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Post by zep on May 25, 2009 23:38:59 GMT 12
Just thought I might start a thread on this. It's a FWD Isuzu 1600cc 16 valve DOHC engine producing not enough horsepower. there is a turbo version in the 4x4 Gemini that makes about 130kw @ 6600rpm, and the non turbo making 102kw at a cool 7200rpm. you can find the stats on here: www.cars-directory.net/specs/isuzu/gemini/1991_3/anyway, as the engine starts with a 4, I am wondering if the block is similar to the 4Z blocks, and if the RWD gearbox is mountable. This, I think, would be a relatively cheap engine to pick up and could make for a nice conversion. Anyone know anything about this, I'd love to do it! discuss. |
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Post by gordo on May 25, 2009 23:50:58 GMT 12
Can you find out which FWD gearboxes are used, then you should be able to figure out which RWD boxes will also work.
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Post by zep on May 26, 2009 0:56:21 GMT 12
How so?
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Post by mikuni on May 26, 2009 10:19:35 GMT 12
Unfortunately the 4 only designates the number of cylinders the engine is equipt with. The second letter is the block type with the third being the capacity of the engine and the forth I'm guessing is the generation of the motor and the early ones always just seem to be "1". Again, I am almost 100% that there is no RWD box that bolts up. It is just a different bellhousing pattern. That said, anything can be done. This is in a Bellet  Using either a custom bellhousing or a bellhousing adaptor plate you can easily modify a gearbox onto this engine. It will be between $200-500 depending on which option you take. Then you bassically just get the centre of the clutch plate changed to suit the spline of the gearbox you have selected (W55 or something? in the above photo they used a Nissan box from an FJ20) and then find a release bearing that will work with it. They seem like great little engines and being Isuzu they are probably very strong, also come turbo which is a great advantage. The only question I would ask is that with the fabrication that is involved is it worth looking at something easier? I would prefer to swap in an Opel engine myself, as things fit a lot easier, but then I'm not very good at welding.. |
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Post by mikuni on May 26, 2009 10:27:09 GMT 12
The only other thing I can think of is that the Isuzu Diesel engines were used in other vehicles, the Vectra's for example. I can't think of anything but perhaps these motors also came in RWD config in something? I think they were called 4EE1 and were 1.7L. Even still, they may not have the same bellhousing bolt pattern but its worth a crack I guess.
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Post by zep on May 26, 2009 10:56:02 GMT 12
Yeah, I understand what you are saying about it maybe not being so easy, but then again, it's hard to find any decent information on this type of swap so who knows until you have something to work with!! Might be a cool project!!
I'm gonna do a bit more research on this. It's also the engine used in the Lotus Elan.
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Post by zep on May 26, 2009 11:46:43 GMT 12
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Post by mikuni on May 26, 2009 13:07:21 GMT 12
Looks like a tidy little motor alright. Are those Elans FWD also?
I'm still not convinced that the engine justifies the work but like you say, you'll never know if you don't look.
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Post by zep on May 26, 2009 15:16:00 GMT 12
For sure, and there is also the thing about keeping within the same make. You can put in an Opel engine, but it's not really Japanese, you know. Like, I'm sure you'd be even more stoked if your engine was a Vauxhall Ecotec, rather than an Opel. I'm gonna find one  |
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Post by cuteweegem on May 26, 2009 17:54:06 GMT 12
I had an eye out for a while but gave up in the end, they look like a choice engine, and would make a badass little screamer in the light T series chassis.
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Post by zep on May 26, 2009 18:27:56 GMT 12
There is one at Blairs.co.nz but they seem to be pretty expensive. Must be one in a car at a wreckers around somewhere.
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Post by gordo on May 26, 2009 19:12:27 GMT 12
For sure, and there is also the thing about keeping within the same make. You can put in an Opel engine, but it's not really Japanese, you know. Like, I'm sure you'd be even more stoked if your engine was a Vauxhall Ecotec, rather than an Opel. I'm gonna find one Just buy a "Vauxhall" spark plug cover off the UK E-BAY. |
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Post by bulldog on May 26, 2009 19:39:02 GMT 12
GM is GM....Isuzu is GM....they're all incested somehow.
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Post by gordo on May 26, 2009 20:03:34 GMT 12
GM is GM....Isuzu is GM....they're all incested somehow. Incest - the game the whole family can play  |
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Post by mikuni on May 26, 2009 22:46:44 GMT 12
I'd rather Opel myself, but I'm a bit of a weirdo and going waaaaay off topic.
But do see what you mean. Seeing Isuzu motor in Isuzu Gemini and everything bolting up and looking lush would be ever so sweet.
Or just chuck a Vauxhall cam cover on a Honda f20c and be done with it for ever! !
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