After much thought, I decided that the T16 turbo wasn't really the way to go for several reasons. Reliability and parts being the primary one, but also a turbo not being ideal for a FWD rally car and weight. I felt that a high revving n/a motor would be the best way to go, but which one? A K series would have been ideal choice but the reliability question arises again, plus they are hard to come by here. VTEC is another choice, but would mean quite a few changes due to it spinning the other way. Plus I already had a Quaife straight cut close ratio gear set for a PG1 box.
Which led me to a Toyota engine. I was very impressed with the 3S-GTE I had in my ST205 GT-Four so felt that the n/a 3SGE version would be ideal. Very strong, reliable and with plenty of aftermarket parts available along with decent power outputs.
It was going to be a step into the unknown in some respects as I don't know of anyone going down this route - certainly not here in NZ. So I spoke to a local fabricator who was up to the challenge.....
First job was to make up a new gearbox adapter plate so the PG1 could be mated up to the 3S motor. This would make life easier as I could retain the OEM drive shafts etc..
A spare bell housing was used for the initial line up along with a spigot custom made to line up the centre of the crank end...
Not the 17 deg lean on the motor...
Once a template had been made, a new plate was laser cut, allowing the motor and box to be joined together...
The original front and rear engine mounts were retained along with a modified gearbox mount from a Montego...
The rear mount was modified to allow clearance for the cylinder head...
The lower stabiliser bar was also retained...
A custom base plate was welded to the chassis to allow a Toyota engine mount to be used on the cambelt end. This was also mounted further back than the Rover mount ...
The adapter plate is made from two thick plates of ally...
and has extra bracing at the rear of the motor...
Work is stopping for a while while I'm off on holiday to Europe but the next step will be the gear change linkage using a cable system, again from a Toyota. Watch this space....
Gary
