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Author: Subject: Converting Pinto to C20XE Redtop or Zetec parts
charlierevell

posted on 15/12/08 at 06:23 PM Reply With Quote
Converting Pinto to C20XE Redtop or Zetec parts

Hi All,

Mate of mine has a Dax rush with a pinto lump in it on Carbs (Twin 40's)

We're looking for some more power in the form of an engine transplant.
It looks like a red top could be a good way to go, sensible money and strong but what is needed to convert?

Engine, Carbs or ITB's, Bell housing, Loom, new mounts, new manifold.. what else?

Also, if we just bolt carbs on will it run ok or does it need new ignition management?

Any idea on costs to do the change? I've done a bit of research but an idea would be great!

Any thoughts on Zetec as an alternative, or sigma? What are the costs like here??

Sorry for all the Q's but Im simple and BEC!





Tango orange is an 'IN' colour!!

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MikeRJ

posted on 15/12/08 at 06:38 PM Reply With Quote
The ignition is integrated into the Bosch ECU on the C20XE, if if you want to run carbs you will need a standalone igntion ECU such as the MBE (or a Megajolt for cheapness).

It's possible to mount a distributor from the older 8v Cavalier engine and use clockwork ignition, but it's a backwards step IMO.

The C20XE is going to give the best power increase of any of the engines you have listed. A Zetec E will be cheaper to install (no special bellhousing needed), but it will be somewhat down on power compared to the Vauxhall engine in stock form. You should be able to get ~175bhp from a well set-up XE on carbs with decent exhaust manifold.

The Zetec SE (Sigma) might be of interest because the inlet/exhaust is on the same side as the Pinto, so you may be able make use of existing bodywork modifications. Sweet little engines and very light, but it would need quite a bit of tuning to approach the standard performance of the XE.

Another possibility is the 1.6 Vauxhall Ecotec, a very overlooked engine. It's all alloy so nice and light and has great tuning potential.

SBD know a lot of tuning the Vauxhall engines. Yukspeed usualy has the best price for the XE/Type9 bellhousing (get the straight one, not the 7 degree one).

Just a thought...one expense not on your list is a modified sump. You can fit a steel one from the 8v engine onto the XE, so you can cut it down and weld with MIG instead of paying to get alloy sump modified, or you can buy a steel sump from Yukspeed or a nice shallow alloy sump from SDB or see if you can find an ex-Caterham one.

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Danozeman

posted on 15/12/08 at 06:39 PM Reply With Quote
red tops are good standard power. if you get an early dizzy one you wont need to worry about ign side. Then just bolt the twin carbs on and away you go.

A senator/carlton box would sort your transmission.


Personally id go for a zetec!
The engines are cheap. will bolt to the gearbox he has. Twin 40 manifold. Then you just need some ign which megajolt will sort. Engine 150 quid. manifold 80 quid. megajolt 100 quid. Plus what ever exhaust u choose.

Youl need a mondeo clutch and capri release bearing. 1.8 escort water pump.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<





Dan

Built the purple peril!! Let the modifications begin!!

http://www.eastangliankitcars.co.uk

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MikeRJ

posted on 15/12/08 at 06:49 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Danozeman
red tops are good standard power. if you get an early dizzy one you wont need to worry about ign side.


The distributor in the early ones have nothing in them apart from a cam phase sensor and the HT bits, no advance mechanism or amplifier so you still need something to do the timing and drive the coil.

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charlierevell

posted on 15/12/08 at 07:38 PM Reply With Quote
How well would it run on 40's? Would they be a little restrictive?





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coozer

posted on 15/12/08 at 07:39 PM Reply With Quote
Another vote for the zetec here, bolts straight onto the existing box, bike carbs, megajolt, cheap easy, but.. sadly a new exhaust on the other side.

As above get a 1.8 from an Escort and its very simple, otherwise water pump, flywheel, sump etc from a 1.8 onto a 2.0 (silvertop)

Blacktop zetec just needs the 1.8 flywheel and a sump chop on the steel bit. Very modern engine with huge bhp potential.

Steve





1972 V8 Jago

1980 Z750

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westy turbo

posted on 15/12/08 at 09:36 PM Reply With Quote
Ill vote for small block VX


[Edited on 15/12/08 by westy turbo]

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austin man

posted on 15/12/08 at 09:52 PM Reply With Quote
the pinto manifold wont bolt on the Zetec is different, I have twin 40's on a 1.8 zetec at the moment they are a little hesitant between 1200 and 1700 rpm but they haven't been set up properley, still plenty of power when you floor it, you may be as well off selling the webbers and going bike carb these are the rage at the moment with plenty of people making manifolds to suit and appear to give power hikes and infcreased torque at the bottom end.
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loggyboy

posted on 15/12/08 at 10:56 PM Reply With Quote
AFAIK the Small block (c14/16xe) VX lump will not suit the big block (c20XE) to type 9 bellhousing converter. Anyone know of one that would work?





Mistral Motorsport

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MikeRJ

posted on 15/12/08 at 11:11 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
AFAIK the Small block (c14/16xe) VX lump will not suit the big block (c20XE) to type 9 bellhousing converter. Anyone know of one that would work?


As far as I know the same bellhousing will fit the 16XE and the 20XE. SBD say their bellhousings suit most Vx engines from 1.3 8v to 3.0L V6.

Nat will know for sure!

[Edited on 15/12/08 by MikeRJ]

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grahamgg

posted on 15/12/08 at 11:34 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by charlierevell
How well would it run on 40's? Would they be a little restrictive?


Im'e running 40's on an c20xe with an 8 valve dizzy.

Yes you will be down on a bit of power but it gives a great torque curve. You will probably see about 140bhp, you can always upgrade to 45's or bike carbs at a later date.

Also you can retro fit the fwd exhaust manifold by cutting ( where it goes 4 into 2 ) and turning the bottom half round by 180 degrees and putting a bend in where it exits the bodywork, save you more money untill you can afford a custom made one.

[Edited on 15/12/08 by grahamgg]

[Edited on 16/12/08 by grahamgg]

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