Red Top Conversion - Queries

[GMC]

Hi all, Just joined the forum tonight and have left a message in the 'hello' section with details of my project. Anyway, hopefully you assist with this?

I’m in the process of rebuilding a ’84 GTE Couple in White. I’m also fitting a 2.0 16v XE and have a couple of questions relating to this;

I’ve read the (excellent) conversion guide on this website as well as others, so my apologies if I’m ‘covering old ground’, but I have a couple of questions....

i) Heating Matrix : My engine is a late XE (’92 Cavalier GSi 4x4) so has a coil pack instead of a distributor. Will this fit without modifying the matrix housing? If not I’ve read articles regarding a VW Polo matrix – what year of Polo matrix is required?

ii) Bulkhead : Does the bulkhead (that the matrix sits on) need cut back. I’ve read elsewhere that this needs to be cut back by 50-75mm to facilitate the engine and it’s plumbing, but this isn’t mentioned on this website?

iii) Oil pick-up pipe : I have a big wing sump, but don’t have a oil pick-up pipe. I have various pick-up pipes off other Vauxhall/Opel models and considered adapting one to suit, however, if anyone knows where I can get one, of if anyone here is selling one I’d be very interested. (I'll also put this in the wanted section)

iv) Clutch : Again I’ve read conflicting info regarding clutches...some say 1.8 Manta, some say Carlton 2.2? I’d appreciate clarification regarding the plate, cover & release bearing.

v) Flywheel : Being a late engine I assume it will be fitted with the heavy flywheel. Does this affect the clutch choice above? Can I swap this flywheel for the earlier lighter type?

v) Prop shaft : Will my 2.0 GTE prop fit directly into the back of my 1.8 box? I’m sure it does but I read somewhere I need a 1.8 prop?

Thanks in advance for your assistance, and apologies again for covering old ground

[rutts]

1.

no mods to heater it will fit no problem

2

measure where the heater feed pipe comes from the xe onto the bulk head. you can cut the top edge off where brake pipes run under and weld up.

3

use standard xe pickup pipe i have and had no problems.

4

use the pot flywheel if you have it with a turbo calibra plate with turbo cover and manta clutch bearing.

5

dont forget a spigot bearing for crank shaft (ebay £9.00 vauxhall £3.50)

[GMC]

Thanks for the response rutts - 1st class!

[rutts]

dont use the anti oil surge plate inbetween sump and engine just get a 1.8 cork gasket much better than the rubber ones.