Engine Transplant

Adam and Ange

Adam and Ange

0
Possible new project requires a new engine:D

What are my options here?Id ideally want more power..not crazy power..just an upgrade to keep up a bit better with todays traffic.

I am thinking of the Pro's and Con's of various lumps-what do people think?

Can someone explain my options and the benefits of each one. I dont mind a bit of light fabrication of mounts/brackets etc but I think I may steer clear of a V8 conversion (Ive seen Admins pics) and I dont think ive got the skill and brainpower for that:I

Dont want to spend mega bucks as the van itself needs work-I need something fairly cost effective.

What are my gearbox options? If I was to use a different engine how would I hook it up to the Commer style gearstick?

Lots of questions but all questions I need answering:D

Help:D

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Percy-1975 Highwayman
 
Maybe look for a cable operated gearbox, they make locating the gear stick easier. If you can get one that mates to a modern 2 litre engine all the better.
Alternatively look for a modern rear drive car with an auto box - must be easier to fabricate/modify linkage to an auto box as they tend to move in one plane (forwards and back) whereas a manual change also goes from side to side.

I like the idea of a Vauxhall Omega 2.5 TD engine and auto box....................

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If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
Peggy's got Sounds
 
Some good ideas there[8D]

Whats the deal with these Holbay engines people rave on about? I assume these bolt onto the Commer gearboxes and use the standard gear shift arrangement.



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Percy-1975 Highwayman
 
Think of them as the Rootes version of a Ford Cosworth version of the standard engine. Same basic block but a re-worked alloy cylinder head and twin carbs/freeflow exhaust etc etc.

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If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
Peggy's got Sounds
 
quote:
Originally posted by bazzateer

Think of them as the Rootes version of a Ford Cosworth version of the standard engine. Same basic block but a re-worked alloy cylinder head and twin carbs/freeflow exhaust etc etc.

[



Thanks

Seen a few people go with them and seems a logical route to go.

Now another question...could you tune a standard Commer 1725 to Holbay levels of power for less money than buying one?

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Percy-1975 Highwayman
 
hi
no you carnt tune a standard commer engine to holbay power due to the fact the commer engine is an iron head and the holbay is alluminium. the commer also runs different pistons so basically the whole internals are completly different. if you do want to go the holbay route id strongly recommend not trying to fit twin 40's as i have had to fabricate exhausts bodywork etc and its slowly turning into the engine swap from hell. the best option would probably be to a set of twin 175 strombergs using an adapter plate on the standard hunter rapier manifold. (that runs 150's as standard)as this would allow you to use a singer vogue mk4 exhaust manifold which just goes straight down so making routing it a WHOLE lot easier.
however the easiest solution is to go for a sunbeam alpine mk5 engine as this is slightly uprated on the standard rootes/chrysler lump and sits upstraight so the gearbox mounting holes are in the right place probably meaning you'd only have to swop the linkages about and not the bellhousings and clutch arms aswell. iv got an alpine mk5 engine in my fastback rapier and even on twin 150's it sits above the speedlimit comfortably and is suprisingly economical.
 
I'm still waiting to feel the fruits of my labour but I've fitted a Rapier engine (alloy head) with a modded inlet manifold to take a single 1 3/4" SU - the twin strombies will fit though. The new manifold is a work of art and it took a bit of fettling to sort out the exhaust but I'm hopeful of the results.
The engine front plates need swapping to enable the Commer engine mounts to be used and the rocker cover oil filler needs to be re-positioned, transplant the water pump and thermostat housing from the Commer engine and away you go.

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I like Baz's idea of a Vauxhall Omega 2.5 TD engine - I think this is a BMW engine, so no doubt there would be plenty of wires!

I think this was a very neat conversion and would meet your criteria. Cheap too :p
 
Yep, it was the BMW engine, minus the intercooler (BMWs were TDS, Vauxhall only got the TD).

BAZROCKS.jpg
If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
Peggy's got Sounds
 
Im very pleased with my Holbay. I was thinking about a V8, but as the handling runs out (90MPHish) before the motor does now I think I am settled with this unit. (eg cats eyes turn into involuntary lane changing pot holes at anything above the legal limit)

Cheers
Jules

RatSport www.ratsport.co.uk
 
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