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three into one.. actually happening?; taking three sprints, some money and oodles of time to make something awesome
Topic Started: Aug 31 2014, 11:45 AM (5,355 Views)
hdsheena
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Still new, but learning...

I need to start with an engine recommendation...
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brsja
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A lot to consider first, what is the current configuration of the body it will go in...eng/tranny? If it (eng or tranny configuration) will be changed do you have a donor car of the engine/tranny type that will go into it (I know you haven't decided yet, but something to consider), this could be very helpfully.

How about a 1.0 three cyl and 5 speed manual transmission, if your looking performance you may not want a three banger...

Lots of build threads and help on here, look around and ask questions...lots of know how here...

Ooo and we likes photos!!!
Edited by brsja, Aug 31 2014, 11:59 AM.
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hdsheena
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Still new, but learning...

3cyl with a five speed is all I'd consider. I forgot there are sprints with four cylinders heh
Looking to optimize fuel economy.
I have three engines. One was put into a car by a friend, and has a turbo bottom with a regular head? I'm not sure. the other two are stock, as far as I know. One auto, one std.
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brsja
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Sounds like you have it decided then, 3/5 it is!
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geogonfa
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Just my $.02...go with the standard 1.0L, 5 speed... :thumb
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rmcelwee
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I'm confused on what you are trying to do??? Are you rebuilding a sprint or creating an 8 wheeled double decker sprint with three engines? What is the project...
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hdsheena
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Still new, but learning...

Sorry for the brevity. I was busy this weekend but didn't want to forget to post here!!
The project in a nutshell:
I have three sprints at my disposal.
One (we'll call it DD) has a decent body, limited rust, auto trans, engine that doesn't run.. relevant thread here: http://geometroforum.com/topic/5230877/1/
One (DogSprint) has a rusty shitty body, std trans with a blown clutch, but runs fine.. relevant thread here: http://geometroforum.com/topic/1670550/1/
One (white) has a pretty rusty body, is only 2 doors, std trans, engine runs ok, something is overcharging the battery causing it to go through batteries like candy... no thread on this one, it was my mom's car for all of the 3 months she drove it..

I need a daily driver 4 door, and want the 3/5 as discussed above. Fuel economy and safety are much more important to me than appearances or performance. Durability also factors in, especially in consideration to rust. Here's the summary of the plan so far (being added to as I come to decisions!)

Find an engine and transmission (either from one of the 3 donor cars, or elsewhere) worth putting time into, ie: something that isn't likely to quit in 20k -- hopefully for <$750

Rip apart one of the two standard donor cars for relevant parts, scrap it
>>> Which of the two (2 dr or 4dr) should this car be? Is it relevant at all?

Pull the relevant parts out of the "DD" car (auto trans, engine, etc)

While parts are out, do some very limited body work - rustpaint, mostly -- hopefully ~$200

Modify/install parts to "DD" car for auto-std swap, drop in engine/transmission - use second standard donor car as "template" for this

At this point, "DD" car should be driveable

Pull anything worth keeping off the second donor car and scrap it

Tinker/improve upon driven car with pile of parts from scrapped cars as time and finances allow.

So the first step, as per my friend who is assisting me in this, is to find an engine so we can get it .. machined? etc? 3Tech? Thoughts?
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Hotrodray1
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Over Educated parts guy

Just remember sprint parts are getting hard to find. So Think about keeping a few of the spare parts. Never mind I thought you were talking about 1985-1988 sprints!
Edited by Hotrodray1, Sep 1 2014, 03:09 PM.
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rmcelwee
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I've scrapped quite a few Metros. In a few days I am going to be looking for a replacement ECU for my daily driver. I will be REALLY disappointed if I threw away all of the extra ones I had. Moral of the story - Keep more than you think you will need.

If you have oodles of time I would keep the engines you have instead of trying to build something. Do a compression test on each engine and see what you are working with. You can buy a compression tester from HF or Ebay or someplace cheap. Doesn't matter if it is a cheap tester, they will all tell you what you want to know.
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hdsheena
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Still new, but learning...

"Moral of the story - Keep more than you think you will need."

Yeah. that's already an issue. Gah.

"I would keep the engines you have instead of trying to build something. Do a compression test on each engine"

With a good compression test, you would use an existing engine? What about oil leaks/burns, ... and other stuff I don't know enough to ask about?
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rmcelwee
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Yes, if you have a good compression test the rest will fall in line. Most leaks are fairly easy to fix.
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hdsheena
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Still new, but learning...

So, I have three engines to choose between. If they all test good for compression, how do I select the best?
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arudlang
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Andrew

Another Sprint owner! Except... newer and more different than my 88... :D

Quote:
 
So, I have three engines to choose between. If they all test good for compression, how do I select the best?

If you know the mileage of the motors, I'd go with the one that has the least amount of miles, or has had the most recent work done on it (ie, if one had a valve job in the last couple years or something nice like that) :cheers
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hdsheena
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Still new, but learning...

I don't think any of the three have had work. I have odometer miles on two of them (assuming accuracy). The third was replaced, and I don't have a history on it.. the top is standard but the bottom is "turbo" so it will get worse fuel economy.. ?
so I compression check all 3, if two are the same, i go for fewest miles.
Why do people buy 3tech heads etc?
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hdsheena
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Still new, but learning...

Day one of the project. Rusty DogSprint is in the garage. Non rusty AutoSprint is on the dolly heading to the driveway in front of the garage. Next is a compression tester purchase, and some planning. Excitement!
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