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The
Vauxhall engine is perhaps the most popular alternative to the A
series engine. There are many Vauxhall engines that will fit with
the right modifications including a 2,000cc 16v fuel-injected version
from the Astra GTE!
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Power
- The Vauxhall engine certainly offers huge power increases
over the A series and significantly more (potentially) than
the VTEC due to the increased capacity.
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Cost
- The Vauxhall engines are generally cheap and readily available
as the donor vehicles are so common. Parts are also cheap
and available from motor factors.
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Reliability
- The Vauxhall engines are generally reliable and appear to
be a popular engine for tuning and implanting in other cars.
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Weight
Distribution - The Vauxhall engine has a cast iron block
and ally head so the overall weight is significantly greater
than the Honda VTEC. Due to this increased weight, and the
position it has to take in the Mini engine bay, the handling
of the Mini may be affected. The gearbox is quite wide and
it seems that the engine has to be placed to the driver's
side of the car.
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Experience
- The Vauxhall conversion has been in favour for a number
of years now and the companies developing the kits have had
a great deal of experience. I imagine many problems will have
been ironed out by now and any remaining will be trivial.
There are many happy users of these conversions (I even have
testimonials on the AMT page) and they are used successfully
in all areas of competition including stage rallying and hill-climbing.
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The
following companies supply parts and kits for Vauxhall 16v conversions:
Allspeed Engineering
AMT
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