24 replies to this topic

[grp2viva]

Right then. I suppose its time I started one of these. A few of you already know that I'm also building an Ecotec powered HC. I'm prob partly responsible for Bossmans swap from the 8v. I started this project about 2 years ago and still haven't got the engine in, but now am starting work in earnest spurned on by the Boss. We've had a good exchange of ideas and I will prob end up doing a kit of parts for this swap for future venturers...OK. This is the car as purchased. 76 HC deluxe. 1 owner and 74k mls on the clock.

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And here is a photo shopped version of what I'm aiming for.

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I've had the head mocked up in place resting on the 1256 block in the past just to see how much room I've got to play with and it does lok a bit lost in there.

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The engine is a 2lt Eco, slightly warmed over with QED direct to head throttle bodies and a ported head, 4 branch and a slight raise in compression. Running std management with a few mods, 5 bar fuel presss reg and larger injectors and larger AFM. Just a little mod I've been planning for a while. As with all these conversions I'm using the good old Carlton 5spd getrag box and a 3.4:1 Magnum axle. was going to use a Volvo axle I've had for a while from another project but I got the Magnum one real cheap and I'll make my own disc conversion kit.
The servo and M/cyl will be going in favour of a bias pedal set up as the T/B's need the space.

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I'll post some pics of the work done on the head with details of the "Must Do" mods for the Ecotec. but thats it for now. At least i've got started. Loads of pics to post. Just got to find time to do it, other than half past midnight..

[Christian]

Really glad to see you've joined the build diary bandwagon. That photoshop'd picture looks superb btw.

I see you've mentioned that your using a 4 branch manifold, do you have this already? or is it just something that is in the pipeline? :good:

[Super Josh]

What an excellent project Should go a little better than the 1256 too How much do the HC Vivas weigh then?





Josh

[iain a]

not a lot really, or at least once youve got the heavy iron engines out of them!

[EXILE]

Don't they weigh a little under 900kg's Iain. I think thats what Christian said.

[grp2viva]

Kerb weight for the 1256 De-Luxe 2 door saloon is 816 kgs. Less than a Nova. With lexan windows and ali door and boot skins I'm aiming for around 700Kgs all up. Should be fun. Yeh I was quite happy with the photo shop effort. I still don't know whether to go for hub caps on the steels or not Using 7&8x15s prob with 215 & 235 50's on, maybe 195 & 215's.
Oh the slant 4 viva's run around 150kgs heavier. Really great way to go..... Sorry mustn't start on that one again.

[EXILE]

With a 160bhp engine at only 700kg. Your looking at around 210bhp per ton. "Very nice"
And of course with more power . ( Move over for the Viva )

[Christian]

Where are you getting those steels from?

[grp2viva]

OK Ecotec head mods. Standard heads have an awfull exhaust port arrangement with a large EGR circuit boss blocking 20% of the area. In the centre of this boss is a hole. You need to tap this out to M8 or M10 and then loctite in an aluminium bolt or piece of threaded bar.Then cut this off flush with the manifold face. You can then get quite serious with it with a grinder and make the port a much more even shape. If you are using the std cast ex manifold you can do a similar thing with this but you just need to weld up the ports in the coresponding places.

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Standard exhaust port.

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After modding. Much more acceptable.

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Manifold showing welded areas and one port thats started to be ground out.

I've also cut off the flange at the front of the cam cover as I won't be running a belt cover and it gives a much cleaner look.Cover will be crackle black finished. Also fitted polished Monza style oil filler cap and the center HT lead cover is polished ali.

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Thats all for now. I've done a few bits already that I still have to write up. I'll post more later.

[Christian]

That looks bloody nice. I now understand what you mean by the head mods, those pictures are much better.

[EXILE]

That looks a nice clean job. Nice work :good:

[grp2viva]

Bossman, on Mar 28 2007, 12:05 AM, said:

I see you've mentioned that your using a 4 branch manifold, do you have this already? or is it just something that is in the pipeline? :good:

The guy we use for our exhausts at work is due down tomorrow with a couple of sets of pipes for our Lolas. He is bringing me an Ecotec manifold flange down, as he gets them made in bulk for the pipes he does. So then I can get on with making things...

[iain a]

great work mate and i love your photoshop of the finished article. you have to run the centre caps on thhe steels - it will look ace! keep up the good work!

[EXILE]

Where will you be putting the new indicators on the photoshop car ?

[grp2viva]

EXILE, on Mar 29 2007, 01:49 PM, said:

Where will you be putting the new indicators on the photoshop car ?

Either behind the grill or some small motorcycle style one hung under the bumper. At least being pre 86 I don't have to worry about side repeaters..

[EXILE]

grp2viva, on Mar 29 2007, 06:18 PM, said:

At least being pre 86 I don't have to worry about side repeaters..

I forgot about that. Good thing I didn't remove mine. From the MR.E car 1988

[vivalavox]

lookin good man, :good: that engines gunna look, and go brilliant! plus if the car looks anything like that photoshopped one ur definately gonna turn heads!! hope to be reading more about this soon, and did u say u build lolas???!!?!?!

[grp2viva]

vivalavox, on Apr 22 2007, 11:53 PM, said:

lookin good man, :good: that engines gunna look, and go brilliant! plus if the car looks anything like that photoshopped one ur definately gonna turn heads!! hope to be reading more about this soon, and did u say u build lolas???!!?!?!

Me? Build Lola's? You could say that.T70's to be exact. Thats why it takes me ages to do anything to the Viva. Did 80hrs last week to get 2 new cars built-up from bare chassis to go to body fit so they can race May bank holiday. Still got another 3 cars to prep by then as well, so the Vivas off the agenda again.

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Just a couple of pics of the stuff we do. All built "in-house" Only thing we don't do are the castings but we do machine them, oh and the brakes.
Oh well, at least I've posted again

L8R doods

Darren

[Bobz]

Kin'ell Darren !!!! Awesome!


What about 'ahum', borrowing a Lola Chassis and building a custom frame to take your bodyshell? (Just an Idea )

[grp2viva]

Well, its been a while but have actually made some bits. Not hab much time at home in the garage but have managed to get my tank made for the boot. All ali and foam filled, should hold around 80ltrs! Don't know how often I'll fill that up
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Once the boot lid and all the hinge mechanism is out, just going to have an ali skin pinned on, I'll cut the hinge supports out and site the tank just on the inner arches.
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Oh well. Must keep tinkering away or I'll never get it done ....

Darren