craigw1

You might have seen a previous post of mine where I eventually got my 12A started. Stock standard. Anyway, this has made me all eager to go ahead with the next project in a few months after I've had some fun with the baby. There are loads of choices, but I would like some opinion on the following options

1) Have the 12A ported and go for an IDA - which porting though ? street, bridge or peripheral ? car has to be be a daily driver
2) Get a 13B with IDA and have it ported - again which porting ?
3) the mother of all conversions - 13B turbo with EFI, Microtech, etc.

I'm leaning towards (2). Am I right in thinking that I can take say for example a Series 5 Tii engine, strip it down, change the front cover to a 12A (for the front mounting brackets and to effectivley close the turbo oil plug) and fit the 12A sump (so that it clears the first gen steering). The 12A gearbox and the exhaust should still fit. This should be a much easier fit than option (3) above and also a more reliable option than option (1). What do you guys think ?

DJAngelicon

1. Street Ported would be your best bet for a daily driver.
2. Street Ported would be still your best option for a daily driver.
3. 13BT II would be nice if you have the money to do the conversion along with a decent EFI, and Microtech.

So far, I been trying to figure out what route to go with for a daily driver, for the money, and for the complications. I am heading toward a 12AT. However, like I said, money is an issue in my life so, I have no choice but to go that route.

FB II

13BT, do it once... do it right. you won't be satisfied with the horsepower of the first two options. it'll be good fora bit but then you cant really upgrade. unless you go with nitrous, which isn't a bad thing. the 13b turbo setup, especially with stand alone like you are saying will be very veeery reliable and you will have endless options for upgrading. think about the long term and where you want the car to be with power.

craigw1

yeah, deep down I know the 13B turbo is the answer, but it could be quite pricey and its a huge conversion eg fitting the turbo box and moving the gear lever to fit, fabricating the drive line, mounting the 13b, then moving the turbo forward to clear the steering, then upgrading the fuel lines, fitting a bigger fuel pump, a fuel pressure regulator and a surge tank. Then wiring up the microtech, plus all the plumbing for a front mounted intercooler. This is a monster conversion and I will need professional help. Being in Cape Town this doesn't come easy or cheap. The rotary specialists are all in Johannesburg, 2 hours flight away.