Looking to mod a MK1 1.3 SR....

[leemondo]

Hiya guys,

This is my 1st post here and I'm very new to all this, so please go easy.....:)

I've recently bought an excellent example of a 1987 MK1 Nova 1.3SR (Some really old fella owned it, garaged it and accumalated only 33K on the clock :D) and I'm looking to do a C20XE transplant. I've sourced a redtop lump with engine loom only and I am now wondering what else I need to complete the conversion. I need advice with mount mods, ECU, looms, gearbox, driveshafts, brakes upgrade etc.
I'm not looking to build a track car or anything but I've never done anything like this before and I'm completely open to all your ideas. I'm a general mechanic / diagnostic tech by trade (9yrs) so I have knowledge at a trade level, but never done a project before.

My plan is to gain knowledge in the build aspect of the project, remove the existing engine and then send the rolling shell off to bodyshop to get it up to mint standard (it doesn't need much BTW) and THEN carry out my attack under the bonnet once I have a clearer idea.

Looking forward to all your comments.....

UPDATE:[B] Here are images of my new Nova!!

[novacabrio]

Get 15 posts and get some pics up of it. Is it a snow plough style front end or the later like the GTE but grey bumpers?

[white2lSR]

Its exactly what ive just completed :thumb:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r57/rubberrambo/nova290708004.jpg

If you need any info just PM me ;)

[AlexW]

totaly off topic, but those wheels have grown on me, they look right at home.

[white2lSR]

Ill be taking them off next month in favour of some 14" white Revolution RFXs. The steels will get some decent tyres for track days next summer.

[leemondo]

Get 15 posts and get some pics up of it. Is it a snow plough style front end or the later like the GTE but grey bumpers?

I'd call it a snowplough, but to describe it better....it has an all-in-one front bumper without seperate grille and a square vauxhall emblem moulded in the centre of the grille. All grey trim. I'll try and get some pics up asap.

[leemondo]

Its exactly what ive just completed :thumb:


That looks fantastic! Same colour as mine too. How long and how much spent?

[novacabrio]

You'd spoil it sticking a XE in it, buy a standard car for that and xe it, keep the SR original they are getting very rare, worth more standard

[Andy]

Agreed/\ So hard to come by these days

[rysmee]

heres a step in the right direction..
http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86668
although i have to agree with the others.. unmolested 1.3 /1.4s are very rare now.. specially ones with minimal / no rust.
you could keep it looking standard but to make the most of the power you need good brakes - which means bigger wheels - and better suspension etc etc...then you start altering the originality of the car.

[Sturge]

Don't listen to them, get that engine out and sold to me lol

[craig green]

Pics!!

[white2lSR]

That looks fantastic! Same colour as mine too. How long and how much spent?

Its been off the road about a year and a half. Didnt do much on it for 6 months when my daughter was born.
As for cost, its probably cost somewhere around £1500 including buying the car to start with.

[white2lSR]

You'd spoil it sticking a XE in it, buy a standard car for that and xe it, keep the SR original they are getting very rare, worth more standard
I have to disagree. I paid £700 for mine, you wouldnt get a rough valver nova for that. So in theory, mine is worth more with the 2L in that standard ;)


Plus if you want a 2L nova then you may as well build it with the best shell you can find. If i happens to be a mint SR then its a bonus.

[leemondo]

I'm in two minds now. I know what you guys are saying about keeping it standard, and I if I played the long game and minted it back to concourse it will be worth a good penny in maybe 8 - 10 years time. Would it be possible to have a bit of fun with the car by implanting the XE, upgrading the brakes, suspension etc but keeping all the original bits and converting it back when the time was right? I don't do many miles in it anyway as I've got a 2nd car. The only thing is, I've heard that it is best to strengthen the engine bay when planting an XE...does this mean chopping and welding??? If so then I'd rather keep it standard and play the long game. I want to keep the bodywork completely standard anyway.
I'll definately get some pics up in the next few days when I get a new camera battery :)

[_JH_]

Stitch welding the engine bay is a must for any Nova I'd say, and nobody looks at a mint Mk2 Escort and says "ooh, I'm not buying that because it's been stitch welded" so it won't affect the 'long game' so to speak.

You can fit 2.0 brakes behind 14inch steels, and fitting a decent suspension set-up doesn't spoil the car, so I'd say go for it with the 2.0 conversion.

And get a thread up in the project section when you start :thumb:

[belly257]

minter:thumb: i like white sr's

[Jack]

Tut tut, spamming to up your post count is frowned on in these parts.

[leemondo]

Sorry, (slap) I won't do it again. I did't know how else to get my pics up :(

[Andy]

It isnt the answer mate,your not the 1st and i dont suppose you will be the last

[Steve]

Personally I think it's wrong to mess up a mint sr for a conversion, how often do you see mk1 sr's? Let alone a decent one.

Its your choice but tbh its not that difficult to find a decent shell for a conversion if you look hard enough.

[craig green]

Its your choice but tbh its not that difficult to find a decent shell for a conversion if you look hard enough.

Well said, its akin to grinding up fossils to make sand.. lol

[dj_wudgey]

You'd spoil it sticking a XE in it, buy a standard car for that and xe it, keep the SR original they are getting very rare, worth more standard

i agree i thought this with mine but now i want it standard itd be worth moore and moore apriciated!!!

[dj_wudgey]

Personally I think it's wrong to mess up a mint sr for a conversion, how often do you see mk1 sr's? Let alone a decent one.

Its your choice but tbh its not that difficult to find a decent shell for a conversion if you look hard enough.

i agree with him aswell lol