Engine Compatibility

real · 19 Jun 2009 at 13:01

Afternoon,

A quick question:

Does anyone know if a Vauxhall 2.0 16v Ecotec engine from a 1996 Calibra would fit into a 1998 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 16v SRI?

Thanks

Sone · 19 Jun 2009 at 14:33

with the seats down maybe

Solaris · 19 Jun 2009 at 14:34

roof rack and plenty of bungy coard is your best bet....

mrk · 19 Jun 2009 at 15:12

Is this thread for real :O

real · 19 Jun 2009 at 15:45

Hilarious.

My understanding is that it should fit correctly in the engine bay and connect to the existing Astra gearbox. However I was after other opinions or confirmation from someone with specialist knowledge.

--Mike-- · 19 Jun 2009 at 15:54

Probably best to ask on a Vauxhall forum I'd imagine!

Westyfield2 · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:00

Should fit fine...

Why the Ecotec though? The C20XE (XE Redtop) is more power to start with and more tuning potential....

Malt_Vinegar · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:03

Yer, bit of gaffa tape and some wires. Jobs a goodun..

malfunkshun · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:06

Westyfield2 said:
Should fit fine...

Why the Ecotec though? The C20XE (XE Redtop) is more power to start with and more tuning potential....

Meh a C20LET is what you want

Pen66 · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:07

Try the Migweb or CorsaSport forums, there's a lot of conversions and knowledgable folk on there that will be able to help you out.

realscot · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:11

if it needs an engine, scrap it.. it'll cost more to put right than the car is worth.

burns · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:12

My money is on probably. Best to check the engine codes of the two respective engines. Sticking with an ecotec will be much easier than putting in something other than what was in there originally.

burns · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:14

realscot said:
if it needs an engine, scrap it.. it'll cost more to put right than the car is worth.

BS. You could probably get an ecotec from a calibra for less than £100. All depends if you can do the work yourself.

Dogbreath · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:34

Westyfield2 said:
Should fit fine...

Why the Ecotec though? The C20XE (XE Redtop) is more power to start with and more tuning potential....

Because it would be significantly more work and expense to buy and fit, not to mention insure afterwards.

realscot · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:40

burns said:
BS. You could probably get an ecotec from a calibra for less than £100. All depends if you can do the work yourself.

But is it worth the hassle on a car thats worth less than a grand?
I'd also have to guess that if the OP is having to ask on a forum if the engine would fit, he probably won't be fitting it himself.
+ if your buying a second hand engine it will be an unknown, and you'd be stupid not to put a new timing belt etc on it when you do the transfer. So £100 is extremely unlikely tbh.

malfunkshun · 19 Jun 2009 at 16:59

I'd be surprised if the engine won't transfer fairly easily. It seems the Calibra 2l Ecotec engine is a direct replacement for the preceeding C20XE (of which the C20LET is a variant). So taking the ecu and loom as well it shouldn't be a problem to do swap for either of them.

C20LET for my money, if you can find a decent one these days

burns · 19 Jun 2009 at 17:03

realscot said:
But is it worth the hassle on a car thats worth less than a grand?
I'd also have to guess that if the OP is having to ask on a forum if the engine would fit, he probably won't be fitting it himself.
+ if your buying a second hand engine it will be an unknown, and you'd be stupid not to put a new timing belt etc on it when you do the transfer. So £100 is extremely unlikely tbh.

Good point. If I was in the situation now I probably would consider scrapping it, but if I had more time I would take on a job like that. Presumably he has no engine crane as well.

The engine in an ecotec calibra is apparently an X20XEV, not sure what is in your astra.

Dogbreath · 19 Jun 2009 at 17:22

malfunkshun said:
It seems the Calibra 2l Ecotec engine is a direct replacement for the preceeding C20XE

The Ecotec replaced the 20XE when Vx stopped manufacturing the latter, but they are certainly not a direct replacement as there are numerous differences.

real · 19 Jun 2009 at 17:31

Thanks for the replies.

My only aim is to make the car usable again so a Redtop engine is not necessary.

Yeah I think they both have the X20XEV engine so it seems like it would be ok.

I would not be doing the work myself, however I have a cheap mechanic that could for £200. Even so, the reliability of a second hand engine does concern me so I have not yet decided what I will do.

toyotacelicagt4 · 19 Jun 2009 at 18:03

burns said:
Good point. If I was in the situation now I probably would consider scrapping it, but if I had more time I would take on a job like that. Presumably he has no engine crane as well.

The engine in an ecotec calibra is apparently an X20XEV, not sure what is in your astra.

The one in his astra willbe a X20XEV too, Its a direct replacement. Should be a take out and put back in job.