what would you rather do?

[redronin]

Just was wondering what you guys would do or have done as far as opel powerplants..... If you haven't already done one which one would you do?

[opelenvy]

Currently trying to squeeze all the life I can out of my low compression 1.9. Some day, when money permits, I want to do a 2.2 FI with mild mods.

[wrench459]

Finally someone kicked the scrap book poll. Thanks redronin!
Today I've almost made up my mind to build a 2.0 with long rods.

[saxybiker]

We did the v8 swap. We would NOT recommend it for the faint of heart. To do it right it takes a lot of time and even more money! The car turned out great, but if we were to do it again, we would purchase one from ebay that is already finished. It would cost less money.

[baz]

i like V12's but only if madness runs in your family
seems so simple to do if it does

[BMWonly]

I just got done rebuilding my 71 engine, didn't want to spend too much money, so I did a modified 1.9l:

High compression flat top pistons, 60 over, gives me a displacement of about 1,960 cc
2.0 valves
Combo cam from OGTS
38 Weber

Together with converting from automatic to a standard 4-speed, this makes a much quicker car than the low comp 1.9 auto I had before - power increase from 80 to ca. 110HP

I need to look up what the parts cost me, probably around $2,000. I did almost all the work myself, the only labor I paid for was the machine shop - about $950 for removing pistons and crank, checking the crank, boring, installing crank and new pistons, removing old valves, and installing the new bigger valves and springs. Not a bad deal, I think. Then I did the final assembly of timing cover, new chain, cam and new lifters and all new seals.

I thought about a 2.4 with 5-speed, but it would have cost me at least another $2,000, even more with FI.

Dieter (2)

[PROPEL]

Gosh, besides rotaries, I must be one of the few people to have swapped out a 1.9 for a smaller engine—a 1.1L. And even though it will probably cost more than building a 1.9, I am still working on that fire-breathing 1200...

[opelwasp]

Built a 2.4L, best upgrade in the world. It has been a blast. I highly recommend it.

[RallyBob]

Probably my favorite engine combo will be my father's GT engine. I think it will be the best of both worlds in the sense of driveability and torque as well as outright power. 2.6 litres derived from a bored/stroked Opel 2.4 with long rods and forged pistons, maxed-out 2.2 head with big valves, healthy cam, roller rockers, custom exhaust manifold and intake manifold, programmable ECU with crank-fired ignition, and a potent Precision SC6152 turbocharger that can make up to 630 hp if called upon. I'll be content with 450 whp on pump gas and great streetability.

Bob

[vadav]

Rotary power, do i need to say more?

[BQS4]

well, one option was left off the poll, what about a 2.0 16V? or the 2.0 16V Turbo?

[heimue]

Originally Posted by BQS4 well, one option was left off the poll, what about a 2.0 16V? or the 2.0 16V Turbo?

Gene, you beat me by 8 minutes .

2.0-16V-Turbo it is!!!

Dieter

[Paul]

I've been VERY happy with my mildly built 1.9. It's bored over+0.03. (If I'd had to do it again I'd go with with the 2.0 pistons.) The head has 1.72/1.50 valves by Roger Wilson. The cam is a split profile from Cam Tech to specifications from Bob L. Flywheel lightened to 17 pounds. Revs nicely (especially in 1st & 2nd) to 6500. Will go higher but power drops off after that. Gets suprising good gas milage. A combination of city and highway, w/no freeway gets 24.5 to 27. Pure interstate has been 28.5 to 30.

[Motor Mouth]

Originally Posted by baz i like V12's but only if madness runs in your family seems so simple to do if it does

Baz.....here's a man that'll make you proud YouTube - Manta V12 Lives again

The car's been off the road for about a year due to other commitments. I went out in her a couple of years back......god it was 10yrs ago....!!! That day she's wasn't running quite right but was still blisteringly quick...

Did you know the pillarless windows actually start bowing away from the door shuts above 150mph......but only when done on a private airfield

As for me......i like to keep it old school, 16v Turbo is a good way to go, but getting more power out of the old CIH is more fun, so i'll stick with my tweaked 2.4.....but only until funds allow a 2.7

[jeff denton]

The best scenario for my GT would be to get the Compact Class rules modified to say something like "car must use engine from corporate family; maximum 2500 cc" like they do at some Mini Stock tracks.
Then there would be a 2.2 Ecotech slammed in.
Oh, yes, I'd rather stick to pure Opel power but the aftermarket can't/won't produce the "motorsports parts" required to race at a level much beyond "pure stock". Thus it's tough to compete with cheaters, and impossible to cheat enough to compete with them. It's all about the rocker arms, everything else is simple.
None of the poll choices would fit my desires, unless one added "other 4 cyl swap" or "race-prepped 2.2-2.5".

[Phoenix]

Buick Grand National Motor is at the top of my list. Supercharged Thunderbird 3.8 is next. Maybe the Quad 4. I think that if your going to go through all the trouble make it worth the while.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by baz i like V12's but only if madness runs in your family seems so simple to do if it does

Baz, I seriously worry about you! Did you spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning parts in the parts cleaner or at least pretending to.

Keep up the good work!

Harold

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Probably my favorite engine combo will be my father's GT engine. I'll be content with 450 whp on pump gas and great streetability. Bob

Yeah, right! Only if after you deliver it, your dad doesn't let you touch it again.

Harold

[wrench459]

Take a look at the saturn VUE engine.
A small powerplant light weight 60 degree motor.
That little rascal runs if your into engine swaps and the likes.

[namba209]

Well, my signature block says it all, as far as what it took, time wise, along with a restoration, 7 years. Cost, I'm still working an paying off that credit card at $500 a month.

It's all documented on this site in my Willit? Update thread, still the largest on the site, and in the Articles Forum. As "Saxybiker" stated, not for the faint of heart or shallow pockets. As for the end result, It's a blast to drive and has given some of the newer "performance cars" fits.

[baz]

mark thats a cruel post to make ,really cruel

i never even thought of using a manta






aaaaaaahhhhhh the rats are in my brain again

[Motor Mouth]

Originally Posted by baz mark thats a cruel post to make ,really cruel i never even thought of using a manta aaaaaaahhhhhh the rats are in my brain again

Pleased to have been of service .....so much more space than in a GT too and ohh what a tow car!!!

[officertyo]

Originally Posted by wrench459 Take a look at the saturn VUE engine. A small powerplant light weight 60 degree motor. That little rascal runs if your into engine swaps and the likes.

That 60 degree engine in the VUE is a Honda engine. I am not say its a bad thing, just pointing it out. GM took the engine out of the honda pilot, along with the AWD tranny and slapped it in the VUE, with the help of honda of course.

[DennisGardiner]

Did a 3.0L 24V Opel motor into a 74 Manta A in D. Miller in L.A., definitely a challenge fitting 2 extra cylinder under a Manta.
My Manta has the 2.0L 16V fitted, just need to finish the body and paint.

Would like to transplant the Chevrolet L98 into a Manta with a full tube frame into a Manta as well. (240 hp & 340 torque) yielding 9.1 lbs. per hp