lead-Free Silver Solder and Flux Kit.

11.  Heat Shrinkable Wire Wrap Assortment.

12.  ABN Fuel Line Disconnect Scissor Tool.

13.  K&N PF-2400 Fuel Filter.

14.  2 of HELLA H83115001 H1 12V/55W Halogen Bulbs.

15.  K&N 33-2734 High Performance Replacement Air Filter.

16.   FRAM CF5816A Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter.

17.  2 of Mobil 1 M1-101 Extended Performance Oil Filter.

18.  10-pc. Female Star Socket Set.


Part ordered for the Vauxhall Omega (British model of the Opel Omega) from the UK:
 
1.  VAUXHALL OMEGA, AUXILARY FUSE BOX PLUS FUSES.

Since I was not able to ship my tools when I retired and moved to the Philippines, most are with my son & brother so I must start over.  Next order/shipment from California will focus on the timing set & WP replacement task along with the timing tool kit for proper alignment.   I will post more updates in about 6 weeks and with pics, when my account here allows. 

Note: Although a transplant is not in the picture at this time, I remain open to collect the info and parts needed based on a an 05 or 06 GTO LS2 update.  After doing many transplants in California, I am aware of many exchanges that seem impossible or hard to source.  My last two were a 1970 455 Olds Blue-printed engine into a 1978 Trans Am (Met California emissions test well below standard) by using a 1970 Olds Toronado low profile intake to bring the shaker hood into exact height for the scoop. This was a 485 HP (at flywheel monster).  My last transplant was an OEM vette LT4 (1996) into a 1993 Trans Am with a built 4L60 (not the 4L60E).  This was the most challenging since I was able to get the SLP extrude honed exhaust Manifolds and reprogram the ECM chip for the engine.  This was 405 HP sleeper.

11

Newbie Welcome Area / New to forum

« on: 02 October 2015, 01:07:34 »

Retiree from California now living in the Philippines and just bought a 1997 Omega Wagon V6 with only 26K+ KM.  Looking forward to great info on near local part sources as I am currently ordering parts from USA under the 97 Catera (plugs, wires & coil pack).  It seems the Manila area is void of most quality parts for this model … any known sources?