8 replies to this topic

[tomrobb87]

Hello

 

I'm looking at a number of engine options at the moment. ( My car is 1995 Sprite SPi)

To remove, tune, and re-fit my engine will take time and money, the other option is to buy a second engine and prepare / build it over time, and swap it in.

 

With that in mind I have been monitoring engine prices.

 

A+ Carb engines seem cheaper and more available than SPi lumps, so I am considering getting one, modding it and dropping that in, but, I want to run it on SPi.

 

I know there is alot of "Just convert to Carb!" arguments, but from reading various posts, the SPi system seems quite commodious to modest engine tuning, meaning I could retain the benefits of injection.

 

Question being: can an A+ Carb engine be modded to run in an SPi car? If so, what mods would be needed? Is it a cheap and simple process?

 

Retaining SPi would obviously obviate the need for me to purchase an array of parts to convert to carb, IF that is the case...

 

so, I could mod the CAR to suit the carb engine, OR mod the ENGINE to suit the SPi car...

 

I havent seen a thread regarding modding the engine to suit the car approach. If one exists, please point me in the right direction..

 

Any responses appreciated.

 

Tom

Edited by tomrobb87, 19 May 2016 - 08:48 AM.

[Ethel]

No injection expert, but yes. There's no real difference, just the crank sensor, perhaps unleaded valve seats if it's an oldie.

 

You could benefit from gaining the carb engine's identity for easier MoT emissions.

[whistler]

Think you'll find the emissions are based on the Year of the car not the engine. My '92 1275 is classed at different emissions as it's in a '89 Car.

[Ethel]

Emissions can be whichever is older, but DVLA will ask for evidence if you claim an older engine is fitted.

[FlyingScot]

I don't know enough about what the carbed A+ has on it as standard. SPi needs to have reluctor ring on flywheel plus crank sensor, SPi distributor all the normal SPI bits. But you could swap all of this from your SPi including the wok with the crank sensor hole.
I will have a look lunchtime as co-incidentally I have what I think is a A+ engine siting in my garage...

FS

[pete l]

Isn't there also the cam sensor ? 

[FlyingScot]

Isn't there also the cam sensor ?

On MPi block yes but on SPi no.

FS

[brivinci]

You have all the bits from the original engine SPi engine, correct? You will need the transfer case for the crank sensor pickup, flywheel assembly, and Distributor. Then all the electronics obviously.

 

The only thing to think about is the tune of the motor you are looking at. The injection cars are restricted by their fuel system/ECU and cams, head porting, valve size, and the likes can not be too wild.

 

If it was me and providing the engine you find is in perfect nick, I would replace the clutch and upgrade the cam. Although you can do the clutch while in the car, its a HUGE pain and the cam is an engine out process. Then you will be sure you have the right duration for the injection system.

[tomrobb87]

Thanks for the quick responses.

 

I do have a full installed SPi on my current car, but, it is need of a full going over, inc. Gearbox (140k miles without any major work) It runs ok, but you can tell the old girl is getting on. A decent engine would just bring it nicely back to where she should be, with a little extra kick.

 

The motor I am looking at is a standard A+ 1275 with gear box and is going very cheap.

 

The idea is that I can do a re-con on the A+, with the main expense being parts for the re-con. (A tad of an unknown obviously until its taken apart)

 

I have read from some  posts as well as other sources which state that the ECU can cope with some basic tuning, such as a slightly ported head, maybe a touch of cam, but not too much. SPi sprite standard tune, being about 56?Ponies (insert google here) and the ECU can deal with mods taking it up the faster end of things (80ish Ponies) without the need for a piggy back ECU.  Or is that completely bollcojjs?

 

I didnt want to have to strip the currently installed SPi engine of its transfer case, as I dont have the facilities to take out the SPi engine, I was going to build and supply the A+ engine to a friend, and drive the car there to do the swap on a weekend with him. so unless I can find an SPi transfer case etc on there own in good nick for pennies, (LOL) I think I may consider other options.

 

Im just keen to do the build, and also there are no local A series specialists within a very close shout of my place (Leeds) unless people know otherwise.