Engine swop

[TommyP]

Hi all, I've just bought a Caterham. It's the third one Ive had and it's the slowest, being the 1.6 Vauxhall VX. The other two I owned were 1700 crossflows which had been tuned up (the last one was up to 165bhp). So at 105bhp this Caterham feels slow.
I'm initially looking for a cheap and easy way to get a bit more power and thought that the simplest way would be to drop another engine in there, such as a 2.0L vauxhall unit.
So I'm looking for a bit of advice. Will a 2.0L Vauxhall engine drop in without any other modifications. Are the engine mounts the same and will it mate up to the five speed ford box.
I'm guessing also that I will need to swop the ECU.
Alternatively. could I drop a Zetec in there with out too much expense or trouble.
I do have access to welding equipment and metal fabrication.
Any advice or recommendations would be welcome.
Cheers

[The Wookie]

Not too sure about the swap itself, but just to let you know, depending on your exact engine spec, your old engine might be desirable to drivers in the Caterham Graduates Club, so if you were intending to sell it after you've removed it I would start at graduates.org.uk!

The engine they run in Classics is an unusual spec (I believe a Turkish Forklift Truck engine that Caterham reputedly bought for peanuts), and parts and replacements are becoming hard to come by.

[Epimetheus]

You can bung any old VX in from 1600 to 2L and run them on carbs (which will probably need re-jetting). For a 2l, twin 40s is maybe a bit small, but they should still be OK.

Gearbox will be fine.
Problem is your back axle and the fact the half shafts are made of cheese.
Several options here:
1. Get uprated shafts and hubs (c.£1K)
2. Get an LSD to relieve stress on individual shafts (c.£500)
3. Get a stronger ford back axle rather than the Morris Ital van one Caterham supply (£a-lot)
4. De-dion conversion (hastle and £a-lot)


I think that a Cavalier 1800 SRi 130 engine would be a good swap and would look identical to the 1600 XV to anything but the well trained eye. You can also use the same exhaust, carbs, bonnet. You should be able to get a complete car for not a huge amount of money (low hundreds).

One thing to bear in mind is that even though your 1600VX is a pile of poo (they all are) they are actually worth a fair bit to Caterham Graduates racers who have to use the rare Caterham engine.

If your engine actually produces 105bhp and is still sealed, it may actually be a very strong one (relatively speaking). As such, it could easily be worth £400.

[TommyP]

Thanks for the info. Especially about the old (1998) VX as this one has only done a genuine 5200 miles.

[Yellow 7]

Even an uprated Ital axle will struggle to handle the torque of a 2.0l VX in 150 or 175bhp trim.
I've had Caterham pals who have the uprated axle give up on 2.0l Zetec's.
Perhaps run it for a while and then upgrade to a 'proper' Ford axle?

[TommyP]

Actually I think I bought the wrong Caterham for me. It's a delightful little car and is in fantastic condition, but my previous Caterham's and other Marques, have all been more track based.
So I've decided to sell it and look for a more track-based animal.
It would actually be a shame to mess about with such a fine original example.
So if anyone knows of anyone or is interested in an excellent example take a look here on Pistonheads.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1402783.htm
Cheers

[Yellow 7]

Might you be interested in a 2.0L XE VX, Jenvey Throttle bodies, through the bonnet 2.5" exhaust, quaife 5sp CR Semi helical cut gears, LSD, De dion, running 6" fronts and 8" rears, Carbon Tillet, AP big brakes front, Pagid rears etc etc etc Yellow 200+BHP flier?

Edited by Yellow 7 on Wednesday 16th December 20:50

Edited by Yellow 7 on Wednesday 16th December 20:51

[TommyP]

Hi Yellow 7
I would need to sell this Caterham first or look at some kind of deal.#
Have you any images or more info.
cheers
Tom

[Yellow 7]

Yup - sell it on and get a bigger engined one:-)

If you PM me with your email addr I can send you some photos and history.