CUL8R Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Hey guys I have just aquired a Vauxhall Chevette Hatch , and I intend on Using it for Rallycross/Autocross/Gymkhana... Most likely going to put the 1256cc & gearbox back in.. Anyway I have a few questions Im sure some of you will know the answers too.. I'd quite like to Put Either Isuzu Piazza or Holden Gemini front brakes at least on it... (Vented rotors as opposed to solid) - Is there anything major involved in that? As I have never done it before Also how hard is it to transplant the Gemini 1600 engine and possibly gearbox into the Chevette? As Im pretty sure I can get mates Complete Gemini Wagon Derby car ... (Gemini & Chevette Wagons share floorpans? thus the question...) Cheers,Chris Anyhelp would be greatly appreciated... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tortron Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 they share the same chassis from the a pillar back, so you may gind that you will need diff engine mounts, and probably need to alter where the bonnet latch is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 The gbox hole and posiably mounts etc are in a complete diff place in a gem compared to chevette. I would avoid using the 1256cc lump at all costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tortron Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 yea for sure, 1256 is pretty shit for power, even the kaddet thou is better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUL8R Posted January 29, 2007 Author Share Posted January 29, 2007 Yea maybe, but the last one I had was a real Screamer - it really liked to rev its wee tits off In saying that , I'd prefer the 1600 over it, as its got more power, and I wouldnt mind better almost the same/less weight, as that wee 1256cc is one wide Cast Block.. Cheers,Chris Theres also the Piazza Engine (SOHC Injected), but its auto and CBF with Computers and the gearbox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tortron Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 piazza is a tried and tested conversion that is also ftw. if i recal you can put some volvo or carlton disk brakes on with no troubles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUL8R Posted January 29, 2007 Author Share Posted January 29, 2007 Doh , Me = Just Took 244 Gle Wagon to Simms this morning , probably garden mulch sized pieces now Cheers,Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Revhead Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 go the bedford 2.3 motor!! and you will NEED a different rear end. gemini one is a good one to use, the chevette diff is weaker than my kid sister Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sholdowa Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Go the full HSR! That'd be fun. However, beware... you cannot easily mix vauxhall chevette and the opel stuff. Vauxhall is all imperial, and Opel is metric. Luckily it wasn't me that found this out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tortron Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 anywho http://www.chevettes.com/forum is likely to answer any questions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUL8R Posted February 1, 2007 Author Share Posted February 1, 2007 Ok guys , been doing a fair bit of research... The Gemini diff by the sounds of things will bolt in , and is the Same measurements as the standard Chevette one (abeit a bit stronger). The Piazza Diff is slightly wider, but should Bolt up as well... Also the Gemini Engine should bolt into the Chevettes engine bay, with the gemini mounts being used.... So my Only problem is the Gearbox mounts and Driveshaft.. Can Anyone Either Confirm or Deny any this for me?? Brakes are sorted from what I have already been told.. Cheers,Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Revhead Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 you need to change the turrets for the rear shocks. the hatch has shocks that lay over, the sedan vertical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUL8R Posted February 1, 2007 Author Share Posted February 1, 2007 Which diff are you talking about ? What about if I just use the Chevette shocks on the Gemini or Piazza Diff?? I only have a Hatch, the Gemini is a Wagon , and the Piazza, well you all know what that is.. Also getting another Chevette for free Cheers,Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Revhead Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 you really want to upright the rear shocks. if using it for the street layed over would prob be ok but for motorsport... i really to suggest you upright them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zep Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Probably not worth the effort tho. The Chevette hatch has the same diff mounts as the Gemini wagon, they are angled. The piazza ones are upright so you'll have to modify the mounts on it if you wanna use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Revhead Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 its definitely worth the effort its not hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 ^^ It isnt the hugest job to relocate the mountings is it? Cant imagine it to be. The gbox xmember is simple and the driveshaft is just a simple measure then send to be shortend and balanced job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikuni Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 It involves cutting sections out of the chevette and welding new points in for the shocks to mount to. I have talked to people that have done this mod and it is simply so that the shock travels in a more linear motion being up and down, rather than the non-linear compression of the shocks on an angle. For real world purposes and even track applications I'm sure standard angled shocks will work fine. To mount a piazza diff or if running adjustable shocks, you will want to look into changing them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Revhead Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 yeah, it will work, but vertical works better. a lot better. buy anyway, my opinion has been given, do some research about who and why its been done, and make up ya own mine. for me, if its good enough for AVO, VDT, TRDetc then its good enough for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUL8R Posted February 1, 2007 Author Share Posted February 1, 2007 Im a believer in doing things the quickest and most simple way (nah not really , just justifying my next bit.. ) Seeing as I should get the gemini complete, how about if i just cut right through the floorpan and then use the "exsisting mount" still connected to the gemini diff, and cut and shut that onto the Chevette.... Sounds like a plan to me Cheers,Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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