Greetings... from the caribbean island of Tobago

**JayRYia** · 15th August 2023, 03:53

Thought I'd introduce myself to the forum. Gotten myself a deal from a relative who initially moved back to Tobago few years ago from the UK and had brought is 03 plate Vectra SRi with him as a returning resident.

He's since ended up back in the UK due to handling some stuff and with the covid 19 lockdowns causing him to remain up there and the car sat in the pretty harsh caribbean weather for the last 4 years or so. So he offered me a deal on it and well, here I am. It'll be a pretty big challenge as it's my first ever European Car (I'm used to working on Mitsubishi Lancers and EVOs as my main knowledge source) as well as learning this car had a bunch of torx fasteners that I have NO tools for.

It needs a bit of love as the brake line is said to have broken or rotted at a joint, needs a full respray, leaking in the boot, bad aerial rubber, interior bits have all deteriorated and bubbling/ crumbling, but the motor seems sound. I've learned the motor (Z22SE) is same as the US L61, so I'm hoping considering that the US is closer to Tobago in region that I can source parts that would be cheaper than doing UK options. (It's already 10:1 average in our currency to import stuff, so UK would me higher). Hopefully there are some other aspects of the car that perhaps is also USA available body, electrical wise that I might be able to access as well.

So hopefully you won't mind me asking sometimes ridiculous amounts questions on assistance for things (though I shall utilize the search button like searching for the woman of my dreams) as I have literally NO knowledge on this platform or it's works, or even how to access things (hearing some things need a "tech 2" that I have NO idea how I'd get if I needed programming stuff, unless the aftermarket scanners like Launch or GSCAN can do same), but I'm up for the challenge.

#PROJECTVAUXMACHINA

**northpole** · 15th August 2023, 07:41

Welcome... I must say you are a brave man, if you can get fully unleaded without ethanol in it (no E number on the fuel) you'll be just fine... if it does well i'd make sure to replace that high pressure fuelpump as as soon as possible. Other that i'd try those scan tools you have and check if you can read all the modules... if you can't look into tech2 or opcom...

**JayRYia** · 15th August 2023, 15:32

Originally Posted by northpole

Welcome... I must say you are a brave man, if you can get fully unleaded without ethanol in it (no E number on the fuel) you'll be just fine... if it does well i'd make sure to replace that high pressure fuelpump as as soon as possible. Other that i'd try those scan tools you have and check if you can read all the modules... if you can't look into tech2 or opcom...

Well hopefully not that brave, lol. It's not that much different than me ordering parts for my EVO 7 or my old 95 Lancer project. Almost everything new is needed outside, so I don't mind giving it a go. On the fuel aspect, We run 92 snd 95 RON here, no ethanol at all. But as preventative maintencence, I intend to get a new fuel pump assembly complete with seals, etc. Also hoping those aftermarket scanners will be able to do stuff like key programming also, as the ones I have are perished.

All in all, it should be for the least, intersting.

**northpole** · 16th August 2023, 07:03

well once you get either of the 2 mentioned you'll be able to do the key programming, read all the modules and with tech2 you are assured you can do all the retrofit modifications... with opcom not so much (some modules are stubborn and tech2 is the one that will program those really stubborn modules without a problem)... I found that out when i added electric windows in the back of my old vectra c. I got help from a forum member but he wasn't that far away from me so i drove down to him, did the programming and after a few little hickups (had the wrong driver window switch) I had full electric window...
so yeah if you can aim for getting tech2.

**JayRYia** · 16th August 2023, 18:21

Originally Posted by northpole

well once you get either of the 2 mentioned you'll be able to do the key programming, read all the modules and with tech2 you are assured you can do all the retrofit modifications... with opcom not so much (some modules are stubborn and tech2 is the one that will program those really stubborn modules without a problem)... I found that out when i added electric windows in the back of my old vectra c. I got help from a forum member but he wasn't that far away from me so i drove down to him, did the programming and after a few little hickups (had the wrong driver window switch) I had full electric window...
so yeah if you can aim for getting tech2.

Yeah sounds like that's going to be a fairly expensive challenge. Is the tech 2 something that is available for resale? I've heard it was dealer only.

**horaa** · 16th August 2023, 22:02

Tech2 can be bought off china aswell, a replica at least. It might work, it might not. OPCOM is easier to comeby and much cheaper. Any obd scannere will work with the car on diagnosis but won't be able to perform certain stuff(like key programming). I like the paint tho, patina all day long.

**Jon1796** · 16th August 2023, 22:19

Originally Posted by JayRYia

Yeah sounds like that's going to be a fairly expensive challenge. Is the tech 2 something that is available for resale? I've heard it was dealer only.

T2win mdi /op/Vaux com the tech2 unit give a miss unless you own a Saab.

rubber gasket for aerial base for that look for vw gasket fits perfect Amazon posted it here not long ago.