I know lots about engines -

they are usually dirty, they are heavy, ones with bigger numbers are more powerful, they have lots of complicated pipes and wires.

Clever, eh!

NO, Sorry, I don't know much else about them?

So, I have been advised that this 'red top' is a good engine to get - so its on its way to me - good old ebay - complete with ECU, wiring loom, oil cooler, manifolds, injectors, etc, etc.

Question coming up - why are people advising me to get rid of the injectors and fit carbs ?

Is this the best way forward?

How will this affect the emission levels - (I want to SVA it - sorry, gold plated IVA it) ?

Thoughts, Guys, Please !!

nooo dont fit carbs , go injection.

good choice of engine..


http://www.sbdev.co.uk/History_files/History_BudgetHorsepower.htm

I'm fitting one myself.

U2U me if youve got any specific questions. This site has given me a wealth of knowledge

i went for a newer ecotec (same block) i'm going with bike carbs :p
they're simpler, and better/more power than the ecotec injection system

V. Good engine, you can get something like 200 odd hp out of it with ease (from what I remember).
Carbs are generally simpler to install (well less or no electrical), but also generally don't produce the same amount of power and higher emissions. Since you've got the parts (ECU and injectors) I would stick with injectors.

...but it's too tight. I should have got an extra large......

quote:

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Originally posted by owelly
...but it's too tight. I should have got an extra large......

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I don't know much about the red top apart from it's a good choice. However if it's a later that 1994 it will need to meet emissions that will require injection and a cat to pass.

Nah, you don't want it. Sell it to me instead...

Seriously? Excellent choice if it's in good nick.

There's an redtop Manta with bike carbs on youtube IIRC. Noise that would shake the pavement...

Aha, a man in support of the mighty griffin! I used to be a Vauxhall man myself, have spent many an hour underneath my old mk2 Astra GTE 16V and Calibra 16V.

Circa 150bhp as standard, there is a variety you can do to them to boost power up.

My astra ran a set of twin Webber 45's on a standard engine, but I used to run my calibra on reprofiled cams, a sard fuel pressure regulator, top hat (courtney metal unit to replace SFI box), mounted to a lightened and balanced flywheel, and 2wd converted F28 6-speed gearbox from a calibra turbo, as well as a few trick little other bits.

There were 2 models made, early and late. The early one ran a dizzy, whilst the latter ran a distributor-less ignition system; if you want to run anything other than standard injection then you'll need the dizzy unit.

I was going to put a redtop in my latest GTS project, but it came with an 1800 zetec engine in place, and I couldn't warrant spending more money on the engine, bellhousing and all ancillaries. It's also a cast block, as opposed to the zetec, which is a lighter, alloy block.

But still, if you need any more advice or help, please let me know! I also might have some spares in the garage from my old engine, so let me know if you need anything and I'll take a look.

Good luck!

Good engine choice. If you have ecu and loom etc itl be easy enough to set up with standard gear. You just need a carlton gear box. 156 bhp standard.

Is it a pre 95?? If so easier emmissions and no cat.

I had a redtop calibra and my mate had a cav gsi they went like stink.

As an aside, if you want some fast road cams my mate has a piper pair sitting in his shed. Let me know if theyr any use.

Also check the head. They go porous and put oil in the water. You really want a coscast one.

[Edited on 8/4/09 by Danozeman]

The last MK i built with a Red top installed.
People usually ditch the stock injection (restrictive in tintop mode) for either dcoe45 carbs/bike carbs or throttle bodies.
Carbs are easier and cheaper to install but if you've more cash, throttle bodies are the way forward.
I had Weber 45's on mine with 170bhp and loads of torque, the only quirk with them is keeping em in tune, but with an air meter and a good ear you soon become an expert.
Any install questions just ask.

Can anyone point me in the direction of which bike carbs are good for the xe?

Want to run injection instead of the dellortos I currently have lined up for my engine....