manta 400

[Adz The Stig]

im 21 and i dont like new cars lol. i like to do things myself so i think a old sporty car is the way forword??? i really want to build a manta 400 with a redtop. do you chaps have any info i could use or advice?

[GC8]

A 1.8 would be the best place to start, but finding any half-fit Manta is going to be your first challenge...

[Huntsman]

Yes, nice idea, go find a decent Manta, that'll keep you busy.

[Athlon]

1.8 is a must for the gearbox, the 2.0 won't fit. A Calibra motor is best for easier fitting, if you want to go with carbs then you need to swap the brake set up as the servo is in the way! (we used dual masters with remote resevoirs and a bias set up)

Yup I put one together for a customer a few years back, turned out well and was a pretty straight forward job.





The wheels were custom Revolutions but they should still have the details on file. oh yeah, we had to use Michelin TB's (tarmac rally tyres) on the rear as it was all we could find! they seemed to be lasting well though.

[Adz The Stig]

thanks you guys for all the replays! that is a great help. so will the manta 1.8 gear box fit right on to the calibra redtop?

[GC8]

It will, also the Carlton 1800 bellhousing and 'box.

[Adz The Stig]

now all i need to do now is sort out the old man! as he aint a old car lover. he had a alfa sud and it did what all old alfa's do and ROT! the whole front end fell off when he opened the bonet. bad times. really wanted that 2 manta's that where for sale on here not long ago the white one and the other one with a 400 kit on it.

[Adz The Stig]

will a 2.0 turbo vuaxhall engine fit easly in manta?

[GC8]

The so-called 'Red Top' engine will mate to the 1,800cc gearbox/bellhousing. Easy is extremely subjective. I would be looking to fit a later engine first then develop the car. Only then would I be looking to add a more difficult engine, if at all. 200+ bhp is way more than enough to start with in a car designed around a ninety-odd bhp cam in head engine.....

[alfa pint]

Adz The Stig said:

will a 2.0 turbo vuaxhall engine fit easly in manta?

Can you afford to drive it though? I hate to think of the insurance....

[Adz The Stig]

aye i know that. but if im biulding it it wont be on the road for a while. its 1200 full cop for a bmw 328ci 02 you may think st thats alot but! my mate has a seat FR turbo and thats 2200 fully for the year lol and we are the same age. so as long as its under 1500 im happy lol.