Engine Replacement for Roadster

[darren.fisher]

Hi, I'm looking for advice on fitting a new engine to my LWB Roadster. I (actually my father...) built the car about 20 years ago from new and it's finally time to upgrade from the 1.3 4-speed system I put in to something faster with a 5-speed gearbox.

I've considered a Zetec, but postings seem to suggest this could be quite expensive. Any clue as to how much is involved here?

I've also considered either the Fiat twin-cam or a 2.0 pinto with a 5-speed box. Any suggestions?

Does anyone have one of these kicking around they'd like to sell?

Now coming from leftfield I did also notice a rather nice engine/gearbox combo from a Posche 924 listed on eBay. Has anyone ever fited a porker engine into a Marlin before ????

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/porsche-924-engine-plus-gearbox_W0QQitemZ280490937338QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK _CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item414e900bf a

Also, could Dave Prowse of Saltash give me a call on 07920 495291 ? I live very close to you and woulod love to see your twin-cam fiat number if you have it still....

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

I think the Porsche will cause you some issues...isn't the 924 a transaxle gearbox? If so you'll end up rebuilding the whole car around it...! Other than that pretty much any modern 4-pot will go in given the will. I fitted a Rover T16, others have gone Zetec/Pinto/K series/BMW. An overlooked route is the Vauxhall Ecotec & gearbox from an Omega, which comes in RWD format already, as of course do BMW 4-pots.

Just don't underestimate the work/cost involved if you decide on a modern injected engine in place of the A series...on the plus side it'll keep you busy..!

[chris_cussen]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

I've been looking at putting a zetec in my Cabrio to replace the DOHC 8v Unit.
If you are starting from scratch there are quite a few websites that have advice on fitting a zetec to a kit car.
Even if you use the engine and ECU complete there are significant costs, such as fitting a new water rail, possibly a new water pump (depending on if you change the aux belt drive from serpentine to triangular), exhaust system, flywheel and clutch, starter motor. In your case you will also have to get either at type 9 or MT75 gearbox and new propshaft.

I costed it all up using a new motor, twin 40DCOE carbs, ECU etc and it came out at about £3k (an I've already got a MT75 gearbox fitted).

Still if you have got enough time and money anything is possible....

[darren.fisher]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

Thanks chaps.

To be honest I think £3k is a bit more than I wanted to spend (or to be truthful, more than I have permission to spend !!!!)

Would a k-series from a Rover 216 be of any use? I've seen the following engine on eBay (360252054133) and I'm wondering how one would get this engine from a FWD Rover to drop onto a RWD car such as the Roadster.

Also, does anyone know if this would require remodelling the transmission tunnel ?

Sorry to ask so much, but I've not done this sort of thing before other than the original build, which as I mentioned was mostly done by my Pa...

Cheers,
Darren.

[AndrewKB]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

Well, I can now confirm that a Ford Kent crossflow + twin Weber 40DCOEs (using the very shortest trumpets available) will fit under a Marlin bonnet after the steering column mods shown in this pic - http://www.marlinownersclub.com/showimage.php?id=11301&img=3 - No pics of the carbs in place available yet, but they are a VERY tight fit.

But, as others have said above, don't underestimate the amount of work in any engine swop. I don't think there's one single unaltered item in my engine bay - HT and LT wiring, fuel lines, hoses, etc. etc., they've all had to be renewed.

Andrew

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

Darren
Yes...but you need to find a RWD gearbox and a suitable bell-housing...not too difficult as K series to Type 9 adapters are readily available. But that is just the start of the process. You'll have a fuel system to uprate/redesign, new exhaust, new engine mounts, lots more wiring, new propshaft, ECU/carbs to sort etc etc.

Think of it as a new build...only without an instruction manual...and realistically assess your budget, appetite and competence for the project accordingly.

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

A member here in Derby has fitted the 'k' series with Ford 5 speed. He also did an article for the club magazine outlining the coversion. Just one of the many reasons for joining the club!

[darren.fisher]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

Guys,

Thanks for all the advice. Having seriously thought about budget/appetite and experience I'm reconsidering the need for a 'modern' engine.

I've also sought advice from a local chum who does this sort of thing for a living and I'm now probably going to go down the route of buying an old 2.0 Sierra, removing the lump/box to keep then flogging the rest off on eBay.

Might even return a profit (??)

Cheers,
Darren.

[chris_cussen]

Re: Engine Replacement for Roadster

Not such a bad plan. I'm not sure how much space you have in the Roadster engine bay, as I have a cabrio

There are a few variants of Sierra that have 2litre engines, and from experince the DOHC 8v Sierra lump is quite wide and you have to re-locate the alternator from the top RH to bottom LH of the engine.

You will still need to fabricate new engine and gearbox mounts, exhaust system etc.

if you end up with a fuel injected engine you will also need a high pressure fuel pump.

Don't forget to remove the engine wiring loom and ECU !