First Car - Future Transplant?

[Guest Cizza]

Hi guys,

Im really sorry if this has been posted before (probably has ), but instead of extracting information and asking questions in various threads, I thought it was a better option to keep the idea's confined here.

Im pleased to say these forums are great I've been browsing through a few threads and honestly, its evident that this is an excellent community. You guys chat so well compared to a few other forums im subscribed to!

Anyway, my actual name is Cihan.. Im only 17yoa and obviously its nearing the time where I require some means of transportation from home to uni. In a few months im going to have to make a decision on a car.

For the past 3 years or so, I've done alot of research on cars so technical info is of second nature (dont be shy, not a n00b ). Overall ive been considering a few options, manual 6g74 (3.5l) Magna, Supercharged Commodore (ehh...) or some sort of Falcon. Considering I will have in the vicinity of 15 grand to spend on a car, some brainstorming lead to belive an AU would be a good option (in less than a year). The main consideration would honestly have to be insurance. If this wasn't an issue, I would consider turbo jap imports .

If I were to buy a good condition AU falcon, the next obvious step would be rims blah blah. Lets just cut to the chase and be blunt about it - The performance of the 12valve 4L is poor and modification options are hindered because of its SOHC design. The thing deosn't rev (my mum has an EL), and is only good for cruising. Im a rev head with a need for speed...

Im really interested in finding out the problems associated with doing a full engine transplant with a BA falcon motor, more specifically the turbo 4l.

The main points to consider would be;

-Physical size : will the motor and components fit into the engine bay

-Driveline capability : will the auto put up with the power figures

-Electronics and ECU : these added costs, complications

They are the main things I can think of. Honestly, I have my doubts about the whole thing, im guessing the block, manifolds, turbo, intercooler and ecu are going to cost a fortune brand new. Im also doubtfull that the auto will withstand the 240kw... unless the BA auto is a physical carryover with different electronics. (which would be most likely)

Would anyone care to elaborate, or provide some insight on the feasibility of such a proposal, such as the cost of a new Xr6turbo engine (including turbo etc)?

Thanks alot in advance,

Cihan.

Edited 05/03/04 04:12 PM by Cizza

[Guest Cizza]

This is why I like Magna's :lol:

But that XR6-T motor is just .... better.

[ms700]

Cizza.

Here are some prices to give you a idea... these prices are Trade

Turbo bare long motor = $4812.23

Turbocharger assy = $2956.86

Exhaust manifold = $809.93

Lwr Intake manifold = $331.71

Upr Intake manifold = $216.73

You will need some sort of ECU, whether it be aftermarket or genuine, and you will still need all the accessories as well eg; throttle body, turbo pipework, alternator, exhaust etc.

As for fitment, I havent checked, but I dont see any reason why a BA DOHC wont fit in a AU engine bay.

And I seriously doubt a used AU tranny will cope with the torque of a brand new BA T motor, especially after you mentioned you are a rev head, so you'll need a new trans too!

BA Auto Trans = $6145.65.

Which gives us a grand total in parts alone of $15273.11!

You could scour the wrecking yards, Id say this will be your cheapest option, but I only know of 2 T's currently being dismantled.

I wish you and your wallet the best of luck in your conversion!

[Guest]

My advice to you is stop dreaming,its nice to when your that age,Idid,I followed those dreams..then I wokeup.It only took 40 years.Start modding cars and you will allways be broke and unhappy,its the pitts.

Save your doe,buy a T, factory warranty,14 second car from the showroom.the amount of doe you would waste going your way,you could spend on a nizpro kit or similar

Free advice mate,take it

vik

[TurboDewd]

Hi Cizza, welcome to the site :lol:

read what vik351 said and then read it again. I agree with him 100%.

Dreaming and reality dont mix, youve gotta realise that. What youre suggesting is not going to impress the girls, your olds, the authorities or me - only some other young guys. What youre suggesting will truly be a waste of money.

Many young guys think of modifying ordinary cars to be good - I did too...but I stopped myself and never did. I saved my money and waited for what I want. I enjoyed a good IROC-Z camaro for 5 yrs and am now enjoying an XR6 Turbo. Why? Because I saved and thought carefully.

Cizza, youre 17, you know not that you dont know. Save your money, drive a sh*t car for a few years, before you know it youll have more money, more sense and end up with truly good car - not some piece-meal, hotch potch, ordinary-looking, expensive, sh*tbox hybrid.

my 5 cents

[Guest Cizza]

:lol: Thanks guys.

Guys, you have a point and deep down I know your right. lol it was funny reading those replies my facial expression changed from an eager grin to a frown. After seeing the costs associated with just the purchase of the parts even before the installation and tuning costs its evident that it is truly not worth trying to transplant a turbo engine.

Although this would be out of website context, which I do apologise for, would it be worth considering swapping the BA 24v heads over instead, im pretty sure the block would be the same cast iron one? ms700, do you have the trade price for a BA Block, heads etc... Thanks.

Overall I've kinda changed my mind.. maybe its not worth spending much on a new car when in a few years I could be talking to you guys about phase II kits. Thanks for the advice, time will tell if its take it or not.

Cizza.

[GlennAUII]

Why don't you just get an AU or (even better) an EL and do it u slightly. Come on, it's your first car! it won't be a rocket.

I WANT AN EL!!! but seriously, they will be cheap enough by the time I'm 17 or 18.

[Lumpen]

If your going to transplant a BA in and want cheap bucks, I'd be going back to a nice light EB or ED. Sleeper Shape and can swallow the 4.0L Barra with ease!

Then you hav some spare dough for suspension, brake etc upgrades too....Failing that a brand spankers Tubo Kit for the SOHC retail about 10G and translate to around 220KW and 650Nm!

Being only 19, I dream of such things to....

[turbotrana]

Just buy an EA to ED for a few grand and give me 10 grand and I will build you a turbo EA ED that will blow nearly any heavily modified street driven turbo BA.

[Guest Cizza]

An EL is an option, but finding rims is hard... There is negligable weight difference between an EL and AU, like 50kg or less?

The nicest option would be a dumped EL with a shift kit, rims, and a BA head conversion. Extractors, HF 3"cat and a few resonators will also fit nicely.

Being way lighter than a BA, having 190kw is a good thing

Nice cheap idea, but I cant find nice rims that fit!

Just need to figure out priceing for the 24v head...

Thanks for the replies guys

Cihan.