IMP engine replacement in light weight car
Discussion
im thinking of doing an Imp conversion on a Ginetta G15
problem is finding an engine and box that can still be mounted at the rear and not upset the original weight distribution
the car weighs 500 kg, and rear weight distrib with imp engine is 55% approx and 45 front
any ideas what could potentailly work? car will be for road and track, and so motorcyle engine maybe not be best option
thanks
problem is finding an engine and box that can still be mounted at the rear and not upset the original weight distribution
the car weighs 500 kg, and rear weight distrib with imp engine is 55% approx and 45 front
any ideas what could potentailly work? car will be for road and track, and so motorcyle engine maybe not be best option
thanks
No idea if it will fit or whether it will connect to the gearbox but a couple of options would be -
Smart Car 600cc turbo - brabas version can put out around 100hp. (or later 1.0l version) - may be able to use this with the gearbox (flappy paddle slush box ???), electronics may be a challenge (also see banks europa smart lotus europa conversion)
New Ford 1.0 Ecoboost - 1.0 three cyclinder turbo - 100 or 125hp in the fiesta/focus - may be a premium as it is very new. Could be too tall though
Suzuki 660 turbo engine as used in the new base model caterham 160.
I also think I saw an advert for one with an alfasud boxer engine in the back, guess he used it with the gearbox turned up side down.
if you search on the net there are a few egnine swaps for the imp - K series and this one form the Toyota Aygo - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.12387261... which looks promising.
hope this helps.
Smart Car 600cc turbo - brabas version can put out around 100hp. (or later 1.0l version) - may be able to use this with the gearbox (flappy paddle slush box ???), electronics may be a challenge (also see banks europa smart lotus europa conversion)
New Ford 1.0 Ecoboost - 1.0 three cyclinder turbo - 100 or 125hp in the fiesta/focus - may be a premium as it is very new. Could be too tall though
Suzuki 660 turbo engine as used in the new base model caterham 160.
I also think I saw an advert for one with an alfasud boxer engine in the back, guess he used it with the gearbox turned up side down.
if you search on the net there are a few egnine swaps for the imp - K series and this one form the Toyota Aygo - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.12387261... which looks promising.
hope this helps.
No reason why the Alfa couldn't be mounted with the engine at the back with the gearbox upside down - the revers of using a Porsche 911 gearbox behind chevy v8 in an Ultima.
For a gearbox,the Audi A4's can be used this way - maybe a 1.8T (150hp tune) engine with it but this is an iron block so may upset the balance a bit.
The 1.6 Ford Sigma is a mean little engine and light too (all alloy) - Chester Sportscars do a bike throttle body set up for this engine giving 140-150HP with everything elase stock, you may be able to get this to connect to an A4 gearbox, just a thought.
For a gearbox,the Audi A4's can be used this way - maybe a 1.8T (150hp tune) engine with it but this is an iron block so may upset the balance a bit.
The 1.6 Ford Sigma is a mean little engine and light too (all alloy) - Chester Sportscars do a bike throttle body set up for this engine giving 140-150HP with everything elase stock, you may be able to get this to connect to an A4 gearbox, just a thought.
I'm not familiar with the G15 but Southways ( www.southwaysautomotive.co.uk ) are doing a Saxo engine change into an Imp. (Follow their link to their Faceache page for the blog.) I'm assuming the G15 uses Imp running gear therefore has the rear engine config?
Compo_Simmonite said:
Remember the Imp lump is canted over quite a bit. If you fit an upright engine do you have enough clearance - I doubt it for a lot of the options.
This picture of a g15 engine bay shows the problem -
Paul H
yes i think this is the problem, unless chassis and bodywork modsThis picture of a g15 engine bay shows the problem -
Paul H
one eyed mick said:
Why not build a proper screamer imp ?
+1Although I've just been looking at the prices for racing components, and it wouldn't be cheap.
Maybe there's something similar available (light and a screamer)? I used to pick up the engine and gearbox myself, so it can't be more than 100kg.
Bike engines are good, but the lack of a reverse gear and sequential box could be tiring.
Shelsleyf2 said:
BMW K series bike engine ( as used in 750 motor club sports racing) I believe they were designed to be used in a car, it lies on its side 1300cc and light I guess.
Interestingly, there was a company (or person)that used the K-series head on an Imp motor. I think it may have been offered as a conversion. I'm not sure of the benefits though. The weakest link for Imp motors is the three bearing crank, hence the availability of block stiffeners. They are lovely revvy things though.Aygo/C1/107 engine
As far as I understand ,this is the lightest production engine in current production ,it is lighter than an imp engine, fully dressed
It is canted over in its initial application, but needs to cant over a little more to fit ,a new sump and a relocated oil pick up tube will be needed
Not got huge power but it is good for 130 hp + with forced induction
I have one with a modified imp gearbox to fit to my clan once it gets a bit warmer ...
As far as I understand ,this is the lightest production engine in current production ,it is lighter than an imp engine, fully dressed
It is canted over in its initial application, but needs to cant over a little more to fit ,a new sump and a relocated oil pick up tube will be needed
Not got huge power but it is good for 130 hp + with forced induction
I have one with a modified imp gearbox to fit to my clan once it gets a bit warmer ...
That Toyota lump sounds good. Probably more driveable than an Imp motor in the same state.
Forced induction works on Imps too. I think Carter used to build 200hp turbocharged motors for speed boats.
The Citroen Visa or AX (can't remember which) I once worked on had a horizontally-mounted transverse 4-cyl. I wonder if anyone can enlighten us on the actual and potential power output of one of those. I seem to remember it being aluminium.
Forced induction works on Imps too. I think Carter used to build 200hp turbocharged motors for speed boats.
The Citroen Visa or AX (can't remember which) I once worked on had a horizontally-mounted transverse 4-cyl. I wonder if anyone can enlighten us on the actual and potential power output of one of those. I seem to remember it being aluminium.
ylee coyote said:
Aygo/C1/107 engine
As far as I understand ,this is the lightest production engine in current production ,it is lighter than an imp engine, fully dressed
It is canted over in its initial application, but needs to cant over a little more to fit ,a new sump and a relocated oil pick up tube will be needed
Not got huge power but it is good for 130 hp + with forced induction
I have one with a modified imp gearbox to fit to my clan once it gets a bit warmer ...
This was going to be my suggestion...As far as I understand ,this is the lightest production engine in current production ,it is lighter than an imp engine, fully dressed
It is canted over in its initial application, but needs to cant over a little more to fit ,a new sump and a relocated oil pick up tube will be needed
Not got huge power but it is good for 130 hp + with forced induction
I have one with a modified imp gearbox to fit to my clan once it gets a bit warmer ...
I think the engine/ 'box may be interesting in a Smart Roadster.... But I'd love to see one in the G15!
There was a lovely green one in PPC a while ago and I lusted after it!
Its along time ago but there was a guy in East Yorks ran a insanely quick imp as stage rally car but was regularly hitting 10/12k rpm ,the crank is so short and short stoke it never bothered him . I asked why he only ran an 8k tacho reply -- no need to bother ,take it to 8 ,count 5 and change up !!!!! those were the days !! if you broke it you mended it with another one!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qu2T_a4CyQ
even to get a hayabusa to fit seems quite tight!
ginetta made some G15 super S for usa with type 4 vw engines. Havnt seen any pics of installation though.
the bmw motorbike engine seems like a good option, if only due to its compact size
even to get a hayabusa to fit seems quite tight!
ginetta made some G15 super S for usa with type 4 vw engines. Havnt seen any pics of installation though.
the bmw motorbike engine seems like a good option, if only due to its compact size
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