Viva HB C20XE

[Alexanderwillmore]

Hi all!

I have a bit of a project on at the moment.
First off I almost feel like I need to apologise/ justify my actions. I'm taking my relatively healthy Viva HB 1159 and transplanting a C20XE into it. Having read the site's credo, I realise this is not something that's encouraged however I've thought long and hard about this project and it's something I really want to pursue.
I adore my Viva, however I'm not terribly techchy and don't really have the time to maintain it. I'm not going to lie, I also want a bit more power and am (perhaps naively) hoping to use it as an every day runner.

So, given my lack of technical knowledge and hands on abilities, I've tasked my cousin at oulton workshop to undertake the work but am going to be looking into what needs doing myself.

I currently have the C20XE and a 1.8 manta sump and also what appears to now be a dud 1.8 manta box (will need to source a new one now).

I'm hoping to pick the brains of all the techcy folks on the forum to ask some of the questions I don't yet have answers to such as "what rear axle, brakes, propshaft" etc.

My goal is to produce a fairly standard looking HB with a bit of power behind it that I can proudly drive every day as my main run around.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's done similar or anyone who wouldn't mind lending some technical knowledge!
I'm hoping to have the project done by April in time for the shows next year!

I saw some great Vivas at Billing this year and can't wait to get mine up and running!

Thanks in advance!

Alex

[miketemplar]

Hi Alex,
You're doing pretty much the same as me, would suggest you use a carlton box (simple fit and 5 speed), plus you'll need a stronger axle as yours (ours) are chocolate.
Look forward to comparing notes.

[Alexanderwillmore]

Great stuff Mike!
Thanks! Will be looking into Carlton boxes (the Manta ones are getting pretty hard to find) and the one I bought from ebay turned out to have no clutch release bearing arm.
Axle wise, have you found anything suitable yet? I've heard talk of escort axles, Volvo 240 axle is not too far off or obviously one from a bigger Viva.

[miketemplar]

If you have a scan you'll find a clutch release arm on ebay at the moment. or I have a g/box off a 1800 going spare with an arm (obviously). Regards the axle, I have one from 1800 HC, but I was thinking either baby Atlas or Talbot Sunbeam, they have same size shafts and I have used both competitive in a stage rally car with 220 bhp and had no breakages.

[Alexanderwillmore]

Thanks for the tips Mike!

I don't know if I'm being a bit blind but I can't seem to find that release arm on ebay.
If you happen to stumble across it again would you mind sending me a link?
Is that a manta 1.8 box you've got going spare? If so I'd definitely be interested!

Cheers!

[iwilko]

Hi Alex

I've been building a viva hc track car / fast road car for over three years from the ground up. I'm using a C20XE engine with a type 9 gear box. You can buy two different bell housing adaptors depending on the degree you want the engine to sit. The type 9 box is strong and parts are easy to obtain. I know it's the wrong make but it's one of the only things they made that was good. I see you aren't far from me so I may have spares if you are in need of any thing.
Iain

[matt74]

Hi alex ive got a hb gt with a c20xe ive had a axle done by ian jempson its a 4ha salisbury its built for over 400bhp he has a jig so its a straight bolt in ! You will need to get a prop though .matt