Rootes Group Cars

Hi all,
I recently acquired a 59 Hillman Minx Convertible in fair condition. Only a small amount of rust that I've already repaired and the engine runs like a top. Unfortunately, it runs like a 53 hp/ 90 ft/lb top and that's where you all come in! I also happen to have a 2.0 turbo Ecotec from a 2018 Camaro that is 275 hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque along with the 8 speed transmission. Has anyone here done an Ecotec swap? With the Sunbeams also being Rootes group cars, I'm hoping somebody has some advice regarding front suspension and rear axle. I enjoy the restored cars, it's just that I'm more of a modified performance guy and this Minx has some potential to be unique to say the least! I'm not shy about the cutting and welding, the stand alone wiring harness or making things fit, but I'm no steering expert and the Hillman's front suspension/steering will likely conflict with the engine swap. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.... love reading the success stories on this site!

Tom

My Hillman uses a steering box located on the frame rail (right below the steering column exit through the firewall), that connects to something of a tie rod that parallels the firewall. So it runs behind the engine and above the transmission. My new driveline combo being a modern 2.0 turbo ecotec and transmission will likely conflict with that, so does anyone have experience with alternate steering/crossmember combinations? I've seen a Husky with a narrowed Mustang II with rack and pinion, but that is going to very expensive. I'm hoping someone has gone down this road looking for alternate methods. Does a Sunbeam steer this same way?

Tom



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/17/2021 12:45PM by TBaker.

Dan R on the SAOCA forum has a arched tie rod or spacers to lift yours. Alpines have the same setup.

[danr.mhartman.net]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/17/2021 05:04PM by mgb260.

Great tip..... Thanks! The turbo down pipe will have to clear on a full left turn, but this could solve my steering issue

After the tip from Jim Nichols, I'm feeling much better about the steering system I have in the Minx (since it's the same as the Alpine). I went through the photo section and saw a lot of V8 cars using the stock steering with an arched tie rod or spacers so my modern 4 should be easy to steer. Does anyone have experience with rebuilding the front end? I've found poly bushings on line, but I rebuilt an El Camino once with poly bushings and didn't like the ride. This car is a cruiser, not a racer at all. I've looked for rubber in the usual places with no luck so is there another car that uses the same parts? I'm not sure that my parts are all that bad, but it would be foolish not to renew the soft parts when the engine is out. Thanks in advance.

Tom

Here, from a seller of few words, is a nearly completed 59 Minx with a 3.9 Rover V8.

Apparently it 'drives' with no radiator. Well I do recall years ago a member of the TR Register briefly starting his newly built motor with no water in it... 'I only ran it for a minute' he responded to the howls of anguish...

[www.ebay.co.uk]

A rare sighting of a rare beast.





Ivor

I followed this build of a '66 Sunbeam Minx, started back in 2009:
[67-72chevytrucks.com]
Somewhat related.

2009-2018... how life gets in the way... lol... but a very smart ending.

Ivor