by lambaj » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:44 am
As previously discussed in various threads, the 1057/1159/1256 family are an interchangable suite of engines, but that as far as it goes. The existing gearbox has the bell housing cast in, so it cannot be changed without an awful lot of work, and is certainly not strong enough to warrant the effort and cost involved.
If you want to keep with vauxhall, the SOHC series will go in and be reasonable (ie Nova/Cavalier/astra) but I cant tell you about a suitable gearbox to make them RWD. I suspect a RWD cavalier box may work, but somebody will have to confirm this. Or you could go for the XE series engines, but these are at least twice as powerful as the best OHV and will need additional effort as they are Fuel injected, with the associated electronics and fuel supply systems.
You could always re-build the 1256 and add a few tuning goodies. They can be made to go reasonably well.
Tony (HA21)
"Ere look - thats one of them Mk2 Vauxhall Cortinas....!!"