How much power can a HC rear take?

[House]

I've heard stories of people running 3ltr Essex engines without changing the rear axle? I'm not going to go mad if i decide to change the engine but what could i get away with?

Also, as i'd like to stay in the cheaper tax band (1.4 and below) can anyone recomend a modern RWD engine? I was thinking 1.4 16v corsa motor but with what gearbox?

I get the feeling i'm going to go full circle here and end up rebuilding my 1256. Just want something that will happily cruise with modern traffic so it's more useable everyday.

[grandas_shed]

ford engines are worth looking at. they mate up with the 5 or is it the 9 series gearbox thus giving u rear wheel drive.
find the engine u want and make a phone call to (power and performance) in honingham norfolk on 01603 880060.

they know everything that you will need to know to fit a ford engine to a ford gearbox on a rwd car. they do the mods and customise cars, great person to talk to and very helpfull

alot of front wheel drive ford engines will mate upto the 5 / 9 series as well

[gtwannabe]

you can buy a bellhousing to suit the corsa 16 valve engine which adapts to a ford type 9 gearbox ie sierra 5 speed from yukspeed .you will find him on the internet if you google his name

[hbpeter]

As far as I know the standard 1256 rear axle wont take a lot of stick. The 1800/2300 one will take a lot more punishment.

Peter

[ade]

Run a big engine sensibly on a Magnum axle and you cant go much above 200 bhp give it some stick and you will kill it, ive learnt from experiance

[Jon-HPF]

If you want to keep the tax band low - and use existing rear axle , have you considered the suzuki 1300 conversion .
i have done this in my viva 1256 coupe see the thread in the modification section headed "got it - i hope its not catching"
Its all alloy with 5 speed box again in alloy casing and quite a straightforward engine to work on . Theres also the option of using fuel injection or upgrading to the Vitara 1600 without too much hassle!
Jon