engine mods lead free etc.

B

BarryBowe

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I have heard of two guys in Wolverhampton who have converted two Commers each owns one of these.
They have fitted vauxhall Cavalier engines into there vans 2 litre models and changed the rear diff, cant remember the donor for this.
They say that the performance is up 70mph now. But better still petrol consumption is well down. I guess it is the old rear wheel drive engine.
While on about engines the van I have just brought has to have an additive added to the fuel as it does not run on lead free. Do you all have the same problem or can you get the engine conveted to lead free and by whom.
My last request my van in a 78 C.I.Motorhome !says on the badge:) the roof lining and boards need to be sorted there isnt one at the moment only the framework. Does anyone know anyone who does this work, I guess its hardboard covered?
Right start writing please.
P.S I am told that the chaps who have carried out these mods are going to put down on paper exactly what they did and post it on the forum keep looking eh.
 
It is Will, i got the Hunter engine of him last week.He told me he has fitted a Vauxhall 8 valve unit coupled to i think a g/box from a Vauxhall Carlton, im not 100% sure though(last week is a long time ago now)..
The rear diff was taken from a Rover if i remember correctly.

And he did say soon he would add notes on the forum regarding the conversion, he spoke though that it wasn't so easy.
 
It can be done by any auto engineering company worth it's salt. The best advice I got when I bought a Triumph Herald was not to bother until valve recession had become a real problem. The theory was that after years of running on unleaded the valves and seats had become impregnated and had developed a 'lead memory' that would last for years under normal driving conditions. And to prove the point Rimmer Brothers, the well known Triumph specialist, ran a fleet of old Triumphs without modification and without problems. That's fine if your engine hasn't had the head off and valves lapped of course. Even then it will take thousands of miles for the valves and seats to wear and with the limited use most vans get that is a lot of years. I would still use the additive for peace of mind but you can buy a lot of additive for the amount it would cost to convert your cyl. head, in the mean time keep your eyes peeled for one to come up for sale. As with everything Commer there's no rush [8D]
 
Hi all....
I will post soon about the Vauxhall conversion..
I have only just got back on line, due to a severe explosion at
our factory in Wolverhampton!! and other problems..(BT!!)
(Was good to meet up with you and your Gdad last week paul, Our factory looks a little different now!!)

We have used engines from Cavalier mk3, 2.0l 8V pre cat (up to 1992)
you need the loom and ECU, this has to be fitted to a carlton manual
gbox (R25 type) using the flywheel and clutch from the carlton.
Then you need to change the prop, and lengthen and re fabricate the gear linkage and fabricat all new mounts. Then to get the best from it you need to change the rear axle. I used a old rover one, 3.5.1 ratio aprox..
It will now cruise at 70mph @ 2200 rpm aprox, and give 30+mpg.. Dont forget to fit an independant servo at least, and completley overhall the brakes !!!!
This conversion is not to be taken lightly. I am not a mechanic, But I had a lot of help from my cousin who did it first.. I cannot advise much about this. you would need to be from a fabricating/mechanical background, and have a access to a fab shop etc....
I will post a more detailed description soon with pics, also when is the meet in Devon,(it would be great to meet up with you all). I hope to come with my folks, and my cus plans to also.. Sorry if I dont post back to any reply soon, but I have little time at the moment.
Cheers all.. Hope this gives some info..
Will J..
commerneweng003.jpg
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Sorry.. Forgot to add that you also need to fabricate
a new 4-1 exhaust manifold, as the original cast one is too wide..
I can possibly get the parts for this if stuck..
Cheers, Will J..
 
quote:
Originally posted by BarryBowe


While on about engines the van I have just brought has to have an additive added to the fuel as it does not run on lead free. Do you all have the same problem or can you get the engine conveted to lead free and by whom.




Hi Barry,
I am on the squirty lead with super unleaded at the moment.
Fella down the road from us who is very wise in the ways of these things has suggested that gas conversion would be very straightforward on commer engine - and plenty of space underneath opposite water tank for gas tank. Apparently wouldn't even affect engine note.
If petrol continues to spiral up then may well give up my attempts to run as an original and go gas-powered.

Daren't show pics of cavalier conversion to my other half - he keeps wanting to soup up my camper with all sorts of mean hardware![}:)]

Looks like a neat fit and a good job though[8D]
 
Sounds good, only possible problem in our area is very few gas suppliers - which seems daft as we have LPG plants in the area at Milford

Have to go down there and put a little tap in the new pipeline!;)
 
Thanks for your responses brill and especially to Will. I am only in
Newport Shrops. W-ton lad (Codsall) really.What did you do with the brakes Will to up grade.
I look forward to seeing the pics etc.

I have found a site where you can buy an LPG kit complete for the Rootes 1725 engine. They up until recent times have been producing Hunters in India one of there more common cars. This company produce an engine kit for this and sell them complete for £400.00.
The best thing to do would be to get a number of us buy the kit convert one van gain knowkledge on first van and then repat for the others. Installation for an LPG kit locally is £1,350.00. You can then get a cert. from Registered Auto Engineer. Should be able to convet for £600 - £800.00 I guess.
I will come back and post site for you all to look at.
 
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