Rootes arrow. Potential modernishengine swaps.

[markm3]

Just thinking what options would be available to convert a rootes arrow model.
Not necessarily going to happen soon but was thinking for simplicity BMW straight 6 (e46 era) perhaps S50b34.
Obviously brakes to think of aswell.
Thoughts and advice please.

[retrolegends]

I’m sure someone on here fitted a Mazda MX5 unit in a Hunter, not sure who though.

[markm3]

Thanks for the reply. I do seem to recall the mx5 swap somewhere on here.
Just seen a video on utube of a 4litre bmw engine conversion. Just one video added 9yrs ago though.

[scimjim]

If you’re after simplicity I’d go Saab, zetec, Duratec, MX5, GM, Merc four pot, or maybe a smaller V6 like the KL or GM if the engine bay has the available width? Maybe a ford/volvo 5 pot rather than 6? Gearbox/adaptors cost and availability can become an issue if you’re looking at anything that isn’t OEM RWD such as the zetec.

[Phil H]

Based on the engine bay size and heritage (plus the need to clear steering boxes and linkages..), if it fits a Mk2 Cortina, it should fit an Arrow. From what I recall, the bay isn't actually as wide as you'd think, so you'd probably need an upright 4-pot, so maybe not BMW or Merc? Ford, GM or (if it clears the steering bits) MX5 would be my thoughts based on availability. GM and Mazda will probably a lot cheaper to buy the bits (i.e. a whole car) especially given you can buy a running MX5 or Omega for less than the price a Ford Type 9 goes for these days..

[ironmighty07]

As its Rootes perhaps look at the XU9 from Peugeot and I recall that it can be mated to the LT77 out of a 1.9 LDV Sherpa/200 (might be wrong on that though) to give the RWD configuration...

[markm3]

May 18, 2020 14:52:49 GMT ironmighty07 said:

As its Rootes perhaps look at the XU9 from Peugeot and I recall that it can be mated to the LT77 out of a 1.9 LDV Sherpa/200 (might be wrong on that though) to give the RWD configuration...

Does the XU9 include the 406 petrol turbo?
I have an xu10j4rs in my 205

[markm3]

And probably a daft question but is it best to put something in that is originally longitudinal in the donor vehicle?

[Phil H]

May 18, 2020 15:14:10 GMT markm3 said:

May 18, 2020 14:52:49 GMT ironmighty07 said:

As its Rootes perhaps look at the XU9 from Peugeot and I recall that it can be mated to the LT77 out of a 1.9 LDV Sherpa/200 (might be wrong on that though) to give the RWD configuration...

Does the XU9 include the 406 petrol turbo?
I have an xu10j4rs in my 205

Pretty sure all XU engines have the same bellhousing pattern so theoretically, yes.

[Phil H]

May 18, 2020 15:16:29 GMT markm3 said:

And probably a daft question but is it best to put something in that is originally longitudinal in the donor vehicle?

Saves possible headaches with flywheels, starter motors, spigot bearings, clutches, water pipes, engine mounts...as well as gearboxes.

Transverse engines tend to "spread" sideways from the block so the ancillaries can be quite a way away from the centreline as well as be at a lower level. Not handy if your engine bay is narrower at the bottom than the top.

[dazcapri]

May 18, 2020 12:02:39 GMT retrolegends said:

I’m sure someone on here fitted a Mazda MX5 unit in a Hunter, not sure who though.

Its Hillmanjames you're looking for

[Hillmanjames]

It was me that fitted the mx5 lump into the hunter.
It fitted in very easily from what I remember. No cutting of the transmission tunnel required, just a new gearbox mount to cobble up. Hardest part is getting someone to sort the propshaft out.

There's photos on here and some more on my Instagram Hillmanjames

Any questions let me know

James

Edit: here's the link to my thread...
forum.retro-rides.org/thread/166310/hillman-hunter-megasquirt-wider-arches