I am off to Florida next week and, if passing a supplier, will be buying some more EBC Greenstuff pads for my '98 Omega MV6 (3.0) as they appear to be about half the price of over here.
I'm guessing spark plugs might also save me some money, can anyone advise the best kind of spark plugs for the car - at 80k, it's probably time they were changed! A worldwide-recognised model number would be most handy. I've read about ceramics, iridium and dual electrode. (I have the owners manual so by default will try to get some of the recommended ones). People recommend Vauxhall original HT leads, which are dear, am I likely to be able to get them over there? (Again, part number would be handy!)
Also for the Focus 1.8 petrol (Zetec) - any special recommendations, plugwise?
And can anyone suggest any other service parts for either car on which I can save a few bob, without overstepping my baggage allowance? (I'll be travelling fairly light anyway!)
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I would be surprised if any US parts stores even know what a Vauxhall is much less stock parts for it. The spark plugs and leads may be cross referenced or the lengths "matched up", but I would be very surprised if they could get the brake pads. The best approach for those would be to bring a brake pad with you in the hopes that the same design was used elsewhere in the US GM line-up.
My experience with many of the automotive stores there are that you have minimum wage earning highschool kids looking up parts on a computer and as far as they are concerned, if the computer doesn't list it, it doesn't exist. Even bringing in the old part and showing them the difference between it and the new part they insist is the right one (cos the 'puter sez it is)often gets you nowhere.
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The pads are now the easy bit. They are a US product anyway, and I have found some part numbers for them. I would have thought that most products are "global" these days, it's just finding the right part number. Someone once told me that (specialist pads apart) there are only 15 different pad designs anyway.
Mind you, if in doubt, I won't buy!
btw the Omega has a certain physical similarity to the Cadillac Catera
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The Omega was certainly sold in the US, I think as a Chevrolet. There is a Chevroloet Omega which seems to be for the South American market. I remember reading a review some time ago on the Omega being sold in the US (whether it was an Opel import or built there I can't remember), but I seem to recall it had a different name. How similar they would be to the European model will take a bit of research.
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Yes, the Cadillac Catera is made in the same GM plant in Russelheim, Germany as the Omega, and is an isotope of the same car.
They also have the V6 3.0, however the spark plugs *may* be different, as they were on the BMW I had years ago. They used BOSCH Silbers (silvers) over there.
The best spark plugs for the 3.0 and 2.5 v6 are *supposed* to be the multielectrode ones specified for the later 3.2l V6.
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The Catera is an Omega,good to know we can send Euro junk to unsuspecting Yanks so you should be able to source the parts you want but, bearing in mind the Catera was never a big seller in the US.
A friend of mine sources much of his air conditioning seals and bits and bobs in Florida,he says they are pennies in comparison to usually several pounds.
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Smokie,
Do your research and order on-line and enjoy the sun in Florida! You will spend hours visiting auto shops to save a couple of pounds.
I am off there on Sunday.
C
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Smokie,
Get Magnecor leads - made in USA. Designed there for power boats. I have a set on my 820 turbo - superb. And 10 yr guarantee too.
Look at small hand tools too (I got some excellent oil filter removers and battery post cleaner for half the UK cost).
If you can get it shipped, oil is about half UK price too (I would have done, but only found this out on my last day).
PIAA Super White headlight bulbs are also about half UK price (I bet you've got Xenons though?).
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It's not worth saving a few quid on spark plugs. I'm sure there are more valuable goods that cost hugely more here than there that would be worth bringing back.
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....whether they are goods I neeed is another matter though...
Computer bits are now v similar prices, I will be buying some jeans, mrs smokie wants some sun tan lotion...all "easy to buy" stuff...
I am not going to waste my holiday trying to savbe a bob or two, believe me! :-)
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btw thanks so far...magnecor leads sounds a good idea...
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Smokie
Remember though that in theory at least you are limited to £145 worth of "other goods" under the tax-free allowance rules. Something often forgotten when shopping jaunts to the US are talked about.
Unlikely it'd be enforced, but it would only take one zealous customs officer here to make the trip very expensive!
Terry
"Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand"
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Smokie Remember though that in theory at least you are limited to £145 worth of "other goods" under the tax-free allowance rules. Something often forgotten when shopping jaunts to the US are talked about. Unlikely it'd be enforced, but it would only take one zealous customs officer here to make the trip very expensive!
And those bottles of booze are ONE US QUART a little more than the 1 litre allowed.
I have seen a customs officer " pointing this out" to a traveller and the idiot arguing the toss. I suspect he got done for it.
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ive brought back heaps of stuff ...stereo gear like speakers etc are cheep as is stuff like carb cleaner at$1 ,waxes and polishes(mothers brand is ace) tools are a good buy from sears(snap on quality for cheep) i usually buy nic nas like grease ,cable ties ..anything i can grab really
dont stress about baggage...its around 37kg x2 each...so thats plenty
oh one more thing...theres a penetrating oil called pb blaster thats great,comes in yellow/white cans and a inj cleaner called from chevron petrol stations that is also superb!
anything else you need to know ask...i go twice a year
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