Hb OHV to OHC conversion

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Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby Retro morgs » Sat Jul 09, 2011 7:44 pm

I will very soon be collecting my latest purchase,a 2 door HB project. Originally a ohv but has lost its engine/gearbox and prop somewhere along the way! I have a 2000 ohc lump with gearbox in my garage and rather fancy slotting it in. I know i will need to change engine mounts,axle,exhaust and suspension to magnum/Gt spec stuff but has anybody got any advice on this conversion? Which parts,how to,anything appreciated! :D
68 HB bitza,72 HC 1159 Deluxe,74 HC 1800 SL auto,74 FE Ventora,94 2.8 Frontera
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby BobbyMel » Sun Jul 10, 2011 12:47 am

Hi, its like you have said. Replace running gear to that from a GT, exhaust off a GT. Best to use a GT Front Crossmember as it will have correct engine mounts and stiffer suspension and all importantly larger disc brakes, with Servo, as all ohv don't come with Servo.

There was a GT Crossmember for sale at Billing, NOS, still with parts label on. Don't know how much, did'nt ask.

I did this conversion on my first HB estate, its easy as long as you can get the parts.

Bob
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1970 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....114 BOB
1969 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....BDH819G
1968 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....BOB 33E
1968 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....NHA 764F
1987 - Austin Montego 1.6L....E375 JRV
1995 - Rover 216 Coupe....N622 VOA
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby Retro morgs » Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:18 am

Cheers bobby! My main concern is that getting hold of the GT parts may be easier said than done. I did chat to a guy that said he has used an HC crossmember to convert his HB to a slant lump. I was wondering if i can use a magnum/firenza crossmember and rear axle with a few tweaks to get fitted as they seem to come up for sale more often. I forgot that you changed to a slant in your first estate! :thanx:
68 HB bitza,72 HC 1159 Deluxe,74 HC 1800 SL auto,74 FE Ventora,94 2.8 Frontera
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby BobbyMel » Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:58 am

Hi, I would'nt like to say about HC Crossmember. I am unfamiliar with them, but sure someone on here will advise.

Bob
HB 368

1970 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....114 BOB
1969 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....BDH819G
1968 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....BOB 33E
1968 - Vauxhall HB Viva Estate....NHA 764F
1987 - Austin Montego 1.6L....E375 JRV
1995 - Rover 216 Coupe....N622 VOA
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby hbpeter » Sun Jul 10, 2011 7:04 pm

More importantly, pics of the HB please!!

Peter
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby Retro morgs » Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:15 pm

There will be pics of it as soon as i collect it! It was a random encounter you see,i was only doing a favour for a mate by collecting an ebay purchase for him and when i got to the address it was a unit full of viva's!! The chap showed me around,and mentioned that his mate was thinking of selling the Hb rolling shell,so i gave him my number on the off chance that some day he might call. Strike me down with a viva shaped feather,he called me a week later and offered it to me for what i consider to be a very reasonable price! So the deal is done and i am currently arranging collection! :D
68 HB bitza,72 HC 1159 Deluxe,74 HC 1800 SL auto,74 FE Ventora,94 2.8 Frontera
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby hbpeter » Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:28 pm

Unit full of Vivas???? :pix:

Peter
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby Retro morgs » Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:20 pm

Yes! 3 hb project's,1 mint Gt and an ex DTV firenza! Not sure he will want me taking pics in there,i think it's his place of work too. He seemed a little uncomfortable when he noticed my wandering eyes,fair enough as he does'nt know me from adam!
68 HB bitza,72 HC 1159 Deluxe,74 HC 1800 SL auto,74 FE Ventora,94 2.8 Frontera
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby Retro morgs » Mon Jul 11, 2011 10:12 pm

Anyway.....anybody got any advice for this conversion?! :D
68 HB bitza,72 HC 1159 Deluxe,74 HC 1800 SL auto,74 FE Ventora,94 2.8 Frontera
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Re: Hb OHV to OHC conversion

Postby tony west » Mon Jul 11, 2011 10:40 pm

HC ohc running gear will fit under an HB....all of it !!, cos that what you will have to swap.
HC Xmember will fit , but you will have to fit an HB rack to mate up with the existing steering col or modify the column...easier to swap the rack !.Right , HB rack has three fixing bolts whereas the HC has two so if so inclined drill extra hole in Xmember whilst its all in bits !
Petrol pipe will have to be rerouted to the drivers side but then you were going to renew it anyway werent you !!.This needs to be 1/4" as opposed to the original 3/16" if my memory is correct.Gear lever hole will need adjusting!...ref back to hc tunnel.
Rear axle will be need to be HC ohc, will fit a treat but remember to swap shorter diagonal arms for ohc type ( even shorter). HC ohc prop shaft will fit without tears, early one piece or later split type .
Now then the HC axle is a little wider than the HB but will cause no probs...does help the wheels fill out those arches!.
Handbrake mech is a little different ...just nick bits off your donor HC!
Not quite a weekends work ...but Ive seen it done in two !!
Hope this makes it a little clearer!.
Cheers Tony :goodluck:
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