I might be about to change tack on my plans for the Locost, and am interested in the sort of issues associated with dumping the Pinto and type 9 (wheni build the car) and fitting a Fireblade engine (or something similar). I dont think I will be able to afford to go for a 'busa motor.

Does the 'blade engine need drysumping, or the sump modified in any way??

Is it expensive to get a propshaft adaptor made?

What sort of ratio is top gear on a blade gearbox??

Are there any other expensive modification which need doing to get the engine installed and commisioned?

Also, if the car goes through SVA with a pinto (pre 95), will the fitment of a potentially post 95 engine still require the fitment of a catalytic converter??

Sorry to ask so many questions...

Thanks,

Ed.

Does the 'blade engine need drysumping, or the sump modified in any way??
Nope, no dry sump needed. Id recommend a £20 baffle plate to sandwich between the sump and the crankcase but they arent strictly necessary.

Is it expensive to get a propshaft adaptor made?
Off the shelf item for about £60, the 2 piece prop itself will be about £200 on top

What sort of ratio is top gear on a blade gearbox??
With a 3.54 diff and 205/60-13" tyres you would top out at about 125mph, so about 10.5mph/1000rpm in top.

Are there any other expensive modification which need doing to get the engine installed and commisioned?
Not really no, tho bear in mind if you've already got the Pinto in that the exhaust will exit on the other (passenger) side so you will need to repanel the drivers side or live with the chuffin great hole it leaves behind! To put the bike engine in afterwards you'll have to chop the wiring around a bit, install relevent clocks etc, change the gearshift mechanism, plumb all the coolant etc in, lots of people use Polo or Micra radiators so you could always use one of these from the outset to avoid the need to change. You'll also need to weld in a prop mount (or reverse box mount if you really want one of those), but thats about it really, most people that have converted Westfields etc reckon on a budget of around £1500 to convert to a blade engine, including buying the engine, exhaust, prop etc.

Also, if the car goes through SVA with a pinto (pre 95), will the fitment of a potentially post 95 engine still require the fitment of a catalytic converter??
Nope, unless its changed recently you'd just send the change of cc and engine number to DVLA and you are away, all amateur built cars are visible smoke only at MOT. The only exception to this in the future may be to cars that have been SVAd with newer engines that have emission details on their V5, but if you SVA with a pinto then you shouldnt have anything put on the V5.

Chris

[Edited on 20/2/04 by ChrisGamlin]

but all relevant...

1. We have a 'blade engine (pre-cat 1995) and general concensus is that it doesn't need drysumping. The Sump doesn't NEED to be altered, although we have as it gains us possibly 16mm ground clearance taking it to possibly 17mm! Seriously - don't know until grounded!

2. Depends on how much you think "expensive" is? MK have prices on their website I believe. ClickHERE to go.

3. Don't know but can find out (but probably not b4 someone else answers!

4. Again, depends on what you consider expensive but no major modifications are necessary.

5. IMHO once it's through SVA all you would have to do is inform DVLA and insurance company of engine change. However, as the engines are significantly different regarding exhausts and the like - the side panels will need renewing/altering to suit exhaust therefore rear arches and possibly wiring depending on routing so it's one to watch out for.

Hope this helps a little if not a lot. You could always have a look at our website to assess any potential problems you may have - possibly!

GOOD LUCK!

Chris - dunno where you got your prop from, but it's £100 down my way!


And get rid of that old lump of iron - you won't regret it

[Edited on 20/2/04 by Jasper]

I was going on the prices of a custom built one from Bailey Morris, if you get one made yourself from an existing prop then like Jasper says it will be cheaper although it needs to be done professionally by someone who knows what they are doing.

Chris