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View Full Version : 1.2 to 1.3 worth it?


Iain
20-09-06, 06:12 PM
Okay so I have driven a 1.2 for two years now and fancy something better/faster. Was looking at a 1.6 8v but insurance will be in excess of ?1100 which is a bit steep IMO.

I have been quoted ?680 for a 1.3 (transplant in to 1.2 shell) including modifications from HIC, which I thought was fair. Is the step from 1.2 (55bhp?) to 1.3 (69bhp?) noticeable and worth doing, in your opinions?

Thanks for any input. :) No doubt some of you have had similar experiences to input.
Adam
20-09-06, 06:16 PM
I wouldn't bother tbh.
I went from about 55bhp 1200 to around 85-90bhp 1400, and yeah, it was better, but i regret not fitting a 1600 8v/16v instead now.
Iain
20-09-06, 06:31 PM
Fair enough. The original plan was a 1.6 8v but insurance won't budge below ?1100. :(
Adam
20-09-06, 06:36 PM
1400 8v MPI is an option, cheaper tax and insurance, and not that far behind a gte/gsi engine.
Stuart
20-09-06, 06:37 PM
or be patient for another year...
Iain
20-09-06, 06:40 PM
1400 8v MPI is an option

Is that the SRi engine? If not, what (other) cars did it come in?
dannyb
20-09-06, 06:43 PM
I have considerded this swap myself as the 1.2 carb is a sluggish old thing. I have uprated the suspnesion with a 40mm Apex shock and spring kit, swapped to GSi brakes and it stop and corners alright now. But I thought about sticking a 1.4 in and it seems like a lots of effort, even though it it is something which I can do with a mechanic friend in his garage over a weekend. I've decided ot just buy a XE converted nova next year after saving up (cheap running cost of the 1.2) and making the 1.2 earn its crust as a chinese delivery car. Plus I get a lot of satisfaction in seeing my 1.2 own other cars on roundabouts.
Adam
20-09-06, 06:44 PM
Yeah, sri engine.
Came in Mk3 astras, and corsa sri's.

Best to get one from a astra or corsa as the engine loom is seperated from the car loom.
Only about group 5 for a corsa sri too, which is what some insurance companies(including HIC) go by when adding an engine conversion.
Iain
20-09-06, 06:47 PM
Yeah I'm getting quotes with HIC who seem very reasonable when it comes with transplants (now I'm 19 it opens more doors for insurance companies).

Cheers for the info, I'll look in to it! :)
Adam
20-09-06, 06:52 PM
A 1400 into my 1200 shell cost ?70 extra with HIC.