S Series Engine Conversion
Discussion
Hello Everyone,
Hoping to get myself either an S3 or S3c again early summer use it most days then tuck it up over winter for some modifications. Always thought the car is a great tourer with enough grunt to put a smile on your face.
However....I now have a thirst for some brutal performance and having ruled the Griff 500 out due to the cost of them I am wondering what could be done to the S. The V8s i test drove in the past was a tad disapointing and a good example isnt cheap either.
Options for something with say 300hp + are 2.0 turbo which could make the power with ease although not exactly novel. I was thinking even more radical and buying a full MK1 tuscan running-gear and looking at fitting into the S chassis. I would be beefing up the rear end quite a bit to take the additional torque but I have the following question...
Would this be un-drivable based on the MK1s healthy 350hp!? Tuscans are based on the S chassis so strength wise there cant be a huge amount in it so im thinking wheel width and track might be the limiting factors? I woould be doing all the work myself so the only real cost is the engine, box, diff and some shafts. What do you think the re-sale value of something like this would be?
Discuss...
)
Hoping to get myself either an S3 or S3c again early summer use it most days then tuck it up over winter for some modifications. Always thought the car is a great tourer with enough grunt to put a smile on your face.
However....I now have a thirst for some brutal performance and having ruled the Griff 500 out due to the cost of them I am wondering what could be done to the S. The V8s i test drove in the past was a tad disapointing and a good example isnt cheap either.
Options for something with say 300hp + are 2.0 turbo which could make the power with ease although not exactly novel. I was thinking even more radical and buying a full MK1 tuscan running-gear and looking at fitting into the S chassis. I would be beefing up the rear end quite a bit to take the additional torque but I have the following question...
Would this be un-drivable based on the MK1s healthy 350hp!? Tuscans are based on the S chassis so strength wise there cant be a huge amount in it so im thinking wheel width and track might be the limiting factors? I woould be doing all the work myself so the only real cost is the engine, box, diff and some shafts. What do you think the re-sale value of something like this would be?
Discuss...
)Edited by GRC85 on Friday 18th January 22:36
I seem to remember reading there wasn't a huge difference between the dimensions of the S series and Tuscan Challenge chassis - I suspect you could persuade an S series body to fit a Tuscan racer if you really wanted. (Personally, much as I like the S series, I think it would be a great shame to do that to the racer.)
Ultimately, rear wheel grip limits how much power you can usefully use on the S series and how much stress you apply to the chassis and suspension. It's far from the wildest S series you'll see on the roads, but mine has a supercharged 4.6 which puts out immense torque but that doesn't stop my foot ending up buried in the carpet on a regular basis. The hard parts are getting the transmission to stay together, getting the handling and brakes sorted to cope with the extra power, and getting your insurers to cover it for sensible money. Physical strength of the suspension and chassis has never been a problem.
ETA: If cost is your reason for ruling out the stock Griff 500 route then I think all of these other options are pipe dreams.
Ultimately, rear wheel grip limits how much power you can usefully use on the S series and how much stress you apply to the chassis and suspension. It's far from the wildest S series you'll see on the roads, but mine has a supercharged 4.6 which puts out immense torque but that doesn't stop my foot ending up buried in the carpet on a regular basis. The hard parts are getting the transmission to stay together, getting the handling and brakes sorted to cope with the extra power, and getting your insurers to cover it for sensible money. Physical strength of the suspension and chassis has never been a problem.
ETA: If cost is your reason for ruling out the stock Griff 500 route then I think all of these other options are pipe dreams.
Hi,
I have a Lexus 4 litre quad cam, twin turbo's with 550 bhp and over 500 ft lbs of torque at under 3400rpm. Quite frankly I don't know how it will handle until I get it onto the road, cost wise I am into 8k and expect to change some things once I get it on the road, I will have it corner weighted, full suspension setup and will most likely have to change the shock valveing and springs so adding extra costs, Not a cheep conversion, still spending and 3 months away from finishing, would I do it again, you bet I would.
Alan
I have a Lexus 4 litre quad cam, twin turbo's with 550 bhp and over 500 ft lbs of torque at under 3400rpm. Quite frankly I don't know how it will handle until I get it onto the road, cost wise I am into 8k and expect to change some things once I get it on the road, I will have it corner weighted, full suspension setup and will most likely have to change the shock valveing and springs so adding extra costs, Not a cheep conversion, still spending and 3 months away from finishing, would I do it again, you bet I would.
Alan
Thanks for the great response. Griff 500 would set me back say 15k for a minter so I could actually buy a Tuscan for that which would have much more power. For 6k I'd be able to source a solid s3, I think for 3.5k I could have a Tuscan running gear as I've been watching items go on eBay over past few months. I think I could have the whole thing complete for 11k assuming the car I buy is pretty much the spec I want. Would the car be worth that should.I ever sell in the future? way I'm thinking is the S series can only go up in value now and it would.be a great take on old/new.
I think your £3.5k is a little optimistic, an engine will set you back £1k to £2k, plus gearbox and diff, another £1.5k, then there`s the engine ancilleries, unless you are lucky on engine purchase being complete, dont forget the ecu, wiring loom, brakes and supension, propshaft,trailing arms, driveshafts and wishbones, plus some of the stuff you buy may need refurbing, I would cetainly strip an engine down and thoroughly check it over before fitting it into the car, you could easily spend another grand on parts for the engine as well.
something to consider as well is will the speed six engine fit ok under the s bonnet? might be worth taking a few measurements first just to check.
if you are sold on the idea go for it, I think it could be an awesome car in the long term, allow for double what you are prepared to spend, and at least 1 year to get it done though.
unless you have ooddles of cash and time, and dont have to do a day job
something to consider as well is will the speed six engine fit ok under the s bonnet? might be worth taking a few measurements first just to check.
if you are sold on the idea go for it, I think it could be an awesome car in the long term, allow for double what you are prepared to spend, and at least 1 year to get it done though.
unless you have ooddles of cash and time, and dont have to do a day job
A cosworth 24v at appx 7 lbs of boost will make 300 bhp and it's a relatively straightforward conversion to carry out. This bhp can come from a completely stock engine, just make sure it's a good one if you go down this route. With forged pistons and low compression 400-500 bhp is realistic. The lower figure is easily attainable. 500 needs Wolls rings as the heads lift at anything over 16 psi of boost.
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