Opel Speedster 2.2
Solid naturally aspirated engine with good refinement, but known weaknesses in the timing chain drive. Examples before engine number 11065400 (March 2002) have an inadequately lubricated primary chain. Piston rings with insufficient tangential tension lead to elevated oil consumption.
Elise on Opel underpinnings
870 kg, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive – no power steering. Raw and direct like a go-kart. On twisty country roads it beats cars with twice the horsepower.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The guide rail retaining bolt in the cylinder head can come loose or break, causing chain slap. In the worst case, a cylinder head replacement is needed. Engines before no. 11065400 (up to March 2002) are particularly affected.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering noises in the timing chain area, especially on cold start; in advanced stages misfires and engine warning light
The secondary chain for the balance shafts can fail together with the chain tensioner. A break leads to severe engine vibrations and secondary damage. A complete chain replacement always includes both chain sets.
Symptoms: Strong irregular vibrations, metallic clattering from engine bay; sudden severe power loss when chain breaks
Engines in the serial number range 11300883–11378500 were produced with piston rings whose tangential preload was outside specification. The rings lose radial force prematurely; oil consumption up to 0.5–1 L/1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust at higher revs; strong airflow from the oil dipstick with the engine running indicates piston rings
The ignition control module on the Z22SE is sensitive to heat and can fail when it gets hot. The engine then will not start or runs rough. Replacing the module resolves the problem permanently.
Symptoms: Engine will not start or starts with a delay, intermittent misfires at operating temperature
The plastic coolant expansion tank on the Z22SE tends to crack at higher mileages. Excessive coolant loss can lead to overheating. Regular visual inspection recommended.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, visible cracks or moisture on reservoir, temperature rise
The thermostat tends to stick or open with a delay at higher mileages, causing fluctuating operating temperatures. On the motorway in particular, temperature swings of 10–15 °C are visible.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge fluctuating between 80 °C and 100 °C; engine does not reach normal operating temperature at high speed
The Z22SE has no conventional camshaft sensor; its function is taken over by the ignition module. Faulty connectors or a worn ignition module trigger fault code P0340. Checking the cable connections is often sufficient.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, engine warning light with fault code P0340; engine hard to start or briefly will not start
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
The ball joints on the rear track control arms of the Lotus Elise-derived suspension can seize and fracture under load — sudden suspension failure. Joints must be checked for free movement.
The Lotus aluminium chassis is difficult to assess after accidents — fresh GRP panels can hide frame damage. Track day accidents are common. Only checkable with the car on a lift.
Coolant lines can become leaky through age and vibration. Coolant loss quickly leads to overheating of the mid-mounted engine.
The entire body is made of GRP, which develops osmosis in cold and damp conditions. Moisture diffusion lifts the paint. GRP must be thoroughly dried and sealed.
Water from the leaky soft top enters the rear compartment where relay carriers and control units are located. Corroded connectors cause difficult-to-diagnose electrical faults.
The early 2-channel ABS system is prone to failure and activates an ice mode with drastically reduced braking performance at the slightest fault. Many owners have deliberately disabled the ABS.
The lightweight aluminium steering rack on the Lotus-based Speedster develops play after intensive use. Worn steering joint pins are a known sign of ageing.
The F23 gearbox in the Speedster shows synchro ring wear especially with spirited driving. Engaging 1st and 2nd gear becomes difficult.
The Lotus extruded aluminium chassis suffers from galvanic corrosion at steel bolts and brackets. Attached components are difficult to remove and threads seize.
The soft top leaks by design — virtually every car is affected. Water enters the footwell and boot. Long-term fix: new hood or optional GRP hardtop.
The Elise-derived suspension is sensitive to worn dampers. Track day use — common with the Speedster — accelerates wear considerably.
Hardly any Speedster is free of rattles. Loose wiring looms behind the dashboard and leaky headlight and tail light housings are typical second-hand issues.
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