Well, since I started doing more miles at work as Ive now moved 35 miles from Belfast I decided it was a requirement to have something a little more entertaining than the xantia TD estate as a daily driver - but still be reasonably economical.

I first of all looked on ebay for a Saab 95, then I looked to the large number of SORNd crates in the yard, and decided Id do something with BX 16 Valve number 4 (Of 4) - even though it has the best engine of the 4 (One is on throttle bodies, the other 2 are in various states of repair)

By chance on ebay I spotted a COMPLETE 406 3.0 24V V6 engine - with loom, ECU, manual gearbox, driveshafts, exhausts, even the front subframe - for £100 buy it now. So I couldnt resist that, and duly arranged to have it palletised and delivered home!

Its sat in the hay shed for a few weeks as I have been concentrating on the MR2 exhaust manifold - but on Friday I started into the BX.

So I got it up on to the lift, undid all the necessary pipes, cables and mounts and pulled the engine out:

On the lift




Last few of the D6C still at home





bringing the crane up to bear




Engine out and away





This is what I have to squeeze in





Today we sized the engine up in the BX bay.

Looks like it isnt going to fit:





It seems miracles do happen! It fits! Pictured on the way out again (I have to change the timing belt, service it, change the clutch and put it back in this weekend)




There is a small bit of modifying to do to the slam panel to give a bit of clearance for the timing cover on the front bank of cylinder - and it is going to be an engine out job to do ANYTHING - even change the spark plugs on the back bank of cylinders by the looks of it - but its going to be a fun daily driver, and should do 30mpg!

I have to shorten the driveshafts slightly as well obviously. For the time being, until I get it through MOT Im going to run the OEM ECU - but Im going to run Emerald or DTA on it eventually in the coming months.

I also have to mount a xantia hydraulic pump somewhere, and work out where to mount the accumulator etc. Ill then have to custom make the exhaust. Im going to go for twin exit, one pipe from each bank of cylinders for a nice sporty note

Remind me to drop my golf around one day for a transplant, i see you have no end of equipment

Mark, I admire you. :wub:

Another project Do you actually spend any time at work?

We are starting on my brothers Jetta in a few weeks swaping the engine out from a 1.6 carb 70ish bhp to a 1.8 8v Digifant with about 105bhp, looking forward to getting my hands dirty on this one

damn you mark.... Im jelous of your lift

Quote from: knightydamn you mark.... Im jelous of your lift

Me too, youd have to raise your roof for one of those, although not at work.

Is that an M3 under the tarp?

Quote from: Mark- and it is going to be an engine out job to do ANYTHING -

lol, sounds spot on for a daily driver  

Quote from: GoblinIs that an M3 under the tarp?

Its the MR2!

I take it these are all taken with the D90 - did you have to use any exp compensation or are they just as the meter intends?

edit - theyre all flash or fill so that answers my question lol.

Quote from: Mark

Quote from: GoblinIs that an M3 under the tarp?

Its the MR2!

Oops.

Looked like E36 M3 Evo rims and side skirts.

i have no idea what im looking at, but if i had that much skill, Id be doing breast implants for a living.