Which engine swap?

[ol' dirty]

Toying with the idea of putting a more modern, powerful engine in the Scimitar, but unsure of which to go for.

I think I really want to go for a V6, toying with an Omega Elite (with manual-rare I know)

Or keeping with the Ford theme, the Cosworth 24v lump fitted to the Granada with a manual 'box (even rarer!)

I have just had the Essex refreshed with new gaskets etc, but before I had it all done, I failed to spot the 2.5 stamp on the block
Hence why I am looking at other options, & for the more obvious reason-power!

So, what am I letting myself in for & what aftermarket engine managment systems are available to make the installation easier.
Cost is everything with the build (I dont want it spiralling into '000's!)

Thanks in advance.

[Nick_F]

2.5 Vauxhall engine is horrid.

Cosworth 24v is hard work - and doen't function without the matching autobox or much work on the electronics.

If I were doing this I'd be looking at the 4.0 V6 Explorer motor; cheap as chips, simple and takes up no more space than the Essex.

[227angrydonkeys]

supra or 300zx lump?

[chevy-stu]

Have you seen the PPC mag's article on Saab 2.3 turbo engine into an Escort ? It fits onto most GM/Vauxhall gearboxes, so Carlton/Omega etc.. Engines relatively cheap and easy to find and 250-300 BHP easily..

[ol' dirty]

Nick_F said:

2.5 Vauxhall engine is horrid.

Cosworth 24v is hard work - and doen't function without the matching autobox or much work on the electronics.

If I were doing this I'd be looking at the 4.0 V6 Explorer motor; cheap as chips, simple and takes up no more space than the Essex.

Never really thought about that, what about a Gearbox & ECU plumming for it?
I like the idea of a big, powerful, lazy motor. Keeps in line with the Essex!


If I was going for a 4 pot, I may as well go for a V8 as the block will be longer- I need to make more chassis mods, not something I really fancy doing.

Thanks for the advice

ETA

Just done a bit of reading up on the 4.0 Cologne, it only makes 155bhp & less torque the the 3.0 Essex! Thats alot of displacement for not alot of power.
The later ones make 210bhp, but as I understand it, they use a variable lenght intake system? Seems to be getting complicated!

But on the plus side, the SE6B's used a Cologne, so getting mounts & other parts for the instalation should pose no problem?

Edited by ol' dirty on Monday 8th September 08:08

[Taggers]

What about the 4 cam Ford V8 Jag have been using?

Not that I know anything about it, but they must be turning up in scrappers by now.

[227angrydonkeys]

i nfact theres a load of cheap old jags for sale in the classifieds on here, could get a big lazy lump out of one of those.

[ol' dirty]

Again, i'm not sure about the Jag -V8 or straight 6 did they make a V6 or many manual cars!

Sorry to keep pissing on the bonfire, but modifying the strut between the front suspension uprights is somthing i'm keen to avoid, hence the V6 route.

I did fancy the Vauxhall route, but this has been rubbished- any reason for this?

I thought it would make for a good donor, it makes 200odd BHP from 3.0 & other than premature coil pack failure, seems to be pretty well screwed together.

Cheers for all the input guys, keep it coming!

Edited by ol' dirty on Monday 8th September 20:29

[ol' dirty]

Oh & BTW, anyone know what the stroke is for the 3.0 essex?

[Nick_F]

ol' dirty said:

Just done a bit of reading up on the 4.0 Cologne, it only makes 155bhp & less torque the the 3.0 Essex! Thats alot of displacement for not alot of power.
The later ones make 210bhp, but as I understand it, they use a variable lenght intake system? Seems to be getting complicated!

All sorts of nightmares getting a 4.0 V6 to pass US emissions regs whilst towing 2.5 tons of 4x4.

Throw away 4x4, induction system and camshaft, fit Holley, suitable manifold and more aggressive cam and get 250bhp, 250 lbft and an uncle called Bob.

[ol' dirty]

I know what your saying Nick, but TBH I don't want the build cost spiralling out of control.

(The cost of converting it to manual, the manifold, hot cam & carb set up is going to weigh in at around 1k- including buying the engine) Not mentioning the fact that it would drink more than Brian Blessed

To spend that sort of money on an engne conversion, I think I'd rather supercharge/turbo what I already have.

What sort of engine managment systems are available, I have heard of megasquirt (from memory a Dave Walker production) a sort of DIY ECU kit. Anyone have any dealings with this?

Cheers

Ben

[ol' dirty]

Oh & a long shot- anyone have an old knackerd shell they would not mind cutting up?

I need to cover the hole created by an aftermarket sunroof, I have toyed with the idea of fitting a webasto, but I'm not 100% convinced it will look as good as a roofline without a S/R.

Obviously beer tokens will be flowing, so please do send me a PM if you can help

Ta.

Edited by ol' dirty on Wednesday 10th September 22:45

[Nick_F]

The last time I costed my planned Supercharger conversion it came to just shy of £5k: building my existing 200bhp 3.0 Essex cost £2k...hence my suggestion that you look at the 4.0 Cologne.

You can get power for less, but it's not likely to be much fun; even a Rover V8 conversion based around a standard engine will set you back a grand if you want a car you can rely on - and you'll only get 165bhp for your trouble.

Can't help with the roof, I'm afraid.

[FHCNICK]

PM sent.

[227angrydonkeys]

what about an old m3 engine and box?

[hotrubber007]

comming in late here, been hating that anker of of engine up front since day one as well. my stepfather had the cossie developped 231 bhp ugly looking duckling scorpio>granada - absolutely beautiful engine. but yes electrics and sourcing backplate plus box a bit of an issue.
for sheer compactness the KV6 2.5 190 bhp from a ZT , is probably the cheapest pound per horse - and shpould also be easy to find backplate for box and north south fitting. anyone know of such a rearwheel drive effort.....
new from searle i can get these delivered to my door for 1500- that/s with two years warrenty
in the same kettle new crated V8 ford mustang basic 260bhp are like 2000 +vat

what we need is time to play - and more money in the bank
chris

[ss1turbo.com]

The Omega V6 lump isn't bad - just has a couple of weak spots (cambelt change is a bugger, cam cover gaskets and oil coolers fail giving fake HG failure symptoms). Handy thing is its narrower than an Essex and comes with a RWD gearbox...200bhp for the price of an MoT failure..

Engine mounts are welded to the chassis - so be it Cologne or A.N.Other engine, get the MIG out...

[Nick_F]

200bhp?

[plasticpig]

Nick_F said:

200bhp?

The 24 valve 3.2 V6 produces 213 bhp.

[Electron]

What about a 3.4 South African Essex with fuel injection ?? They can be stretched to 3.7 ...... there are some crated lumps appearing on fleabay. Add a T5 five speed gearbox and you're done ...