swapping mk1 vts engine & gearbox in to mk2 vtr shell... how difficult & how long will it take us?

[wheeler]

Ok so basically my MK1 vts bodyshell is rusting into oblivion.. but the vts engine is strong as an Ox with gmc cams, just had a new clutch when we did a gearbox swap about 250 miles ago, so it's all gravy.

I've seen a few mk2 VTR's for sale for not a lot of money, so considering swapping my VTS engine & drivetrain into a mk2 body - it might cost a bit more initially but I'll be able to sell off the mk2 spares, and long term the mk2 body will hopefully stand up better against rust etc.


Ideas/experience/advice/warnings all welcome.

Thanks in advance, wheeler

[MrChris]

Think all you need to do is convert the interior loom and all looms on the car... But youll have all that from your donor car

Only other thing to think about is weight, is one shell heavier. Im not too sure probs nothing in it

[wheeler]

a racing driver/trackday instructor told me that generally speaking all subsequent marks (mk 2 > mk3 > Mk4 and so on) will generally be slightly heavier as manufacturers' reinforce bits and add bits. Not always 100% true but generally speaking. Having said that my saxo(s) are for track so will have interiors and whatnot stripped out.

Can happily take loom from the VTS and the interior would only need to be for the dash/stalk controls/handbrake warning light really I guess?

[m4tt274]

mk2 shell is almost identical, you can swap the mk1 and mk2 front ends over.
you could put your mk1 front end on the mk2 shell!
its just the looms that are differant.
if your stripping right down, its not even that big a job to swap as there is no extra work.

[MrChris]

Yeah i would expect it to be a bit heavier, but probably not too much to notice it

Well in that case you could probs run all the wiring for what you need inside yourself

[AXracing]

I kind of predate the saxo a bit as I was more in to AXs and 205s. But there was often niggles trying to swap bits from one model to another. Beam bolt sizes, dash mounts, loom plugs, cooling system, mounts and what nots often vary. I think from a MK1 to MK2 Saxo your looking at more of a full gut and swap at the very least unless you wish to faf about modifying things.

[wheeler]

cheers lads, just need to sort out an engine crane and weld together some kind of engine trolley for the VTR engine once it's out of the car.. Oh and photograph/video it all so I can remember how it goes back together.

Cheers lads!

[wheeler]

other things like the dials are different and I think the back lights might be slightly

Would the existing plugs/sensors drive the dials & back lights still, or were the connectors of some of these revised?

[MrChris]

Would the existing plugs/sensors drive the dials & back lights still, or were the connectors of some of these revised?

Connectors the same
Just the outside units on the mk1 are slightly darker

[wheeler]

well I'm happy enough using the existing mk2 dials, will need to have a play to get them workin though :) or could just bosch the existing mk1 dials in from the vas

[Gandi699]

would it not be simpler to cut the rot out of your shell and replace with fresh metal? Obviously depending on how bad it is

[wheeler]

would it not be simpler to cut the rot out of your shell and replace with fresh metal? Obviously depending on how bad it is

in the short term this would be the cheapest and least complicated option, but there are a few things which go in favour of doing it the way I'm thinking:

- I love the look of mk2's
- I'm not throwing money at trying to cure rust every few months
- mk2 parts are theoretically more readily available now as mk1's are starting to really age..

In the long run, selling off a vtr engine, box, exhaust system etc. would get a bit of cash back, so the cost of upgrading to a mk2 shell vs. the cost of trying to fix an ageing mk1 shell start's to seem like a better option.

[Gandi699]

fair play I cant argue with going that way really

[Ross]

in the short term this would be the cheapest and least complicated option, but there are a few things which go in favour of doing it the way I'm thinking:

- I love the look of mk2's
- I'm not throwing money at trying to cure rust every few months
- mk2 parts are theoretically more readily available now as mk1's are starting to really age..

In the long run, selling off a vtr engine, box, exhaust system etc. would get a bit of cash back, so the cost of upgrading to a mk2 shell vs. the cost of trying to fix an ageing mk1 shell start's to seem like a better option.

Whilst I agree with your points 100%, just an FYI. You won't get bugger all for a Vtr engine and box, they're worthless. You can't give them away. :(

[Gandi699]

as above, £100 if you are lucky for a cooking model 8v from a VTR

[wheeler]

Nah cheers Ross & Gandhi, I'd rather have someone tell me the truth than have rosé tinted goggles on thinking I'm gonna make a mint.

[Ross]

It's cool - wasn't meant to be a negative. Just don't want you thinking you can rely on selling that to recover some of the conversion costs etc as you probably won't. :)