Re: All those conversions?

Paul Heuer (paul.heuer(at)dsto.defence.gov.au)
Thu, 11 Jun 1998 08:39:23 +0930


Agent 86 wrote: > Here in Australia "General Motors - Holden" still makes the 3800 cc V6
> pushrod Buick engine. On a site visit to the Holden Engine Co. I noted
> how
> small the external dimensions of this engine were and wondered about
> the posibilty of it fitting into the Alpine. Anyone got any ideas?

Anthony, the motor is also available with a SUPERCHARGER! The downside is that the block is iron, so it's no lightweight. The motor was engineered in the US to go into front wheel drive cars (fitted east-west) so it is quite compact, with the ancilliaries (alt, air-con, power steering pump) tucked in tightly aroung the motor. (Others note we use it north-south driving rear wheels) They also come with a german 5-speed gearbox (later models only - earlier models had a woeful Borg-Warner 5-speed), as an alternative to the big TH700 auto box.

I wonder how the all up weight compares with the Rootes 4cyl? The Vee format would mean the weight is kept well back. I suspect the trans tunnel would need to be 'Jensened' (ie hit with a Big Hammer ala Tiger).

Cheers, Paul.

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