Diesel nova conversion

[bakerznova]

Hi all,

I've recently brought a 1.7 Isuzu engine for my nova which is currently a 1.0 shell so the plan is to convert it so I can run the 1.7, I know that the engine mount is different and that it mounts on the chassis leg, I have sorted a diesel chassis leg which the plan is to have that welded in, going to have the bay seem welded also, just wondered wether anyone has done this before if so wether they could give me a few tips and advice.

Does anyone know wether a 1.5 Isuzu engine mounts would bolt on the side of a 1.7 ?


Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks :thumb:

[bakerznova]

Also what about fuel tank have you got to use a diesel tank or is there another way to get round it ?

[MK999]

IIRC you have to change pretty much everything on the block to 1.5TD stuff, I can't remember why though! Balley is your guy for this tbh.

Other option is put the 1.7 stuff in a 1.5 block which I believe is possible but I sold mine before I got interested enough to look into it lol

[bakerznova]

Had a read another forum on here and there's a way to get round the engine mount

Does anyone know about wiring one into a petrol nova shell ie what's need etc ??

[Balley]

IIRC you have to change pretty much everything on the block to 1.5TD stuff, I can't remember why though! Balley is your guy for this tbh.

Other option is put the 1.7 stuff in a 1.5 block which I believe is possible but I sold mine before I got interested enough to look into it lol


The block and head are completely different. You may be able to re bore the 1.5 and change the crank and rods but I doubt it.

You need a complete 1.5 engine to rob all the mounts, timing cover, alternator, water pipes, timing tensioner off. You can mod a 1,7 mount though and then just use the standard 1.7 tensioner, back plate and cover and I believe you could make the water pipes and alternator fit.

[Balley]

Had a read another forum on here and there's a way to get round the engine mount

Does anyone know about wiring one into a petrol nova shell ie what's need etc ??

The glow plugs run through a big controler and a series of relays etc. I would just fit a heavy duty push botton where the choke knob would go. Alternator is similar to a petrol, you will have to extend the wire though and use the cav/astra plug. Starter is like a petrol, and the pump needs a ignition live. Simples

[bakerznova]

The block and head are completely different. You may be able to re bore the 1.5 and change the crank and rods but I doubt it.

You need a complete 1.5 engine to rob all the mounts, timing cover, alternator, water pipes, timing tensioner off. You can mod a 1,7 mount though and then just use the standard 1.7 tensioner, back plate and cover and I believe you could make the water pipes and alternator fit.


The 1.7 I have got was removed from a mk3 Astra so ATM its still as it was when it was removed from the mk3 Astra
So just need to figure out what is needed ?


Does anyone know wether I could run the Astra starter and alternator ?

[MK999]

The block and head are completely different. You may be able to re bore the 1.5 and change the crank and rods but I doubt it.

Fair enough, I thought they were along the same lines block wise, I think the internal dimensions are similar but tbh I couldn't say for sure now, was years ago that I briefly looked at it.

[Balley]

Yeah use them. use the astra starter and charger loom and chop in the nova if you have it.

[chambers1984]

hi mate iv got all the 1.5td bits you need and full td car loom if wanted

[Nobby]

Itll never see the road lol