trh(PBQnP7)wYJg~~_12.JPG)
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Croma 2.4 Prestigio without the trimmings......
- Thread starter evo-number-one
- Start date
Currently reading:
Croma 2.4 Prestigio without the trimmings......
Is a 2.4 worth more or less than a 1.9? Fuel and VED for a 2.4 cost more, repairs can be more expensive (Fiat-only parts, difficult access). The auto box is also compulsory for the 2.4. But I'd bet it's lovely to drive.
My theory is that a bigger engine can be a plus on a newer car, then becomes less desirable as it gets older and into budget running costs territory.
My theory is that a bigger engine can be a plus on a newer car, then becomes less desirable as it gets older and into budget running costs territory.
You've opened a can of worms there! Yes some of the parts are Fiat/Alfa only - but they are less likely to go wrong 
Like most people on here, I have replaced almost all of the Vauxhall spec parts.
The biggest problem on the 1.9 seems to be the alternator, but it doesn't seem to be a problem on the 2.4. Plus accessibility seems to be better on the 2.4 for several items, despite being a larger engine.
The VED being more is annoying, but that's mainly due to having an auto box, which I really don't understand - it's almost double on the 2.2 petrol!
You are right in assuming that it's lovely to drive, it has a V8 type growl to it under load and the auto box is so smooth. A manual option would have been nice though.
I get 48 - 52 mpg on a run despite being 100 bhp more than the 1.9 (it's remapped) and it put's a smile on my face every time I drive it
Like most people on here, I have replaced almost all of the Vauxhall spec parts.The biggest problem on the 1.9 seems to be the alternator, but it doesn't seem to be a problem on the 2.4. Plus accessibility seems to be better on the 2.4 for several items, despite being a larger engine.
The VED being more is annoying, but that's mainly due to having an auto box, which I really don't understand - it's almost double on the 2.2 petrol!
You are right in assuming that it's lovely to drive, it has a V8 type growl to it under load and the auto box is so smooth. A manual option would have been nice though.
I get 48 - 52 mpg on a run despite being 100 bhp more than the 1.9 (it's remapped) and it put's a smile on my face every time I drive it
Well both engines are Fiat, but the 1.9 is also used in Vauxhalls so loads of cheap parts are available. I think the manual gearbox in the 1.9 is GM, but it seems to be generally reliable.
Fingers crossed, my alternator's been fine since I changed it (to a different brand to the original). Other than that, the 1.9's a fairly decent engine. Oh, except changing the thermostat is a stupidly complicated job.
Sadly both cars have lots of other Vauxhall parts, which seem to be the cause of most problems. Basically all the oily bits other than the engine are GM and are designed to last until the day after the 3 year warranty runs out.
I can't believe how many Vectras they manage to flog (presumably all with similar issues). They must sell them very, very cheap to fleets for any fleet manager to put up with it.
I know which engine I'd rather change the timing belt on though.
Fingers crossed, my alternator's been fine since I changed it (to a different brand to the original). Other than that, the 1.9's a fairly decent engine. Oh, except changing the thermostat is a stupidly complicated job.
Sadly both cars have lots of other Vauxhall parts, which seem to be the cause of most problems. Basically all the oily bits other than the engine are GM and are designed to last until the day after the 3 year warranty runs out.
I can't believe how many Vectras they manage to flog (presumably all with similar issues). They must sell them very, very cheap to fleets for any fleet manager to put up with it.
I know which engine I'd rather change the timing belt on though.
To add possible oil onto the fire I think the following is true.
The Croma 1.9 engine, although a Fiat design is actually a GM built unit under license.
I'm told that one key factor to discriminate between a Fiat GM 1.9 and a pure Fiat 1.9 engine is that the GM ones have that stupidly place cartridge oil filter on the back of the block above the drive shaft. The pure Fiat pedigree units have a more traditional oil filter location and setup.
I guess the only way this can be confirmed is to find a Fiat 1.9 16V 150BHP engine installed in another Fiat model that does not use the GM gearbox/drive chain/platform.
This means probably the Bravo & Doblo models or any other model that has 4 wheel boolts on a 98mm PCD as opposed to the GM 5 bolt setup.
The Croma 1.9 engine, although a Fiat design is actually a GM built unit under license.
I'm told that one key factor to discriminate between a Fiat GM 1.9 and a pure Fiat 1.9 engine is that the GM ones have that stupidly place cartridge oil filter on the back of the block above the drive shaft. The pure Fiat pedigree units have a more traditional oil filter location and setup.
I guess the only way this can be confirmed is to find a Fiat 1.9 16V 150BHP engine installed in another Fiat model that does not use the GM gearbox/drive chain/platform.
This means probably the Bravo & Doblo models or any other model that has 4 wheel boolts on a 98mm PCD as opposed to the GM 5 bolt setup.
An interesting theory. I have wondered about this myself. I haven't seen a Fiat logo anywhere under the bonnet of my 1.9 16v, other than the plastic cover over the engine.
I was going to change the oil myself, until I found out where you have to access on the blooming thing - did GM go out of their way to make it as difficult as possible, to keep their dealers in business? It couldn't possibly be anywhere less accessible. You'd be mad to try and do it without a proper ramp or pit.
I was planning an oil and filter change on my 8v 1.9MJ this weekend, weather permitting. Is access really that bad? What sort of tools would I need?
A crane.
The drain plug is smack between the front wheels, in the middle, very awkwardly recessed. I think the filter's somewhere near - I gave up looking into it when I saw where the plug is.
I bought an easy-draining tap to replace the plug, and asked the garage to do a change and fit it. The plan was that I'd do it after. The tap wouldn't fit as it's recessed very awkwardly, but I don't want to do it after seeing where it is.
Generally considered around 72,000, also at 5 years old. Mine has done 38,000 at 6.5 years old, so is overdue. The cambelt can deteriorate with age, as well as use.
If a potential cam belt replacer says you don't need a water pump, then he probably doesn't have much experience of these engines. A water pump can be bought for under £40, and should be replaced. Not for bearings, but they have been known to seize, which breaks the belt. Also a good time to replace the auxiliary belt and tensioner.
You might search here and alfaowner for 2.4, which was used in the early 159 and brera.
If a potential cam belt replacer says you don't need a water pump, then he probably doesn't have much experience of these engines. A water pump can be bought for under £40, and should be replaced. Not for bearings, but they have been known to seize, which breaks the belt. Also a good time to replace the auxiliary belt and tensioner.
You might search here and alfaowner for 2.4, which was used in the early 159 and brera.
OP
OP
Alan',
Not sure if you are aware, but there are only 30 2.4s left in the country (mind you they only sold 35 ) and there are actually 2 for sale at the mo? The one in this thread and the one in the FF classifieds?
https://www.fiatforum.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=28099&cat=42
Re the belts etc - Ken is spot on about the waterpump.
When I purchased my 2.4 (Aug 2012) local dealer quoted me £1100 for the full cam/aux belt, tensioners/idlers and pump change....
So my local FIAT/ALFA specialist Poweritalia (who also look after my Coop) did the job and replaced the lot.... for £468 and proved that contray to popular belief, the engine does not need to come out and you don't need to chop any bolt heads off
Do it
Not sure if you are aware, but there are only 30 2.4s left in the country (mind you they only sold 35
) and there are actually 2 for sale at the mo? The one in this thread and the one in the FF classifieds?https://www.fiatforum.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=28099&cat=42
Re the belts etc - Ken is spot on about the waterpump.
When I purchased my 2.4 (Aug 2012) local dealer quoted me £1100 for the full cam/aux belt, tensioners/idlers and pump change....
So my local FIAT/ALFA specialist Poweritalia (who also look after my Coop) did the job and replaced the lot.... for £468 and proved that contray to popular belief, the engine does not need to come out and you don't need to chop any bolt heads off
Do it
