Suzuki hatch in India!

[sahilrathod]

A big hello from India!
Iv recently bought a 1985 Suzuki hatch with the f8b engine. Its currently hibernating for the monsoon, but will be going through a ground up restoration.
I needed some help with the following things:

1) I wish to swap the f8b head with the f6a twin cam. Have read enough to know its possible, but has anyone succeeded? Also where could I possibly source one from & what cost am I looking at?

2) Any chassis stiffening/reinforcing tips?

3) What suspension upgrades could I go for? There is a company in india which makes composite leaf springs. Has anyone ever used such leaf springs? Are they any good?

Awaiting your replies.

[Brayden]

To answer your questions in order:

1) I've only heard of this being done once, many years ago by a Suzuki shop in Queensland. I don't have the details on what pistons they used (because the F8B pistons only have 2 fly cuts instead of the 4 required for the F6A twin cam head). Apparently the only other requirement was a longer timing belt.

2) Install a roll cage. (Either half or full)

3) I've never heard of anyone in Australia using composite leaf springs in a Hatch/Alto/MightyBoy. The best upgrade would be to convert the rear to use coil springs and trailing arms, or a multi link setup. Personally I find the standard leaf springs with urethane bushes and high quality gas shock absorbers are good enough.

[sahilrathod]

Thanks!

Any idea where would be a good place to source a good complete cylinder head with the manifold?
Are there any workshops in New Zealand that are Suzuki specialists and would be able to source such a cylinder head?
I would be making a trip to New Zealand for a vacation in November, I wanted to carry the cylinder head back myself. Import rules in India do not allow me to import second hand car parts.

[Brayden]

The good news is that F6A powered Altos were more commonly imported into New Zealand than Australia, so you shouldn't have too much trouble tracking down a head. Japan would be the easiest place to get the parts, but obviously import restrictions make that difficult for you.

[edm418]

Hi Sahil, sorry about the late reply!

I think what you are proposing is going to be very difficult and expensive.

I am happy to supply you the name of the mechanic who built the majority of my car, but whether they will be willing to help re. shipping to India I am not sure.

http://www.mendozamechanical.co.nz/

ask for Shane.

Thankyou for your interest in my project, the F6a Turbo unit is a very good fit for my car, it is pretty quick!

May I suggest that Maruti in India may be able to help supply engine parts? Also you may try these guys in Australia:

http://www.adelaidejap.com.au/adeljap/e ... ble/suzuki

good luck with your project! I hope it works out for you

(my project came to about $11,000 nzd including the purchase of the engine and the car)


kind regards, Euan.

[sahilrathod]

Is the f6a from the alto works & the f6a from the cappuccino completely different? Considering the fact that I am only using the top half of the engine, ie, cylinder head, intake & exhaust manifolds, turbo & ECU. Would there be an orientation issue?

Thanks,
Sahil

[Brayden]

The orientation of the intake manifold and thermostat housing/coolant outlet are the opposite for Cappuccino and Alto. You can make the Cappa parts work, but Alto is best for a FWD application.

[niiko]

1) I've only heard of this being done once, many years ago by a Suzuki shop in Queensland. I don't have the details on what pistons they used (because the F8B pistons only have 2 fly cuts instead of the 4 required for the F6A twin cam head). Apparently the only other requirement was a longer timing belt.

Actually, custom Pistons, oil pick up, and or gear, water galleries at head and or oil galleries.
There was a couple of other small mods as well.
Also that motor was never run in any cars. Last I heard it was sold to a guy that was putting it into a fiat bambino.

[Brayden]

Why would the oil pickup or pump need to be changed?
I've finished collecting the required parts to build an F6A/F8B hybrid, so I'm interested in working out any hassles before I start the project.

[niiko]

I'm not quite sure what he was talking about at the time, this was more than ten years ago. They were the things I could remember. I guess its going to be trial and error for you.

[Brayden]

Yeah I'm not too fussed. Good news is that it will be documented as I go, saving the next person from that pain.

[niiko]

I'm glad you say that

[sahilrathod]

My build should start in November, incase you come across any problems do let me know.
Also pistons won't need to be custom, at least in India, we had the Maruti alto 800 which had a f8d engine, same bore 12 valve mpfi engine. So I'll be using those pistons since they will have the four cut outs for the four valves.

[Brayden]

In India, we had the Maruti alto 800 which had a f8d engine, same bore 12 valve mpfi engine.

Are these pistons sold online anywhere? I can't find a website that lists them. I'm very interested in buying a set (or two!).

[sahilrathod]

Anyone know what would the weight of the top half of the f6a engine would be? Including the complete cylinder head, intake & exhaust manifold, turbo & harness. Would it weigh in under 30 kgs?