Hb engine

[demonteddy]

Still having problems with the engine on My HB Viva,1159cc so am toying with the idea of just replacing it .Had enougth of getting nowhere with it.
I may go for a more modern engine and box not big maybe upto a 1600cc
Any ideas what would be the simplest to fit without too much modification
Its bound to be hard getting hold of a good Viva engine and box

Bill

[hbpeter]

Its not too hard to get hold of a Viva engine. The easiest conversion is probably a Ford Crossflow engine and box, if you can find one of them!

Peter

[grandas_shed]

what about a 2litre ford pinto ?
they are easy to get the parts for. and lots of fords had them

[Jon-HPF]

Why not consider a Vitara 1600 , ive just picked up one to replace the Suzuki 1300 i fitted last year .
They have alloy blocks/head and even gear box casing is all alloy - so nice and light.
Plenty of Vitara's around - some have 16v heads and fuel injection .
Ive gone for the normal 8v 1600 carbed - intend to get a new weber 32/36 - same as used on Ford 1600.

From a "look" point of view , the Ford 1600 pushrod engine does look similar in size etc to the 1256 viva unit , plus there are many tuning options . Also a type 9 5 speed box can be used with correct bellhousing .
Trouble is , these engines are getting thin on the ground and are becoming desirable again - therefore pushing up the price - if u can find one!
Cheers - Jon

[Po79]

Just my thoughts...

I'm running a 2 litre Pinto engine at the moment and if I was doing it again I would not use the Pinto but go with the Zetec instead.

Its the same amount of work but the Pinto is a 1960/70's design, only gives between 95 and 105bhp and wears quickly whereas the Zetec gives 130bhp (200bhp with little tuning), shows no sign of major wear by 200,000 miles and is much quiter and smoother.

Both engines can use either the type 9 or MT75 gearboxes as all Ford engines since the 1960's until recently used the same bell housing bolt pattern (unlike the Redtop that requires expensive conversion parts).

The Zetec is also available in 1.6, 1.8 and 2 litre so you could start off with the 1.6 like your thinking of then if you wanted more power later move up to the 1.8 or 2.0 without having to change anything.

Just use carbs rather than the standard induction and bobs your uncle but you could use the induction if you wanted (better economics and all that) then you can use the induction from a 2.0 Zetec on a 1.8 Zetec engine and (I think) this give the 1.8 130bhp the same as a standard 2.0

All for the same money and trouble as a Pinto/Crossflow conversion but a much bigger return for your time and money. And as any non standard engine conversion will class your car as a modified car, pushing your insurance up, I would make the most of paying for the extra premium.

Still the Pinto and Crossflow engines are of the same period as our cars.

Po.

[demonteddy]

Hi Po
If I cant get this engine running ok,
I may look into a Zetec could be worth it in the long run
and parts would be easy to get hold of
Like you said if I modified it I may as well use todays technoledgy

[yoeddynz]

the crossflow goes in nice and easy! and looks the part....



Or you could fit a rotary...but dont do it before me

alex

[Jon-HPF]

Love the crossflow conversion - certainly looks like it was meant for the viva , no fancy electronics and i presume very little mods needed.
I would imagine that just with a decent carb and exhaust manifold/ system and 5 speed box it gives a much better drive than the ohv viva unit
Cheers - Jon

[demonteddy]

If I cant get this engine sorted then I will either replace the engine and box from another Viva or go for the crossflow. Dont really fancy going the modern route

cheers

[frankengeep]

You will prob find these engines and boxes very hard to come by Bill except for high coin .
One of the major issues we have on the Jago forum is that kits are being bought and broken up for their escort running gear and adding to the demise of the model.
The more modern Ford engines are widely available and much better power to weight ratio.
Not trying to put you off, just preparing you for the cost .

Boyd