Engine Conversion (oh yes, another 'conversion' thread)

25th March 2008, 23:38

Hi guys.

I've got a 1.1 mk2 desire...and have just found out i need a new gearbox, aswell as my MOT being in 2 weeks.
I've been interested in dropping a vtr engine in for a while now, and it seems now would be the time to do it.

I've found a vtr engine + gearbox, alternator and starter motor for 250 notes, with only 45k miles on the clock (my 1.1 is currently at 90k).

What i'd like to know, is it really worth it? What problems may i face in the future (as the car itself is built for a 1.1 engine)

Also, what else would i need for the conversion to work?

Cheers in advance.

25th March 2008, 23:42

you may need to change the tanks over, im sure i read that somewhere.

also you'd need vtr loom and ecu, get the ecu unlocked.

mite be able to help fit she to

25th March 2008, 23:48

ECU would be required
a radiator and fan from a VTR would be a good idea.
drive shafts and engine mounts would also be required.

uprated suspension and brakes, whether there from a VTR or are aftermarket doesnt matter but without them your car would be a guaranteed ditch finder.

good tyres are a must too so may aswell get a set of alloys.

other than that i dont see why it wouldnt work.

what year is your car and what year is the donor engine.

make sure you throw a new cambelt o the engine before you put it in as itl be easier that putting it on whilst its in the car.

make sure the ecu is unlocked aswell or the immobiliser will stop it from starting

thats all ican think of ATM but theres probs summat ive missed

25th March 2008, 23:59

I've got uprated suspension, aswell as good tyres (vtr rimsss!)

My car is 01 and the engine is a W Reg. Wasn't sure if the vtr had a immobiliser, so i guess il have to get an unlocked ECU.
Didnt know the engine mounts would be diferent either.

26th March 2008, 00:00

w-reg is a single plug ecu.

26th March 2008, 00:13

Aha...
I thought all mk2s came with 3 plug ECU's

26th March 2008, 00:15

incorrect.

after y or x which ever come last in the alphbet was the last of the single then changed to 3

26th March 2008, 00:42

So regarding the ECU i'd need this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Citroen-Saxo-1...ayphotohosting

And get it unlocked, or any single plug ECU for that matter

26th March 2008, 01:21

The top gearbox mount located under the battery tray and the lower one will be fine to use the same ones.

The ecu mount is where it differs though, you'll need to get hold of an inner wing from a 1.4 model upwards, take off the mounting part and then weld it into your car.

To understand really what i mean have a look in my engine progress thread to see what i needed to do.

The majority of it is a piece of cake and you'll be surprised just how many parts are easily interchangeable

26th March 2008, 22:49

So the list of jobs to do would be something around this? :

VTR Engine + Gearbox
Unlocked 1 Plug ECU
VTR Wiring Loom
Uprated Suspension
VTR Radiator/Fan
VTR Driveshafts
1.4 or up ECU mounting point

Thats all i can gather atm. (Trying to get a list of what i'll need, and to do's)

Any others?

26th March 2008, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankie

incorrect.

after y or x which ever come last in the alphbet was the last of the single then changed to 3

Eh? Mines is an X reg and it's a 3 plug!!!

27th March 2008, 10:20

He said whatever comes last, Y is after X

27th March 2008, 10:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by S3xoSam

So the list of jobs to do would be something around this? :

VTR Engine + Gearbox
Unlocked 1 Plug ECU
VTR Wiring Loom
Uprated Suspension
VTR Radiator/Fan
VTR Driveshafts
1.4 or up ECU mounting point

Thats all i can gather atm. (Trying to get a list of what i'll need, and to do's)

Any others?

Might be worthwhile upgrading the brakes. Maybe even add discs to the rear too, instead of drums...?

27th March 2008, 22:41

Cheers guys, rep given (some of you i need to spred the <3 first)

If i was to find a 3 plug VTR Engine. Could i use my current 3 plug ECU and wiring loom?

Cheers

27th March 2008, 22:42

No point in upgrading rears for disks unless for looks, upgrading the fronts wil be fine mate

27th March 2008, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankie

incorrect.

after y or x which ever come last in the alphbet was the last of the single then changed to 3

z?

6th April 2008, 16:41

Ok.
Picked up the engine today with other bits, so im nearly ready to go ahead and do the conversion.

Just 1 thing...I checked the vtr's mounting point (under the ecu) and it seems to be diferent to my current one.
Am i able to use my current mounting point? or how do i go about changing it?