🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Opel / Vauxhall / Holden / Chevrolet

Model:

Calibra

Model Code:

A-Body

Production Years:

1990-1998

Chassis Codes:

B/S

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact executive sports coupe

Key Competitors:

Ford Probe, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, BMW E36 3 Series Coupe, Audi 80 Coupe.

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic wedge shape, low drag coefficient, distinctive styling inspired by aerospace design.

Platform:

GM 'Epsilon' platform shared with the Opel Vectra A, but significantly revised.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

Europe (Opel), United Kingdom (Vauxhall), Australia & New Zealand (Holden), North and South America (Chevrolet - as the Lumina Coupe in some markets)

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (as stated in description)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (assumed, typical for factory manuals)

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic, Multec), ignition systems, emissions control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch, gear selection mechanism, lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, valve body, torque converter, electronic control, lubrication.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, CV joints, driveshafts, differentials.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, steering knuckles, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, universal joints, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, master cylinder, brake fluid, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, windows, sunroof, interior trim, structural components, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, components, operation, troubleshooting.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belt systems, passive safety features.

Maintenance:

Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair of all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Fault code retrieval and interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, diagnostic connector locations.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits, including component locations and wire colors.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, and complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Printability:

Printable (single page or full manual)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

Windows and macOS compatible

Usage Rights:

Lifetime use on unlimited devices

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

C20NE, C20XE, X20XEV, C25XE, X30XEV, Z20LET (turbocharged, later models/special editions)

2.0I (C20Ne):

115 PS (113 hp; 85 kW) @ 5200 rpm, 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) @ 2600 rpm

2.0I 16V (C20Xe - Redtop):

150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) @ 6000 rpm, 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) @ 4800 rpm

2.5I V6 (C25Xe):

170 PS (168 hp; 125 kW) @ 6000 rpm, 227 N⋅m (167 lb⋅ft) @ 4200 rpm

2.5I V6 (X25Xev):

170 PS (168 hp; 125 kW) @ 5600 rpm, 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) @ 4000 rpm

3.0I V6 (X30Xev):

204 PS (201 hp; 150 kW) @ 6000 rpm, 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for most variants, some early models may have single-point (SPI) for base engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating 95 RON recommended)

🔧 Transmission

FWD Manual:

5-speed manual gearbox (e.g., F16, F20, F28)

FWD Automatic:

4-speed automatic gearbox (e.g., AF13, AF22)

AWD Manual:

6-speed manual gearbox (e.g., F28) for 4x4 models (e.g., Calibra Turbo 4x4)

AWD System:

Viscous coupling center differential, rear Torsen differential (Calibra Turbo 4x4).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,492 mm (176.9 in)

Width:

1,788 mm (70.4 in)

Height:

1,322 mm (52.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,200 kg - 1,550 kg depending on engine and drivetrain.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

Not officially rated by Euro NCAP in its original form, but later models benefited from GM's evolving safety standards.

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on base variants.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard from introduction, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioned front seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio cassette players, with CD player options available on higher trims or as aftermarket upgrades. Basic speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models, standard on some higher-spec variants.

On Board Computer:

Optional digital trip computer displaying fuel consumption, range, and average speed.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Spark Plugs:

Every 30,000-60,000 km depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt:

Every 60,000 km or 4 years for most non-interference engines (C20NE). Interference engines (C20XE, V6) require more frequent replacement, typically 60,000 km or 4 years. Crucial to verify.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3, viscosity SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific engine/climate).

Coolant:

G11 (blue/green) or G12 (pink) ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Specific type depends on model year and region. Consult manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF.

Rust:

Prone to rust in wheel arches, sills, rear valance, and around the rear window seal, especially in northern climates. Check thoroughly.

Suspension Wear:

Worn front wishbone bushes, rear trailing arm bushes, and ball joints can lead to poor handling and premature tire wear.

Electrical Gremlins:

Wiring issues, particularly in the engine bay and around the ECU, can cause intermittent faults or failure to start. Check for corroded connectors and damaged loom.

Headliner Sagging:

The adhesive holding the fabric to the headliner often fails due to heat, causing it to sag.

Clutch Release Bearing:

The release bearing on manual transmissions can become noisy or fail.

Oil Leaks:

Common leak points include the rocker cover gasket, oil filter housing, and crankshaft oil seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Opel Legacy:

Opel's reputation for innovative engineering and design, building on models like the Manta and Monza.

Facelifts:

Minor exterior updates in 1993 (e.g., grille, headlights, interior trim revisions) and a larger update in 1995 (e.g., revised bumpers, side skirts, new wheel designs, improved interior).

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Rüsselsheim), Finland (Valmet Automotive - early production), Poland (various GM plants).

Total Units Produced:

Approximately 193,000 units.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

Voted 'Most Beautiful Car' in a poll by readers of German magazine 'Auto Motor und Sport' in 1990. Also won the 'Design and Engineering Award' from the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in 1990.

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Recognized for its aerodynamic efficiency and distinctive styling by various automotive publications during its production run.