i am currently working on fitting an L18 into my 78 Lada Rally Car, i have a few engines sitting around now, we were looking at totally rebuilding an l16 but money is an issue at the moment, and have a good L18 sitting in the garage so maybe thought that could just go in pretty standard, i would love to see how it was done in the red lada to hopefully save a bit of work, i can use a short 4 speed from a 1600 on an 1800 cant i? just that a long box would mean i would have to reach behind me to change, and twisiting in fixed back race seats is a challange in itself
any help suggestions will be much appreciated, i will get some pics up asap
I just used the standard 5spd dogleg g/box and had no issues, didnt have to reach behind me at all was actually quite comfortable to drive with..stndrd gearbox is 660??i think?? to mount-- passenger footwell had to be bashed in slightly where the right foot could sit farthest to the front and right, just use a 12mm flat steel bar for gearbox mount prob bout 500 wide and weld two 12mm steel squares one top and bottom of either end where the bolts go through as washers, line it up and drill though floor and put 8mm flatbar with a thread welded to it (weld it goood) through the floor and put nyloc nuts with washers on, think 18 mm thread was used..would be good safe option neway..the engine mounts however im not sure wether they would be the same as mine was a 91......but gearbox fitting would be nearly identical id say...not sure if the gearbox mount was a standard one but if so youre in luck cos thats the hardest part done for you..hope this helps..do you have a spare lada??? reg on hold would be great, any condition considered??
no have only got the one Lada, okay cool, do you have any pictures of the engine mounted or anything would help, i would say the 91 is probably exactly the same as the 78, was it chassis mounted or modified cross member mounts?
Hi guys, Quick update on the Lada progress - we have decided to install a standard L18, has gone in quite easy, will get some photos up of the new mounts soon. we are building extractors to fit, as the standard manifold comes out right where the steering arm is. A few fiddly bits to do such as the throttle cable (Lada use an ugly linkage system) and a bit of wiring. Any suggestions on ignition/coil/plugs/leads for reliability? also i am looking for an L20 front sump and oil pickup if anybody has anything available please let me know.
