10 replies to this topic

[cal844]

Hi folks

I have a Wolseley Hornet, I'm thinking of doing an engine conversion, using a Ford 2 litre Zetec with a FWD type gearbox, either FWD OR RWD (currently undecided)

Can it be done and what would be easier, my thoughts are RWD on 13 inch wheels.

Let the debate begin!

(Admins feel free to move if needed, cheers)

Thanks in advance

Cal

[DeadSquare]

Why ruin a Hornet ?

 

Much better to put your engine into a Caterham 7

[cal844]

Why ruin a Hornet ?

Much better to put your engine into a Caterham 7

We fancy something different than an A series, pointless doing a Vtec as everyone's done one.

[Shooter63]

Mid engine it on an Audi 80 type gearbox, the boot should hide the gearbox just about, Oh and turbocharge it while you're about it, I just happen to know someone with a steel and forged zetec turbo spec engine and all the bits to go with it, how does 380bhp and 295ftlb of torque sound.

Shooter

[cal844]

Mid engine it on an Audi 80 type gearbox, the boot should hide the gearbox just about, Oh and turbocharge it while you're about it, I just happen to know someone with a steel and forged zetec turbo spec engine and all the bits to go with it, how does 380bhp and 295ftlb of torque sound.

Shooter

Sounds good to me 😁 but will that be OK on 13 or 10 inch wheels? Plan is for 13 inch wheels as I can get tyres for them easier than 10s

[Shooter63]

If you can find a CAC box out of a big engined car it would work best, I think Tiger engineering even sell an adapter plate to mate the two together.

Shooter

[cal844]

If you can find a CAC box out of a big engined car it would work best, I think Tiger engineering even sell an adapter plate to mate the two together.

Shooter

Perfect mate, thanks 😁

[Midas Mk1]

Sounds very hypothetical.

[cal844]

Sounds very hypothetical.

It's a crazy idea, very early stages... The car still hasn't been touched in 2 years 😂

Our plan is to fit metal wheel arch (trailer arch shape) extensions and sill extensions that will flow nicely and allow wider wheels might be able to source compomotive turbo split rims to finish the project off.

The shell is solid, just needs front end and maybe 2 doors reskinned.

We just want a challenge away from the normal mini stuff. I know a guy for the wiring too 😁

As I said above, everyone's put Honda and vauxhall engines in minis so we thought to be different

Edited by cal844, 11 July 2023 - 09:26 PM.

[Icey]

I mean, it’s not that crazy - the Ford YB conversion with 4x4 running gear was more extreme. A quick google shows there are quite a few Minis that have been built with Ford engines fitted.

But anyway, anything is technically possible. Keeping the original reg might be a challenge as you’ll be changing the shell and both subframes.

Personal opinion, posted before, having got a reasonable way down the Vauxhall engine swap route, I wouldn’t consider it again. There’s so much to do with the A-series these days, it’s not worth all the compromises - turbos, superchargers, twin-cam heads etc… When the Kiwis are getting 350hp from a 998, it shows the old boat anchor has a lot to give.

[cal844]

I mean, it’s not that crazy - the Ford YB conversion with 4x4 running gear was more extreme. A quick google shows there are quite a few Minis that have been built with Ford engines fitted.

But anyway, anything is technically possible. Keeping the original reg might be a challenge as you’ll be changing the shell and both subframes.

Personal opinion, posted before, having got a reasonable way down the Vauxhall engine swap route, I wouldn’t consider it again. There’s so much to do with the A-series these days, it’s not worth all the compromises - turbos, superchargers, twin-cam heads etc… When the Kiwis are getting 350hp from a 998, it shows the old boat anchor has a lot to give.

I do agree with all points, perhaps we need to have a rethink 😁