Opel
Manta B series (1981-88) Courtenay Turbo by Paul
Brennecker
Overview
The Courtenay Turbo Manta was an aftermarket alternative
to the Irmscher produced 'specials'. Generally they were
converted from new or nearly new cars, so hence were
produced during the mid to late eighties. Courtenay are
now well known for their expertise in the field of tuning
but it was this model that launched Chris Courtenay's
tuning career.
A
standard low mileage 2.0l Manta was all that was
required, and a couple of thousand pounds of course ! Once
you had deposited your car with him and laid down your
list of turbo charging requirements, all you had to do was
wait. The list of modifications could be described as
exhaustive and could go as far as your wallet could carry
them. The standard was to change the compression ratio
and fit a garret T3 turbocharger. If extra power was
required a water injection system could be fitted to add
a charge cooling effect. A variable boost control
mechanism along with more usual mechanical modifications,
including cylinder head spacer plates and re-worked
heads, could result in power well in excess of 250bhp. By
using the variable boost system the car could remain
drivable but the heat could be turned up when required !
The
Turbo Manta was never introduced by Opel, some say a
shame. By increasing the power output of the standard
Manta, perhaps the model could have survived another
couple of years. The Calibra was on the drawing board,
under the original working name of the Manta 'D' series.
The Courtenay Turbo Manta filled the gap during the last
few years of production. It made the Manta the car it
perhaps should have evolved into at the Opel Factory.
The
Courtenay Turbo Manta was produced in relatively low
volumes. They can be of very different specifications and
model types. Due to the aftermarket nature of this
conversion, the only way to ensure that a car is an
original is to ask for any authenticating documentation,
which should also detail the cars modifications, if
possible.
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