190 replies to this topic

[Mopeytitan]

According to a post on that there was a manual 9-3 which was an F40 6 speed so idea could be to buy any car with the right engine in and buy the correct gearbox or if one comes up get the manual

[Mopeytitan]

Does anyone know if the engine space in an Elise is smaller or bigger than a vx?

[Rosssco]

Does anyone know if the engine space in an Elise is smaller or bigger than a vx?

They are virtually the same, just a little less in the VX as the subframe crossmember is further forward, although looking at those pics, I'm sure that would fit in a VX too (hence the link). The Vectra VXR comes with the F40 gearbox, so you'd just try buy the whole engine / gearbox package from someone breaking a complete car.. The driveshafts too to cut / re-spline to suit the VX cv joints.. I also wonder if there is some commonality in any the gearbox mounts (maybe pass side) given its GM bits.. The F40 box needs some noticing of the subframe too, so maybe an Elise subframe would work well.!

[Mopeytitan]

Hasn't the vx got a longer wheelbase though? I know it's only a tiny bit longer but wouldn't that mean I couldn't use an Elise subframe?

[Rosssco]

I think the longer wheel base is from the tub rather than the subframe - lower wishbones are the same IIRC, ergo subframe primary dimensions are the same.. Don't quote me though!

[Claws]

lower wishbones are the same IIRC, ergo subframe primary dimensions are the same

[Mopeytitan]

after A LOT of searching ive come up with nothing on the dimensions of the Z28 but found out from a post by Vocky on z22 forum that the engine bay is 930mm x 630mm. Will keep looking to see if i can find out anything on the dimensions. if nothing i'll find a car around me with one rip it out and measure it!!

[vocky]

I believe the z28 bolts to a F23, if so that would be the simplest option and I would recommend sticking to simple as hard usually means expensive 

 

The z28 should fit in the engine bay, however the exhaust manifolds and downpipes will be fun 

 

I did consider going 3.2 V6 with ITB's a few years ago, but decided to do the 2.5 stroked and bored z22se instead. Mainly due to the extra weight of the V6 engine. I have not regretted that decision as the torque and power the 2.5 provides is enough for me 

[Mopeytitan]

Isn't there just one downpipe from the turbo with it being mounted to the side of the engine? My hope is that it does fit to the f23 but if not I'll have to got the more expensive route of using the f40. I think my plan will be to get a donor 07 plate 2.8t v6 vectra signum or similar strip get bits I need sell everything else and scrap the rest. Probably then look at rebuilding the engine with insignia vxr turbo and other various bits. Should then take it into the region of 320. Just have to decide if I want to drive my car this coming summer or wait longer to get it up and running with the z28... Devisions decisions :s

[Nev]

Hi Al, if you do decide to go ahead with this engine be aware that it will want to make a mountain of torque when the turbos boost up. Controlling this (by delicate and accurate control of the wastegates via the solonoids) will be key to making the car drivable. For this I'd deffo recommend a 3rd part ECU if you intend to raise boost beyond OEM levels. Apart from that making power from it is easy without any internal engine mods.

 

 

 

 

[Mopeytitan]

Hi Al, if you do decide to go ahead with this engine be aware that it will want to make a mountain of torque when the turbos boost up. Controlling this (by delicate and accurate control of the wastegates via the solonoids) will be key to making the car drivable. For this I'd deffo recommend a 3rd part ECU if you intend to raise boost beyond OEM levels. Apart from that making power from it is easy without any internal engine mods.        

Hey Nev, I am seriously considering attempting this. I'm guessing that you would be fairly knowledgable in how to controlling the turbos? I won't be going for serious power probably would look somewhere in the region of 350. If I decide to do it I'll be making a start after Xmas and will update my project thread with it all. I will be keeping my eye out for a donor car as I feel that will be the best way to go (cheapest)

[slindborg]

iirc the Z28NET has a single turbo and two downpipes (one has the turbo and one doesnt)... Could be wrong but hey

[Rosssco]

iirc the Z28NET has a single turbo and two downpipes (one has the turbo and one doesnt)... Could be wrong but hey

Single twin-scroll turbo fed off both banks, single exhaust down pipe coming out to the rear..

[siztenboots]

its a twinscroll , both manifolds go to turbo, and one downpipe

[slindborg]

nice

 

 

[Rosssco]

There's the standard down pipe shape.. http://www.shop.fran...pe-v6-turbo.jpg

[siztenboots]

you can bolt on a vortech supercharger to the NA versions

 

http://www.superchev...system-install/

[Mopeytitan]

Been a while but ive just bought an Insignia VXR engine from a crashed car to have a look into this. won't be doing anything major for a while but will atlas be able to see if the f23 gearbox will fit. if not i could always get an adaptor plate made up and make it fit. 

 

ill keep it updated. engine should be here this week. then got to pull a f23 gearbox out of a neighbours car that he's scrapping.

[Nev]

Audacious, I'll be keen to see how this progresses.

[Mopeytitan]

Audacious, I'll be keen to see how this progresses.

Nothing regarding fitting to the car will happen for a while. Going to use the car properly this summer and will probably get fitting and exhaust don't this winter then see how I get on then look at electrics. Ive Google a lot and some one put one in the back of an Astra running it with an emerald ecu so will either use one of them or a syvecs. Only took the plunge on it because it was far away and he would deliver it for free. And with it being an insignia vxr engine should be able to cope with more power. Only issue will be at 340 bhp it produces some like 520nm of torque (which I'm sure you'll know what that is in lb/ft ) but should be good fun. My welder friend at work is all up for getting a move on (he's fabricating all the bits for me for next to nothing) that's probably one of the biggest cost issues sorted. Just hope the f23 will fit or can be made to fit!