Engine Swap

[joestram]

Hi All,
I have been thinking about my 79 Chrome Bumper alfetta and toying with the idea of an engine swap.
Can people please let me know if it is possible to swap in the twinspark into the chrome bumper Alfetta's or even the 2.5/3.0?
I know the twin sparks are common, is there a reason for that over the v6's?
Does anyone recall how much is cost them for the swap?
Is it as simple as Engine and Gearbox or does it go a lot further?
Thanks
Joe

[julianB]

The 8v TS roughly the same external size as the old Nord.
It fits straight onto the four cyl engine mounts.

A v6 can be done... I've had it done on mine.
You'all need the engine complete  mounts off a V6- the frames that will need to be welded on to the engine bay and the legs which the engine rests on.

You'll also need the front half of a V6 tailshaft.

I wouldn't bother with a 2.5, unless it was modded internally.
A 3.0 is a better bet and if you don't mind doing the swap with sumps etc, the 164 24v is better again.

There are bonnet options available- I have a stock and a fibreglass bonnet you can buy,
But if you want the stealth look, you can cut the centre framework out to clear the V6 plenum and it'll be a bit of a sleeper

[julianB]

I forgot to say:
A TS with some porting and cams will perform nearly as well as a 2.5, but the 2.5 is such a sonorous engine and the torque delivery is simply gorgeous.
Simply ripping off the crappy stock Bosch L Jet and allowing it to breathe with some good extractors will make a difference.
It will be worthwhile putting in some bigger Torsion Bars to cope with the extra weight over the front, but because yours will be the old style bars, you may need some fabricated for you.
Not too expensive but you won't have those issues with the TS.

I reckon you'll find a 2.5 for less than a TS, but if you can get a wrecked 75TS,you can score the engine, ISO linkage, box, half shafts and front brakes.

With a TS box in it (isostatic linkage is a personal choice, but I prefer it), the car will be transformed. The 1st and 2nd ratios and the LSD make a massive
Improvement.

Cost will vary, but is definitely look at painting the bay while you've got the engine out

[joestram]

Thanks for the response julianB.

Apparently I have 28mm torsion bars in the car already but I guess they would be on the cheapest side of parts.

The car has already been fitted with a gtv6 bonnet.

Do you know a ball park figure of price for swaps?

We talking 3k or 6k area?

Thanks

Joe

[julianB]

How long is a piece of string?
Fast, cheap and reliable- you an only ever achieve 2 out of 3!

First, speak to someone about completing the conversion and get an estimate on time required and labour rates. Budget for an extra 5 hours of work.
Ask them for a list of parts or use what I have above for a rough guide.

Things like heater taps will also be needed, so a wrecked 90 or 75 may be what you want.... In fact, I'd recommend it.

If you go with a V6, you're going to need someone to weld the mounting frames to the body, and you want this done properly, with the engine on its legs and tailshaft connected, so that alignment is correct- this will stop you chewing through donuts etc.

Then, call wreckers to find what parts are going to cost.

If you want performance bits, then it's going to cost you more.

You'd also be crazy not to change timing belts and seals while the engine is out....
Or if you go with a TS, to service the thing and give it a good flush.

I've seen some pretty dodgy conversions where the 4 cyl mounts have had bits tacked on to allow the v6 to fit. It's appalling and bastardises the car.
Please don't do that!

[17fitty]

Thumbs up for the ts and box-netherlone other goodies with ts wreck-fr brakes/ motronic and werent they 150hp opposed to 2.5 v6 being around 153hp?there abouts- netherlone weight differences

[julianB]

Having less weight over the front makes them more chuckable as well.

But I just love V6s and the torque difference is definitely noticeable.

[rowan_bris]

I would buy a GTV6 if you want to go for a v6 rather than put one in a chrome bumper car....

[Duk]

TS, decent programmable computer, turbs, tidy little intercooler and upgraded injectors. 

[julianB]

Well, if we are talking about more grunt from a TS, duk has the right idea

[carlo rossi]

With a little tinkering the car can look original and go like a 2.5 v6
for a 1/4 of the cost
and you retain the value there is nothing prettier than a twin cam 105 engine
its modern art,  the Campbell soup can of engines

[joestram]

Thanks for all your input everyone.

I have decided to go with a TS conversion from a 75, however, still need to save a little more so I am sticking with my warm 2lt for about another 6-8 months.

I just need someone to come to my house to tune it now!

Thanks again all

[GTVeloce]

Hi Joe

I have recently decided to sell the TS that came out of my 116 GTV conversion. I have almost everything you need to do the conversion e.g. return fuel line etc. I think you will remember me putting the car together! It was running really well up to the accident. The engine survived the crash very well and should be fine for re-installation with minimal work needed to be done.

Just let me know if you are interested. I just need to take some photos of the engine and will be advertising but happy to wait a little bit if you are keen.

[joestram]

Hi Julian,

Hope you're keeping well.

Can you please PM me the price you'd like for it.

Thanks Julian!

Joe

[poohbah]

What a great way that would be to get Julian's beautiful GTV to rise from the ashes, in spirit anyway.