Rootes Group Cars

take a look at a miata/mx5 engine...i just put the 1.6 in my spitfire....if it can fit in a spit-it definitely will fit in an alpine. the 1.6 will give you 115 hp, the 1.8 more....they are cheap, light, modern and with the 5 speed tranny very nice and easy to fit. take a look at the triumph forum-i have a few pics up there. i got my engine and tranny as a package for $400....and there are tons of parts out there to fill in the little bits you will need.

On the Alpine its not really the small engine compartment as it is the Goofy steering. I may look into the Miata motor. So far my preliminary measurment show the 2.2 will fit quite well, of coarse I wont know for sure untill I set one in there and see. I have no intensions to heavily modify this car as it takes a lot of time and effort.
So if this swap wont fly I have located a few 2.8 Fords, just hate using something so out dated and chasing parts from other vehicles that dont exist any more.

Joe

Hi all,
Found this site looking for Sunbeam related stuff thought, I have transplanted a Zetec E 1.8 in to my Alpine I had it setup on twin webers for a short while then converted to ITB injection, not too hard to do if you can find the transmission to mate it to (its a common transmission found on lots of old UK fords dont know about the US). Was fairly simple to fit, quite nippy about 140bhp

That's a nice install. On the US alpine the steering box is on the other side of the car. Would that interfere with the exhaust with it as low as it is? On the saoca site there are 2 guys about to do the zetec swap also.

Obviously I couldn't say for sure it wont but I don't think so. Just had a look now if you look at the first picture the large hole on the right I assume is where the steering box on the US models would come through, it sits quite close to the wheel arch. In the last picture you can see it under the carbs next to brake fluid reservoir so it shouldn't interfere...

Chris, The Type 9 5 speed is rare over here. Only found in the Merkur. I know you can use the older Pinto bell with it and here in the U.S. the 83-93 Fox Mustang 2.3 bell with the T5. On both the dowels line up and some of the bolt holes. The major problem seems to be the starter fitment. The Zetec has a small high mount starter,while both bells have a lower starter mount. What was your solution? I thought maybe an adapter to use the Zetec starter in the lower position. 95-97 Contour/Mystique 2.0 seem to be most popular donors. Simpler than the VVT newer Focus.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/26/2012 08:50PM by mgb260.

ive always heard from the long time sunbeam guys to not run it without the fender braces on. ive noticed one of yours is missing. have you had any front end shimmy or noticed any other effects from not having it on?"

Hi,
My 67 Alpine has a V6 Chevy with a GM aoutomatic and works just fine. I does of course have the MG rack and pinion. I'm going to put a 302 into it and possibly switch the steering to a mustang 2. The car is running a stock Alpine rearend that I'm switching to a Ford 8" The V6 appears slightly built, but I still want to do the V8. If you decide to go through with the GM V6 I do have some Pinto rack and pinions and a engine/trans/motor mount/drive shaft setup that should fit right into your Alpine.
The only obvious modifications were the tunnel cut out some for the floor shifter, the rack and pinion, Motor mounts, exhaust, and the electric fan to a custom radiator. The guy that I bought it from did, however, wish that he'd have put a Ford V8. The V6 is fine, but I think that the V8 is more in the mainstream though I could be wrong.. Regardless, good luck.

The starter motor fitment wasnt really an issue, the model was a lucas LRS707 and you can either get a different bell house or make a plate to cover up the gaps - I will try to get a picture

I didnt notice any issues without the one brace on - but I am running ITB's now so i have put the brace back!

Jessie
Do you have any pics of your engine bay and maybe anything of the steering? I have heard of the MGB steering conversion but have not seen it or know what all is needed, and how well it handles.

What vehicles here in the states have the ZeTec in them?

I am in the process of locating a 2.2 Gm to set in there for measuremant purposes I think this would be a straight forward swap but not a whole bunch of HP

Joe

Joe, For the Zetec 95-97 Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique and Focus before Duratec(more complicated with variable valve timing and wider oil pan) The rack setup I saw had a step boxed in the front of the crossmember and used the Midget rack with MGB steering arms. You can use 67-69 Camaro shocks front and rear also. There is an article. Here's the link. [www.tigersunited.com]



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 07/26/2012 08:51PM by mgb260.

Looks like the 2.2 Gm from a 98 S-10 is a go. I located a scrap long block with the NV1500 5 speed attached for purpose of fitting. The shifter comes out in the factory location, the engine fits in the bay and the only issue I have encountered so far is the steering arm hitting the starter solenoid and then obviously the tunnel needs widening.




The Starter issue I think
can be overcome with either drilling the block for a SBC Mini Starter, That can be clocked to get the solenoid below the steering arm or make a plate to bolt to the engine and install a Ford starter to the plate one without a solenoid.






Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2012 11:10PM by MGB SS.

Joe, There is a factory mini starter for 3800 supercharged. Don't know if it will clear but it sure is small.

Jim

I will look into it. yes the solenoid doesn't look like it stands as tall above the bolt flange





This is what I am thinking if I can find one for the Drivers side and 142 tooth flywheel

Thanks
Joe

Joe, The 3400 starter interchanges with the 2.2(mount bolt spacing and gear) the 3800 one I show interchanges also. You could also look at getting a smaller tie rod end too. I know there is a smaller MGB or Mustang II that might work. They are 9/16" thread,not sure about Sunbeam.




Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2012 07:15PM by mgb260.

Jim

Good idea on the tie rod ends I will check into that.

If you have that 3800 starter handy can I get a measurment from the center of the mounting bolt holes to the end of the solenoid if not don't worry about it I will go to the parts store and measure one.

Joe, It isn't my starter but the guy is replacing a 3.4 starter in a Fiero with the Pontiac 3800 Supercharged,and it supposedly intrerchanges with the 2.2. 1999-2001 I believe.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/12/2012 09:20PM by mgb260.

Joe, 2000-2002 2.2 and 99 and up 3400 (more common) mini-starter,probably the same. Bring your old starter to the parts store to compare mounting and gear.

Jim

Thank you for the suggestion Clears by about 1/2" will probably look for something better but This will work







2000 Pontiac GP 3800 Starter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/13/2012 08:18PM by MGB SS.

Joe, Great !, You can cut the lug off with a Dremel a little bit after cable is on, and maybe the smaller tie rod end.