Opel GT
GM Ecotec LNF (US designation) with direct injection and twin-scroll turbo. 353 Nm between 2,000 and 5,250 rpm. Solid base, but HPFP, turbo and timing chain are known cost drivers from 100,000 km. Regular oil changes and cooling system checks mandatory.
Rear-wheel drive without compromise
Kappa platform with 51/49 weight distribution, defeatable ESP and 353 Nm – genuine roadster fun with drift potential. Sound unfortunately a little disappointing for 264 hp.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Turbocharger seals fail, allowing the turbo to lose oil into the intake or exhaust. GM had many LNF turbo failures where seals blew. Primarily affects higher mileage engines.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, power loss, whistling or rattling noises from turbo area, increased oil consumption
The high-pressure injection pump on the LNF engine is a known wear item. Failure leads to poor engine performance through to starting problems. Can allow fuel into the engine oil, causing secondary damage.
Symptoms: Poor throttle response, engine stumbling under load, starting difficulties, in the worst case fuel smell in oil
The chain tensioner wears and allows the timing chain to stretch. Guide rails can break and damage the engine internally. Repair requires engine removal, complex on the longitudinally mounted RWD engine.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start especially at low temperatures, easing as it warms up; in advanced stages a constant noise
Water pump is a known wear item on the Z20NHH. Failure quickly leads to overheating of the turbocharged engine. The Opel GT has only a limited cooling buffer due to the small engine bay.
Symptoms: Rising temperature gauge, coolant loss with no visible leak, cooling fan runs continuously, engine temperature warning light
Direct injection without port injection leads to carbon deposits on the intake valves. Affects all GDI engines of this generation. Walnut blasting is the most effective cleaning method.
Symptoms: Juddering at low load, rough idle, noticeably deteriorated throttle response, slight power loss
Some LNF engines show elevated oil consumption from worn piston rings or valve stem seals. On turbocharged engines, aggressive driving accelerates ring wear.
Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably between oil changes, slight blue smoke when accelerating after overrun
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
In sporty use the turbo engine overheats quickly. The small engine bay and high compressor output tax the cooling system. Bypass hose from the expansion tank to the thermostat housing is a known weak point.
GM recalled all Opel GT Roadsters (2007–2010) due to defective ignition switches. With a heavy key fob the switch could slip to the off position, disabling airbags and power steering.
The hood is constructionally questionable. PVC clamping strips detach due to wind load. The fabric roof can tear from the B-pillar, especially at motorway speed. A different hood was fitted from 2008.
At the level of the exterior mirror there is a reinforcement plate inside under which rust forms and becomes visible externally as blisters. Classic corrosion spot caused by moisture behind the plate.
The hemmed door edges and lower water drains rust through. Underbody protection tears at the door area; standing water promotes corrosion.
The occupancy mat in the passenger seat fails and triggers the airbag warning light. Repair requires mat replacement plus ECU coding as no standardised OBD replacement part is available.
The front brakes of the GT are undersized for the output of the 2.0-litre turbo. Under spirited driving or on descents, discs and pads overheat quickly and braking performance noticeably drops.
The fabric roof does not seal reliably, especially at the window edges. In rain and at high speeds moisture enters the cockpit; seams and lip seals wear early.
Creaking plastics, poor panel gaps and low-quality materials in the interior. Typical of the US co-development with the Saturn Sky. No improvement over the production run.
The fabric roof does not seal reliably, especially at the window edges. In rain and at high speeds moisture enters the cockpit; seams and lip seals wear early.
The front strut mounts wear out from 60,000–90,000 km. Original AC Delco bearings no longer available; aftermarket parts required. Typical clunk when turning.
The heater control valve blocks with deposits or jams mechanically. Heating output can no longer be controlled continuously — either permanently hot or cold.
The 5-speed manual gearbox shows worn synchro rings at higher mileages, especially in 2nd and 3rd gear. Sporty driving accelerates the wear.
At higher mileages problems arise with worn steering rack or track rods. Steering play and flutter at motorway speed; TÜV-relevant.
