the Buix5 - commodore 3.8 swapped NA8

[Danny]

In NSW there's a capacity to weight ratio limit. Two actually, one for forced induction and the other for normal aspiration. I forget what they are.

[StanTheMan]

Just build it according to the legislation and good engineering principles and then have it inspected.

Dann

good engineering principles is a subjective matter....although knowing Hammer....it would be a solid, clean & proper build if he decided to do it.

big effort though.

[mossy]

In NSW there's a capacity to weight ratio limit. Two actually, one for forced induction and the other for normal aspiration. I forget what they are.

https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/ ... 011_v3.pdf

[Hammer]

good engineering principles is a subjective matter....although knowing Hammer....it would be a solid, clean & proper build if he decided to do it.

big effort though.

Thanks Stan, though I'd skip the 3.8 Commodore engine and look into an LS3 V8. The problem is getting it road legal in NSW.

I like what Tom (from "Tom's Turbo Garage" YouTube channel) has done to his NB8B SE (aka Mazdaspeed), and the Flying Miata's conversions of NAs, NBs and now NDs. There's nothing quiet like seeing an MX5 and hearing a sweet V8 burble coming out of it - plus not to mention the added power and torque.

[Custardtart]

If you wanted a V8 in QLD it might be possible with the Buick/Rover 3.5l V8. That’s a reasonably light one, I think all up including trans would add 50gks but not really alter the weight distribution much. However, they only push out about 170hp in standard form.

[mossy]

good engineering principles is a subjective matter....although knowing Hammer....it would be a solid, clean & proper build if he decided to do it.

big effort though.

Thanks Stan, though I'd skip the 3.8 Commodore engine and look into an LS3 V8. The problem is getting it road legal in NSW.

I like what Tom (from "Tom's Turbo Garage" YouTube channel) has done to his NB8B SE (aka Mazdaspeed), and the Flying Miata's conversions of NAs, NBs and now NDs. There's nothing quiet like seeing an MX5 and hearing a sweet V8 burble coming out of it - plus not to mention the added power and torque.

You'd probably have to go NC to get it engineered, find the heaviest version to get to 1200kg x by 5 and stick in a 6.0 ls from a VE

[bruce]

Capacity and weight. An LS into an NA/NB is never going to happen - as confirmed by my Engineer.
In America u can get LS engines in I think 5.4 litres, so maybe an NC is the go and import an engine.

[LiteIsRite]

This has got me thinking, even though I’m not currently needing to replace my 300k old engine. Even at a pessimistic kerb weight of 950kg for an NA6, my reading of the ADRs suggest a replacement engine capacity of 3800cc is OK. When new in stock form, the 1.6 puts out 85kw, right? Mine something less, I imagine. So the power output (not to mention torque) of an mid 90’s Commodore 6 (the 150kw engine) represents a significant increase and such, including entire donor car, should now be available for not very much money. Would make an interesting project.

To the OP... what’s yours like to drive?

[bruce]

But you'd be swapping a 300k MX5 motor for a 300K Commodore motor. There are no good examples of VN+ Commodores left on the road so a good motor would be hard to find.

[LiteIsRite]

But you'd be swapping a 300k MX5 motor for a 300K Commodore motor. There are no good examples of VN+ Commodores left on the road so a good motor would be hard to find.

Brave call there, Bruce A five minute search turned up this as an example... https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/koongal/cars-vans-utes/1994-vr-commodore-s/1192194338

[StanTheMan]

But you'd be swapping a 300k MX5 motor for a 300K Commodore motor. There are no good examples of VN+ Commodores left on the road so a good motor would be hard to find.

Brave call there, Bruce A five minute search turned up this as an example... https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/koongal/cars-vans-utes/1994-vr-commodore-s/1192194338

unsure if youd rip the engine out of that....looks like a great car. would be a total waste even for a Commodore

[LiteIsRite]

unsure if youd rip the engine out of that....looks like a great car. would be a total waste even for a Commodore

Yeah, I hear ya. I’ve owned both VR and VS Commodores from new, and this one looks great for the price.

With the benefit of some more time to think about it, there are lots of reasons to NOT go down this path:
- the ‘hidden’ costs like brake and diff upgrades, PPF delete, engine mounts, sorting the electrics, getting engineering approval
- losing one of the best manual gearboxes ever put in a production car
- changing the fundamental nature of the car
- my lack of mechanical skill to actually make it happen.

And so, referring back to the first post in this thread, and following the backflipping example set by the leaders of our great nation, I have to ask the question ‘why would you do this?’

[KevGoat]

And so, referring back to the first post in this thread, and following the backflipping example set by the leaders of our great nation, I have to ask the question ‘why would you do this?’

For those that undertake such a venture, as impractical, illogical or financially insane as it may often appear, I guess the answer to that question may simply be "...because I can"



Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[bruce]

Yup, you said it all.
Let some other sucker to do it, then buy it cheap from him (like the OP has done). I did that with my current car, purchased it un-engineered. But it was built to be engineered and I had later confirmed it all. Still took a bit of mucking around but it was all fine.

[manga_blue]

Could be good ...