Which V6 Donor

[tomsredstratos]

Hi,

Its about time but im planning to upgrade my car to a V6 in the near future.
Most of you have been down this road and I believe used 164 engines that seem to be getting more scarce.

My question is can the 156 V6 engine be used?
All V6 models?
Some more suitable than others?
Best to have whole car to make sure all immobiliser etc is removed.
Did a 156 have a six speed box?

A quick web search comes up with lots of V6 156's for sale as running cars quite cheaply. Like this one V6 24v http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/alfa-25ltr-v6-engine-tax-and-tested/1059677158#photo-content

Any information greatly appreciated.

Tom. :confused:

[tomsredstratos]

Or this http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/alfa-156-25-v6-petrol-6speed-manual/1059427521

[strat24v]

If you're not chasing big power then the 2.5 is a good choice, plenty of go, all the right noises and stacks of them available.

[ironman523]

Hi Tom,
I have an Engine/Gearbox 2.5 VGC recent cambelt/waterpump which will probably be for sale,comes together with everything you will need, Removed myself from a very good 156 for my Listerbell build, I have decided to go down the Toyota engine route so am not going to use this. Would save you messing about with the complete car. I have promised Craig at Listerbell first refusal but if he doesn't need it then it's for sale. PM me if your interested.
Rob

[ProtoTipo]

If you're not chasing big power then the 2.5 is a good choice, plenty of go, all the right noises and stacks of them available.

Don't they have the second lightest stock flywheel too John? 'First being the GTA?

[tomsredstratos]

Hi,

So I take it from this the 156 is ok as a donor.
I not after big power just a finding the tuned Beta hard work on long motorway drives. Beta lump has done me well,about 12000 miles in all.

Ironman523-PM sent.

Tom

[ProtoTipo]

Hi,

So I take it from this the 156 is ok as a donor.

Tom

Absolutely Tom, and 24 valves will give it further tuning potential, if you ever feel like it.

[strat24v]

Thinking man's choice Tom, just shy of 190 bhp with all the gubbins attached so jjunking sitcom, power steering etc and having a free flowing exhaust should see it nearer 200bhp. Brian McKay has one in his cf replica.

[strat24v]

Don't they have the second lightest stock flywheel too John? 'First being the GTA?

Think that's correct. I always thought a 2.5 with 3.0 liners and pistons would be interesting, well over square 2.8

[Allora#2]

Hi Tom,
i am not sure if an 24V will fit in an Allora?

i have the 12V in my Allora and to the bulkhead are only 2 cm
and also to the rear frame are only 2 cm space! look pic:
please take the measurements from an 12V and 24V engine.
And it's necessary to but it lower in the engine bay!
otherwise the rear clam did not close! it lies on the inlet manifold!

Enzo

[ProtoTipo]

And it's necessary to but it lower in the engine bay!
otherwise the rear clam did not close! it lies on the inlet manifold!
Enzo

'Good point Enzo. The Allora rear frame is (somehow??) lower than a Hawk.
The 2.5 alternator will be at the rear, so alternator clearance at the front won't be a problem.
Clearance for the 4 cam head might be though, with the vertical bulkhead.

[strat24v]

Worst case, tilt the engine back a touch, lose the 156 plenum and fit some itb's,gsxr 600?

[ProtoTipo]

And it's necessary to but it lower in the engine bay!
otherwise the rear clam did not close! it lies on the inlet manifold!
Enzo

Tom's rear deck/clam is cut out below the rear louvres too Enzo. So that shouldn't be a problem.
I think that's the case?

[Allora#2]

someone have an picture from the engine holder in a hawk?
here is a pic from a Allora,
so you can see what i mean!

[strat24v]

The engine steady bar on a 156 v6 is behind the rear bank cam pulleys, not above, don't think height would be an issue.

[tomsredstratos]

Yes my rear deck is cut out,much cooler engine bay.

Thanks for all the information. 156 2.5 12 valve will probably be the way I go. Dont need loads of power.

Tom.

[Strat Fan]

156 2.5 24v is the way to go Tom, it's the easiest, most readily available & the service parts are readily available aswell.
It's just about the authentic capacity aswell, shame on all those purists who fit 3.0 litre engines!

[monoposto]

Which Toyota are you planning for your LB? I was planning to go with the 2GRFE.

[ProtoTipo]

The 2.5 156 has longer tubular stainless exhaust manifolds too. If you're on a budget?

[tomsredstratos]

Always on a budget.....:(

[Bernard]

Spoke to Ken at Stoneleigh and he was talking about the Ford / Jag Duratech engine............ I know that this would be sacrilege for some however there are loads of them around .....

don't know the technical side of the engine or the physical size but supply is ample

[ProtoTipo]

Always on a budget.....:(

In that case, you can get away with retaining the 156 inter shaft, without the expense of aftermarket driveshafts.
By using LH 1500 X1/9 shafts (as strong as Beta shafts, if not a little stronger).

Or...

You won't be able to keep the Beta shafts, unless you do a mix and match with a 164 inter shaft.