FC red motor conversion

[Dave_EH]

Merry xmas all!

I am in the process of selling an FC sedan on behalf of a mate and have a somewhat longwinded series of questions to ask.

The scenario is:  Its an FC standad sedan.  The grey motor has given up - possibly the big end bearings gone as there is a fair bit of play in the crank and she gets a rattle up under revs.  It stills starts and runs fine, yet is clearly on its way.

Hence, while it still has some rego I am trying to work out the economic feasability of a red motor conversion for my potential buyer (another friend).

Im not concerned with the price of the HR front end  and motor at this stage (Nicko I may pass your details onto the buyer regarding your front end and 202), just the little fiddle bits of doing the concersion.

Any help, approximate prices and tips on the following issues would be fantastic.

1) before we talk RED - any ideas about the price of an exchange reco grey?

2) If a holly carb or other similar cable operated carb is to be used on the red motor does this eliminate the problems with the carb linkages fouling the FC firewall?

2) abailability and price of EH sump

3) what radiator to use and correct fitting (original or concieled behind grill -EH or HR radiator? Ease of fitting hoses?

4) Gearbox - I'm assuming an FC crash box bolts up fine to a red - but how long will it last?

5) legality (QLD) the car has 2 speed wipers, and will have the HR disc front - does the rear just require the compatible HR shoes and cylinders?

6) master cylinder - does it have to be the disc brake type or will original do?

7) engine mount from front to radiator support - easy to fit?

Do FC stock wheels fit on an HR front?

9) Exhaust - is there any torana or holden model "off the shelf" extractors that will fit an FC with a red or is it a custom job?  Would a set of X2 headers be easier/cheaper/better?

I know people have been doing this concersion since Jesus was playing fullback for Jerusalum, but the little fiddly bits are often forgotten.  Could a couple of young fellas like myself, with a bit of care, sweat and cursing pull off the conversion over a weekend or two?

looking forard to all your comments

Regards
Dave

[RET]

Dave,

A lot of this has been discussed in great length before.  Have a look through the Modifications Board and you'll find any number of threads on red conversions.

To answer your questions (my opinions anyway):

1) $2200 from your local Holden dealer IIRC.  They source the motors from Gem, FWIW.
2) Yes, although you need a Commodore or similar accelerator.  RS have this as a kit.
2 again) Not exactly rare, but I've never needed one in a hurry I believe there is a Torana one that also fits, not sure of the model.  Have a search through the site for "sump pickup" and see what you find.
3) Either of those options are fine, you trim back the panels either side to make whatever you want to fit in there do so.  I've had a 186 with a heavy duty grey radiator for years with no problem.
4) As long as you don't rev the ringer out of it in first, a grey crashbox will last just fine behind a small red.
5) Check with D.O.T. or a local engineer before doing anything else.
6) You will probably need boosted discs unless you fit 138/149 red, which are allowed without any other mods (at least in NSW and Vic, not sure about Qld)
7) See article in Tech Info about fitting HR front end for all the details.
8 ) FC rivetted rims will foul on the disc caliper.
9) Off-the-shelf extractors should fit fine.  X2 kit is usually hellishly expensive.

Yes, you probably could do this is a couple of weekends, it's not rocket science.  The workshop manual is well worth a good read of, it covers how to get the motor out and back in again.  There's not much that's likely to be specific to grey motors about it.

Hope that helps,
RET