AUQ SEAT 1.8T kit car conversion.

[limpabit]

Hi everyone.

I thought I would keep everyboby up to date on progress.

This was the engine as it was delivered.

And car waiting for new heart.

Been busy trying to figure out the engine mounts etc. Still slow progress trying to figure out the cam side mount.

Timing belt, tensioner and water pump done.

I had a T28 turbo from a Nissan Pulsar that I had reconditioned for the old Rover turbo engine. But did not get to fit it. Shame to waste it. So bought, for now, a cheap manifold to bolt turbo to.

6 speed box just would not fit into chassis. Gearbox at the end, was around 9" high. I had a 9.5" gap. So had no room to raise or lower the engine in position.

So had 2 options. Try to source a 5 speed box and take a chance. Noboby had one I could borrow to size up. Cheapest was £100 out of my pocket with my 6 speed box. And still taking a chance whether it will fit.

So went the other route. Fit a Rover turbo gearbox to the SEAT engine. This has a few advantages. Hydraulic clutch, gear change, wiring (speedo and reverse light) and mounting would be easier. As they are already there and ready. Got adapter plate and fitted up for mounting. Just need flywheel made up (Rover 1.8K series flywheel with SEAT bolt pattern and clutch sourced.

I have the MBE ECU from QPENG. I'm wiring that as we speak! Baffled sump ordered from jabbasports.

 

[m0rk]

That looks tidy - what car is it?

When I saw the thread title I was really hoping that it was a front engine/rwd combo to inspire me

Does QPEng allow enough flexibility to run a bigger turbo?

Mark

 

[limpabit]

Hi Mork.

Yes, QPeng has a map for the T28. It's only really a startup map for mine as bigger injectors will come once engine has been initially started. So will need a total remap once done.

Should provide some insiration. Even if you looked at the Passat/A4 route for your installation??? Same orientation as yours?

Yours will be fun if converted.

Car is a Marlin 5EXI.

 

[m0rk]

I thought it might have been a Marlin 5EXI - I was looking at them about a year ago.

Longitudinal is what I'd look for (in the Mazda) - I was just hoping someone had a nice Bell housing

Will you have in enlarge the side ducts for the intercooler? it looks a little restrictive - that said I know the 1.8T elises' IC's work well

 

[limpabit]

I'm binning the intercooler and going chargecooler after previous experience with a turbo under the bonnet. Or interwarmer as it was known.

 

[m0rk]

Good plan given the packaging

 

[Feel]

Nice. I was thinking about an Aeon for a while.

@m0rk, only option I know for RWD is a bell housing conversion to a sierra gearbox...

 

[limpabit]

Just thought a little update.

Engine was started the weekend. Electrics just temporary. But a great feeling!

A little video.

 

[Lodgey180]

looks rather fetching

i like it haha get a bigger turbo tho

 

[limpabit]

Cheers mate.

It's got a T28 from a Nissan Pulsar which should reach upto 350BHP if needed. At 300BHP, this car is going to be scary as it is. 300-350BHP = 400 - 460 Power to weight ratio. Which should see near the 0-60 in 3 seconds.

 

[Damoegan]

Very nice project mate

 

[Cupra Kev]

Very nice indeed ... what's the space like in it ... I know from the Marlin site it says if you're >6'4" or 13 stone it may not be comfortable inside (and I'm both )but wondered what it was actually like.

Had my eye on doing a Dax Caterham 7 replica for a while which should have a nice lot of room inside, but the Marlin is a lot rarer on the roads (and nicer looking)

 

[limpabit]

There can be things done to account for tall people. I'm 6' and my head goes slightly above the rollbars. But I fitted a false floor to mount the seats and a comfy seat as I will be going on long trips. But again you can get lower more uncomfortable seats.

But there is another drive taller than me that fits ok. Another thing you can do is lower the floor base.

The main reason for me choosing this kit was because it was different from other kit cars.

 

[ipd56]

that looks sweet can not wait to see it all finshed , nice work so far

 

[limpabit]

Car has already been on the road and registered.

A couple of pictures and a video with the Rover engine.

A a litle video before SVA test. Turbo was not boosting in the video due to a burst boost pipe.



Really looking forward to see what this SEAT engine is going to do. Throttle response is just so fast, on that first start up compared to the previous engine. Maybe light flywheel.

 

[SHADY-NINJA]

thats lovely mate.
can we swap??

 

[limpabit]

thats lovely mate.
can we swap??

After all the blood, sweat, bashed knuckles and feet (from kicking it!), at least let me get it on the road and have a few rides before we swap.

 

[Hugo1.8vt]

with this engine with this power seems quite pleasant to drive

 

[nick_c_1986]

WOW. that is gonna be seriously quick! sounds amazing!

 

[limpabit]

Thought I would give some update as it's been a little while.

Boost hoses and chargecooler fitted. Hoses not jubilee clipped yet as I need to complete the water hoses for the chargecooler (waiting for rad)

Polished inlet and new expansion bottle. Together with shiney chargecooler filler.

Oil cooler fitted. Electrics looks worse than it appears. Just lamber to solder in (but can't do this until exhaust is done. Gentral clipping on wiring to do for now. When mapped and all wiring tested, then will go in conduit. Just in case I've missed something!

Things to do.
Accelerator to be sent off (too short)
Jublee clip every thing that is left (a few water pipes and boost pipes)
Fit slave cylinder and battery tray.
Fit driveshafts back together
Fill cooling system and check for leaks. Same for oil system.
Fill engine up to temp and see if Rover gauge displays correct coolant temp!

This I hope to complete withing the next 2 weeks. Maybe not accelerator cable (sending it off to get done).

Hopefully off at the end of September to get exhaust made.

Still not sure yet what to do about wheel protectors or something to protect the oil cooler etc. I have some plastic sheets from signs ect. Can't remember the name of it. Cordex or something.