Hi There

I want to swap out the engine in my MK and do a few other bits and pieces over this winter, but since I don't have the knowledge to undertake the work myself was wondering if anyone on here would be interested in helping gradually over the winter?

I'm happy to pay, but am on a tight budget as I am in the the process of buying my first house with the girlfriend.

I would like to slowly undertake the project over the winter doing a little bit each month to spread the costs and would really love to get involved and get my hands dirty as much as possible to give me the chance to actually learn things for myself, hence not just saving up and taking it to a garage.

If anybody on here is in the High Wycombe area and fancies helping me out and making a bit of cash on the side please drop me a pm.

Thanks

[Edited on 11/11/13 by p2ccolo]

[Edited on 11/11/13 by p2ccolo]

Buy a house up here and I'll help. There's a couple of houses for sale just along the road. Simples.

I wish I could! Unfortunately work ties me to needing to be near London, so I'm getting shafted on house prices!

What space do you have to work in?

I just have a standard sized single garage, and not a lot of tools or anything which I know is not ideal.

I would be happy to arrange to get it trailered somewhere else for parts of the build if necessary, but was hoping to be able to get as involved in the work as possible so that I can learn.

hi im just down the hill from you so dont mind a few hours to point you in the right direction also if i can get a few jobs sorted i have a large workshop you could use

I'd say get stuck in and lean on the forum for any help you need. There's more help and knowledge on here than you'll ever need and no such thing as a stupid question. Between us we can guide you on sequence of work, parts needed and tools/techniques required.

Hi, I work in Wycombe, can spare a few hrs, what engine are you changing, what other jobs do you need help with, I have 20 on my list for this winter, plus helping son with Dutton rebuild, bike carbs and ignition on pinto in a robin hood (other son).
let us know what your up to and when.

Andy

I am just up the road in Naphill - count me in if you need help with lifting / shifting or any fibreglass stuff. Can wield the odd spanner too.. !

cheers
Richard

Wow, thanks for all of the responses!

So to give a bit of history and context the car is currently running a 2ltr zetec with DIY turbo conversion and is roadworthy, but I have had some issues - the car overheated, I had the headgasket replaced as instructed by a local mechanic, but the car still isn't running quite right, the engine is smoking from the breather and is running rough until its up to temp.

It may be something simple that is quite easily repairable, but I think I've lost a bit of confidence with it. I feel like the local guy I used to do a lot work for me this year has basically taken my money and made it worse each time, he blames it on the zetec / turbo combination, and it starting to dawn on me that for as long as I have this setup issues are going to be more likley and far more costly, requiring more specialist expertise. So I think the best thing may be to ditch the turbo, and go for a simple setup, although I will definitely miss the power!

I am actually in Chesham at the minute, we are in the process of trying to move to Wycombe so hoping to be over there by Jan / Feb, so probably looking to carry out the main work once I have moved.

In the meantime I would like to start collecting the bits I need now, so that I have all I need come January, which will help spread the costs as I am definitely on a tight budget. Only problem is I don't really know what I need exactly, which is where I need some initial help


I am thinking of running just a standard 2ltr engine (probably another zetec would make sense given thats whats in there at the minute) and then as funds allow try to tune it up to around 160bhp.

Does this sound like a good idea?

I don't really want to sell the car, especially not as-is as I know I wouldn't get a good price, but don't want to keep pouring money into it and not getting anywhere either. I want to be able to drive it and enjoy it and ultimately have something that is pretty solid / reliable and not constantly in and out of the garage (perhaps that is a big ask for a kit car - I expect to get the odd little things here and there but cant keep justifying big bills for engine problems etc)

Since I'm not mechanical I was also thinking a simpler setup would be better for also as it would be easier for me to learn to do things for myself.

So thats essentially what I am looking to do, I know there a fair few threads on here discussion turbo conversions, but I think I may be the first be looking to do the opposite!?

I would welcome any thoughts or advice anyone has on this, and if anyones still interested in helping for a bit of cash PM me.

Cheers!

[Edited on 12/11/13 by p2ccolo]

[Edited on 12/11/13 by p2ccolo]

Driving a car with 130hp is always going to be more fun than forever fixing a 180hp turbo'd engine.

Fortunately, zetecs are plentiful and cheap, and easy to swap out/bolt in and get running, so you're off to a good start.


I'm actually trying to build a turbo zetec myself for an install, so might be interested in some of your parts if you don't want them!

Get some pictures of the project up, and you'll find endless information here about what you need.

Hi the car was dyno'd by previous owner at 231hp so is a beast (when its running) but unfortunately at the minute its not quite running right, ever since it overheated / headgasket was changed unfortunately I can't really justify the cash to take it to a zetec / turbo specialist garage and the local guy I was using didnt work out, so I still don't know what exactly the problem actually is: engine smoke and running a bit rough. But regardless I think for me I would prefer to have a simpler more reliable setup, but hoping for 160hp longterm.

If you or any one else is interested in some of the parts, maybe we could do some kind of deal or swap? Will post up some pictures shortly.



[Edited on 12/11/13 by p2ccolo]

[Edited on 12/11/13 by p2ccolo]

So, can anybody give me some advice on what parts I will need to create a shopping list to undertake this conversion? Is this a good idea?

What ECU is it running at the moment?


All you really NEED to de-turbo it is a new exhaust manifold and modify your exhaust to fit it.

Then an air filter/box for your intake. (at the moment it looks like you're running an unfiltered intake into the turbo by the way!!)


I'd do a compression (or better yet a leakdown) test on your engine, if it needs anything doing, probably easier to drop a replacement zetec in (they can be had for £100 for a complete runner), or even an upgrade to a ST170 (direct swap in your car).

Hi Yes, the filter from the turbo went "missing" at the garage after the head gasket was replaced by the local guy. The local guy has since taken leave from work due to health concerns and so I decided to wash my hands of it, and have subsequently purchased a new filter and flexible silicon hosing to add one back on.

I think it's a MegaSquirt ECU.

So all in all, do you guys think this would be the bets thing for me to do in the long run? and how much do you think the conversion back will cost to do and how long / big of a job is it?

Any volunteers to work with me on this over the winter for a bit of extra cash? Then please PM me.

Cheers



[Edited on 15/11/13 by p2ccolo]