Engine Swap help

C

cornishcommer

0
Hi there,
I have a commer that needs a engine swap to make it more useable, I would like to be as economical as possible. (PLEASE DONT SUGGEST V8 ETC AS I DONT WANT POWER JUST ECONOMY)
I have an AUTO box so I would like to keep it and this restricts my options
I have seen the vauxhall ones and they are great but donor cars are a bit thin on the ground.
bmw 316 are a good option but I am worried about the immobilizer causing me problems and the wiring loom is a nightmare.
Nissan van diesel would be great but they are only manual.

so any suggestions to help would be great.

thank you

Ian
 
Hi Ian it's a question that has been asked many times and you are right, we normally go off on one and the V8 is usually right up there:I The trouble is we haven't seen that many other engine transplants, the Vauxhall, Rover V8 and Ford V6 have been featured but apart from them we are in the dark as much as you. There was a van about to be fitted with a Merc diesel a while ago, I can't remember who (sorry) and it all went quiet but it looked an interesting conversion. I guess most modern engine - petrol or diesel will be more efficient that the original so as long as you are inventive and adaptable then most things will be possible - there is a guy in my local car club who has an Alpine with a 1.8 Ford Zetec under the bonnet.

th_DCP_9707.jpg

Harvey the RV
 
i know what im going to try and fit when i get chance or a minute. a triumph 2500s engine and box with overdrive,these have twin su carbs fitted as well, and the engines give a lovely deep rumble bit like a v8 but without the thirst.:D:p;)

th_HPIM1509.jpg

Big Bad Woolf
 
Thanks for the replies,
I did think of the Triumph wolfy, but as its an older enigne I dont think it will be much more efficent, the extra power is good but im after mpg!
im now looking at a sierra or bmw I, looked at the mercedies and volvo (thank you panky) (alot of these were auto boxes) but the engines are not that small and I may have trouble getting them to fit between the turrets and steering rack.

still looking.... :)
 
The Dog has a Perkins 2.5 diesel, while i realise that this is the original engine it shows that one will fit in a petrol Commer. Perkins diesels are fairly standard lumps and well supported for spares - and you dont have all the faffing around with distributers and complicated ignition systems. We used these in the navy to turn the emergency fire pumps as they were agricultural and idiots like me could strip and rebuild them with ease. Being an old diesel I also believe that its suitable for running on a diesel / cooking oil mix which should give the economy you are looking for

The Dog is on its way....
0049.gif
 
I have a 2500, and believe me - it is thirsty. My PI returns about 18 to the gallon with the auto box on it. I am looking at the same thing for the camper, and I think the easiest swap is for an alloy head 1725 engine. A big increase on power which should lead to better fuel consumption as the engine is less loaded - especially if a sensible carb is fitted.

The next step would be a diesel. I was looking at the 2.5 TDI engine in my LDV the other day, as it's probably going to be meeting it's maker soon, but it is far too wide to fit into the commer. I think the Pug 1.8 diesel engine as fitted to lesser LDVs might be a good solution - as in this form it is RWD. The biggest problem is that most modern engines have more ancillaries hanging off them - making them a lot wider....
 
There are no straighforward swaps, you will need to fabricate engine and gearbox mounts, and depending on the gearing maybe swap out the rear axle. Carlton running gear and engines/gearboxes are also an option.

mybanner4a41eb1237a97.jpg
 
If it's purely economy you are looking for why not go for an LPG conversion. The 1725 lump can be reliable enough if looked after.

th_DCP_9707.jpg

Harvey the RV
 
For pure economy you need an engine that has bags of torque, so you can keep the revs down by fitting an axle with a tall diff and still pull it.

4650583641_dba2503b41_o.jpg

"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
what about fontane's ford engine? I would have thought that something like a ford v6 would give quite good economy when not driven like holigan!

I would be interested to see a bmw engine used, there a lots around and the point in the right direction already!

Rupert

"Atheism is a non-prophet organisation"

www.littleyellowcar.co.uk
 
The Vauxhall Omega 2.5 Turbo-diesel could be a contender as it's the BMW engine minus the intercooler (IIRC). I think it's a V6 as well.

BazRockscropped.jpg

Peggy drinks too much!
If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
 
quote:
Originally posted by bazzateer

The Vauxhall Omega 2.5 Turbo-diesel could be a contender as it's the BMW engine minus the intercooler (IIRC). I think it's a V6 as well.

BazRockscropped.jpg

Peggy drinks too much!
If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?




I have no idea about engine conversions, but I would have thought that a turbo would cause some space problems in a Commer? Saying that I'm sure Mr Angry the angle grinder could lend a hand ;)

Rupert

"Atheism is a non-prophet organisation"

www.littleyellowcar.co.uk
 
You could well be right. Just seems the ideal 'size' of engine for the Commer.

Also, peopel seem to run them quite happily on veggie oil (much cheaper than straight diesel) and unleaded in a 85/15% ratio. Yes, unleaded not diesel!

BazRockscropped.jpg

Peggy drinks too much!
If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
 
quote:
Originally posted by BigMonkeyMan

what about fontane's ford engine?







NOOOOOOOOOOO :D

4650583641_dba2503b41_o.jpg

"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
Thanks for all the input people.
well here is where I am. the bmw scares me because the wiring loom is a nightmare with imobolisers built in (and looking at the bmw forums there is no cutting them out) so that sort of kills them off.
the 2 contenders at the moment are, Ford sierra that you can buy a kitcar loom and is simple and I have heard of one in a commer before, but the donor cars are getting a little rare.
the second option is a land rover 2.5 diesel as this only has one wire to keep it running it is simple, loads of tourqe and is reliable, my worry is that the 2.5 lump wont fit in the bay, (i know i can get the angle grinder out but the mot man wont like me messing with the turrets!) at least there arnt to many ancilaries but the diesel pump is a bit big. on a side note the 2.5 was used years ago with the borg warner auto gearbox I have.
I am off in the morning to try to measure the engine bay and then find someone willing to mesure their engine. (although the pump etc is all on the right so alignment may be an issue, as I dont want to put it "v8 style" in the back.

any suggestions about this new plan of action people??

thank you :)
 
One of the main problem is the sump clearing the cross member, as well as width of the chosen engine make sure it doesn't sit too high. The sump pan can be chopped around but it is one more faff you could do without if possible.

th_DCP_9707.jpg

Harvey the RV
 
Thanks panky,
Yep I used to cut and weld sumps for rally cars years ago so just as long as the big ends arnt in the way im ok with that, height isnt to much of a worry as I dont use the middle seat :)
width is the biggest issue but it is very difficult to get engine sizes.
the new idea for an engine is the same as before but a nissan 2.7 diesel, as it gives a bit more bhp but im not sure if it is cheaper to run than the 2.5 landrover?
well I guess I am at the point of jumping in!!

thank you
I will let you know how it went one way or the other... see you in 5 years time with a commer hacked to death and no engine :)
 
Rally cars - cool[8D] I can see you are well versed in engine conversions so the job will be in the best hands[^]
Good luck which ever engine you choose - and keep us posted with lots of pics:p


th_DCP_9707.jpg

Harvey the RV
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top