7 replies to this topic

[kcchan]

Hi,
Next year I am looking to do an engine conversion but Im unsure of which one to do. Im trying to do abit of research now.

I want to know which one is the easiest out of the Vauxhall, Rover, Suzuki and the Honda. Which year and model car will best best to use?
I will be doing it myself. Having knew almost nothing about cars I have already done my first engine swap (this is me being cocky now).

If there is a rough overall cost of each (keeping the engine parts standard) and whether they vary much between them. Which one is cheapest?

Then which has most power? Which is most reliable as a car (if there is even a difference)? But Im more concerned about the cost and difficulty of each.


And any other hints or tips that you have would be great.

I did try a search but not much came up.

Many thanks
King

Edited by kcchan, 02 March 2008 - 08:40 PM.

[dave21478]

Vauxhall 1.6 8v engine is probably the cheapest to find. Scrapyards are rammed with them and you can buy a whole mkIII astra for £100 or even less (no mot or tax, rotten bodywork) to supply the needed parts. Even the bigger engines like the 2 litre 16v can be found cheap enough if you hunt about a bit.

If you are scratch-building the conversion, I doubt if there will be much difference in actual conversion costs...not counting enine and wiring, you will need steel, welding and cutting consumables, a pair of custom driveshafts etc etc.... if you want to make life easier (but more expensive too) , you need to compare the prices of the various subframes, fitting kits etc available.

[Broomer]

Good luck insuring it kChan your 17-18 rite? have you not just swapped your engine to a MG unit?

[MarkGTT]

Hi, think i would go for a Honda, but its not just the cost of the engine you need to consider.. New custom subframe? uprated brakes, suspension, fuel lines, increased insurance, tax etc etc.. i would say you are looking at thousands no mater what engine you choose.

[1380davis]

id go for the 2.0 8 valve vauxhall, purely because its a cheap engine etc and there really torqy, if u watch the new mini dvd called mini engine swaps it shows all of them being test driven by bill sollis.and the 8 valve is 2nd behind a r1 mini round a track lol.

says what it says lol

[blakie]

Im in the process of doing a K series (rover) conversion. I chose this because I know the most about these engines. Best thing to start with is the subframe. You could make your own or buy one, although these are very expencive they will save you alot of time.

Have a look at 16vminiclub for advice and 16vminishop to have a look at subframes etc.

Give me a shout if you need any more help

blakie

[nev_payne]

I think over time a VTEC conversion would probably save you the moneys with reliability.

[kcchan]

Yea it had only occured to me that I need to take brakes, roll cage, seats, subframes, driveshafts etc into consideration but I do still really want to do the conversion. I think I would probably buy a subframe. Any other views on which engine to choose from?