Questions From A Newbie

[Guest Geordiebarry]

I have decided to build a Kitcar and at the moment am undecided between a 2b and a Zero.

 

I currently have the engine (C20XE 2L 16v Vauxhall)

I am in the process of stripping my Sierra, a 1991 2L Ghia with DOHC, rear disks, power steering with adjustable column.

 

I plan to use the car for fun drives and possibly a bit of trackday and competition action. For this reason I feel that the Zero is better suited. My question is will I be able to get an age related plate if I change the engine, gearbox diff (want an LSD) and use the wishbone rear suspension supplied with the kit. I will obviously plan to renew brakes etc. I am guessing that I will need to also get a non power steering column, although the adjustable column would of been nice to use.

 

The other option may be to build it using the DOHC and gearbox and then change once it is all finished and registered but that would not be the best option as it is a lot of extra work.

 

As this is my first build, although I have build competition Escorts in my younger day, does anyone see any major flaws in my plans?

 

Any advice is welcome

 

thanks in advance

 

Barry

[stevedohc2b]

Change the engine no on the Sierra V5 to the new C20XE 2L 16v Vauxhall engine.

 

Age related plate is on 3 items from donor I think.

 

Ie Hubs. Gearbox, Diiff, Engine.

 

So should be OK unless it changes with IVA

 

The steering column is ok from a power unit as you only use the top of it and get a new rack (well you used to with the 2B kit).

 

Stephen

[Guest Ian & Carole]

Hi Barry

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of Robin Hood

 

Like Stephen says change the engine in your Sierra to the Vauxhall one and run it for a while

 

You can use the Sierra power steering rack, but without the power, this gives you a quicker rack.

 

Cut the oil pipes and fasten them together after filling with power fluid to make a sealed system.

 

Enjoy your build and as is said on here post after post, ask all you want, the only daft question is the one you don't ask, however you will get lots of daft answers and lots of p*** taken on a regular basis but give it back and see you at the shows.

 

Bring along a tent, sleeping bag, beer and enjoy.

[Guest Geordiebarry]

Thanks for the info guys.

 

I guess that I can keep the adjustable column and change the rack for a quick rack. Will an escort qick rack fit the kit or do I need to get one with the kit?

 

In order to put the XE lump in I guess I need to get the same bits as if I was putting it in an escort?

 

Cheers

 

Barry

[Guest chris brown]

Do as Stephen and Ian have said the only thing I would add is fit the Vauxhall lump into the Sierra and make it look like it works then take photos of it and also of you removing it along with all the other bits. Yes I think the Zero would be better for you if you do intend to do a bit of competition work as the 2B is really intended as a tourer. The LSD should be no problem as is the G/box if you decide to change to a type 9

[Guest Ian & Carole]

Hi Barry

 

You can use the Sierra power steering rack, but without the power, this gives you a quicker rack.

 

Cut the oil pipes and fasten them together after filling with power fluid to make a sealed system.

 

Do pay attention at the back

[Guest cryoman]

You don't physically have to change the engine to the VX one. You only need to change it on the V5. You will not require an inspection as the engines are the same capacity so the vehicle road fund licence will be the same. You should then SORN the car and all the details on the V5 are correct for an age related plate.

 

HTH

 

Nige

[Guest mac801123]

Thanks for the info guys.

 

I guess that I can keep the adjustable column and change the rack for a quick rack. Will an escort qick rack fit the kit or do I need to get one with the kit?

 

In order to put the XE lump in I guess I need to get the same bits as if I was putting it in an escort?

 

Cheers

 

Barry

 

Hi Barry

 

As i'm building a zero I can't comment about the 2b.

 

In the Zero parts list it says "Extended steering rack" so I asume the sierra rack won't fit.

 

The car is easy to build to a point a few things to do but on the whole a good kit, Ideal car for track days and quick driving.

 

As said on this posting before don't worry about asking questions there are a few building them and we all try to help each other out!

 

If you need any more help then just ask.

 

Mike

[Guest chris brown]

SVA and I assume IVA will be the same are now much stricter than they were (and that’s without DVLA sticking there ore in) on such things that is why I gave the advice I did as it could end up with a Q plate especially if the date of change on the V5 is later than the kit purchase date.

[Guest Geordiebarry]

SVA and I assume IVA will be the same are now much stricter than they were (and that’s without DVLA sticking there ore in) on such things that is why I gave the advice I did as it could end up with a Q plate especially if the date of change on the V5 is later than the kit purchase date.

 

I have not as yet ordered the kit and the Sierra is still road legal so I will get the engine changed on the paperwork now.

 

Lots of useful into, I like it.

 

Thanks again guys

[ibrooks]

Definitely change the docs ASAP but I'd still advise sticking the vauxhall lump in the Sierra's engine bay and taking photos. It can be sat on blocks for all they know - so long as you have a photo with it sat in there and looking like it's worked in there. Personally I'd try to pick a dry day to photograph it in there - then move the car a few yards wet the drive and take another photo from a different angle that way it'll look like the photos are from two different days with the car having been driven in between (not that I've ever thought about how to do this )

 

I've heard of a few people being tripped up when the docs have said a Vauxhall/Rover engine has been in a donor vehicle but couldn't prove it. One of them had actually bought a Sierra with a Rover V8 already fitted as his donor so it just added insult to injury when he couldn't prove that the engine had been in the donor.

 

Iain

[Longboarder]

The ultimate 'proof' would be to actually fit the engine to the Sierra and have it start, run and move the car and have a video of this. You are going to get all the bits to run this engine in the Zero and if VOSA are getting this anal then you would have irrefutable proof.

I can see some might not want a Q plate on an Ultima but does having a Q really affect the value of a Robin Hood? How far you go with 'fitting' the XE to the donor depends on how much work you are prepared to do to ensure an age related plate and thus how much you think that plate is worth to you.

 

Nigel

[Bob Tucker]

You can use the Sierra power steering rack, but without the power, this gives you a quicker rack.

 

In true Christmas Panto style "Oh No You Cant!!"

 

The standard 2B & I guess the ZERO (but dont know for sure) cant use the standard width Sierra rack.

The 2B has used Metro and Escort racks in the past.

AFAIK The Sierra RACK can only be used with wider track wishbone conversions.

Just check with Richard at GBS before committing.

The steering COLUMN CAN be used...

 

Make sure you price up the "odds & ends" needed to run an XE in a Hood..my conversion cost just over £2K.

& I still cant beat Nigel!!

Carbs, manifold, ignition system, sump, bellhousing, clutch plate, operating arm, exhaust manifold (although you can cut & shut a standard one), engine mounts, engine mounting arms. I also needed to replace the Sierra brake master cylinder with a floor mounted tandem cylinder & pedal.....the carbs are on the other side.

 

Again AFAIK converting a Zetec will need all the same parts at roughly the same cost.

Theres plenty of info HERE but be aware Jims car has a monocoque chassis.

Have Fun!!!

 

Bob

[ozz]

Hi,

 

I'm building a zero from the base kit and it comes with a nice new rack (escort I think) with extensions fitted so don't think you will need to bother with the sierra rack at all.

 

AFAIK you can specify a quick rack from GBS at extra cost when you order the kit.

 

Andrew

[steve in stockport]

Just one thing to think about is that the C in C20XE means it had a catalytic converter on it originally, and a switched on SVA/IVA inspector may insist on you fitting one.

 

Steve