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  1. #11
    OpelAus Forum Addict chris_r's Avatar
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    Alright. As Adam has said, it's pretty easy having the donor car and it's mostly a case of stripping the SRi and refitting it to the Combo. The engine and gearbox should bolt straight in. The Z16SE will have a Getrag F13 gearbox, where the SRi has a F17 box. Use the SRi box as it'll be stronger than the F13 anyway. Depending on the mileage on the SRi, I'd also take the opportunity to replace the clutch whilst it's out. That will be around $420 for the kit from Australian Clutch Services in Wingfield. Exhaust may need some modifying, but that shouldn't be too hard. Driveshafts should be all compatible between models. Also, if you don't know the service history on the SRi, other thing is to fit a new timing belt kit and water pump.

    Apart from the physical fitting of the engine, you need to use the ECU, injection loom (the engine's own wiring loom), key chips and transponder ring module from the SRi. As well as this, you need to remove the engine bay loom from the SRi and place it in the Combo. This loom pretty much goes all over the engine bay, including the fusebox and to the body control module (BCM) case, where the loom enters the car. It's not all that hard to swap the looms over (I just did it recently in my SRi, as I needed a different loom for the Z20LET engine). I'd probably swap the BCM module over too, along with the dash cluster. The only thing I can see that might be an issue, is the ABS. SRi has it, Combo doesn't. I wouldn't bother swapping it over, but I believe I can switch it off in the ECU using an OP-COM scan tool, seeing as you're also in Adelaide (I'm out in the Northern Suburbs, where teeth and shoes are optional).

    There was another user on here, goes by the username @Chris R (not to be confused with myself, I didn't even know the guy existed when I signed up), he did the same with his Combo, I know he was working on getting the cruise control working and what not, but if that's not an issue, I think everything else should be reasonably straightforward.

    Where I used to work, we had two Z14XEP (DOHC "Twinport" 1.4L) equipped XC Combo vans. Indeed, they were pretty gutless and I think they should've been a 1.8 straight out of the box. I actually have a SB Combo with a SOHC C14SE engine at the moment, but the C14SE is seized up and hence, this beast will copping the Z18XE I pulled from my SRi. Sure, the SRi in standard form is pretty zippy, it just didn't have enough killawasps for my liking, so I've put a Z20LET Astra Turbo engine in it instead.

    The biggest problem with the Z16SE is the fact that here in Australia, they only ever came out in the early XC Combo vans. No other vehicle sold by Holden here was fitted with that turd of an engine. Unless your name is @adam_92 and you have an imported Vauxhall Astravan.
    2001 Opel Corsa C SRi: Z20LET EDS stage 3.5 173.9kW @ the wheels Build thread and here on FB: http://www.facebook.com/corsasriz20let
    2018 Ford Transit 290S: Transit #2, in that order and it's also a POS
    1998 Opel Combo B: It has begun, and it's stalled - Build thread and FB page
    2009 Holden Commodore VE SS: Gen IV LS power for the inner bogan

  2. #12
    I'm new here, please be nice
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    Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by chris_r Click here to enlarge
    Alright. As Adam has said, it's pretty easy having the donor car and it's mostly a case of stripping the SRi and refitting it to the Combo. The engine and gearbox should bolt straight in. The Z16SE will have a Getrag F13 gearbox, where the SRi has a F17 box. Use the SRi box as it'll be stronger than the F13 anyway. Depending on the mileage on the SRi, I'd also take the opportunity to replace the clutch whilst it's out. That will be around $420 for the kit from Australian Clutch Services in Wingfield. Exhaust may need some modifying, but that shouldn't be too hard. Driveshafts should be all compatible between models. Also, if you don't know the service history on the SRi, other thing is to fit a new timing belt kit and water pump.

    Yup, my mechanic has already suggested timing belt, water pump but not the Clutch. Its an added expense Im willing to take on board so thats for the mention. The SRI has done 140k, ive sighted receipts for most sensors etc, brakes are good. new discs etc.

    Apart from the physical fitting of the engine, you need to use the ECU, injection loom (the engine's own wiring loom), key chips and transponder ring module from the SRi. As well as this, you need to remove the engine bay loom from the SRi and place it in the Combo. This loom pretty much goes all over the engine bay, including the fusebox and to the body control module (BCM) case, where the loom enters the car. It's not all that hard to swap the looms over (I just did it recently in my SRi, as I needed a different loom for the Z20LET engine). I'd probably swap the BCM module over too, along with the dash cluster. The only thing I can see that might be an issue, is the ABS. SRi has it, Combo doesn't. I wouldn't bother swapping it over, but I believe I can switch it off in the ECU using an OP-COM scan tool, seeing as you're also in Adelaide (I'm out in the Northern Suburbs, where teeth and shoes are optional).

    Yeah Im with you on the ABS... Would you take the back discs while on offer or not bother with those either?
    My combo was pretty miss treated when I got it... the door cards, dash.. anything plastic basically looks like 2 tasmanian devills has a fight to the death in the cabin. So with that I was going to just move the whole thing over. Including the carpet, just cut it off where the cabin ends and the van starts. I dont suppose I can make use of the side skirts and bumper of the SRI?


    There was another user on here, goes by the username @Chris R (not to be confused with myself, I didn't even know the guy existed when I signed up), he did the same with his Combo, I know he was working on getting the cruise control working and what not, but if that's not an issue, I think everything else should be reasonably straightforward.

    Yeah I followed that thread, Cruise control is not necessary and happy to ditch it. I'd take you up on your offer to reprogram if youre serious. Happy to give your z20LET the detail of its life when ever you like in return for the your help here.

    Where I used to work, we had two Z14XEP (DOHC "Twinport" 1.4L) equipped XC Combo vans. Indeed, they were pretty gutless and I think they should've been a 1.8 straight out of the box. I actually have a SB Combo with a SOHC C14SE engine at the moment, but the C14SE is seized up and hence, this beast will copping the Z18XE I pulled from my SRi. Sure, the SRi in standard form is pretty zippy, it just didn't have enough killawasps for my liking, so I've put a Z20LET Astra Turbo engine in it instead.

    I just sold my SB Combo before the shit hit the fan with my XC. 112K's on the clock but it struggled to get me up the freeway every wednesday with my permanent booking in Mt Barker. I Decided to sell it before I killed it etc.


    The biggest problem with the Z16SE is the fact that here in Australia, they only ever came out in the early XC Combo vans. No other vehicle sold by Holden here was fitted with that turd of an engine. Unless your name is @adam_92 and you have an imported Vauxhall Astravan.
    i feel for anyone with Z16se that needs work or replacing. Just a terrible option IMO.

    Im heading back in the shed now to keep working on the pretty stuff. I hope this thing looks alright when its done.. Ive gone for ford Focus electric orange and its going to be loud. Fits in with my corporate logo etc.

    Thanks a heap Chris. Youve taken away my fear of the unknown and replaced it with inspiration and enthusiasm. Im in Allenby Gardens btw.

  3. #13
    Cruise Co-ordinator adam_92's Avatar
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    Click here to enlarge haha, although that z16 is getting the chop too. Its actually ready to drop if I can get hold of an engine crane :P

    I actually didnt realize you were in adelaide Denis. Depending on how soon you want to do the conversion, im sure a few of the boys could get together and help you out. A few of us in adelaide have experience in engine swaps with opels.
    Last edited by adam_92; 21st January 2015 at 07:51 PM.
    OPEL ADDICT 1994 CORSA B 1.5D (ENGLAND) 2001 CORSA C 1.2L (ENGLAND) 2004 CORSA C 1.4L (SOLD) 2004 3.2 V6 VECTRA GTS (SOLD)
    1994 CORSA B GSI C16 CONVERTED TO Z18XE (SOLD) 2001 ASTRA VAN Z16SE (CURRENT)

    Click here to enlarge

  4. #14
    I'm new here, please be nice
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    Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by adam_92 Click here to enlarge
    Click here to enlarge haha, although that z16 is getting the chop too. Its actually ready to drop if I can get hold of an engine crane :P

    I actually didnt realize you were in adelaide Denis. Depending on how soon you want to do the conversion, im sure a few of the boys could get together and help you out. A few of us in adelaide have experience in engine swaps with opels.
    You know what, I'd be happy to split the money im paying out between you guys if youre serious. The time factor is my biggest issue. It peak time for me and once I start the conversion Im without a vehicle till its done and so that means some time expensive time off no income. The fact I got the SRI so cheap and the fact It was less than a grand to get up to scratch was something devine I can tell you.

  5. #15
    OpelAus Forum Addict chris_r's Avatar
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    Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by [email protected] Click here to enlarge
    You know what, I'd be happy to split the money im paying out between you guys if youre serious. The time factor is my biggest issue. It peak time for me and once I start the conversion Im without a vehicle till its done and so that means some time expensive time off no income. The fact I got the SRI so cheap and the fact It was less than a grand to get up to scratch was something devine I can tell you.
    My biggest problem is time at the moment. I've got my SRi to finish, a Vectra wagon to sort (believe me, I'm on the verge of torching it at the moment), a BMW E30 to sell and this Combo to swap the engine in. What doesn't help is in the next few weeks, I will probably be moving house. The Vectra and the Combo are both at my parents' place, so they're not going anywhere soon. The E30 and the SRi are here, so I plan to sell the E30 rather than move it. Having said that, we've had a couple of tool days where we gather around to work on each other's cars, although both have seen my car being worked on the most, lol. Maybe if Aaron @faneca might sort one out again. I have an engine crane here too.

    As for being in Allenby Gardens, it's kinda within my afternoon working area (Anywhere between Beverley/Woodville to Wingfield to Gepps Cross and down through Prospect). I'm a courier with StarTrack Courier, based out of Export Park at the airport. So, chances are if you see a 2014 Ford Transit Custom flying down Grange Road around 4pm, it'd be me more than likely. Well, no one else at my work has one of these vans decked out in the signage yet. You'd also be around the corner from where Aaron works too.

    I say replace the clutch for peace of mind. Nothing worse than putting everything back together and then finding you need to pull it apart again. If you've already got the engine out, it's easier to do (you'll also need to machine the flywheel, which may take up valuable time). Z16SE Combo discs are the same size as the regular Barina XCs and SRis, so there's no need to swap them over. If you want bigger brakes, find a later XC Combo with the Z14XEP engine and pinch the front and rear brakes from that, as they're 280mm front and 264mm rear versus 260mm front and 240mm rears that you have now. Front SRi bumper you can use without issue, wiring the foglights, I'm not sure if it'll work through the factory wiring, but you can always rig that up to a separate switch later on. Side skirts can probably be made to fit if you are or you know someone handy with fibreglassing. I'd probably swap the SRi front seats in too, but you can also make Astra Turbo leather seats fit too.

    Your old SB Combo didn't happen to have a fancy kinda brown-flecked paint job with some big rims on it, did it? The Combo I have at present was used by my brother with his confectionery business. So the weight of it made it a slug uphill, although not as bad as a Kia Pregio that I lent to my brother. Doing 40km/h top speed up Willunga Hill isn't fun, especially when you see a Barina Spark pass you as if you were just about to roll backwards down the hill.

    Per Adam's comment about us guys and engine swapping Opels, I dare say I've done my fair share and helped with a couple of others. I haven't done the Z18 into the XC Combo yet, but given that it's still a XC Barina, and this Z20LET swap I'm doing has given me far more knowledge about this model in particular.
    2001 Opel Corsa C SRi: Z20LET EDS stage 3.5 173.9kW @ the wheels Build thread and here on FB: http://www.facebook.com/corsasriz20let
    2018 Ford Transit 290S: Transit #2, in that order and it's also a POS
    1998 Opel Combo B: It has begun, and it's stalled - Build thread and FB page
    2009 Holden Commodore VE SS: Gen IV LS power for the inner bogan

  6. #16
    I'm new here, please be nice
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    Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by chris_r Click here to enlarge
    My biggest problem is time at the moment. I've got my SRi to finish, a Vectra wagon to sort (believe me, I'm on the verge of torching it at the moment), a BMW E30 to sell and this Combo to swap the engine in. What doesn't help is in the next few weeks, I will probably be moving house. The Vectra and the Combo are both at my parents' place, so they're not going anywhere soon. The E30 and the SRi are here, so I plan to sell the E30 rather than move it. Having said that, we've had a couple of tool days where we gather around to work on each other's cars, although both have seen my car being worked on the most, lol. Maybe if Aaron @faneca might sort one out again. I have an engine crane here too.

    As for being in Allenby Gardens, it's kinda within my afternoon working area (Anywhere between Beverley/Woodville to Wingfield to Gepps Cross and down through Prospect). I'm a courier with StarTrack Courier, based out of Export Park at the airport. So, chances are if you see a 2014 Ford Transit Custom flying down Grange Road around 4pm, it'd be me more than likely. Well, no one else at my work has one of these vans decked out in the signage yet. You'd also be around the corner from where Aaron works too.

    I say replace the clutch for peace of mind. Nothing worse than putting everything back together and then finding you need to pull it apart again. If you've already got the engine out, it's easier to do (you'll also need to machine the flywheel, which may take up valuable time). Z16SE Combo discs are the same size as the regular Barina XCs and SRis, so there's no need to swap them over. If you want bigger brakes, find a later XC Combo with the Z14XEP engine and pinch the front and rear brakes from that, as they're 280mm front and 264mm rear versus 260mm front and 240mm rears that you have now. Front SRi bumper you can use without issue, wiring the foglights, I'm not sure if it'll work through the factory wiring, but you can always rig that up to a separate switch later on. Side skirts can probably be made to fit if you are or you know someone handy with fibreglassing. I'd probably swap the SRi front seats in too, but you can also make Astra Turbo leather seats fit too.

    Your old SB Combo didn't happen to have a fancy kinda brown-flecked paint job with some big rims on it, did it? The Combo I have at present was used by my brother with his confectionery business. So the weight of it made it a slug uphill, although not as bad as a Kia Pregio that I lent to my brother. Doing 40km/h top speed up Willunga Hill isn't fun, especially when you see a Barina Spark pass you as if you were just about to roll backwards down the hill.

    Per Adam's comment about us guys and engine swapping Opels, I dare say I've done my fair share and helped with a couple of others. I haven't done the Z18 into the XC Combo yet, but given that it's still a XC Barina, and this Z20LET swap I'm doing has given me far more knowledge about this model in particular.
    yeah no problemo. I fully appreciate where you're coming from. Ive pulled a few all nighters to get as far as I have, Not as young as I used to be so its a tough gig to back it up with a full day workin. Heres some picks of what ive got and where im up to. Incidently, If you know anyone thats after any of the good bits on the motor, Id be happy to do some good deals. Ive replaced most senors recently. new EGR Valve, New Radiator, Ive got a timing belt and water pump kit brand new... never got to use. Coil pack... the list goes on... its not like I didnt try to get nice to it :P1..jpg[ATTACH2..jpg3.jpg4.jpg5.jpg6.jpg and the dreaded Z16 z16.jpg

    Picture of my trusty gutless but shiny SB sb.jpg. the last couple of weeks I had it I would actually remove the air filter for my trip up the freeway. instead of 70 k's in some spots, I easily was pushing speeds of 72 at times. I used to just wave at the traffic passing me
    Last edited by [email protected]; 21st January 2015 at 11:37 PM.

  7. #17
    OpelAus Forum Addict chris_r's Avatar
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    Damn, that SRi is pretty clean. It'd almost be a shame to tear it apart. What I could suggest is, that if you wanted to keep a car running on the road whilst you put another motor into the Combo, is I still have the Z18 engine bay loom, ECU and transponder set from my SRi. Go down to Black Diamonds at Royal Park or somewhere like that and pick up another Z18XE motor and gearbox. Can be from a TS Astra too. Motors usually go for around $500, if you get the gearbox too maybe another $100-150 on top of that. What you can do afterwards is either sell the SRi or keep it for a runabout. You picked it up cheap enough, so I can imagine you might be able to make some money on it too.

    Oh, I also have my original pre-facelifted SRi bumper too. Has a cracked splitter, but with some fibreglassing and repainting, it'll come up a treat.
    2001 Opel Corsa C SRi: Z20LET EDS stage 3.5 173.9kW @ the wheels Build thread and here on FB: http://www.facebook.com/corsasriz20let
    2018 Ford Transit 290S: Transit #2, in that order and it's also a POS
    1998 Opel Combo B: It has begun, and it's stalled - Build thread and FB page
    2009 Holden Commodore VE SS: Gen IV LS power for the inner bogan

  8. #18
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    Yeah its Chris. If not for the fact im taking the carpet. Complete dash, door cards door actuators, wheels etc i probably would. It would beva good cheap rolling shell for a z20let down the track Click here to enlarge

  9. #19
    OpelAus Forum Addict chris_r's Avatar
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    Door cards won't fit and if it's one with power windows, they won't fit either. 3 door hatch has longer doors than the Combo, which I believe use the same door cards as the five door XCs. Window regulators may be different too, as the Combo has taller windows than the 3 or 5 door hatches.
    2001 Opel Corsa C SRi: Z20LET EDS stage 3.5 173.9kW @ the wheels Build thread and here on FB: http://www.facebook.com/corsasriz20let
    2018 Ford Transit 290S: Transit #2, in that order and it's also a POS
    1998 Opel Combo B: It has begun, and it's stalled - Build thread and FB page
    2009 Holden Commodore VE SS: Gen IV LS power for the inner bogan

  10. #20
    OpelAus Enthusiast Raisin's Avatar
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    I can tell you are a detailer! Click here to enlarge

    I wish my cars came up looking that good after I spend a weekend detailing them.

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