Bike engined Hillman Imp

[Robatr0n]

I really like the looks of the Z cars and I like their workmanship but the one thing that puts me off is the cost.

[Paul Drawmer]

You can have: Good, Fast and Cheap.



But only any two at a time.

[rhinochopig]

Robatr0n said:

I really like the looks of the Z cars and I like their workmanship but the one thing that puts me off is the cost.

TBH though they're no more expensive than, say, Westfield. You could get a factory built mini-type R for around £22k, which is what a specced up Westy is turnkey and the build quality is a world apart. Seriously, it has to be seen to be believed. For example, the lengths they go to in coating their spaceframes is unreal.

I would certainly go and have a look - even if you don't buy. I took my westy there to have a trickshifter installed and set up and Chris showed me around the various projects they were working on - twin engined 1000bhp Ultima, TVR with 4x4 skyline running gear, Elise, 2wd 6R4 rep. They were all really really well engineered projects.

If I could afford it I would definitely have one of their cars. I'd have one of their 2WD 6R4s. Quicker than the original and lighter and cheaper to run.

[mikeveal]

Try this group as a resource:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/bike-engined-cars...

No one running an IMP there AFAIK, but most bike engines are represented. There's a fair smattering of kit car and front / rear engined mini conversion owners too.

All I can tell you now is it's a bit heavy. You'll need to look at a ZX12 or a busa. Don't expect lightening performance, and you may need to gear down to save the clutch.

[blitzracing]

Robatr0n said:

Just thought I would pop in and update this.


Would anybody be able to offer some advice in regards to the gearbox?

I think Audi used a gearbox in front of the Engine on some of the Saloons and Coupe's of the mid 900's to drive the front wheels, so it could go in the back to drive the rear wheels, with an Alfa or Subaru motor hanging off the back. Handling wise- hows you life insurance ??

[Robatr0n]

blitzracing said:

I think Audi used a gearbox in front of the Engine on some of the Saloons and Coupe's of the mid 900's to drive the front wheels, so it could go in the back to drive the rear wheels, with an Alfa or Subaru motor hanging off the back. Handling wise- hows you life insurance ??

You are quite right, they did have this setup.

The only trouble would be finding a gearbox that can take that sort of power and I'm not entirely sure of the tolerances of each box.

As for health insurance, yes I agree. I definatly need to look at the weight distribution in detail so as I can try and do something to help the handling, Possibly by having the engine mounted a little further forward and by having a big fuel tank up the front.

[blitzracing]

Robatr0n said:

blitzracing said:

I think Audi used a gearbox in front of the Engine on some of the Saloons and Coupe's of the mid 900's to drive the front wheels, so it could go in the back to drive the rear wheels, with an Alfa or Subaru motor hanging off the back. Handling wise- hows you life insurance ??

You are quite right, they did have this setup.

The only trouble would be finding a gearbox that can take that sort of power and I'm not entirely sure of the tolerances of each box.

As for health insurance, yes I agree. I definatly need to look at the weight distribution in detail so as I can try and do something to help the handling, Possibly by having the engine mounted a little further forward and by having a big fuel tank up the front.

Ive since been corrected by an audi expert- its engine infront of gearbox with front wheel drive, so the cars nose heavy, but idael for a mid mounted setup driving the rear wheels. Ill keep quiet next time !!

[mender2002]

Hi Robatr0n.
I have bought a Clan Crusader shell with the intention of fitting a Subaru 2.5 non turbo engine into it, specifically for hill climbs.
I know of a guy down Suffolk way who has done the conversion on a Hillman Imp and he says it's awesome.
I used to have a Clan way back and did 12 cars in it and also Tarmac Autotests and the handling was out of this world but I always felt it needed more power and so my plan was hatched.
Check out my website www.aclanisborn.co.uk which as soon as I finish building my garage will show the build of the clan in great detail.
Regards
Steve

[CNHSS1]

Google Maguire Imps. Also there are often Clans, Imps, Davrians, etc that compete at hillclimbs, a friend has a Clan on slicks that runs an ecu equipped turbocharged Imp motor.
http://www.zipp.co.uk/gallery/Shelsley-Walsh-2010-...

Bike engined makes lots of sense to me though for track/hills, off the shelf 160+hp, light weight and jap reliability, although maybe not the sort of thing to use as a 'daily' to commute

[mickrick]

That would be a nice project!
I had an imp as a teenager, it was my first car (after a Bond Bug, but can't really class that as a car can we?)
They are quite understeery, in fact my mate had a Singer Chamois, and stuffed it into the chevron signs on a roundabout in the wet (I remember helping him pull the front out with chains attached to his farthers MK 3 Cortina tow bar!)
Gosh! Must be more than 30 years ago now!

So I recon you should be looking at putting the motor mid mount.
Would you consider a Subaru engine and box, just using the front wheel drive part of the box for the rear wheels? Easy 300hp.

Edited by mickrick on Saturday 26th February 08:57

[cheesyblob]

my brother used to have a triumph engined clan crusader although he didn't build that so i don't know how easy it is to do

[Transmitter Man]

Sounds like a bike engine but it states it's a 1040cc lump son probably bored/stroked imp engine;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&hl=uk&v...

Phil