Sunny weekend means i got to start the 12a to 13bt swap

[RamoNZ]

Missed retro show, but managed to get some work done on the car.
 
David I guess you need to update my car from standard to \'with extra bits\' :Thumbs-up
 
 
 
Original engine bay

 

 
 
Bye bye 12a - sweet little runner

 

 
 
Lots of work to end up with this:

 
 
Result:


 
 
However - the above engine bay photos are only with the engine perched in there, I have a small problem - External \'gate fouls on the steering box... (It is an FC kit so should have figured)
 
So I have 3 choices:

Get some headers and run it NA
Get a new manifold or get something customed.
Swap in FC subframe which has a powered rack and therefore more clearance, but loads more work.
 
Either way, it should be a bit of fun to drive

[Ian65]

That will be a sweet conversion. The steering box fouling is nearly always a problem on fitting a turbo to a 1st gen it seems.
I\'d definitely persevere with the turbo though, either get a manifold fabbed up or buy one ready done on TradeME NZ.
I\'m really interested to see how this turns out. I\'m putting the Elford setup into my current road car but I want to put a 13BT into my project FB.
Good luck with it, keep the updates coming!

[RamoNZ]

Most fouling issues are with the turbo - the manifold puts the turbo well forward so it clears no problem -just the damn external gate and pipes that foul.
 
Hmm - I could always run it with no gate! Motor may not last lobg though...

[shaunwil]

Can you not move the pipe for the wastegate by putting a new pipe in ?

Have you any images of where it is touching ?

Shaun

[captainbizzaro]

There is a guy on ausrotary who can source specially made manifolds that kick up enough to clear this problem...I found out his name once so I\'ll get back to you.

Engine looks sweet though mate.

[David Nock (RIP)]

Now suitably noted as 13BT, as clearly it won\'t be going back to 12A in a hurry. Thermal Reactor hanging on in there to the bitter end.

Thanks for the updates and particularly the pics mate.

[RamoNZ]

There is no way to move the pipes short of cutting them off and rewelding which would look and flow poorly given my welding skills.
 
I think she is going to get the FC subframe, which is more work, but then I do get PAS and the big front brakes....

[Paul-Tll]

would it not be easier to make LH Drive ?
Great project BTW
P.

[HaywardRotary]

Changing the pipes to the wastegate and moving the position of it should be alot easier than any other recourse.
Have a serious look at that first or you\'ll run into alot more problems to overcome by doing anything else.
Best thing is to take turbo and manifold off,get engine sited/mounted then tackle turbo issue.
Regards
Carl

[RamoNZ]

The turbo clears, the manifold clears, just the wastegate pipes want to run where the box is - with a rack it will sit like an FC as the chassis leg width is the same - not sure what you mean by other problems?

[12at]

There is no way to move the pipes short of cutting them off and rewelding which would look and flow poorly given my welding skills.
 
I think she is going to get the FC subframe, which is more work, but then I do get PAS and the big front brakes....

The turbo clears, the manifold clears, just the wastegate pipes want to run where the box is - with a rack it will sit like an FC as the chassis leg width is the same - not sure what you mean by other problems?

 
would have to agree chop off the existing waste gate pipe and weld a new one on so it clears it.. An alternatove is to contact SDRacing on Ausrotary and he does made manifold for around £170 + shipping..
 
What turbo is that and who built the engine??

[AtomicRex]

A couple of pictures of the manifold and down pipe we put on the FB in our workshop
 




 
3.5" system right through with 60mm wastegate
 
Bit difficult to get the pictures to show in this light...but you get the idea

[Ian65]

There is no way to move the pipes short of cutting them off and rewelding which would look and flow poorly given my welding skills.
 
I think she is going to get the FC subframe, which is more work, but then I do get PAS and the big front brakes....

how does the fc subframe affect the track and ride height?

[captainbizzaro]

I saw Don Pamponi\'s S3 after it\'s FC subframe install and both track and ride height seemed fine, although it was a ballache of a job to do aparently. Fair play for doing it but if you need advice from someone who\'s done one the Tim @rxmotors is the gentleman to speak to.

[CHC (RIP)]

I\'d look at it from a long term point of view, whatever modification you make, how would this affect the replacement of parts if something broke?  Me, I\'d consider the FC subframe replacement if this were to maximise standardisation whilst still ensuring reliability and performance levels.  Cliff