Vauxhall 2000 DOHC Red Top (c20) XE engine fitting

[ratrodmog]

Hi guys & girls, quick query about the above engine. It is a very popular RWD conversion in kit cars and classic Fords but has anyone attempted dropping it into a Minor? Is this a silly idea or could it be done? The reason I ask is that they are very cheap for the amount of power they develop (2 litre 16v is 162 bhp I think?), parts for the RWD conversion are quite reasonably priced and the engine is the same physical size as the Rover K series engine. I can't see any major mods needed to fit it either, other that cutting a notch in the bulkhead for the dizzy cap the same as for the K series and the usual front crossmember cutting.
Any comments on this conversion?
Cheers all
Ben

[badobsession]

i have seen one fitted have pics some place .
the only thing i remember that is a slight drawback is the length of the engine
when it was fitted in a minor the engine bay was extended by 2" very well done
and took me a while to fathom it out ...
good luck if you go for it

[ratrodmog]

Some pics would be great. Originally I was thinking about doing a K series but really wanted to do something a bit different. The 'Redtop' engine is very popular with the Mini guys and kit cars and it's such a good engine (partially developed by Cosworth) so there must be a way of getting it wedged in the Minor .

[jonathon]

Why not go Zetec. 150bhp standard spec, lighter than the Red Top and uses Fords parts bin.
If you want something different I personally, not JLH have a brand new 1.8K series with turbo from a Rover 75, has a full high grade stainless manifold and exhaust systen and AP racing clutch. Standard boost gives 160bhp but 195 is easily within reach, but the torque is just amazing.