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13th December 2018, 23:15
#1
3.2 opinions
Bit of a mad one this, but I've seen a 3.2 going cheap, and mad as it sounds, I'm quite tempted.
Any expert views on these? They seem quite rare, and can't find out much about them. Is the engine a sound one? And what about the timing belt - a disaster to replace?
I'm less interested in lightening performance, more into brisk, cultured wooshing.
Any thoughts most welcome.
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14th December 2018, 09:22
#2
Regular Member
I'm not much of an expert with the 3.2 (Z32SE), but I'm actually looking at getting a 4th 3.2 because 100aud sounds like a deal, and can use heeps of parts or i can get it registered, will be looking at it tomorrow sometime,
Besides that, i like the 3.2 obviously, self tought, timing belt can be done fairly easily, there is a tutorial on the forum aswell as mods, like quick shifters, cams, filters, box upgrades, etc,
There's a few threads on here with pics and tips
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14th December 2018, 09:31
#3
AFAIK they are proper cruisers, not much to go wrong but like every engine they do have some quirks...that said i can't remember anyone that had one complain about them, quite the opposite and when they had a moan it was because it's relatively thirsty.
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14th December 2018, 10:02
#4
Regular Member
Yeah i think i got around 700kms on a tank, but that was mostly on the highway
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14th December 2018, 10:25
#5
Regular Member
For the price of 100 AUD I would buy 10
In Croatia 3.2 V6 Vectra is quite rare because it's expensive to maintain and quite thirsty. I drove it and it goes really smooth. It would be a lot better if it had turbo on it, but that's another story.
Engine construction is good so belt change is not an issue like on most V6 engines, especially diesels.
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
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14th December 2018, 10:26
#6
Had a few v6 vectra bs. 2.5 3.0 and 3.2.
Very strong engines only real issue I’ve had with them is the oil cooler went but not a hard job todo
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14th December 2018, 10:30
#7
Regular Member
Here in Australia, There's quite a lot of them, so most of the common parts are available,
Although if the 3.2 is well looked after, they should go on for years - i guess that goes for most motors anyway
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14th December 2018, 10:45
#8
I’ve had my Gsi Z32se for nearly 10 years, best car I’ve ever owned it’s not let me down
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 3 Likes
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14th December 2018, 12:54
#9
IMHO, the 3.2 is a fussy engine that has several quirks and hates being tampered with. Oil leaking from the rocker cover gaskets is common, replacing the gaskets (one per bank of cylinders) isn't anywhere as easy as on a 4-cylinder inline engine such as the Z20NET I have now; plus you still then have to cure the cause of the leak which is blocked oil breather pipes.
The 3.2 doesn't like K&N filters because of the oil in them, and I remember when Ian Highlander did a fellow member on here (Mick..?) a favour at his house by doing the "airbox mod" only for it to immediately throw up a fault code because the plenums didn't like the disturbance in the airflow. Luckilly I was on hand to save the day, lol.
Changing the spark plugs? At least half an hour to an hour to do, instead of, literally, 10 minutes on a Z20NET. Changing the thermostat? A freakin nightmare according to those who've done it.
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14th December 2018, 14:01
#10
Feeling the love here for the 3.2.
Problem is my insurance wants another £300 for it! I like the look of it but...
Guess I'll have to stick to my weedy 1.8 with its rough idle.
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