f8b into ss40?

[hatchbiatch]

Hi guys ..had my hatch (ss40) for a few years now and have finally gone to try and put the f8b engine into it , the 550 (f5a) is so tired.
but as i have gone to fit it all the engine mounts look in completly different spots especially the one at rear.
the engine i am tring to fit in is from an 87 alto f8b ..sorry am a total NOOb when it comes to front wheel drive when i talk engine does that mean engine and gearbox?? cause it all looks like one thing to me
i really dont want to wreck 2 perfectly working cars to find out nothing fits
all the forums i have read on the engine conversion threads the engine / gearbox just drops straight in .. are these guys referring to the big bumper hatches 82 onwards i presume which is therefore basically the same as a mighty boy but are the early 80 (ss40) model hatches any different?
any help greatly appreciated not sure who else to ask

cheers
stonie

[Brayden]

The SS40V Hatch has the same engine bay as the SS40T MightyBoy, but the SB308 Alto has a completely different engine mount configuration.

The good news is that all you need to do is remove all the engine mounts/brackets from your old motor & gearbox, and fit those to the F8B. Then it will slot straight in. There will however be some minor wiring issues as the Alto has an alternator with a built-in reg, whereas the Hatch is external.

Is there anything wrong with the Alto? If not I'd probably junk the Hatch and drive the Alto, they're a far better package than the SS40V.

[hatchbiatch]

thanks heaps for the reply mate..no nothing wrong with the alto but i just really prefer the look of the early hatch ..with its litte wheels and am halfway pimpin it just needs a better engine.
hey if i could pick your brain just a little more as far as the conversion goes apart from the wiring do all the other connection / linkages ..ie throttle / clutch / gearshift ..possibly driveshafts all stay the same or is some modification sorta neccesary all the way given its an ss40?
thanks heaps again
stonie

[Brayden]

Once you've swapped over the engine/gearbox mounts, everything else should line up, but you really need to upgrade the brakes. The drum brakes on the front of the SS40V are horrid things.

Oh, the speedo cable might also need swapping over from the Alto. Things like the radiator will also need to be transplanted too.

[hatchbiatch]

the brakes are ok ..when there wobbling its means there working..
but seriously the ss40 is so small and light . that the alto feels like a barge in comparison ..so i figure with the better engine / gearbox specially like was said in other threads about the gear ratios ..will be a much better car all around..thanks again for all your help brayden.

[Brayden]

The Alto feels strange because of the high seat position, it is physically the same size and a touch lighter than the Hatch. With lowered seat mounts and lowered suspension they are twice the car a Hatch is - especially if you have the 87/88 model Alto with coil springs in the rear.

But it is your passion, your project!

[hatchbiatch]

i have the 2 cars side by side and the hatch is like 5 - 6 inches lower than the alto and about the same distance shorter than the alto but i hear what your saying the alto is the nicer / more comfortable car to drive on the surface but for goin quick through the corners and such the little hatch is SUPREME!!
the rear end has leaf springs but is complianced 87 on the plate anyway.
thanks again for all your help brayden ..work begins in the mornin
cheers

[ToranaGuy]

What front brakes does the ss40v have, is it drums or disc? You may find that you need to fit the disc front end to be legal for rego, as i don't recall any F8b engined suzuki's having 4 wheel drums.

I upgraded my mighty boy to the F8b, swapped mounts like brayden said, dropped it in, using the mighty boy alternator as the alto engine didn't have one.

Couldn't the original alternator be fit onto the F8b to keep the wiring as per standard? Assuming it is in working condition, alternator & the external regulator.

Got a pic of the hatch man, i'm sure we would all like to see it.

Cheers

ToranaGuy

[hatchbiatch]

thanks for reply torana guy.. yeah definetly drums on the hatch , i have enquired with brake specialists they say cant put discs onto this model car.
but i find the brakes more than adequate for my needs as for legality well... COUGH who knows lol. i grew up on drums and just prefer the feel of initial bite as long as their adjusted correctly. and if your using brakes your losing speed so no good there.
pics comin up once i figure out how to upload..
cheers mate
stonie

[Brayden]

Can't fit disc brakes? Rubbish! If you use SS80V hubs then it is a bolt-over swap.

[hatchbiatch]

but then i cant fit the 10 inch wheels..
need some help in uploading some pics.. lol..its not much to look at but its mine

[hatchbiatch]

here is some pics of transplant under way

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3 ... =521873813

[Brayden]

Looking at the amount of rust in that Hatch and the comparative good condition of the Alto I can only shake my head.

A word of advice though, looking at the oil around your engine mounts I would be replacing them with new ones as part of the engine swap.

[hatchbiatch]

cheers brayden ..the pics are a bit flattering to the alto but i know what your saying about the hatch.
have already got a super sweet VP 5 litre manual and an EK special with a fuel injected 6 full auto its pretty quick... so trhis is purely for fun and SUPER economy but mostly fun ..LOVE that little car ..paid 50 dollar for it put a new head on and drove it around for 3 yrs NO PROBLEMS ..blowing smoke everywhere due to worn rings but still never failed..
rust can be easily fixed and plan too once get it up to speed a little better..
cheers for the engine mount advice
back to the shed
cheers andy

[ceej]

rust can be easily fixed and plan too once get it up to speed a little better.

Famous last words...

sorry, couldn't help myself.