The inevitable question....

Site Subscriber Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 2281

How do I fit an early Renault Laguna Phase 1 3.0i V6 12V engine into my 19?

Answers on a postcard.....

But seriously, what will be the biggest problem facing me with this conversion should I decide to go ahead with it?

FCS Event Manager Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 3680

lol, how about everything ?

first, will the engine fit in the bay with the gearbox.
how you gonna mount it and the box, then of course what about driveshafts and hubs, cooling system, is there enough room to mount the rad with that beast of an engine in the bay, wiring loom, fueling, cooling pipes, throttle, power steering, alternator, sure its gonna fit when all the ancileries are bolted on? dont forget the inlet and exhaust manifolds, tight enough fit as it is with the standard F7P lump in there and exhaust manifold, again what about the exhaust? does it bolt to the front or back of this engine . .

the list goes on.

good luck . . .

Forum Moderator Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 7432

Wicked Neo wrote:

exhaust manifold, again what about the exhaust? does it bolt to the front or back of this engine . .

Well considering to stand the slightest chance of fitting it in the bay at all it will need to go transverse, both front and back, because it's a V6...

Site Subscriber Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 1141

I'm assuming that you don't have the mechanical knowlage or tools in order to do this conversion or you wouldn't be asking so a massive question as this. This conversion is going to require specialist tools, a workshop to machine all maner of brackets and modifications and custom odds and sods and a whole lot of cash even with free labour.

May I suggest, therefore, you employ the help of a specialist and allow them to project manage the conversion for you because theres no way your going to be doing this conversion yourself - theres more to it then you think.

Why not buy yourself a Renault 19 16v and get it out of your system, a 3.0 engine in a old kevvy PH1 R19 ain't going to be worth anything at the end of the day and you'd get much more enjoyment out of a R19 16v.

Site Subscriber Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 2281

Addie wrote:

Why not buy yourself a Renault 19 16v and get it out of your system, a 3.0 engine in a old kevvy PH1 R19 ain't going to be worth anything at the end of the day and you'd get much more enjoyment out of a R19 16v.

Kevvy? How rude!

Not exactly worth a whole lot right now is it? Wont really depreciate a lot will it?

All rudeness aside though those are pretty decent comments. Thing is, for a pro engine tuning/conversion company to attempt this conversion they need to:

1. Know 19's and Laguna's pretty well
2. Be willing and competent enough to carry it out to completion
3. Not be extortionately priced!

Currently I know of no company that fulfils all of these three things. Hopefully by learning what I can about the two cars and the two engines from knowledgable folk like Chris will make the conversion that much easier!

Site Subscriber Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 3547

the the vtec conversion on our mini, we're doing all the work, so keeping it under 3k, the subframe is being done for 1200!so your conversion isnt going to be cheap

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

this is being made into quite a drama.

The engine will fit in.

you can wire it up

cooling is the hardest area

power steering would be left out

there will need to be a bit of bodywork modding.

Mr Quoter-vator Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 7405

get a valver Cool

Gay Rights Activist Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 1268

I agree with Chris....altough i have to say, are you competant enough Ben? Unless of course someone close like maybe Mr H helps you.

If you have basic fabrication tools&materials, then its possible with a bit of imagination, to knock up any shape of mounting required. you may need to call on a fabrication firm for things like plate bending/folding, unless u kinow someone with the tools.

So assuming you can get the engine in, and have a powertrain sorted, you need to get the motor running (lol, head out on the highway!!). personnallyi would go for a programmable system, like Emerald. can be bought new for Â£550...or if your lucky u might find a second hand system for a couple of hundred beans.

Then its a case of plumbing in your cooling system, sorting gearshifting, fuel supply, exhaust system, brakes, suspension etc etc

So...it isnt a weekend conversion like some straight engine swaps. BUT i think its easily possible...providing it will physically fit.
SO, if i were u i'd get the measuring tape out, and weigh up wot (I mean what really) is involved, if anything, to make it fit. writs down some ideas an dpost them up on here.

I have to say tho, you seem to be in two minds...make sure you fully understand whats involved..inc any other costs, before you start extending the front end of your car!!

Newbie Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

itll be interesting to see how this gets on, i agree on the engine was a bargain, but how much u willing to splash on it time and effort i hope u do it fella, it would be a remarkable accomplishment.

Site Subscriber Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 2281

Well my Dad has been a motor mechanic all his life and has a built a few prototype single-seater racing cars. He also spent ten years working with this guy (rather famous in Aston circles if memory serves) restoring and uprating Aston Martin DB13's. His favourite aspect of car restoration/improvement is stripping the car down and rebuilding its chassis.

Aside from his career in cars he has always had a nack for engineering and practical problem solving - he's restored/rebuild/invented/furnished every aspect of the family home. It was near enough derelict when we bought it 15-odd years ago.

So yes, while I myself may not have the first idea when it comes to this conversion, my Dad will certainly be able to advise and give an honest, logical resolution to the bulk of the issues that are gonna crop up.

Obviously if Mr H fancies lending a hand in a never before-done project concerning a 19, then I'd be very grateful for any assistance he can offer! Wink

Actually Chris, after reviewing what you'd done to the car in January and being impressed he said you were more than welcome to come and stay over. At the time, I had no idea why you'd want to but if you do fancy getting involved, then I'd obviously sort you out with the going rate and the cost of a return train ticket!

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

might do Ben might do matey.

It will need to be after mid june as things should all be sorted out by then. And I will need a holiday, a sunny english holiday is better than nothing I suppose! lol

Level 3 User Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 66

whats a db13?

Mr Quoter-vator Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 7405

i know i keep sayin get a valver...but thats just thinking from the point of view of...less money more fun

but i would be happy to see u get this done...esp now hearing that your old man has knowledge, chris says he can help, im sure everyone would be willing to chip in if needs be (chip in as in lend a hand Razz

)

if it is seriously gunna be attempted then best of luck to you as it would be very cool and unique.

Site Subscriber Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 2281

Right well it looks as though my Dad is dead up for it as well! Normally he despairs whenever I spend money on hairbrained plans for the car but I think he's used to it tbh!

Actually he's gonna sort out a van and trek down to Godalming to collect it for me, which is a bonus.

And glad you're up for a bit of spannering south of the border Chris! Should be able to get out for a mid-England meet with other Retro-Renaulters!

And cheers for the encouragement guys, the main thing concerning me was how much of a trip into the unknown this is gonna be!

But with Mr H and me' old man on side I'm sure there'll be more than enough knowledge to get it sorted out!

Level 8 User Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 263

Good luck Ben.
Hope it works out....would be awesome for the R19 community Cool

Level 7 User Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Posts: 230

Ben, Good luck! I hope this is really gonna work out! And if you can pull this of with chris and your dad I am gonna come over to england to get a view and a little feel of your power mate Very Happy

Site Subscriber Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 2281

Xvisor, I assume you mean the car, and not sommets else!

Chris when you say I'll need an efi fuel tank, would the 16V tank and connections be suitable? I'm thinking ease of fitment here, I assume the 16V tank would be a direct replacement on my car?

Level 7 User Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Posts: 230

Yeah Ben mean the car. It's not that bad with me Wink

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

yes thats why I said get a 16V fuel tank to you before. Funny that!

Site Subscriber Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 2281

No, you just said I would need an EFi fuel tank! Pretty sure you did, cannae find where you put that, may be on the RSC thread....