Engine Swap

[Alves]

Hi guys, Im sure you have all heard the "best swap for a Delorean question" and Im asking it again. While I love the Delorean Im no fan of the 130 HP Volvo engine and would love to swap it out for something with more power. With money aside (within reason, I would not want to spend the price of a new Delorean on the engine) what would be the optimal engine swap. Obviously we have seen the lotus conversion but Im assuming thats not optimal though I am still open to how viable that would be.

Thanks Guys!!

[knightjp]

You can have a look at these 2 threads...


V8 Delorean (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2169-V8-Delorean)
PRV Mods & Engine Swaps (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2455-PRV-mods-and-Engine-swaps)


Should give you an idea...:thumbup2:

[Alves]

You can have a look at these 2 threads...


V8 Delorean (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2169-V8-Delorean)
PRV Mods & Engine Swaps (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2455-PRV-mods-and-Engine-swaps)


Should give you an idea...:thumbup2:

Thanks Man!

[sdg3205]

Thanks Man!

When you drove the car with the stock PRV were you bummed?

[Alves]

When you drove the car with the stock PRV were you bummed?

I haven't taken the car for a ride yet. I bought it in New York and brought it into Mass on a trailer. Im in the process of replacing everything so I just want to know what kind of power it will have so I can buy parts accordingly.

[sdg3205]

I haven't taken the car for a ride yet. I bought it in New York and brought it into Mass on a trailer. Im in the process of replacing everything so I just want to know what kind of power it will have so I can buy parts accordingly.

Perhaps do some math on conversions. If it's looking like it's going to cost 10k - 12k to mod everything and buy the new engine you may as well consider the Stage 3 too!

[DMC3165]

My car is so original I still have the CAT and all the heat shields. I like it that way.

If you choose to re-power your car that is your choice. I've seen all kinds of swaps and while some run real nice and will do the 1/4 mile in 12 secs or less they all have their "quirks" from needing special gas to transaxles that don't shift right, to just not looking right with oil filters sticking out below the rear fascia (one guy can even knock off his oil filter backing into a parking space!!!!)

If you enjoy driving your car leave it alone otherwise it'll be a money pit like no other and you'll be under it every 5 minutes. You'll never get as many miles out of it modified as you would if you left it stock. Of course the choice is yours

[Alves]

Perhaps do some math on conversions. If it's looking like it's going to cost 10k - 12k to mod everything and buy the new engine you may as well consider the Stage 3 too!

Would that 10k - 12k be for the full running conversion because thats basically what I would be looking to spend. What engine, suspension, transmission would that consist of?

In regards to the stage 3 my engine has a bought 25,700 miles on it. Would that be a good candidate and would I have to drive it to florida (nearest DMC) or could I have it done locally.

[QuadcityDMC]

Someone also said this "If you want a fast sports car, dont buy a Delorean." Its not a fast car, I had the Stage II done to mine because the engine was shot in it. I love the Stage II and will end up doing a Stage III in a few years.

I have seen some real hack jobs, keep it stock and just update the motor with DMCH, or other vendors upgrades.

At lest keep K-jet :thumbup2:

[sdg3205]

Would that 10k - 12k be for the full running conversion because thats basically what I would be looking to spend. What engine, suspension, transmission would that consist of?

In regards to the stage 3 my engine has a bought 25,700 miles on it. Would that be a good candidate and would I have to drive it to florida (nearest DMC) or could I have it done locally.

I believe the cost of a Stage 3 upgrade is in the neighborhood of 12 - 13k. Only DMC does their stage 3 conversions IIRC.

[QuadcityDMC]

My rebuild was from a crate motor 10k for the Stage II and right now I am looking at 5k for suspension rebuild.

There is in with the Stage I to Stage II - Stage II -Stage III and Stage I- Stage III in the vendors thread. I know syage II -III is around 9K.

[Alves]

I believe the cost of a Stage 3 upgrade is in the neighborhood of 12 - 13k. Only DMC does their stage 3 conversions IIRC.

Ok thank you, I was more wondering how you said a full conversion would cost 10 - 12k and what you meant about that. Or do they both cost the same. Sorry for the confusion on my part,

[Alves]

My rebuild was from a crate motor 10k for the Stage II and right now I am looking at 5k for suspension rebuild.

There is in with the Stage I to Stage II - Stage II -Stage III and Stage I- Stage III in the vendors thread. I know syage II -III is around 9K.

Sorry for the double post, you posted while I was typing.

EDIT: I saw the vendor thread.

Just my last question should I use my current 27,000 mile engine or purchase a new stock engine

[sdg3205]

Sorry for the double post, you posted while I was typing.

Do you guys know the specs of the stage 3 by any chance?

The best bet is to call a vendor. Toby and John are finishing up the first customer Stage 3 as we speak and from what I've heard it's just incredible, so perhaps give Toby a call.

When I said 10-12k I meant that if an engine swap is going to cost that much anyway you might as well consider keeping your engine, the originality of your car and just building a reliable power plant from that.

[QuadcityDMC]

There are no new stock engines anymore, they can use your engine but it will need to be tested.

I went from "upgrade my engine" to total engine replacement. Using your current engine I think the cost is 5K+, then after that upgrade its another 9k from II to III.

Stage I is like 140hp and stage II is like 195hp. Just enough to make the car "move."

[Alves]

The best bet is to call a vendor. Toby and John are finishing up the first customer Stage 3 as we speak and from what I've heard it's just incredible, so perhaps give Toby a call.

When I said 10-12k I meant that if an engine swap is going to cost that much anyway you might as well consider keeping your engine, the originality of your car and just building a reliable power plant from that.

Alright thanks! and as much as you guys are gonna hate me for this the only originally I'm looking to keep is the exterior idc otherwise.

[QuadcityDMC]

If your going to just swap out your engine then turn around and sell the car in few years you will more then likely not get your money back. I have spent more on "fixing" my car then what I paid for it. I am also going to keep my car for life so I don't car how much I spend on it.

Is the car currently running/driving?

[Alves]

If your going to just swap out your engine then turn around and sell the car in few years you will more then likely not get your money back. I have spent more on "fixing" my car then what I paid for it. I am also going to keep my car for life so I don't car how much I spend on it.

Is the car currently running/driving?

I wasn't planning on getting my money back. And right now its blocked up in my garage because I'm replacing suspension brakes etc

[QuadcityDMC]

What all are you replacing on your suspension?

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk about getting money back our of the car. I just run into a lot of people at shows that have all these dreams of flipping a Delorean. I'm sure you know that one has to love these cars to own one.

Are you replacing your LCA?

[WelmoedJ]

It seems as if you haven't driven the car yet.
So I wonder why you are focussing on the "130 HP" factor?
Shouldn't you first get the car on the road and see how it behaves and handles?

After that moment if you're disappointed you can still calculate the cost for making the car a bit to a lot peppier!

My two cents.

[knightjp]

To be honest, I'm not exactly a fan of the PRV V6. But from what I can gather is that it is a good engine is maintained right.

If the PRV can give me the performance that I want from the car, I'm more than happy to leave it alone. The thing is the Stage 3 Kit does give the car some really good kick, but its not sports car quick. That's the problem.
Sure we can't compare a 30 year old car to a new Porsche or anything, but I've driven old sports car before and it just doesn't feel as rapid as it needs to be.

[WelmoedJ]

To be honest, I'm not exactly a fan of the PRV V6. But from what I can gather is that it is a good engine is maintained right.

If the PRV can give me the performance that I want from the car, I'm more than happy to leave it alone. The thing is the Stage 3 Kit does give the car some really good kick, but its not sports car quick. That's the problem.
Sure we can't compare a 30 year old car to a new Porsche or anything, but I've driven old sports car before and it just doesn't feel as rapid as it needs to be.

Remind that John Z advertised his car to be a "Gentleman's Sports Car".
IMO that's something different than a sports car.
A bit of fiddling (different spark distributor, electronic CPR, coil and belonging spark plug wires) and suddenly it's moving better and rewarding with the 130 HP at the rear wheels instead of at the crank.
Okay this may be peanuts, but the cost is not too high as well.
And it can be done by the owner, compared to stage II and III operations.

[knightjp]

Remind that John Z advertised his car to be a "Gentleman's Sports Car".
IMO that's something different than a sports car.


You're right. Its something different that what you'd call a Toyota Supra or a Nissan 350Z, etc...
He wanted to build a car that would compete with likes of Porsche of not Aston Martin.
I'm thinking closely with Porsche considering it was another rear engined car.

[jawn101]

I think the stock PRV feels quite nice when it's in proper tune. The car is far from a road rocket, and maybe the looks of it demand more performance - but overall it has plenty of power to get up and go, get out of it's own way, move through traffic, and still be fun. It's an eager little motor, especially in 5-speed configuration. I've never driven or been in an automatic so I can't speak to how those feel.

For better or worse according to personal taste, it's a very unique driving experience. IMO, you should really try the the stock engine, at least for a while, before deciding to drop a huge wad on replacing it.

[rundmc]

I drive a V8 Mustang as my daily driver. Im my opinion, the DMC is plenty quick with the PRV and a blast to drive.

[knightjp]

I've seen videos of the Alpine 310 and it sounds awesome. But its a light weight compared to the Delorean. So while it will give the Alpine a pretty brisk performance, its not throaty enough for the Delorean.

But here is a good question. The Delorean was made production by Lotus and they borrowed quite a bit of kit from the Esprit. This is a known fact. The funny thing is that the Esprit used a smaller 4 cylinder engine, but handled beautifully and gave a very rewarding drive. Was it because of the engine layout? The PRV being bigger should've been more powerful and better.

[Delorean Industries]

We offer a wide selection of engine upgrades here at Delorean Performance. According to dmch their stage III puts down 157whp. Owners bolting on cams and a exhaust are producing results of upwards 147whp for a third of the cost. We can easily tweak 157 whp out of a naturally aspirated set up here in Ohio for half the cost of a stage III. Just make sure to do your home work before writing a big check!

[knightjp]

We offer a wide selection of engine upgrades here at Delorean Performance. According to dmch their stage III puts down 157whp. Owners bolting on cams and a exhaust are producing results of upwards 147whp for a third of the cost. We can easily tweak 157 whp out of a naturally aspirated set up here in Ohio for half the cost of a stage III. Just make sure to do your home work before writing a big check!
Dude! Now that sounds like a right out bargain, if you think about it. No turbo lag, all Naturally aspirated power for half the cost is seriously a good option to me.

[knightjp]

We offer a wide selection of engine upgrades here at Delorean Performance. According to dmch their stage III puts down 157whp. Owners bolting on cams and a exhaust are producing results of upwards 147whp for a third of the cost. We can easily tweak 157 whp out of a naturally aspirated set up here in Ohio for half the cost of a stage III. Just make sure to do your home work before writing a big check!
Do you have a video with one of the Delorean engines you have worked on? I would like to hear the sound it produces... :)

[Delorean Industries]

Do you have a video with one of the Delorean engines you have worked on? I would like to hear the sound it produces... :)

We have a number of video's up here. http://www.youtube.com/user/Deloreanindustries

The exhaust sounds the same on a spec I and II for the most part. Our SPEC II platforms also come with high compression pistons standard for the same price as a Stage II crate motor from dmch.

[Dangermouse]

But here is a good question. The Delorean was made production by Lotus and they borrowed quite a bit of kit from the Esprit. This is a known fact. The funny thing is that the Esprit used a smaller 4 cylinder engine, but handled beautifully and gave a very rewarding drive. Was it because of the engine layout? The PRV being bigger should've been more powerful and better.

The general suspension and frame design is borrowed from Lotus, but I'm not sure that there is much actual equipment in common between the two cars.

The 4-cylinder is probably more responsive at lower revs, and of course it is mounted mid-ships. Later Esprits were turbo'd too.

[opethmike]

The engine is smaller, but has high compression, dual camshafts for exhaust and intake instead of a single for both, and those cams are much more aggressive. The exhaust design is also significantly less restrictive.

Most Esprits were also turbo charged, which helps quite a bit.

[dmcjohn]

and right now I am looking at 5k for suspension rebuild.
.

What's involved with the suspension rebuild? I'm struggling to picture how it would cost 5k?

Thanks,
John

[Jeff K]

My 2 cents.. Drive yours for a month or two and get used to it. I'm in the software biz.. A bigger number is always better (memory ,bandwidth etc). Car's too. My last car had 507 HP. I thought the same thing about 130. I'm not so transfixed on a "number" now . Also this is a very light car.

IMHO, this car with significantly more HP would be too squirrelly. 65% weight in the rear with over 200HP is too much for me.

Again.. my 2 cents.

[jawn101]

IMHO, this car with significantly more HP would be too squirrelly. 65% weight in the rear with over 200HP is too much for me.

Agreed 100%.

[QuadcityDMC]

What's involved with the suspension rebuild? I'm struggling to picture how it would cost 5k?

Thanks,
John

DMC Spring set, shock, DMCE bushings, new LCA, DMC rear adjustable links, 4 new hubs + powder coating, and labor cost. Found alot of PO stuff.

PO liked to run over speed bumps at full speed.

[jawn101]

DMC Spring set, shock, DMCE bushings, new LCA, DMC rear adjustable links, 4 new hubs + powder coating, and labor cost. Found alot of PO stuff.

PO liked to run over speed bumps at full speed.

Figured as much, it's all labor. Suspension could easily go into the 5k range if you aren't going to rip into it yourself or have a racecar builder on your team... Lol

[knightjp]

We offer a wide selection of engine upgrades here at Delorean Performance. According to dmch their stage III puts down 157whp. Owners bolting on cams and a exhaust are producing results of upwards 147whp for a third of the cost. We can easily tweak 157 whp out of a naturally aspirated set up here in Ohio for half the cost of a stage III. Just make sure to do your home work before writing a big check!

I came across this vid on youtube... Sadly no followup of the finished product.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im8NUhUfzYQ&feature=related

Do you have any pics or videos of the finished work on the Delorean in the video????

[Delorean Industries]

I came across this vid on youtube... Sadly no followup of the finished product.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im8NUhUfzYQ&feature=related

Do you have any pics or videos of the finished work on the Delorean in the video????

SW finished a few fab projects for me on the mule. I brought everything back here and tig welded the final version myself. No follow up video made at this time though. I just brought our web guy on full time and we will be finally hitting Gear Head and D-Tech pretty hard again in the coming months.

[knightjp]

IMHO, this car with significantly more HP would be too squirrelly. 65% weight in the rear with over 200HP is too much for me.

Again.. my 2 cents.

From what I know, any car with that Delorean layout can be a handful given a lot of power. But seeing as how Porsche and Alpine found ways to make their cars handle brilliantly, its not difficult.
Its not just restricted by layout either. Any other car can become a handful if the suspension isn't adjusted to cope with the power of the engine.
If you're gonna give the Delorean more power, pay attention to the handling as well.

Probably might cost me a fortune, but I'd like to put in the engine, gearbox and suspension setup from a 911 into the Delorean.