Engine replacement?

[monkeyonthedrumz]

I am looking to put some serious power in an Opel GT. Would it be extremely difficult to put an engine from another vehicle in this? Has anyone dont this, if so from what car did you get the engine? I would like to put the motor and drive train from a 2000 camaro V6, but i beleive that the motor is way to big to fit. Also whats the most power you guys have gotten out of the original motor?

[tomking]

Search this forum and you will find.

[kwilford]

Originally Posted by tomking Search this forum and you will find.

Actually THIS Forum (since I moved the thread):
Engine Swap Forum - Opel Community Forums

[namba209]

Originally Posted by monkeyonthedrumz I am looking to put some serious power in an Opel GT. Would it be extremely difficult to put an engine from another vehicle in this? Has anyone dont this, if so from what car did you get the engine? I would like to put the motor and drive train from a 2000 camaro V6, but i beleive that the motor is way to big to fit. Also whats the most power you guys have gotten out of the original motor?

I guess everyone would know I'd respond to this. First off, you can put any engine you want in a GT, from an Allison 1710 cu. in. and work on down. They have been done, but not too many, and some not well, which ends up being another GT gone to the crusher. So we all will say, think it over, plan long and hard about the cost, your skill, and what it's going to take to get it done. My project took 7 years along with a restoration process. The weak link in the GT is the drive line from the tranny back, too much power and it won't last, so that must be taken in to consideration. There havce been dyno runs on some members cars and they range up to 120-150 HP. Mine dyno'd at 140.3 HP, but, the torque curve is almost flat line at 160-170 ft. lbs. across the run. not a lot of HP, but it will push you back in the seat. One past member had a 2.0 liter engine that went from 0-60-0 MPH in about 14 seconds, so a lot of HP isn't necessary to get a GT to move out right smartly. The big thing is, don't start and not finish. There's a lot of info on the site from members that have done sucessful swaps, but more have tried and failed, that is why planning and cost have to be seriously thought out. If you decide to go ahead with a swap, by all means kieep us informed on how it goes with lotsa pics. You can put them in the project forum, so all can see and learn from what you do. HTH.

[West Coast GT]

1. RallyBob created and posted a good "recipe" for increasing the Opel inline four CIH (Cam in Head) output. It lays out options and specifications, divided into 2 categories ("bolt on" and "internal" modifications). That's the best place to start.

2. You can build your existing 1.9 liter into a 2.0 or 2.2 liter engine, again using RallyBob's specifications.

3. Opel GT Source sells 2.0 liter, 2.2 liter, and the fuel injected 2.4 liter long blocks. Check their on-line catalog for prices and power output. They also sell parts and after-market parts for the 1.9 engine.

4. Other Opelers on this forum have successfully swapped non-Opel engines. Namba209 is wrapping up a Chevy V6 conversion known as "Willit?". Others have installed Mazda's 13B 1.3 155 horsepower (normally aspirated) rotary engine. Turbo rotary RX7 engine's are, of course, 255 hp.

Check out OpelWasp's engine build using RallyBob's specs. That car goes like a force-fed goose. He blew a tire during this spring's foothill run, which I suspect was due to exceeding the tire's speed rating.

Bottom Line:

1. The knowledge base you're looking for exists within this forum's members and posts. It doesn't take a lot of horsepower to make these cars hot, just cash. And compared to the money we've seen sunk into other cars, even the cash isn't relatively great. I'll bet you can make the car fast for $5k, and possibly stupid-fast for $7k.
   
2. The GT's body begins to permanently distort once 200 horsepower is exerted; so if you're planning on more you'll need to reinforce the body.
   
3. Keep in mind, it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car slow.

[wrench459]

Originally Posted by monkeyonthedrumz Also whats the most power you guys have gotten out of the original motor?

Oh this guy is after my heart..its easy to make H/P
from a big block..try using a four banger to make things interesting. Look into "Pro Four"