hi, i have an automatic vauxhall corsa 1.2 8v and i am looking to increase it's performance and would like to know what i can potentially do with it? Can i take my engine out and replace it with a higher power engine from a manual(to gain higher bhp)?
Optional Information: 1996 Corsa 1.2
Hi and welcome to just answer.
Yes you can put a larger engine in from a manual Corsa or Astra and you can also convert it to a manual if needed. The skys your limit as you can put upto 2 litre engines in these quite easily but you need to consider the insurance implications and if upgrading the performance you need to improve the braking system also.
The easiest way to do this would be to buy either a damaged or MOT failure car with good running gear and you will have everything you need to convert, there are also a number of tuning options available to improve the performance of your own engine.
I hope this has helped
Regards
Phil
ok that's cool, but i don't want to convert to a manual.. can i install a more powerful engine without converting to a manual and still see the benefits?
I mean basically can it be done? The only reason i ask is because i haven't been able to find anything about installing new engines into an automatic. Dou you have to do anything when you install an engine from a manual car into an automatic? Or do you get the same sort of increase you would in a manual?(bhp etc)
You get exactly the same increase as you would in a manual but the autobox soaks up a bit of this power. To put it into perspective a 1.2 manual would be quicker on acceleration than your autobox 1.2 and it's the same with all the engines no matter how much you upgrade. It's unusual to upgrade a Corsa with an auto box as the manual is more common and quicker, so it's uncommon but not impossible.
The manual uses a flywheel and clutch whilst yours uses a torque converter and drive plate, these can be just swapped over from engine to engine. The 1.4 16v should swap over without too much trouble but you will need the ECU etc.