*HOW TO* fit a Smallblock XE. (1.4/1.6 16v)

[maddogdaz666]

Cheers just got the tensioner and belt from autovaux

[SimonTW]

Is there any downside to not connecting the throttle body coolant hoses other than the possibility of it freezing? I take it one hose connects to the heater matrix hose and the other goes to the header tank hose?

[maddogdaz666]

Yeah that's how they connect but I cut the heater matrix pipe when I took the engine out of the Tigra, and my header tank only has one return so I haven't got it connected and I cannot see any downside to not having it.

[Mieran]

Couple of quick questions.

I've noticed that digi dash transducer has same 3 wires as a VSS. So can I use a digi dash transducer to feed the clocks and ECU? Bearing in mind the VSS is AA and the transducer is AK.

Do I need to use an in line fuse in the fuel pump red/blue wire?

[SimonTW]

I would run an inline fuse for the pump just to be on the safe side. My last C16XE Nova just used feeds from the Digi Dash speed sender so it should be okay.

[shed-on-wheels]

the c16 you dont need a vss, but the x16 you do, i run it with my digi clock vss for about 8months with no problems buddy, juest earth, ign live and split the signal wire in 2 and one goes to clocks and other to transponder

[SimonTW]

C16 wiring diagram in the haynes shows the ECU as using a speed signal sender so probably best using it as it's designed to use it....

[Mieran]

Thanks for the advice.

And C16XE deffo needs VSS because my loon used to cut out every time the revs dropped then stopped doing it after I fitted a VSS.

[maddogdaz666]

Yes both 16xe engines need the vss, I'm now running mine on the digi dash and transducer too.

[phazer]

Yep as above it's primarily used for coast down, you'll see people complaining of stalling at junctions without one. On the X engines it just happens to have been used for the immobiliser also.