73 TVR 2500M Ecotec Swap
Discussion
After looking at many V8 swaps and even acquiring a Ford 302/T5 setup, I decided to go with a 2.0 Turbo/5 speed from a wrecked 2008 Saturn Sky. I believe this same power train was installed in Opels in Europe.
Why?
Lightweight power, torque, and ease of install. With the factory tune, it puts out 260HP/260 foot lbs of torque. A little tuning and larger charge pipes will get you to 400HP at the flywheel.
In terms of fitment, it is like it was made for the TVR. The height of the valve cover clears the hood and the passenger side turbo and down pipe will exit cleanly under the car. No spaghetti headers. The alternator fits down low on the drivers side and I may have room for AC or a power assisted rack..lol.
I just did a test fit of the engine and trans last week (See Pic). The Getrag rear diff and half shafts from the Sky may also work with some machining. Need to check into that. Otherwise I have a 300ZX diff and GoodParts.com carries the half shafts for this swap, albeit very pricey.
The only downside is that Ecotecs are not sexy like a monster V8, but I can’t see the engine while driving! Will paint and powder coat and see if I can make it look sporty. I will keep you posted.
Why?
Lightweight power, torque, and ease of install. With the factory tune, it puts out 260HP/260 foot lbs of torque. A little tuning and larger charge pipes will get you to 400HP at the flywheel.
In terms of fitment, it is like it was made for the TVR. The height of the valve cover clears the hood and the passenger side turbo and down pipe will exit cleanly under the car. No spaghetti headers. The alternator fits down low on the drivers side and I may have room for AC or a power assisted rack..lol.
I just did a test fit of the engine and trans last week (See Pic). The Getrag rear diff and half shafts from the Sky may also work with some machining. Need to check into that. Otherwise I have a 300ZX diff and GoodParts.com carries the half shafts for this swap, albeit very pricey.
The only downside is that Ecotecs are not sexy like a monster V8, but I can’t see the engine while driving! Will paint and powder coat and see if I can make it look sporty. I will keep you posted.
Edited by TVRTurboEcotec on Tuesday 14th April 02:49
Edited by TVRTurboEcotec on Saturday 27th June 14:17
I think that's a great choice and a refreshing change to V8's. Don't get me wrong, I love a V8 but never been a fan in classic TVRs. I think they're better suited to smaller lightweight engines. I always loved the idea of fitting a Ford Duratec 'Cossy' to a Vixen. There's one in the UK and he claimed it would show a clean pair of heals to the V8's.
Keep us updated as would love to see progress.
Moto
Keep us updated as would love to see progress.
Moto
probably a bit late if you already have the engine/box I have just fitted a Jaguar (Lincoln in US) AJ30 V6 - these are cheap, powerful and light. I paid £600 for a lowish mileage car with 6months MoT, installed and has 265 bhp as set up on Kits and Classics rolling road, and is 60kg lighter than the Cologne V6 that would normally be there. Oh and sold near £300 worth of unwanted parts before scrapping the shell,
GAjon said:
Are you going to work on the brakes aswell?
You are correct. Saab’s used this motor as well. The factory turbos aren’t as plentiful over here. But I lucked out, and the car only had 45K miles on it. I am selling the parts I can’t use that came with the car as Saturn is no longer in business and the parts are in demand. They will pay for the swap and then some. As for the brakes, I need to figure out the best way to upgrade. Any thoughts? I seem to recall a few options years ago for my Triumphs but I will research.
Moto said:
I think that's a great choice and a refreshing change to V8's. Don't get me wrong, I love a V8 but never been a fan in classic TVRs. I think they're better suited to smaller lightweight engines. I always loved the idea of fitting a Ford Duratec 'Cossy' to a Vixen. There's one in the UK and he claimed it would show a clean pair of heals to the V8's.
Keep us updated as would love to see progress.
Moto
Thx Moto. Keep us updated as would love to see progress.
Moto
Can’t wait to show a few folks the heals on this car! Rollbar will be required and some chassis reinforcement!
Edited by TVRTurboEcotec on Tuesday 14th April 14:17
DavidY said:
Hasn't this already been done in a Vixen, think his name was Darren, dark green car, last time I saw it was in Scotland in 98/99
Quite possible as there are a few such cars. There is a very nicely done orange Vixen S3 with a Nissan 1.8 turbo engine. The article is in June 2003 Practrical Classics magazine.Edited by DavidY on Tuesday 14th April 16:02
Moto
Moto said:
DavidY said:
Hasn't this already been done in a Vixen, think his name was Darren, dark green car, last time I saw it was in Scotland in 98/99
Quite possible as there are a few such cars. There is a very nicely done orange Vixen S3 with a Nissan 1.8 turbo engine. The article is in June 2003 Practrical Classics magazine.Edited by DavidY on Tuesday 14th April 16:02
Moto
See the LNF write up below. Zero to 60 times were less than 6 seconds in a 3000 lb Saturn Sky. Should do a lot faster in our little TVRs!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Ecotec_engine
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