Author Topic: FE DOHC conversion (Read 3060 times)

spastk · « **on:** December 02, 2008, 09:22:50 PM »

Hi all,

Been wanting to do this for ages, and thought I would post info here on my progress. Sort of like a howto.

First, information on the FE DOHC (also known as FE3).

What is an FE3:
http://www.mx6.com/forums/fe-dohc/58099-fe3-dohc-16v-2-0l-minor-update-check-final-post.html

Outside of block is pretty much identical to a SOHC FE like the series-2 hb's came with standard. So all the bolt-ons like mounts, gearbox, starter, p/s, alter, aircon all bolt up.

Head is alot different, and taller. Standard manifolds don't bolt up so you have to go custom or modify the standard FWD ones.

Here is the list I have compiled of things that need to be modified to fit the engine in an HB:
- lower engine mounts (engine is taller and fouls on bonnet)
- use a RWD suited sump (off a FE SOHC)
- modify exhaust (although the FWD headers look like they will clear the mount)
- modify/custom intake manifolds to suit RWD
- replace distributor with CAS (will foul against firewall)
- modified coolant and heater lines

Pic of the problem with standard distributor and intake manifold:

skj0lsvik · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2008, 09:30:41 PM »

Impressive! Does the original gearbox fit on the fe3?

spastk · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2008, 09:31:25 PM »

Yeah mate sure does

spastk · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2008, 10:36:06 PM »

A guy that has done the same conversion:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/442725/2

HB-SHE 12AturboLPG · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2008, 10:38:44 PM »

is the intake manifold able to be chopped off, where the throttle body snout, comes off the intake runners, then welded up/blocked off,
then cut a hole in the other end, and graft/weld that whole throttle body section to the radiator end
guys that use 2.6 FWD EFI magna engines in old sigmas and scorpions etc do that
any place that welds up heads should be able to do it cheap if you set it up for em

spastk · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2008, 10:40:08 PM »

Yeah thats what I plan to do

Just have to check it wont interfere with the vics... (internal butterflies that open and close a second set of runners... like toyotas tvis I think).

HB-SHE 12AturboLPG · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2008, 10:43:54 PM »

cool its a good trick!!!!!!!!!!:D
the intake butterflies??? yeah ok...is that a tourqe control setup
some falcons have a setup like that....
Id piss it all off and delete it anyway hahahha
its designed for people who drive too slow

and dont like to use revs

Hbcosmo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2008, 09:35:56 PM »

Its not going to be a 500hp 12AT but if it gets it back on the road sooner for ya go hard.

As for the manifold, we are looking to do the same sort of mods to a F2T manifold as we are doing the F2T engine conversion into Mazda Bravo B2200 and have looked into mods to make the manifold fit nice. The only problem we have come across with cutting the throttle body snout off and moving to the other side is the fuel rail will be in the way. Not sure if its the same for FE but we are still looking for a more bolt on option.

Is the FE and F2T the same for gearbox or are they diff in bolt pattern? and anything else that might bolt up for us to help with the conversion, might be easier to mod a FE manifold than a F2T if it will bolt up to the F2T head?

Yes i know its only a bravo but hey great work ute, we did a 13BT conversion a few years ago on a B2600 and that ripped hard so its time to go silly again.

spastk · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2008, 09:42:13 PM »

Yeah man, it will get a rotor in it eventually. I'll keep building it up slowly in parallel to doing this.

It looks like the throttle body will point away from the block when mated up to the cambelt side, so hopefully it all clears. I can always get a new manifold if I muck this one up as they are common engines here.

Sadly, the SOHC manifolds do not match up with the DOHC head, so no use to me.

The F2T head is 12-valve SOHC isn't it? How come the original F2 head out of the B2200 doesn't fit? Or was it a diesel?

Yeah mate, all F-series engines have the same bellhousing. F8, F2, FE and FE3.

Hbcosmo · « **Reply #9 on:** December 03, 2008, 09:58:17 PM »

Nah the standard f2 8 valve is not a nice flowing thing and as we have a good size turbo for it it needs to flow nice. Thats good to know about the gearbox as we might blow a few up.

Yeah dont give into the dark side and not build the rotor.

spastk · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2008, 10:08:49 PM »

Hey mate,

Did some research for you and it appears that there is 12Valve headed B2200 and B2600 and the mazda E series vans- or bongo's in japan.

And I presume they would have a RWD facing intake, if you can find an EFI one

Hbcosmo · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2008, 10:22:32 PM »

Hmmm sounds good now just need to find one. B2600 is that POS mitsi engine that was made from a astron but a 12v b2200 sounds the goods.

spastk · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2008, 10:24:56 PM »

Also, check out the ford equivalents (econovans)

HB-SHE 12AturboLPG · « **Reply #13 on:** December 04, 2008, 12:45:38 AM »

this conversion is gonna beel cool even if it isnt a rotor

hey Heath, that B2600 13BT conv was that Jasons or Clints???
you didnt by chance have a dark green 929/Rx4 4door with a stealth 13BT did ya?
and know Gus, Big Daz etc.....

spastk · « **Reply #14 on:** December 04, 2008, 01:56:07 AM »

Thanks mate, just need a RWD sump off a FE ute, van or 929 and I can mount it up and checkout the clearances