Classic Opel Forum NZ

Hi all, i am desprately looking for a 2.2 engine for my astra, can only find 2 on the north island but the guys are looking at rediculous prices. Its the z22se with intake in the front and exhaust at the back. I have the one removed from my car as a core deposit if needed. ( timing chain broke )

Thanks.

Have you tried Holden Haven in Hamilton? Regan is a good guy and I find his prices are fair and reasonable (though not "cheap").

They had one when I was in there last.

Timing chain broke?! How many k's and was there any reason fo this to have happened?

Earlier engines had a problem with the chain's oil spray jet getting blocked - I believe it was a recall issue in the UK and it was remedied by using a lerger spray orifice that was more resistant to blockages.
There is a chance there will be an engine in a car at Pick a Part, if you know what vehicles had the engine fitted, you can check their stock?

All the NZ new Z22SE engines had the nozzle mod done, so no recall on a NZ new one required, but Gordo is correct this was a problem with these engines
When I had my one I made sure I give it a a good engine oil flush and used good quality semi synthetic oil with a GM OEM oil filter.
These engines do use oil so don't be surprised if its burned off a litre of oil in 7k to 10k, so keep an eye on the oil level and make sure the coolant is regularly replaced
If your buying a second hand engine suggest you find out what its come out of and ensure the oil nozzle mod has been done, otherwise you could be back to square one in no time.
Plenty of info on the net about how to do this www.z22se.co.uk easier when the engine is out of the car
An American GM designed all alloy engine,I liked it a lot.

Good info guys, cheers for that. I'm in the market for one at the moment, so will make sure it wears a Holden badge rather than an Opel one for this reason.

I wonder if this is why yours went Johannes?

Both on super charger from the Chevrolet Cobalt or out of the UK from Courtney.

168 Derek S wrote:Both on super charger from the Chevrolet Cobalt or out of the UK from Courtney.

The 2litre turbo Saab 9-3 engine is common in NZ. Another option could be to drop one of these into an Astra/Vectra and maybe chip it for a bit more oomph.

I'd be a little bit reluctant to throw boost down one of these 2.2s if they already drink oil, but it was a factory option, so I guess they must be relatively reliable.

Hey Brad, yup, have been to holden haven and had a look at the one they have there, but its quite pricey ( could buy a whole car for the same price they ask ). Upside is that its only done 75 000 k's. My astra G is a japan import 2002 model, only done 108000 k's when the chain broke, but it was not from a lack of oil supply, it was the tensioner that failed as the chain was still very oily when i pulled it out in pieces from the opened up top. I must add that its not an easy engine to remove from the car. Everyone i have spoken to so far insists that it will be less expensive to replace then to repair.

You've probably already tried Aussie Spares, but there is also a GM place on Higgins Road in case you haven't tried there.

I have decided to repair my current engine with parts from ebay, not as expensive as i thought. Have done 2 of my previous opels heads before with great results.

Off to the workshop.......

Cool! Keep us updated.

Maybe chuck a set of double valve springs and uprated cams in there while it is apart?

This any good for you?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-par ... 171057.htm

I have added this to my watch list thanks Derek. Received the valves this morning from the UK and head is prepped and cleaned. Also removed the oil spray jet and yes, the damn thing was blocked! All this trouble from a part the size of a 2 dollar coin.