|
|
|
|
Redlands, Lindridge Lane, Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0JJ, United Kingdom |
|
|
Tel: 01580 891309 or 07964
336183 | Fax: 01580 893733 | International tel: #44 1580 891309 | International fax: #44 1580
893733 |
|
 |
|
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION OPTIONS
The R.P.V. V6. 2.5ltr to 3.5ltr. A joint design exercise between Renault, Peugeot and Volvo and engine choice of the ill-fated DeLorean. This beautifully designed and widely underrated engine is available in normally aspirated, fuel injected and turbo versions and can be tuned to deliver a reliable 350 bhp.
The engine above is the 2.5 Lt. V6 Turbo. It was taken from a Renault 25, stripped, polished and rebuilt using all stainless fasteners. This is probably the simplest and most inexpensive installation option because the engine and transaxle are fitted as a unit, directly from the donor vehicle. A sound runner will provide a surprising amount of usable components. The engine loom and management system can be used intact as can the cooling system and, with a little ingenuity, even the instrumentation.
The car pictured above has won 'Best of Show' at almost every appearance and has been featured in hundreds of magazines and television programmes.
Note: For 4 cylinder, Cosworth enthusiasts, the Renault 21 Turbo is another powerful and simple installation.
Chevrolet Small Block V8 5.7ltr.
This classic inexpensive power plant is available all over the world.
The engine above is a fuel-injected small block on a Renault transaxle fitted into a Spyder Mk4.
From the standard 250 bhp model to the alloy head 350 bhp H.O. version, this is the engine for pure muscle power. Factory-built, delivered to your door in a crate, brand new with all ancillaries for much less than you'd expect. You simply cannot beat this engine in terms of horsepower for money.
Here is another Small Block in a CanAm. This one is a standard ZZ4 GM crate motor delivering 355 bhp. It is mounted to a Porsche transaxle using a readily available adapter plate, flywheel and Porsche clutch. It runs on unleaded fuel and has passed the UK Single Vehicle Approval test for emissions and noise.
Rover V8 3.5ltr to 5.0ltr.
A reliable aluminium V8. Originally Buick but now made in the UK in both normally aspirated and fuel injected versions. Fitted to many British vehicles including Range Rover, TVR and MGB. Tuning parts are readily available and inexpensive. Later, fuel injected engines are fully emissions compliant worldwide.
Ferrari & Lamborghini V12
These installations represent the ultimate option for those seeking a balance between originality and affordability. Installation requires a slightly modified chassis and some modification to the engine and transmission.
The engine above is from a Lamborghini Countach and fitted into a Foreman Mk4 Spyder on a Porsche transaxle. The unit is a 3.9 litre quad cam developing 375 bhp at 8,000 rpm. Giving a top speed of around 200mph. Standard exhaust manifolds were only slightly modified and mated to four baffled tubular silencers.
This is a Ferrari V12 engine from a 400GT fitted into an air-conditioned Mk4 Berlinetta. Again, Porsche supplied the transaxle. We commissioned tuned and balanced exhaust manifolds and connected them to twin free-flowing silencers with 3 inch stainless steel tailpipes. This installation becomes surprisingly cost effective when all factors are taken into account. Speak to us.
OTHERS
These are by no means the only engine choices. Ford Cosworth and V8, Audi V8, BMW, Cadillac Northstar are all suitable.
EMISSIONS
Many late model engines fitted with emissions control equipment are suitable for installation in a Foreman vehicle. Catalytic converters and ECU engine management systems will ensure compliance with all international emissions requirements.
We are happy to advise on alternative engine choices.
TRANSMISSION
Because the Foreman Mk4 is a mid-engined design, a combined gearbox/differential 'Transaxle' assembly must be used. The most common combination is Chevrolet/Porsche
For serious competition and racing, ZF or Hewland units can be fitted to most engines.
Here is the Porsche G50 - 052 transaxle. This, limited slip differential, version has a longer end casing (on the left) and is stronger to cope with the added power of the Turbo. Earlier, shorter versions of the G50 box are all fine for engines up to 400 bhp. In 1994 Porsche introduced a six speed version of the G50 For the 993. European and US versions have slightly different ratios but all are excellent units for mating to any engine.
All these units run inverted (unless you want five reverse and one forward gear) which has the added bonus of allowing the engine to sit lower in the chassis thus lowering the centre of gravity of the car.
The Renault UN1 transaxle, shown above without its bell housing, was fitted to the Renault 25, 2.2ltr, 4 cylinder, the 21 Turbo, some V6 injection cars and all the V6 Turbos. It is identified by an aluminium, arch-shaped plate bolted to the end casing, stamped 'UN1'. This is the strongest of all the Renault transaxles and is well able to cope with up to 350bhp under normal road driving conditions. Ratios differ with each model but the 21 Turbo has the 'longest legs', closely followed by the V6 versions. If you intend to drive mostly in town, choose the 2.2 version. Aluminium bellhousings are available to mount this box to Rover, Ford and Chevy engines.
Standard Ford driveshafts can be coupled to all transaxles with suitable adapters.
