Engine transplants without cutting the floor

[MaTTe]

i've been toying with the idea of a BA inline 6 in a van for quite a while.. the BBM does take up alot of space on the left hand side of the motor, however if you were to have some 90degree adaptors made up and new support brackets, you could lay the manifold down to gain space.
Other potential options are the log manifold from EA-EB with an adaptor to fit the BA bolt pattern, or one of the aftermarket turbo manifolds which are similar to the log manifold.
The downsides to the log manifolds are reduced low down torque, but better top end HP, although realworld testing and tune may render different results to the theoretical disadvantages.

In the experience between my old BA motor versus the same year Commodore VY V6, similar mods had a much higher gain in my falcon in terms of HP though neither car had a tune with the mods, yet the difference was significant all the same.

The fact that taxis are getting 1,000,000kms without rebuilds is a testament to the motors.

If i had a spare van with no motor in it, i'd start looking at the option more seriously.

[BusyKiwi]

How about those 4cyl diesels out of the dynas and things, they have tare weight of 3500kg or more and are used in tip trucks and stuff

[Bas / NZ]

David, we ran these motors in our bottle trucks, the gearing in the auto is shocking, and even the 5 peed had poor top end.............

[willo]

Gentlemen, thank you very much for all your feedback and suggestions.  Geez what a great and diverse range of ideas.  Thank you one and all.

What it does tell me that what with all the variations and options that some sort of a engine/driveline swap board may be needed.  We are all thinking about different conversions but need more info about swaps that fit Bedfords and some of the headaches encountered would be helpful.

I liked all of the ideas suggested for different reasons.
Reid, I loved the Valiant Hemi idea. Hadn’t thought of that one before. It would be a great motor to push the 3 ton along very nicely.  However, it would mean that I was stil faced with a high revving motor because of the diff. 
You are also right about the power to weight problem with this big ol girl.  Need lotsa torque and pulling power.

Getting a bellhousing to fit the T700 auto to the 202 is a good interim option.  I see that 1st and 2nd are lower and third is still 1:1 but it gives me a .7 overdrive.  This would be a good option while I weigh up my long term options.  How much more powerful is a Holden Blue 202?  Noticeable or not?

I have even looked at an AU falcon V8 (small block windsor) with a 4 speed auto but still go back to the problem of cutting the floor and getting squashed around the steering column.

I like the BA falcon with 4 speed auto option as (if I have read this all correctly) the major cutting would be on the passenger side.  Plenty of space that side.  BA wrecks are relatively cheap too.  It also has EFI and likes LPG.  182kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.  Does anyone know the shape of the sump?  The 202 has the oil sump behind the X member.  Not too sure if the falcons run this in front or behind like GM.  Will have to go for a walk around the car yards one night.


I guess the next thing to do is to start getting some dimensions and sizes and do up some CAD images and talk to an engineer to see what is permitted in NSW.  No point in aiming for ‘motor X” when the engineer won’t sign off on the transplant. 

Keep em coming folks as it is invaluable.
Thank you

Neil

PS You know, just thought of something...  If I ran Ford running gear, seeing as though mine is a LWB campervan I could really call it a BED-FORD.  (Sorry about that folks)

[Jeff]

The motor does not have to be in the centre.
In my last van I off set it on an angle so that space was retained on the driver's side, and the passenger had less. (but still plenty)
It worked perfectly.

[ben]

nice idea jeff:)

[Bas / NZ]

Go for the Chev 292 inline 6, we talked about this before, it could be taken for a 202 Holden with the right detailing........... Heres a post by Restoreid http://www.buga.com.au/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=2&topic=2973.msg30550#msg30550

[matty]

what about a small  4 or 6 cylinder diesel truck motor, heaps of torque.
and it coud fit with out two many issues

[Warren]

Saw this beddy repower in one of the NZ trademe posts, only one pic, but it looks sim ilar size to the holden six.

Repowered with a Nissan LD28
engine and auto gear box



Will have to do a search for these motors

Warren

[waikatostocky]

Thats a commin conversion over here there are quit a few of those done on campers

Cheers Paddy