Calibra turbo engine

[Alloys]

Hi just joined up, I have a 1991 SE with a 1400 Vauxhall engine (c140bhp twin 40's ) with a Manta gearbox, it goes well, but want more Torque/BHP.

I have the chance of 2lt Calibra turbo engine, will it fit engine bay/gearbox, what else will I need to do.    

Many Thanks              

Cheers

Alloys      

[stu999]

Welcome Alloys.

I think you are going to be struggling IMHO see here.

Mike has a wide body Westie (with a wider frame, and therefore engine bay) and possibly with a wide gearbox tunnel too. The VX engine he is fitting also normally aspirated on standard injection, and things are a bit tight, with a bit to do yet. Ooh, I forgot to mention, his is LHD too...

So in short, the answer is unfortunately probably no. A naturally aspirated XE on carbs will fit though, and plenty have done such a conversion.

HTH Stu.

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[windy]

If you have the 5 speed ally cased Getrag box then yes it will fit. You will need to buy a clutch disc available from sbdev.co.uk which will adapt the Manta input shaft to the standard flywheel & clutch cover. I'd question whether the box will cope with the torque though. You may have to limit boost in 1st & 2nd gears using the std switch on the cavalier box.

As to the engine, I should think the turbo / exhaust manifold will fit within the chassis but you may have problems plumbing intercooler pipework over the top of the engine as there is minimal clearance. The Z20LET engine in the VX220 turbo & Astra GSI turbo would be a better bet as the turbo - intercooler pipe is a lot slimmer.

Alternatively you could buy some normally aspirated pistons for your engine & go for throttle bodies or carbs.

Hope this helps

[Alloys]

Thanks stu999 & windy for your reply's and the link to Mike's endeavours, much appreciated.

The gearbox is a 5 speed and I think it is the Getrag box. I was told by the guy who built the engine /box that it was good for c150bhp.

Looks like I will give the Calibra turbo a miss.  

I need to learn what all the codes mean for these Vauxhall engines, VX,  XE, Z20LET, does anybody have a quick link to a site that will explain these so that I know what to look out for.

Cheers Bob

[stu999]

VX is an abbreviation for Vauxhall,

XE, Z20LET etc are engine model codes, for all thing VX try  here.

There is some interesting stuff here if you route inbetween the Burberry baseball cap threads