Sorry 2 be annoying, but....well thats wot i do best. Am buying my engine soon and want to know all my options. How can i use a vauxhall red top
engine? Is it just as expensive as the Zetec conversion?
OK, I will give you the Vauxhall side of the story....
First you need to decide what gearbox you will use. I would personally recommend a Ford box, for a number of reasons. Unless you are building your own
chassis, you know this box will fit. They are two a penny. They are widely supported with gear ratio upgrades by a number of companies. The downside
is that it is going to need a bellhousing conversion, using a RWD Vauxhall box would avoid this. But if you are buying a completed chassis, you will
be wise to check with the manufacturer that it will fit. Of course, if doing your own, you just build the tunnel around the box....
Assuming that the engine/gearbox combo is now sorted, you need a lowered sump. You can get one off a 2 litre 8v Cav and cut/shut it your self, or
there is plenty on sale. The sump that comes as standard is alloy, and for most of us, is difficult to modify.
I strongly advise that you fit twin 45's to it. The standard injection *could* be utilised, but it is a pain in the arse to do, and besides, an
extra 25 bhp is found from a carb conversion.
Engine mountings are a doddle to make, as the 16v has lugs cast on the block for RWD fitment. Again, they can also be bought...
Ignition is fairly straightforward too, and choice is dependant on budget. Again plenty of companies selling ignition only kits for the VX, or you can
convert as 8v dizzy/ignition to fit.
In some installations, the oil filter can foul chassis members. You can either buy a 'remote' filter kit, or merely use a Renault oil filter
which is half the length.
Finally, according to chassis, you may find you will need to move the alternator to another position, as it can foul the top O/S engine bay rail.
Luckily, on the bottom of the block on the other side of the engine, there are some redundant lugs for the power steering pump which can be utilised.
Other issues, such as coolant plumbing, exhaust etc are no less different than any engine you may choose to fit. Hopefully, someone will be along soon
to give you the Zetec side of things.
Companies that make the RWD conversions are SBD, QED, Yukspeed, Westfield, and there are probably others.
HTH Stu.
Plus the Vauxhall Red Top engine Rules
quote:
Originally posted by Stu16v
In some installations, the oil filter can foul chassis members. You can either buy a 'remote' filter kit, or merely use a Renault oil filter which is half the length.
Finally, according to chassis, you may find you will need to move the alternator to another position, as it can foul the top O/S engine bay rail. Luckily, on the bottom of the block on the other side of the engine, there are some redundant lugs for the power steering pump which can be utilised.
HTH Stu.
If you don't use the zetec injection system (most don't) the cost of fitting the zetec is about the same as that of the Vx engine. The difference is that there is no option fitting a dizzy, you will need an ignition ECU. You can fit carbs or injection, injection control will in most cases be controlled by a dual ignition/injection ECU. You will be able to fit to either type 9 or MT75 Ford gearbox using a standard Ford clutch, no mods required. The overall cost will be very similar for both engines.
Thanx every1, use hav made up my mind. As I am building my own chassis, I will buy the Omega gearbox and a cavalier Gsi engine tomoro from the local
scrappy. Cheers fellaz will let you know how I get on
id choose the red top, but why spoil a nice chassis with a oily car engine ???
get a proper motor in it................
............."ducks for cover"..........
Northy, 'the' filter to use is apparently off a Reno Fuego (remember them?) My Mrs works at a Reno dealership in the parts dept, and she
said all the Renp filters were the same, but apparently not.
And yes, according to inlet design, some dont allow or at least help fitment of the alternator in the standard position.
As a matter of interest, I have got away with a standard VX filter. But you mileage may vary....