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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:19:02

Title: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:19:02
I'll build this up over the course of a few nights, but this is a potted history of how to turn a V6 auto elite into a TD auto elite (the hard way...)

Elite and TD.. soon to be cross bred

(http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/4329/p7044173.jpg) (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/p7044173.jpg/)

(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7108/p7054178.jpg) (http://img822.imageshack.us/i/p7054178.jpg/)

pass me my spanners....  :twisted:
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:19:51
A little later .....

So part 1 is complete, I have engine, wiring harness, exhaust, full fuel system, radiator etc.

Pictures....
Very "Mad Max"  :twisted: , went quite well like this...
(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/8268/p7104193.jpg)

Less well like this....
(http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2411/p7224208.jpg)

Empty in here....
(http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/1223/p7224209.jpg)

The bit I need...
(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1686/p7224210.jpg)

With the bit bolted on that I dont...
(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9853/p7224211.jpg)

Ready to go... total weight 3760kg (with a bracket still bolted on that I later find out I need... )
(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/568/p7284212.jpg)

Final flight.... 1320kg of baked bean tins
(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2138/p7284213.jpg)

So on to part 2, on hold because I am struggling to get hold of a TD autobox or a torque convertor and bellhousing for a TD
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:24:00
Even later....

Act 2 begins.... now it gets scary  :?

(http://a.imageshack.us/img198/5735/p8074214.jpg)

Hope to have the engine out tomorrow, and the subframe off... they are different (well have different numbers on EPC)

Even more later, and much swearing....

Sadly not quite out, held up by stuborn exhaust bolts.. pass me an angle grinder  :roll:

(http://a.imageshack.us/img444/9584/p8084215.jpg) (http://img444.imageshack.us/i/p8084215.jpg/)

and now I have to work, so no further progress until Wednesday.

My plan is to try and get engine and transmission out in one (without putting it through the screen)
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:25:58
More done...

Out you come...
(http://a.imageshack.us/img822/6792/p8104216.jpg) (http://img822.imageshack.us/i/p8104216.jpg/)

Thank you  :)  (That was easy)
(http://a.imageshack.us/img535/3405/p8104217.jpg) (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/p8104217.jpg/)

Top pipe for V6 power steering pump, bottom for TD, this is the only difference in that system
(http://a.imageshack.us/img443/882/p8104221.jpg) (http://img443.imageshack.us/i/p8104221.jpg/)

First bit of TD fitted to the car (Air-con pipe)
(http://a.imageshack.us/img826/797/p8104218.jpg) (http://img826.imageshack.us/i/p8104218.jpg/)

TD subframe...
(http://a.imageshack.us/img819/2997/p8104219.jpg) (http://img819.imageshack.us/i/p8104219.jpg/)

V6 subframe, slightly different. Anti roll bars and rubbers the same. Need to drill 2 holes for the headlamp sensor.
(http://a.imageshack.us/img210/220/p8104220.jpg) (http://img210.imageshack.us/i/p8104220.jpg/)

Tomorrow, depending on the weather, the subframe gets a clean, and I have some remedial work to do on the chassis legs  ::) whilst I wait for wishbones and engine mounts.
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:28:29
Nothing much happened last night other than this little repair, which made sense as no subframe in the way

(http://a.imageshack.us/img227/3503/p8114222.jpg) (http://img227.imageshack.us/i/p8114222.jpg/)

Not to bad a job I thought, well it serves it's purpose anyway
(http://a.imageshack.us/img809/6569/p8114224.jpg) (http://img809.imageshack.us/i/p8114224.jpg/)

Paint and the TD subframe can go on

Later.... again  ::)

air compessor removed to make room for intercooler... now where do i put that  :roll:
(http://a.imageshack.us/img269/2106/p8124225.jpg) (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/p8124225.jpg/)

(http://a.imageshack.us/img829/3415/p8124228.jpg) (http://img829.imageshack.us/i/p8124228.jpg/)

Secondary air pump removed, oil cooler goes in here.
(http://a.imageshack.us/img193/9057/p8124226.jpg) (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/p8124226.jpg/)

(http://a.imageshack.us/img51/7985/p8124229.jpg) (http://img51.imageshack.us/i/p8124229.jpg/)

Also cleaned up subframe, which needs 2 small holes drilling in it for the self leveling headlamp thingy.
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:30:44
And it's in...
(http://a.imageshack.us/img704/9704/p8144230.jpg) (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/p8144230.jpg/)

(http://a.imageshack.us/img13/2186/p8144232.jpg) (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/p8144232.jpg/)

Suspect that's the easy bit though, today a bit of plumbing (fuel, oil cooler and water) and might start on the elastictrickery.

Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:31:09
Lots of stuff done, but few photos

Less of a nest of vipers..
(http://a.imageshack.us/img820/5743/p8224238.jpg) (http://img820.imageshack.us/i/p8224238.jpg/)

Decided to do away with the viscous fan, and use the electric one from the V6, I may have made a mistake with that idea, but we will see (and yes it was a bugger to get off)
(http://a.imageshack.us/img833/7903/p8224239.jpg) (http://img833.imageshack.us/i/p8224239.jpg/)

Begining to look something like...
(http://a.imageshack.us/img713/3724/p8224240.jpg) (http://img713.imageshack.us/i/p8224240.jpg/)

Other (hidden bits) done today. Changed the fuel tank... wasn't sure I'd get an diesel filler pump nozzle into an unleaded tank, and I think (according to EPC) that the pump is different, also changed the feed pipe from the tank to the filter under the bonnet, doing away with the petrol filter near the tank, some of the fuel connectors are different petrol -v- diesel.

Fitted the exhaust, well at least to the backbox. Intercooler mounted and oil cooler (first real difference i've noticed in the shell - no mounting bracket for the cooler on the chassis leg)

Now waiting for bolts to mount flexplate to crankshaft and torque convertor, then I can put the autobox back on.

Mostly wiring then, instruments to change and pedal (fly by wire) to put in.
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:32:10
It's still ongoing... had to replace oil leak tubes as they were perished, only found when I removed inlet manifold (to help with access to starter and wiring) that has resulted in waiting for gaskets (somewhere caught up in VX shutdown)

Fix the gearbox I though, so that's all bolted up, and now I find a major difference in TD bodyshell. The TD gearbox/engine combo finishes about 3" further back, so the rear mount bolts in a different place. Now the holes are there for the bolts, but to save weight (obviously) VX didn't bother with the captive/welded nuts to bolt owt too.... Hmmmm

Of course the other smaller issue is the prop is too long. I have a manual prop shaft, but I think that is even longer.

So not good news.

Later today though the front seats come out and the carpets and dash (or bits) to get the wiring for the fly-by-wire erm wires in and perhaps find a way to mount the gearbox (that may involve cutting holes in the floor  :roll: )
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:33:34
Things completed now...

Gearbox on
Much wiring sorted, some still to do

and after much problems with earths and immobilisors my V6 petrol ran for the first time as a TD  :y

Lots still to do

Prop to fit (new short one)
Autobox to sort (wiring and ECU to reprogram)
New instrument pod to fit (with glow plug light)
Shed load of wiring still to sort (Once I got it started it wouldn't stop..   :o ), the fly by wire wiring is hanging over the wing and goes through the drivers door.
Inlet manifold gaskets to fit and vacuum pipes to route

All in all, I'm in the final furlong  :D  :D
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:35:35
Changing this..
(http://a.imageshack.us/img535/5276/p9034244.jpg) (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/p9034244.jpg/)

to this....
(http://a.imageshack.us/img444/116/p9034245.jpg) (http://img444.imageshack.us/i/p9034245.jpg/)
will stop me doing the obvious   ::)  :-[



Nice new "diesel" type dash... (facelift)
(http://a.imageshack.us/img231/5966/p9054246.jpg) (http://img231.imageshack.us/i/p9054246.jpg/)

Lights as there should be (glow plug included)
(http://a.imageshack.us/img521/8013/p9054247.jpg) (http://img521.imageshack.us/i/p9054247.jpg/)

and no lights and revs  :D
(http://a.imageshack.us/img695/8003/p9054248.jpg) (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/p9054248.jpg/)

even the trip computer works as it should (I was suprised as I have a 1996 ECU trying to drive a later computer)
(http://a.imageshack.us/img203/599/p9054251.jpg) (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/p9054251.jpg/)

and it revs... so the fly by wire works
(http://a.imageshack.us/img713/9383/p9054257.jpg) (http://img713.imageshack.us/i/p9054257.jpg/)

shed loads still to do, but it's certainly getting there.... oh and yes that does say 286k... might leave that as it is  ;D
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 07 September 2010, 22:36:57
Tonight's episode...

Just an update, fitted a modified selector lever (shorter) and changed the passenger side engine mount for a new one. Prop refitted, and fired her up.....

Tonight she moved under her own power as a TD auto, all be it in limp mode as half the wires for the autobox still need sorting.

Tomorrow night, rebuild the front of the car and wire in fans etc.

Thursday, sort out power steering and change the coolant

Friday/Saturday finish underbonnet wiring and fit Elite sat nav thingy I have and give it it's first good run.
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: PhilRich on 07 September 2010, 22:53:46
You have my Sincere Respect Richard! That is a damn fine piece of work :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Andy B on 07 September 2010, 22:56:53
sterling effort  :y, but I'd have still bought a facelift TD Elite rather than make my own.  :y :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Dishevelled Den on 07 September 2010, 23:01:05
What a fascinating project 377 - well done. 8-) 8-) :y

A very enjoyable read. :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 07 September 2010, 23:13:47
impressive work done :y :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Martin_1962 on 07 September 2010, 23:20:42
A lot of work there and well done.

TBH I prefer the original engine
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: zvi on 07 September 2010, 23:49:22
Very impressive work  :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: unclelicklug on 08 September 2010, 12:31:47
Awesome - take my hat off to you for even starting this.
Very well done - if a little mad....
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Del Boy on 08 September 2010, 18:47:25
Good work mate, looks a well done job, what are the actual miles on the TD engine?
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: mantagte on 08 September 2010, 19:55:50
how do you go about insurance
does it need engineers report?
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: eddie on 09 September 2010, 02:53:44
Fascinating doesnt do you justice mate--well impressed.

Thats a mother of an engine hoist you've got there!

eddie
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: beemerdevil on 09 September 2010, 18:15:12
cor blimey 377 - nice work :y :y respect for taking such a job on  :y :y [smiley=beer.gif].... so what did you do after lunch ?? [smiley=lolk.gif] [smiley=lolk.gif]
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: 377 on 09 September 2010, 22:11:03
Thanks for all the comments, it certainly has been/ still is a mammoth task....

Insurance company are happy as it's technically (almost) as a TD elite would have left the factory.

Mileage on the TD engine, about half that indicated

It has been for it's first road test, still with the box in limp mode, biggest issue is severe smoking, I guess the first thing to check is EGR valve, but by heck it really does smoke atm, might just benefit from a bloody good run. Any suggestions welcome though.

This weekend is the chance to really get it sorted, finish the wiring etc. (well that's the plan  ::) )
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: M20LSY on 10 September 2010, 11:28:19
Sheer respect!!  :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Sixstring on 10 September 2010, 12:46:43
I echo everybody's opinions.    Stonking!
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Varche on 10 September 2010, 14:19:54
Outstanding , I take my hat off to you sir!  :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Shackeng on 10 September 2010, 18:30:12
Very impressive, well done Richard. I wonder, if you have a partner, if they appreciate the skills you have brought to this project.

Respect :y :y :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Hannah Judes Dad on 14 September 2010, 08:27:07
Outstanding effort 377.You are a far braver man than me for attempting such a task! What do you do in your spare time?  ;D
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: feeutfo on 14 September 2010, 09:32:33
break that, buy a TD elite. But that aside, very well done. :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: Seth on 14 September 2010, 22:32:46
Phew - keep us posted mate! :D
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: redravern on 13 October 2010, 18:41:09
were the instruments a straight swap or did you do some rewiring?
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: VXL V6 on 13 October 2010, 19:32:43
Diesel clocks have different calibration on the rev counter and go to 140 on the speedo, they also have a glowplug lamp.

Believe it's a straight swap with minimal wiring under the bonnet for the glow plug warning
Title: As promised V6 to TD conversion
Post by: walterharris on 15 October 2010, 00:37:02
I like it, the front end looks great too. What is that in the shadows in the garage?
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: mr ICE man on 15 October 2010, 18:07:13
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :y :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: tunnie on 16 October 2010, 16:56:03
certainly the hard way of doing it, but excellent work  :y
Title: Re: As promised - V6 to TD conversion
Post by: jonnycool on 16 October 2010, 21:18:56
Feel exhausted just reading through this, but a huge amount of respect from me  8-)