classic car - modern engine

Wig

I'd like a classic car, something which will at least be tax free. I prefer
Austin A30/A35,


Morris Minor,


Jaguar (like Inspector Morse) (in my dreams!),
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=226651

Mercedes Benz W120

One thing that puts me off though is the mpg of old cars will be about 30mpg which is not good.

So as I see it there are 3 options

1. convert it to LPG
2. Fit a modern engine, but not too modern as I think really modern ones are far too complicated with all the sensors and ECU etc
3. do both 1 & 2

I know it it will be a sacrilage to harm a classic car in this way, but I would keep the original engine, and could convert it back again if I ever sell it ...depending what the buyer wants to do.

Anyone got any suggestions of engines that will be economical and that might fit into what car etc?

Or is this something for a classic car forum? But they would hate my ideas anyway.

Stigy

Stick an LPG tank in the boot!

Although not as cheap as it used to be, and the MPG being lower than Unleaded run engines, at least you're not doing anything to harm the nostalgia of the car! If you were to replace the engine, assuming it's a large car, most newer engines would return similar consumptions.

mikey72

Put a diesel engine in.
A lot of classics will take a commercial engine from the same family, and are of a similar era, so are uncomplicated,
Get it right and you can run your classic on used chip oil.

Sgt_Pepper_2

mikey72 wrote: »

Put a diesel engine in.
A lot of classics will take a commercial engine from the same family, and are of a similar era, so are uncomplicated,
Get it right and you can run your classic on used chip oil.

Wouldn't that devalue it?

Wig

Sgt_Pepper wrote: »

Wouldn't that devalue it?

I think it would increase the value
http://www.classic-wheels.co.uk/morrisminor.htm

http://www.classicsmonthly.com/files/2010/10/minor.pdf

And the best looking (conversion) is this
http://morrisminorowners.co.uk/index.php?component=content&topicid=1484

The only thing you'd miss is the classic sound of the moggy.

smileygill

Changing to a modern engine would most likely require serious modification; chances are you wouldn't easily be able to marry it to the existing transmission and drive-train. Personally, I wouldn't want to run a more sophisticated motor with "classic" suspension, brakes and wheels; if you've ever driven one of the illustrated cars, you'll know what I mean! Even the electrics would need to be upgraded. So already it's getting complicated - and expensive.

Then there's insurance. While "classic" insurance (which usually assumes limited annual mileage) is relatively cheap, say the word "modified" and many insurers will simply chase you. The others will think of a number and quadruple it.

So I'd suggest you first test-drive the car you fancy as-is and see how you like the handling. Then, probably LPG is the way to go. I'm assuming cost is an issue, as this is all about running costs, but if you don't mind an initial outlay it might be worth looking at some of the classic replicas that came in kit form, or even building one yourself if you have the mechanical skills.

Of course, as they say, Your Mileage May Vary.

mikey72

I've seen an A30 with a Toyota petrol engine.

Even turning the engine from transverse to inline was fairly easy.

As to brakes, the minor is an easy swop for Ford disc brakes and servo.
Others have later models that can be an easy swop as well.

Insurance for modified classics is cheap, (once you get old enough)

Mankysteve

There's a fourth option. You could upgrade to an injection system. Usally using bike injectors with a custom inlet manifold.


Google megasquirt for one example. With the right map you could save some fuel or even some allow to select between fuel maps on The fly.

The minor has had lots of engine mods out there, also.

s_b

anyone whos worked on classics when they werent classics would not want to run one
seriously you would die in one as an everyday user in a low speed bump
keep classics for lazy weekends

mikey72

Here's a swop for the W120.

http://www.mbca.org/forum/cosworth-ponton

atrixblue.-MFR-.

s_b wrote: »

anyone whos worked on classics when they werent classics would not want to run one
seriously you would die in one as an everyday user in a low speed bump
keep classics for lazy weekends

cavalier VS hillman hunter, relitivly new cavvy at the time my dad had one run into his !!!!! end in his hillman back in the early 80's, cavvy was a write off split fuel tank and bumper scrape on the hillman! £40 scrap yard job and good as new.

dont make cars like that anymore.