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Is it possible to convert a 146 Boxer Engine!


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#1
swizard

Posted 23 February 2005 - 03:42 PM

swizard

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Dear forummers,

I would be owning a 146 Boxer soon.But for better reliability I'm
planning to convert my stock 146 boxer engine to Nissan SR20 power
plant.I know most alfisti's are anti japs and might be annoyed of what
I'm planning to do.They might say why dont I get a jap car instead of
downgrading the italian.But the fact is I love alfa's so much.She is such
a beauty and handles the road like no one.(my opinion)And furthermore I
cant afford much as for the maintanence part for my boxer(timing belt
etc).As I also would be using my alfa regularly, I need a reliable
engine.An italian beauty with the heart of from the land of samurai
(SR20). By the way I shall be naming her Italian Samurai Smile I would
really appreciate if someone can tell me if such transplant is possible
since alfa's are known to be unique compared to any other car.My Question
is:-

a.Can the transplant be possible with mounting change? I'm sure their no
of the same mounting?

b.Will there be any conflict in the future between the engine and the
body? (electronics,handling safety etc? )

c.Will the new powerplant affect the road handling of the car or unsafe?

d.Have anyone attempted this before on an alfa 146 Boxer?

e.Is there any other engine recommendation besides the SR20? My priority
is a balance of superb reliability and reasonable fuel consuming engine.

f.can anyone recommend a good work shop which offers engine transplant
service with excellent workmanship with reasonable price?

c.Any other advise I should know for the transplant?

Sorry if I sound so greedy with lots of question but I'm so much in the
dark and really appreciate fellow forummers if they could share their
thoughts and knowledge on my plans.Looking forward for your invaluable
inputs.Thanks in advance



#2
Taj156

Posted 23 February 2005 - 04:45 PM

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It's been done before in 146/155 T-spark, but haven't heard on 146 boxer.
Personally, i feel it is not advisable. Mountings are different and a lot
of modifications are required not just for mountings but electricals as
well. Teething problems will definitely crop up and might take months for
you to sort out. It is not a straight forward job, so the trial and error
will make you sick and tired. The Jap engine and electricals might not
jive or talk to the Italian parts so this and that won't be working. It
will be a wireman's nightmare which will affect you. Cost will be another
factor. The SR20 or VR4 engine might be cheap but the labour and endless
visits to the workshops will be expensive for you.

Getting JPJ approval will be hard or not possible at all these days with
stricter enforcement at Puspakom. The different weight of the engine will
affect the car's weight distribution and handling but slightly, i guess.
Yours is a 146 boxer so steering rack will be in the way of the engine if
you put in an inline-4 engine. Boxer owners will know what i mean.

Lastly, your resale value will plummet This kind of conversions are not
well received by other Alfa owners and you will have a tough time finding
a buyer. This is what i'm told by one owner who dumped a VR4 engine into
his 155. He regrets it and still has niggling problems with his
electricals and cannot sell his car.

Best advice that i can give is maintain the boxer engine if you decide to
buy the car or get a Jap car instead.


#3
Redd

Posted 23 February 2005 - 05:19 PM

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why would u bastardise an alfa like that? of power is the issue, ive seen
lightly modded boxers that keep up with my old Interplay 1.8 turbo.

redd

#4
nimrod53

Posted 23 February 2005 - 06:08 PM

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Please dun get an Alfa if reliability is an issue for you. Stick to
Jap-made cars.

I am driving a 146 boxer coming to 8 years already and so far I seldom have
problems. Make sure maintenance is strictly followed. Dun cut corners...

#5
wgt145

Posted 23 February 2005 - 11:02 PM

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I think you've been watching too much Monster Garage...


#6
zjaafar

Posted 24 February 2005 - 10:05 AM

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what ever it is .., I'm interested to buy your boxer engine.

#7
75evo

Posted 26 February 2005 - 08:19 AM

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Wah, Zjaafar gonna turbo one more time?

#8
ar145

Posted 28 February 2005 - 01:15 PM

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why bother with an SR20? u buy a used boxer at 30k, and i'de bet u need
another 30k just to make the sr20 fit in properly. seriously, almost
anything related to the drivetrain will need to be replaced and custom
fitted.


#9
balong16V

Posted 28 February 2005 - 03:39 PM

balong16V

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i had a true story...a friend of mine decided to dump a SR20 engine into
his 2.0 16V 155 for the sake of getting lower maintenance.
Unfortunately,he ended up with never ending probs..and it tooks a year for
a complete process(PUSPAKOM inspection bla..bla)..Lot of works need to be
done on the mounting, electricals etc..and he's having prob with driveshaft
until the moment i wrote this message.The worst thing is,he got higher
maintenance,and frequent visit to the workshop.

So think carefully...
Cheers

#10
Taj156

Posted 28 February 2005 - 04:00 PM

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Exactly my point in my earlier posting. The only person(s) that benefit
from this kind of conversions will the workshop(s). The owner will
definitely suffer.