Bigger engine

[TheBeast]

Hi im Alan, new member just found your site. I have an 1989 beddy. I would like to know if anyone has done an engine conversion with these vans, and what i would be looking for to do it. Im currently thinking of putting in a ford escort 1.6cvh engine because they are easily tunable to about 100bhp and i dont want to go too crazy with power by putting in a v6 or a zz1100. What sort of diff would i need etc......?

Thanks in Advance

[AndyP]

Hi, I think the main issue here is the engine to transmission coupling! If you can physically get the bell housing of the bedford gearbox to fit over the larger flywheel and clutch of an escort engine. Thats if you intend on using the original gearbox. I was looking at a Kubota D902 diesel engine its physically small and only 893cc, but again you have the similar issues of mateing the engine gearbox. I was looking at this modification not for power gain, but for economic reasons. I soon dismissed it due to the fact of the cost in volved.
Anything is possible engineering wise but again at what cost! there is also a knock on effect! if you increase your power, then immediately you have to uprate your braking and handling! Its a case of where do you stop.
I think these vans have a charm and appeal all of their own in their original guise :-), but if money and time is of no problem then go for it  :-D. Im sure there are many of us on here will lookfoward to seeing your progress with interest
Best wishes
Andy

[Dell Boy]

The rascarry is an inherently unstable vehicle & requires driving with some degree of caution with only 970c.c. Anything more & you could end up being buried in it. Derek.

[TheBeast]

Lol yes i understand that, ive been driving the rascal for over 4month now and have had a few hairy moments especially in the wet. I also drive a modified Vectra B sri and cant drive it like this. Anyways back to the point, i will be doing this engine conversion with my friend. By all means i will be using the same box as the engine i purchase, im taking measurements at the moment to see what engine i can make fit mid engined. Hopefully i will be able to make the gearbox fit directly to the Diff but if push come to shove i will get the prop shaft cut and modified to fit. Will be going for an older engine. Nice Carb and no hassles with ecus and sensors. Think it shouldnt cause me too much problems and i reckon i can do it at a very low budget. But i may be naive in saying this, obviously im going to have alot of hurdles to jump and may get stopped in my track but hey its going to be fun. As long as i get my measurements sorted it shouldnt be too bad.

All advice and tips would be still much appreciated, i have my eyes and ears ready!

Thanks for comments so far.

[TheBeast]

The rascarry is an inherently unstable vehicle & requires driving with some degree of caution with only 970c.c. Anything more & you could end up being buried in it. Derek.

Before i drive it properly i will be taking this issue seriously. Investing in a role cage wider and bigger rear wheels. with a mid lowered engine the centre of gravity will also be much lower. To be honest theres alot to consider.

Thankyou for your concern my friend. You have a very valid point

[Robin]

"The rascarry is an inherently unstable vehicle & requires driving with some degree of caution" -
 
this would make a great warning label/disclaimer to (proudly?) display in the cab   

[J J 007]

go for it,there is a guy who has a v 6 in one have a look on youtube

[Dell Boy]

My mate put a V6 in a Transit in the early `70`s. After hitting a tree first, then later a lampost & finally a Hillman Imp head on, all in the wet & on different occasions, he decided it wasn`t such a good idea & went racing sidecars to get his kicks. You can protect yourself but what about the other road users you might come in contact with. I was in Southend last night on my motorbike, the roads were wet & all the Essex posers were there with there hot hatches. I was very concerned that with there wheelspinning antics on the promenade they were going to lose it & mow me down.
I went home a longer but safer way.
Derek.

[J J 007]

we all got old tales of woe because we have been around along time,let the young be young,life is to live to the full otherwise you become a boring sad old git,faster motor does not always mean you are going to be a hooligan,you young guys use your imagination and have fun go for it i say,from not a sad old git,just getting older but no wiser in some things thank god,people are so good at putting these youngster down,help and encouragement is what we should be doing ye ha

[teaspoon]

i have been offered a vitara 16 cc,,,,, thats what is tickin round my head at the mo

[Pirate]

Stick in a nice kwaka shaft drive lump

[TITCH]

Now then...
There is my Z1100 Shaft on eBay!!!

But what a shame to ruin a nice old Jap Muscle Machine........

[mikepearson888]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the biggest problem is not the engine or how to fit it or how to drive it .. but how to get itr insured.. unless you're a trader of course.. even the simplest mods frighten insurance companies... we'll all be wearing helmets next !!

Still I'love to try a big engine mod.. there is no doubt plenty of room in the laod bay for just about anything.

Mike

[TITCH]

If the vehicle is wildly modified, at worst they will want an engineers report.
If they can't recommended anyone that is close to, or practical to travel ( meaning it may have to go on a trailer) suggest an engineer of your own, if you know what I mean...



apparantly... (tee hee)

[teaspoon]

insure it as standard, and pleed ignorance if you get stopped

theres not many around now,,, just tell the police thats how they come,,,, they might not know




ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ,, i think im going to get in trouble when i do mine.