🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Opel (Vauxhall/Holden/Chevrolet)

Model:

Calibra

Model Variants Covered:

Opel Calibra, Vauxhall Calibra, Chevrolet Calibra, Holden Calibra

Chassis Code:

GM_2900

Generation Covered:

First Generation

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Opel Calibra was a distinctive sports coupe that aimed to offer stylish design and performance at a more accessible price point, competing with models like the Ford Probe and Honda Prelude.

Competitive Analysis:

This manual is positioned as the definitive resource for Calibra owners and independent workshops, offering equivalent or superior coverage to dealership-level repair information, thereby enabling significant cost savings compared to professional servicing.

Key Features:

Comprehensive coverage, step-by-step instructions, exploded views, inclusion of vital electrical and wiring diagrams, extensive model year and variant coverage.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1990-1998

Page Count:

292

Manual Type:

Repair Service Technical Maintenance Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, maintenance, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system

Transmission Systems:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, maintenance

Chassis Systems:

Brake system diagnosis and repair, suspension component replacement, steering system service

Body Equipment:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system

Electrical Systems:

Complete electrical diagrams, wiring harness repair, lighting systems, starting and charging systems, infotainment wiring

Fuel System Details:

Fuel pump testing, injector diagnosis, fuel pressure regulation, and emission control systems.

Cooling System Details:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan operation, and coolant flow diagnostics.

Lubrication System Details:

Oil pump operation, oil filter considerations, and oil pressure testing.

Suspension Details:

MacPherson strut front suspension, independent rear suspension, control arm bushings, ball joint replacement, wheel bearing service.

Brake System Details:

Front and rear brake disc/drum specifications, brake pad/shoe replacement, brake caliper and cylinder service, hydraulic system bleeding.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid level checks, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension strut replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, common fault diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting

Interior Trim Removal:

Procedures for removing and refitting interior panels, seats, and dashboard components.

Exterior Panel Replacement:

Instructions for replacing body panels such as fenders, doors, hood, and trunk lid, including adjustment procedures.

HVAC System Service:

Heater core replacement, A/C system servicing (basic), blower motor replacement, control panel diagnosis.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive from basic roadside repairs to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for critical engine, transmission, chassis, and body fasteners.

Diagnostic Charts:

Includes troubleshooting charts for common problems, guiding users through diagnostic steps.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for clear printing of all diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Options:

2.0L (C20NE, C20XE, X20XEV), 2.5L (C25XE, X25XE)

Horsepower Range:

115 hp (C20NE) to 170 hp (C25XE)

Torque Range:

170 Nm (C20NE) to 228 Nm (C25XE)

Fuel System Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) across most variants, some early models might have had slightly different injection systems.

Engine Codes Covered:

C20NE, C20XE (redtop), X20XEV, C25XE, X25XE

Engine Layout:

Inline 4-cylinder and V6 configurations

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., GM 4L30-E)

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), with optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on certain engine variants (e.g., C20XE, C25XE)

Gear Ratios Information:

Detailed gear ratios for both manual and automatic transmissions included.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W/80 or similar, manual transmission fluid (MTF)

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4482 mm

Width:

Approx. 1708 mm

Height:

Approx. 1320 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2600 mm

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1350 kg to 1550 kg depending on engine and drivetrain

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 420 liters (expandable with rear seats folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Euro NCAP ratings not available for this period, but generally considered a safe vehicle for its time with strong structural integrity.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many models, especially higher trims and later production years.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard on later models), reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Early models featured basic radio cassette players. Later models offered optional CD players and the 'Graphical Information Display' (GID) or 'Modular Information Display' (MID) for trip computer functions and radio information.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was the primary driver assistance feature, becoming more common on later models and higher trims.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily basic audio system connectivity. Cruise control was available on many models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).

Timing Belt Replacement:

For 16V and V6 engines, typically every 60,000-90,000 km or 4-5 years, depending on engine and conditions. Crucial to follow manual recommendations to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type 2.0L:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity and ACEA requirements).

Engine Oil Type 2.5L:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 recommended, especially for V6 variants (check manual).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio. GM specification coolant is recommended.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Rusting (especially wheel arches, sills, and rear strut mounts), dashboard pixelation (GID/MID displays), worn suspension bushings, cooling system leaks (especially heater matrix), power steering leaks, electrical gremlins, starter motor issues, door lock actuator failures.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Generic example: Mann-Filter W712/4, Mahle OC261 (specifics vary by engine, consult manual or parts catalog).

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Generic example: Mann-Filter C2210, Bosch F026400057 (specifics vary by engine, consult manual or parts catalog).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Opel, a German automobile manufacturer, has a long history of producing diverse and innovative vehicles, often known for their robust engineering and practical design.

Model Evolution:

The Calibra was launched in 1989 as a replacement for the Opel Monza. It was praised for its aerodynamic design, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.26, which was a world record for production cars at the time. The model lineup expanded with various engine options and the introduction of AWD.

Production Years:

1989-1997

Manufacturing Locations:

Rüsselsheim, Germany; Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom (as Vauxhall Calibra); also assembled in South Korea (as Daewoo Calibra) and Brazil (as Chevrolet Calibra).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Aerodynamic Award:

Recognized for its groundbreaking aerodynamic design, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd, a world-class figure for its era.

Design Award:

Often cited for its sleek and futuristic styling, which remained contemporary throughout its production run.