Engine Transplants, what's in yours?

[Garybax]

Hi all

I am sure that this has been covered several times, and probably crossed your minds. Whilst slowly fettling with my mk3 I can but help thinking of an engine transplant and have contemplated several units

1 v6 cosworth 2.9 boa or bob
2. Honda s2000
3. Vauxhall Redtop
4. Mercedes cosworth 2.3 or 2.5
5. Yb cosworth
6. BMW 3.2

I am somewhat drawn to the v6 to retain some originality, but can't help think of the Honda for pure power reliability and weight. But why I ask myself, for one I feel that I should rebuild the Essex engine whilst restoring the car, this would have to at least include unleaded heads, the cost of this alone is greater than a boa transplant and I get an extra 60 ish bhp,
I would be interested to see what combination people have chosen with what gearbox, axle combo and why

Or the big question remains what do you want from your car, all I want is a nice looking fast road, and will a transplant affect the future price,
Cheers
Gary

[mike whiskey]

Someone has done a Vauxhall V6 from an Omega. Was in a Mk 2 (i think) at last years National Day.
Correct in line config and retains the 'V6' charm.

Theres a couple of Scimitars received the same engine, according to their club forum. http://www.scimitarweb.co.uk

[Fareham GT]

Hi Gary,

I would suggest you have a word with Phil Ivimey as he has done a few engine transplants for MK.111 owners over the years, some he would do again and others he would not, he also owns the ex. Tony Bull MK.111 which was fitted many years ago with a V8 Rover lump.

As for the expense of unleaded heads on an Essex, I would not bother, unless you intend to drive the car flat out for miles on a motorway, it is highly unlikely the valve seats will ever burn out, a bottle of additive is a lot cheaper!

Keep up the good work

Brian

[blue1]

Why dont you try a ford lump that was built in Wales then you will have a welsh car with a welsh engine.
I believe they are the engines that Ford used on the jags.

[Garybax]

I am mindful of loosing the originality, just whilst the car is being stripped is it a case of now or never, so that's why I am exploring every avenue, any advice greatly appreciated
Gary