x18xe conversion

[andrew1988]

Want to do something slightly different for my saloon. Ive seen that some 1.8s are small block engine and just need nova shafts and mounts to be bolted in. What other problems can i expect with the conversion? How hard is the wiring? Fan belt issues? Rad hoses? Bulkhead Clearance?

Ive found this engine, is this a small block? Im told its an x18xe

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrew_2882/BOh0j4QBmkKGrHgoH-CQEkJ5gdrdhBJvO39.jpg

Rep to those that are helpful lol

Cheers

[burgo]

that does look like the smallblock 1800 as the big block looks like the 2L ecotecs. wiring i assume is the same as the 1600 16v's where you need the key and pick-up aswell. alternator clearence is probably easiest solved by ****ing the chassis leg. rad hoses i would say use the original astra?? ones and bulkhead should be fine

[Ben]

yeah bulkhead is no issue, wiring as burgo said, the rad hose i like the v6 vectra hose as its very adaptable.

As for the shafts and the hubs you will need i am not sure, as sure those engines use an F17 gearbox which i thouht was a bigblock.

Technically the Cav V6 engine is a small block but you try mounting a F13 onto it.

[corsa-xe1]

just make sure its not a fly-by wire engine!

[burgo]

apparently its the z16xe that is fly-by-wire so check that engine number

[burgo]

yeah bulkhead is no issue, wiring as burgo said, the rad hose i like the v6 vectra hose as its very adaptable.

As for the shafts and the hubs you will need i am not sure, as sure those engines use an F17 gearbox which i thouht was a bigblock.

Technically the Cav V6 engine is a small block but you try mounting a F13 onto it.could you not use an 1.6 8v flywheel and clutch then use an f13-f15??

[corsa-xe1]

o ok, my mates corsa c x18xe1 is fly-by? i think lol

[burgo]

shouldnt be. the x16xe1 is the small block with normal TB. z16xe is small block but fly-by-wire and x18xe is the big block i beleave as is the c18xe

[Ben]

Those engnines are from the vectra B and corsa C so i would assume it is fly by wire,

Possibly be able to fit the F13 with the e16 flywheel etc will check config on autodata.

[burgo]

Those engnines are from the vectra B and corsa C so i would assume it is fly by wire,

Possibly be able to fit the F13 with the e16 flywheel etc will check config on autodata.http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/showthread.php?t=130810

[Ben]

Funking lost autodata will need to install 2008 i got but need to mess around with stabalising iso's and **** but im crap at this, can download it just dont know how to install lol

[Ben]

http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/showthread.php?t=130810

Yeah i know the X18 XE is as fitted to the earlier vectras etc with the ecotec plug cover like a long black thin one,.

[BIGS]

Well ive found this in plymouth

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-ASTRA-CORSA-ENGINE-X18XE-16-VALVE_W0QQitemZ280325560125QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_C arsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item28032556012 5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

If you do fancy it i can pick it up then get it posted to you? Should cost about £50 to send so if you can get one cheeper then that its always a option for you!

[andrew1988]

Thats the one im looking at bigs. May take you up on the offer. Will see where this thread goes lol.

So whats the general consensus (sp.)?

Is this a small block engine fitted with a big block gearbox?

Ive got a x16xe, could i use f15 and fly from that?

[MK999]

I have a spare flywheel and clutch assembly for the e16se if you need it, box will be an f13 though

[BIGS]

Im 99% sure you can use a f15 with it. ask on mig as i know someone is putting one into his nova. And if i right in saying i think it all bolt in the nova mounts aswell

[Sloth]

yup, uses nova mounts, and fits a f15/f13. after 2001 they had fly by wire tbs, before that cable. the code is x18xe1. the x18xe is a different engine.

[ck]

as sloth said. nova mounts/shafts. use a 14xe flywheel n clutch (flat so way lighter) and yes a f13/15 will bolt straight on..

that engine is sat down alen jeffereys (sp) i personaly dont trust anything from down there... especially after charging bigs over £35 for a diagnostis on his nova when it wasnt running properly and they never even done a single thing

[andrew1988]

So you dont think its worth getting that particular engine from alan jeffreys?

What gearbox comes with them normally?

[ck]

it will be fine providing they will give you a written guarantee with it, thats what i would want from them tbh

[andrew1988]

Ok, so that nicely brings me onto the next part.
What about tuning? Wouldnt go as crazy as throttle bodies, but any relatively easy ways to get power?

[Ben]

TBH i personaly think they are a rubbish engine, for the expense hassle etc there are far easier and cheaper ways of building a mush more powerful and relaible nova.

[andrew1988]

TBH i personaly think they are a rubbish engine, for the expense hassle etc there are far easier and cheaper ways of building a mush more powerful and relaible nova.

Reasons?

[Ben]

when i used to sale engines for a living its one the most requested engines going, used to get 3-4 vectra/astra owners asking for them a week and it wasnt for an upgrade.