Rootes Group Cars

Joe, Google Sunbeam Grassroots Motorsports challenge. Ford Ranger front 5 lug Hub/Rotor. My threads on MGExperience explain how to narrow a 83-92 Ranger rear by shortening one side and using another short side axle(also Mustang rear disc).

Jim

I will do that I like the front hub conversion as that is in the plans not so sure about that Rack Pinion setup:(

I have seen the rearend trick done a couple times was thinking the S-10 year as I am trying to do the swap off of one donar vehicle but if the ford front hub is a good swap it may have to be a Ford in the back as well.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/20/2012 09:04PM by MGB SS.

The rack is similar to the Tiger(bad Ackerman) Alpine steering is much better. The early S-10 hubs will probably work also(same bearings as Ranger). Don't know about newer ones.. You would need to shorten both axle tubes though on the S-10 and use custom shorter axles. I posted on SAOCA board on the Ford Fiesta tie rod ends. That is what Jose uses in his V6 kit.

Tie rod info: [www.sunbeamalpine.org]



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 08/20/2012 12:16PM by mgb260.

Jim

I will check into the tie rod ends After reading some of that I think I am going the correct direction
Thanks for the info on the S-10 bearings being the same, I have shortened a few Rear Ends so thats not really an issue, but just getting a second short side axle does keep cost and labor down, something to think about when I get to that point.

Last week and this week so far have been swamped haven't even looked at the car

Joe

Reconsider what you are about do, Joe. I think the value of the would be much better in the long run with a Ford V8. I can't believe I just said that.

Put a low power 260 in it. After all, some day you will need to get every penny you can for it when you have to buy her that Lexus SC 430. ;)

I have a Nissan CA18DET (1.8 liter. dual overhead cam, turbocharged, intercooled and 238 RWHP) with a Nissan 5-speed and Ford 8" in my Alpine, no cutting, dropped right-in but fabrication of the turbo exhaust manifold was necessary due to the steering box. If you went with the normally aspirated (NA) motor you would have about 140HP and probably get in the mid 30's for economy (depending on gearing) with a 7,000RPM redline; you most likely not have to fabricate the manifold (?) These motors are 20-years old but still available. Another option might be the Nissan KA24E or DE motor (155HP, 160lb-ft), these engines and transmissions are readily available and are 10-15 years old. The Toyota 4A-GE motor could also be an option but these motors were used in the 80's for the AE86 Corolla.

A new kid on the block (Actually an Old Goat) has designed and sells a complete line of components for the Sunbeam Alpine SI thru SV's.

DanR, started a Jose conversion back in 2009 in one of his Alpines (SIV), soon becoming dissatisfied with the design of the kit components, made a decision to build a better mouse trap:)

Engine mounts were the first to take a new look. Instead of sittin' on the backside and nearly hanging off the rear edge, DanR's are firmly fix'd the the crossmember.

Next work began fabricating "new" Headers. The "kit" headers stuck out the side of the Alpine right behind the front wheels causing me trouble routing the exhaust back under the car. I did not like the side pipes sticking out. After about three years "straight back"
headers were finalized, they are tucked inside the framework running along side the engine and transmission, similar to the Tiger system. Road clearance is "Not" a problem, they do not hang down:)

The conversion components developed by DanR have proven to be well designed and durable. Here are a couple of the components available.