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Transplant

TMODAlpha

TMODAlpha

East Midlands Regional Co-ordinator
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Hi all.

Just wanting some input, i am planning a transplant some time in the future, i was looking at the V6 route, but realistically i cant afford it. Insurance isnt the major issue, but fuel is. So, I was looking at routes i can have a play with, get the experiance of doing a transplant and get a few more ponies.

Currently running a X16SZR so thats 75 bhp (if its making that). The options i was considering are:

  • C14SE - 88bhp - Astra
  • X14XEL - 88bhp - Astra
  • C16SE - 99bhp - Astra/Nova (Not so good for insurance)
  • X16XEL - 99bhp - Astra (Not so good for insurance)
  • C18NZ - 90bhp - Cav

Either way i would have the whole donor car to make life easy.

Now really, i dont want to go down to a 1.4 because thats just daft but the tax is cheaper. The 16SE insurance is do-able but would prefer to have it cheaper but a decent gain. Would prefer to stay 8v too. Advantage for all of these is i can keep my hubs.

Now what peaked my interest was the C18NZ. The insurance group is one higher, it is a little more power and they are SOOO cheap to get hold of. Would it be an easy conversion? I know i would need to swap the legs because they are big block but this isnt hard. Case of shock inserts for the top mounts if im correct.

However, would the loom go straight in? Would the mounts be the same? Could i use the fuel pump? Etc etc (I know the later Cavs and the mk3 are very similar)

The C18NZ is peaking my interest. Its 8v which i love, cheap to run and insure. Solid and best of all. Different. Can it be done?

Do you think one of the other options is better (not just faster but better)

Thank you :)
 
Why C18NZ ?
You have same job to do, so why not C20NE or SEH if you could find one....
C14SE or better C16SE are great engines....
C16SE with better chip in ECU runs great...
 
Its different. I like doing things differently.

I would love the C20NE but insurance really doesnt make it a justifiable choice. I could do it, but i would pay more.

I like the 16SE, but again insurance can be a little higher than the range im looking at. Dont mind the labour so if i changed again in a few years, i wouldnt mind.
 
yep i have a c16se and mine has been fine up till 90,000 mile and i've had it from 60,000 and my sister had it from 30,000, apart from the services etc we've had no problems at all and the only reason why its now trouble is because of neglect due to lack of money (now got a baby boy)
 
Hmm, and it would save me changing the legs. And i could do the head conversion. Will have to see how andys goes. If not, buy a full engine.

:-s Just liked the idea of having something different.

Would it fit? On the mounts etc? Guessing they are the same as a C20NE. Would the cav mounts fit or would i need astra ones?
 
I know, damn my wrong head. Would be working now otherwise. Ah well, now everyone definately knows it will only work for 20~ miles. :lol:
 
Haha, powerwise yes. But im not just going for power.
 
I get 30 mpg from my 2.5 V6 Estate, what would you get with any of those other engines?

I'd go for an X18XE1 if you only want a small increase.

115BHP and you can use your F15 gearbox and shafts.
 
About 35-38. Again, insurance would come back to bite me. But i will consider it.

Would i be able to use it with small block legs then?
 
And Vectra :)

Omg, smallblock 1.8 and insurance isnt bad... hmm think im in love.
 
And they are so easy to come by. I think i have made a choice.
 
Just found it, at least I know what the 2 look like now. Would have prefered the look of a 18XE but ah well.
 
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