Dumping a 1.3 engine in the Micra...?

Maccy

Maccy

Maccy

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My clutch and gearbox is on the way out, garage told me recently after having my service and MOT. This is going to be an expensive job, I initially thought - about £700 all in. And before you all reckon he's trying to con me of money he's a family friend who we've known for years.

However, a friend from an online car club has offered me a complete 1.3 engine with gearbox, clutch, even a K&N filter for £150 as he's getting rid of the car to make way for a new project.

My only queries are what will this do to insurance and do the DVLA need to be notified of the change in engine size? The current engine is only a 1.0 litre.
 
West said:
I think it will be cheaper/less hassle to buy a new car lol..
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Seconded.
There is a point where repairing a car is economically less viable than scrapping it and buying another. It sounds like you're reached this point.

Oh and a 1.3 micra engine is not worth the huge expense and hassle of an engine swap.
 
Even if you were to do it, it would be worth while putting in a new clutch while the engine is out. Also the added weight of the larger engine may need higher rated front springs. The DVLA and your insurance will both have to be informed
 
It all depends on the car. If you're happy with the Micra and it's not got any other areas that are likley to cost you money such as the chassis or suspension then £150 isn't a lot to shell out for an engine if it's in good condition and has been looked after, however you have to consider what another car will cost you to purchase, by the time you calculate the labour costs to fit the engine and the fact you'll have to switch the insurance to a 1.3 (to be fair i'd expect the admin fee they'll try and charge you to be higher than the premium) and the fact that it too could have issues depending on how it's been looked after then it may not be the best option but it's still worth getting the costs for.
 
Whilst those are indeed issues the real problem is the 'hidden' engine swap cost.

1.0 and 1.3 share the shame exhaust

Does the engine come with the wiring and ECU

Are the driveshafts and hubs the same

Radiator / Piping / engine mounts, gear linkages

Its all a factor when going from one engine size to another in the same shell and thats only just rubbing on the surface, not worth it at all.
 
The £150 is for the engine.

The cost of fitting it into the car is not included, and I'm sure will multiply that price many times.
 
700 to change a gearbox and clutch in a micra is taking the ****, known to the family or not, he is ripping you off, but you are too naive to see it.
 
£700 :eek:. I was quoted £400 to change the Celica's and thats alittle harder than a micra id say.
 
doing the work yourself? go for it. assuming the engines are of similar design, use the same mounts, loom, gearbox etc it'll be a doddle and piece of p..cake.

paying someone else to do it? that could get expensive.

how similar are the engines, for example i know the only difference between a fiat fire 1108 and 1242 engine is the stroke, meaning around 10mm higher block and thats it. so all you need is a 10mm exhaust spacer and jobs a good 'un. But to go from say an 899cc ohv engine to an 1108 or 1242 is totally different not worth the hassle.

yes you need to tell the DLVA and your insurance co.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, sorry forgot to mention - it includes the ECU, clutch, gearbox, engine etc.

If I have to pay for labour, it would be a max of £50 because the person I'm buying it off would do the fitting with me.
 
As far as I can remember, the mounts etc are all the same, but im 99% sure the driveshafts are different on the 1.3's.
 
Maccy said:
Thanks for the suggestions, sorry forgot to mention - it includes the ECU, clutch, gearbox, engine etc.

If I have to pay for labour, it would be a max of £50 because the person I'm buying it off would do the fitting with me.
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so its £200 all fitted? its a no brainer.
 
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