Superb, but thirsty
Torque converter seal replaced.
Very comfortable
Solid and very reliable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th September, 2006
My Senator CD 3000 straight six turbo is the ultimate road predator with the comfort of a sedan
The camshaft had to be replaced because of the bad motor oil the previous owner had used. The engine blew up from overheating while traveling at 260 km/h - this is well in the red zone of the rpm. The pistons had big holes between the rings. And the piston rings were in the bottom of the engine. All the bearings were totally out of order. Even with this severe damage it was still running I would say very smooth above 3000 rpm.
For the beginning of the 90`s it was one of the fastest and powerfull cars in Bulgaria except the real sports cars.
It is still very spacey and comfortable and luxurious and competitive to any other luxury car of all times.
But from several years I began feeling lack of power and speed while comparing to a brand new Mercedes or BMW.
So I decided to go supercharged I mean turbo supercharged. And the result is 353 HP @ 6400 rpm and 420 nm @ 2700 - 5400 rpm the acceleration is 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h against 8.5 seconds withe the stock slightly tuned engine.
It have Koni electrically adjustable shocks Garrett T3/T4 hybrid turbo computerized ignition front and rear spoiler. Wheel arcs spoilers Vacuum skirt in the front. Ventilated front hood - increasing the amount of air running trough the radiator and allowing less air to go under the car.
Probably the biggest advance is the superb transmission from Aisin Warner with four gears and double electronical automatized overdrive allowing 120 km/h at 2100 rpm and 200 km/h at 3800 rpm. the top speed is tested only to 270 km/h approximately.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th December, 2004
I think thay you have done a very good work with the car, but did you took any photos of the car? And where can they be viewed?
Wow! hope, i'll do with my senator 2.8s '78 the same.
OK the pictures are coming soon if you want some now please tell me where to send them at "senator3000@abv.bg".
You may ask me whatever you want about the car mechanics.
And I must tell you that the 2.8s engine is tunable only with carburetors and increasing the compression ratio and camshaft degree and solid, but not hydraulic driven valves - I forgot the word for the device between cam and valve!
Comfort all the way
Small and easily fixed petrol leaks.
Heater fan only works on highest speed.
EGR-valve failed MOT, easily fixed.
This is a very comfortable car, runs like its new.
Made for high speed cruising.
The 3 liters straight six is very strong with a tremendous torque on every gear.
In very good condition, keeping it forever.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th April, 2002
Wonderful car
Rear brakes. Now I have Omega 3000 Caravan rear brakes (discs are original) and they are working great!
Rear tires won't last more than a week.
Rust in the rear fenders and in the lowest edge of the front door.
Water pump blew up (new costs about £8..).
License plate lights need new wires.
Electric windows don't work anymore in the rear doors.
Very sporty family car. Quite good performance with a manual 5 speed gearbox. Engine gives about 220 horses and sounds just like a new.
Manzel springs and koni shock absorbers gives a good touch to road the with BMW 7x16" wheels and 215/45 ZR 16 tires.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th May, 2001
31st Oct 2008, 11:28
I brought a 1982 Opel Senator 2.5E FOR £250. It had a broken tappet and a sticking front caliper, got those fixed and you couldn't hear the engine on tick over, and it was so comfortable to drive, went to Wiltshire in it and it ate the miles up in its stride.
I sold it when it hit 18-20 miles to the gallon. It had 149,500 on the clock and I got £900 for it. It still sounded sweet, but I couldn't afford to run it, as in fuel costs.