Delemonte and his Astra [Archive]

delemonte

14th February 2009, 04:11 AM

Gday!
Just introducing myself. I live in Karalee (near Brisbane) in QLD and drive a Black 2003 Astra SRi-T - fully stock with exception to significant changes I've made to the sound system. I used to drive a Silver 2002 1.8L Astra and bought the SRi-T at a great price only to resell for profit but fell in love with it on the drive home - an incredibly surprising car. Since then (almost a year ago), I've only grown to respect the car more and am now looking at the possibility of a few engine mods. I have plenty of money, but am a bit of a tight-@$$ and don't particularly want to spend a massive load of money on a car that's perfectly fine as it is, but if you guys have any recommendations I'm all ears ;) I'm after best money:performance ratio...

This appears to be an incredibly interesting site and I look forward to using it in future. Cheers,
~Delemonte

auzvectra

14th February 2009, 04:41 AM

welcome to the site ;).
there is plenty to do to the sri-t to get it movin nicely ;).
not biased or nething, but the basic remap really makes a diff :D.
then u have the fmic kit ;), mine or pwr ect...

ASTRAY

14th February 2009, 05:58 AM

welcome mate
if you wanna do any mods, auz is pretty much the guy to talk to.
enjoy your stay, and spread the word!

John_LS1

14th February 2009, 08:53 AM

welcome mate, i have a black G SRi-T as well. make a build thread and keep us up to date with mods and most importanly pics :D

9090GO

14th February 2009, 11:43 AM

Welcome to the site mate, I recommend you get the auzvectra's remap, and other mods you can find on this forum.

delemonte

14th February 2009, 03:57 PM

Thanks a lot guys :cool:
I am interested in getting a remap, but am not really too sure where I should take it to get it done. I'd appreciate any suggestions near Brisbane/Ipswich, but I'm still a little hesitant about getting the remap as I imagine it might shorten the life of my engine. Is this likely? What's the typical power output resulting from AuzVectra's remap? Also, I've considered getting a FMIC, but am not very keen to cut into my current front bumper... are there any clean methods of installation? Also, I am planning to derestrict the stock airbox, but would i be significantly better of with an alternative/aftermarket induction kit? And am I actually gonna notice any difference with such a change?
John_LS1 (http://www.opelaus.com/forums/member.php?u=3434): As I progress, I'll make and update a build thread - It might progress a bit slowly, though... ;)
Thanks again everyone :D

auzvectra

14th February 2009, 05:05 PM

the remap can pretty much be done newhere ;).
sorry dont quote ne figures as they all react differently, dyno'd stock i have seen 15kw difference from a tru reading (i say tru readin as opels play up on dyno's sometimes) and i have seen upto about 20 kw difference after a remap.
as for increase, i have never had a car remapped where the driver didnt come back with an ear to ear grin from the test drive :D.
both my kit and the pwr kit (i belive they dont) dont need any cutting of the front bar, in some cases the plastic brake ducts behind the bar may need to be trimmed, but a lot remove them anyway.

i wouldnt waste ur money on a full induction kit, many members use the 2.2L sri or 1.9L deisel airbox and a k&n panel filter, or a pod filter with or without a sheild. just be warned that an open air pod is illegal if not sheilded and fastened, and can and will suck hot air especially in summer.

4dlowy

14th February 2009, 09:39 PM

welcome

Neeko

14th February 2009, 09:47 PM

welcome mate :)

i definitely recommend gettignt he re-map! my friend got his done by matt (auzvectra) now it spins the wheels all the way to 100! best mod! seriously beats all cars eh.

woo i'm a little tipsy lol

delemonte

15th February 2009, 04:22 AM

AuzVectra. I see you live at the Goldcoast and I'd be very interested in heading over there and getting you to work your much-talked-about magic with my Astra's current engine map. Firstly, can we talk money? How much $$$ ought I expect to be looking at for a remap and what about an FMIC? Fitted? (I'd probably fit it myself anyway, but I am asking just the same...)

delemonte

15th February 2009, 04:22 AM

Also, I assume I'd be best to get the remap after fitting the FMIC, yes? Any members here had any trouble with the stock LET turbo (as opposed to, say, the LEH), particularly after remaps etc.? Anyone here have a VXR or a Z20LET with a VXR turbo fitted?
Cheers :)

auzvectra

15th February 2009, 05:20 AM

the remap is 400 for the sri-t, the fmic kit is 1000 plus install, but as you mentioned u should be fine with it ;).
the order of mods is irrelevant as the ecu is constantly relearning and finetuning to suit.
there is about 3 members with the vxr turbo on the Z20let.

9090GO

15th February 2009, 12:52 PM

delemonte

15th February 2009, 01:28 PM

Putting a bigger injectors (VXR injectors) in conjunction of the remap, here is one on ebay, good price too.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/VAUXHALL-OPEL-VXR-FUEL-INJECTORS-Z20LET-Z20LEH-C20LET_W0QQitemZ150326554752QQihZ005QQcategoryZ104 04QQcmdZViewItem

With only a FMIC and remap to start with, I'm not sure if I can yet justify replacing the stock injectors (unless someone here recommends otherwise). If I bolt on a VXR turbo, however, I'll definitely look at the injectors ;). What power output are those members with VXR turbos seeing at the wheels?

CNBLU

15th February 2009, 03:45 PM

you wont need bigger injectors with only a remap and fmic. they are 370cc and will do the job.

auzvectra

15th February 2009, 03:46 PM

around 20kw more then the 1's without ;).
the vxr turbo is a cheap, neat, n stock looking mod. but i still prefer the garretts :).

chrissn89

15th February 2009, 06:52 PM

Hey Delemonte, I have a Silver Astra SRi-T. I see youve been doing a bit of home-work. I live in Boonah but im always getting around in Ipswich. Mines had the re-map from Matt (Auzvectra), Cross-over pipe removed, Pod filter and a 3" dump pipe fitted. If your interested you could jump in for a quick spin to see the difference. My next performance upgrade will be the FMIC.

Cheers,
Chris

delemonte

16th February 2009, 01:18 AM

you wont need bigger injectors with only a remap and fmic. they are 370cc and will do the job.

Thanks for confirming that CNBLU ;)

delemonte

16th February 2009, 01:19 AM

around 20kw more then the 1's without ;).
the vxr turbo is a cheap, neat, n stock looking mod. but i still prefer the garretts :).

I was previously looking at the possibility of using a GT28RS, but was unsure how difficult and/or economical it would be to get the suitable exhaust manifold to me in Australia. I'm no turbo expert, so when I considered the fact that using the VXR turbo would mean I also wouldn't have to worry about any potential incompatibility issues with my ECU and the boost control solenoid on the GT28RS, I began to lean heavily towards the simpler switchover to the VXR turbo. Any local places/welders you know of that could hook me up with the necessary manifold? What would be the approximate $$$ break down that you'd expect the complete Garret turbo changeover to set me back??

Hey Delemonte, I have a Silver Astra SRi-T. I see youve been doing a bit of home-work. I live in Boonah but im always getting around in Ipswich. Mines had the re-map from Matt (Auzvectra), Cross-over pipe removed, Pod filter and a 3" dump pipe fitted. If your interested you could jump in for a quick spin to see the difference. My next performance upgrade will be the FMIC.

Cheers,
Chris

Chris, that's extremely generous of you to offer! :D Send us a txt if/when it suits you next time you're in Ipswich ;) I'd be equally happy if you just let me jump in the passenger seat while you take control of your baby; no doubt, I'd love to drive myself, but I understand you don't know me or my driving skills so I completely understand either way! Much appreciated though :) Naturally, I work during the week, but I'm sure we can sort something out that suits you. Thanks again.

auzvectra

16th February 2009, 08:30 AM

there is a decent cost difference, as the garrett turbo itself costs about 50% extra just for the turbo.
personally i think it's worth the extra $$$ as it is a much better turbo, but it is really just personal preference, and depends on what u actually want and how far you want to go.

chrissn89

16th February 2009, 12:05 PM

Chris, that's extremely generous of you to offer! :D Send us a txt if/when it suits you next time you're in Ipswich ;) I'd be equally happy if you just let me jump in the passenger seat while you take control of your baby; no doubt, I'd love to drive myself, but I understand you don't know me or my driving skills so I completely understand either way! Much appreciated though :) Naturally, I work during the week, but I'm sure we can sort something out that suits you. Thanks again.

Not a problem at all mate, always happy to help out. Shoot me a PM with your number and we'll work out a time :)

Neeko

16th February 2009, 12:07 PM

Not a problem at all mate, all ways happy to help out. Shoot me a PM with your number and we'll work out a time :)

should come to the charity cruise. you'd be able to show him what she's got :P

mr corsa

16th February 2009, 02:01 PM

welcome

simmy

16th February 2009, 05:52 PM

hi, and welcome!:D

put some pics up when you can..i'd like to check it out :)

delemonte

17th February 2009, 08:01 PM

should come to the charity cruise. you'd be able to show him what she's got :P

I really was so keen to come along, and had even invited a friend to come as well - but then I remembered I have another friends engagement party that same day =S Engagement isn't until 1pm tho so depending on the schedule of the cruise, I might make it to the first half if it's practical to do so... Thanks for the invite guys ;)

delemonte

17th February 2009, 08:03 PM

hi, and welcome!:D

put some pics up when you can..i'd like to check it out :)

Will do once I've got some stuff in. Might post some before:after shots

chrissn89

17th February 2009, 08:24 PM

I really was so keen to come along, and had even invited a friend to come as well - but then I remembered I have another friends engagement party that same day =S Engagement isn't until 1pm tho so depending on the schedule of the cruise, I might make it to the first half if it's practical to do so... Thanks for the invite guys ;)
Moogerah to Yamanto via the quickest road is about 45min give or take depending how fast you drive. You should be able to do the whole cruise easily and be back home by 1pm.

What stereo/ice setup have you got?

delemonte

18th February 2009, 11:24 PM

Moogerah to Yamanto via the quickest road is about 45min give or take depending how fast you drive. You should be able to do the whole cruise easily and be back home by 1pm.

What stereo/ice setup have you got?

Alright then. I'll see how I go.. ;) Hopefully see you there!

ICE is going to change soon, especially if/when the exchange rate gets a little better! Right now I've got a JVC KD-AVX33 that I picked up brand new for $300AU... My requirements were integrated bluetooth (I put a Sony MEX-BT5000 in my 1.8L Astra way back when bluetooth was just coming in - Now I can't do without it... =P Far too convenient to give up) and USB port... and (preferably 5V) Fr+Rr+Sub preouts. The AVX33 met my requirements and I managed to get it at a price I was okay with. Am surprisingly fairly happy with it right now - I just wish it was a little faster to load media. Ok, babbling now - will make this short:
Blaupunkt splits in front + Blaupunkt 2-ways in rear running off a Coustic 320QE, 2x 10" Pioneer 3-ways on custom made MDF parceltray, 2x 10" Pioneer TS-W2501D4 subs in sealed boxes running off a 2000W RMS Hifonics Brutus amplifier... I'd be happy to go into specifics but most people don't appreciate my attention to detail :o I'm pretty happy with the punchiness of the 2x 10" subs and am impressed by the way they put out low notes like an 'average' 15" sub. However, I am interested in replacing them with some sort of 8"/10" dual/triple Kicker L7 sub setup... Maybe 2x 10" L7s, or 2x 8" L7s and a 10" L7... As stated above, I'm waiting a bit until the Aussie dollar sorts itself out a bit, but let me know if anyone is interested in buying the 2x 10" Pioneer TS-W2501D4 subs in sealed boxes (approx 3months old - 800W/2500W RMS/Peak, 90dB 1W/1m sensitivity, frequency response 18-1000Hz - $285 each?) I haven't yet officially 'advertised' them anywhere, but I thought I'd mention them anyway...

chrissn89

19th February 2009, 11:17 AM

Alright then. I'll see how I go.. ;) Hopefully see you there!

ICE is going to change soon, especially if/when the exchange rate gets a little better! Right now I've got a JVC KD-AVX33 that I picked up brand new for $300AU... My requirements were integrated bluetooth (I put a Sony MEX-BT5000 in my 1.8L Astra way back when bluetooth was just coming in - Now I can't do without it... =P Far too convenient to give up) and USB port... and (preferably 5V) Fr+Rr+Sub preouts. The AVX33 met my requirements and I managed to get it at a price I was okay with. Am surprisingly fairly happy with it right now - I just wish it was a little faster to load media. Ok, babbling now - will make this short:
Blaupunkt splits in front + Blaupunkt 2-ways in rear running off a Coustic 320QE, 2x 10" Pioneer 3-ways on custom made MDF parceltray, 2x 10" Pioneer TS-W2501D4 subs in sealed boxes running off a 2000W RMS Hifonics Brutus amplifier... I'd be happy to go into specifics but most people don't appreciate my attention to detail :o I'm pretty happy with the punchiness of the 2x 10" subs and am impressed by the way they put out low notes like an 'average' 15" sub. However, I am interested in replacing them with some sort of 8"/10" dual/triple Kicker L7 sub setup... Maybe 2x 10" L7s, or 2x 8" L7s and a 10" L7... As stated above, I'm waiting a bit until the Aussie dollar sorts itself out a bit, but let me know if anyone is interested in buying the 2x 10" Pioneer TS-W2501D4 subs in sealed boxes (approx 3months old - 800W/2500W RMS/Peak, 90dB 1W/1m sensitivity, frequency response 18-1000Hz - $285 each?) I haven't yet officially 'advertised' them anywhere, but I thought I'd mention them anyway...
WOW sounds like a crazy setup, i'll be happy when i get 2x 12" subs in the boot again. You'll have to show me were you ran a few wires.

Ishley

19th February 2009, 11:36 AM

Welcome to the site Delemonte. I too am from Ipswich and used to own an AH SRi T.

With the guidence from the guys on here you will be able to find all the information you need to know about the SRiT. And you will be more then happy with the results of the mods being suggested.

Hope to see you around Ipswich some time.

delemonte

21st February 2009, 03:40 PM

WOW sounds like a crazy setup, i'll be happy when i get 2x 12" subs in the boot again. You'll have to show me were you ran a few wires.

It goes alright... :) Yeh man, I'd be happy to help ;) I ran a bunch of different subs at different times in my old silver Astra 1.8L. My favourite of all were 2x 12" Kickers. I ran the majority of these subs off my Kenwood KAC-8103D 500wrms Class D Monoblock... still have that amp sitting on my floor since i sold my silver astra to my sister. I might post some of the subs (I bought them to experiment with, but have only bothered selling off a few of them since so I still have a few sitting in storage) for sale in the sales thread on this site. Below is a pic of a messy (before I hid all of the cabling) photo of my old setup with the 2x Kickers... I still have them too! I only took them out and swapped to a single 400wrms DVC Pioneer 12" because the Kickers took up too much space in my boot! If you'd like, I can post a picture of my current boot setup in my SRi T. The rear parcel tray shown below is now in my SRi T.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1069/dscn8334x.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn8334e.jpg)

Welcome to the site Delemonte. I too am from Ipswich and used to own an AH SRi T.

With the guidence from the guys on here you will be able to find all the information you need to know about the SRiT. And you will be more then happy with the results of the mods being suggested.

Hope to see you around Ipswich some time.

So far, this site has been incredibly helpful and useful - I just hope I can help other users out as much as they've been able to help me. Hope to see you around ;) - what do you drive nowadays? chrissn89, take that as an offer from me to help you out if you'd like any help installing any various bits of your sound system. Unfortunately, I'm not a qualified autoelectrician, but I can install pretty much any sort of electric components/accessories you'd like.

chrissn89

21st February 2009, 09:03 PM

Ishley now drives a nice white Toyota Corolla Sportivo...

Sounds like you know your stereo stuff, thats an intense boot install, love it. Thanks for the offer ill have to take that up when i get around to getting an amp and subs.

Cheers

delemonte

22nd February 2009, 03:49 AM

Nice. Is the sportivo fully stock right now? I have a RAAF mate with one as well... very nice! ;) Btw, I remember seeing a red AH SRi T at the 7-Eleven in Silkstone about 6 months back- might that have been you? =P

Yep, no worries Chris - just give us a yell when ya wanna start installing. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be going on the cruise tomorrow (today) after all... =(

chrissn89

5th April 2009, 11:06 PM

Hello, long time no hear. Have you been up to any mods? I hear an exhaust upgrade maybe happening ;)

delemonte

6th April 2009, 07:41 AM

Yeah, been keeping myself pretty busy... No mods lately; I've been enjoying my car and instead modifying pocket bikes. I must say, pocket bikes are a lot cheaper than cars, and it's amazing what a 50cc 2 stroke can do!!:D lol
Yeh, looking at exhaust ;) Still on the look-out for a MFD =( Not sure whether or not I'll be able to fix mine... I need to buy sme solder flux I think...
How's your console looking? I like the boost gauge on ya dash :) Are you gonna put some red behind ya instrument cluster too, do you think?
Start new job at hospital tomorrow!

PS. Do you like 4WDing??

chrissn89

6th April 2009, 12:06 PM

Modifying pocket bikes sounds fun, ill have to check this out. My lil brother has a Honda 50cc 4 stroke and it moves along very will even with me on it ;)

Exhaust will be nice, im thinking about using K. Rudds money for a nice new FMIC. Good luck with the MFD their expensive little suckers. I thought about changing the LED's in the dash, but i like everything to match so the stereo, MFD and heater controls would have to be done aswell. It would be easier changing the boost gauges leds to amber/orange. It looks fine in red thou so ill most likely leave it.

4WD'ing hell yeah love it, heaps of fun. Good luck tomorrow with the new job :)

DSRI07

6th April 2009, 01:51 PM

Welcome to the site Delemonte!

delemonte

6th April 2009, 05:59 PM

Pocket bikes are great fun :D As soon as I get around to bedding in the new clutches I got on the weekend, you're welcome to join in the fun ;) Maybe I could bring them out to Boonah one day - how are Boonah's medical facilities? :p lol... They're great fun, but falling off a bike literally inches from the ground gets incredibly dangerous at 80kph :rolleyes:

Yeh, I'm the same in that I like things like that to match, and the boost gauge does look good as it is so meh... Doesn't matter! ;)

Holden can't seriously expect people to pay over $1k for a mere display! Hopefully eBay will come through or I'll find something else I'd like to put in there instead :)

Sweet - I'll be sure to invite you and Nicolai next time my mates and I head out on a combined 4WD/pocket-bike trip! (only if you want, of course!):D