I am currently doing a dummy build re. engine and gearbox installation on my ST Loco with Vauxhall XE 16v.

I was trying to keep the std bonnet line, but have now given up on this as I will have insufficient sump space!

I am now trying to set the sump/ground clearance and have looked at a tiger and westfield, which both had 65mm clearance at ride height between sump and ground.

This fits nicely with what I need but I just wondered what everybody else ran?

General opinion I've seen here recommends 100mm/4" clearance - those speed bumps are vicious!

David

I dont think a sump 65mm off the road would last long........

mine is 1" below the bottom tube, so at ride height its probably 4" ish clear.

what hieght is a VX engine from the crank centreline to the top?

On my 1800CVH I chopped the sump and the rocker cover..............

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm using a Zetec in a bookish chassis. Even when I raise the side rails 25mm and use a 1.8 escort sump I can't achieve the 25mm below the chassis figure.
I'm reasonably happy with the clearance I've got and am considering fitting rails either side of the sump just below it to act as protectors.

Thoughts on a postcard?

Mick

At the moment i have only 50mm, with a pinto and RS sump, if i lift the engine i can't get the bonnet on.....
Rescued attachment P1010003.JPG

I originally had around 60mm under the sump. This became 70mm when i became at one with the road. (std pinto sump)

I changed the sump for a shallow one and that gave me about 85mm. i never clouted it on the road again but it got damn close over the top of my old driveway and into the MOT centre.

Having just completed an engine conversion i will be going for flush with the bottom of the car and ill feel alot happier.

In summary i would say for road 85mm is good, 125mm is better

Here in NZ 100m is the minimum legal ride height - the plods carry a piece of 4x2 in their cars to test the boy-racers - well, that's what they say it's for

Right, seems I'm about at the minimum end of the range at 65mm.

I'm going to need a bonnet bulge anyway (ST chassis is same height as book) by the looks of things so I will increase the clearance to around 85mm as I will then just be filling the bulge a bit more.

Incidentally, I have just decided to alter the chassis a bit on the drivers side to gain a bit more bellhousing clearance. I am using a saab clutch release mechanism (thanks JB) so with no release arm in the way I can get the engine another couple of inches back.

I am also adding a removable diagonal to the engine bay to add a bit of strength the the front end.