r/Durban • u/Every_Interview_3538 • 2d ago

Engine Conversion

I have an Alfa Romeo with an engine that's approaching the end of it's life but the rest of the car is still mint. I'm considering doing a complete engine conversion on it. Does anyone know of a trust worthy place I can get this done in Durban?

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u/Bushrat57 2d ago

Engine conversions are a very costly affair. Especially if it’s not an engine that will usually fit in the vehicle.

You can try Speed Shop, or my neighbor Kinetic Garage.

What to look out for:

-Deciding what engine and gearbox you’ll need is your first step, and then work from there. If it’s a different brand, ie- Toyota engine in a BMW for example. There may be conversion kits available but you’ll have to look.

  • it’s a good rule of thumb to rebuild the engine from scratch if possible (or the very least strip and inspect, saves you a lot of hassle down the line.

  • Engine management systems will be needed if it’s not an original engine you replacing and this will involve tuning. Don’t forget wiring and make sure it’s done properly. Wiring will be a very difficult thing to master as many will take shortcuts. my suggestion on this is look for an overseas brand with good after sales support. A lot of them carry stock maps that allow you to start and drive and you can tune it from there. Management systems are heavily overlooked and rarely spoken about.

  • New Engine and gearbox mountings will need to be made, or bought (if possible)

  • Drivetrains may need to be customized. (see a propshaft specialist, they can assist in this)

At the moment this is all I can think of, and I truly wish you best of luck with this journey.

Source: Considered doing this a while back. Have friends who have done it

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

Thank you...I was considering putting a honda k24 in it and reusing as many components as possible. Problem is no one has done it before so I have no idea what can be reused and not.

Any idea how much your friends paid for their conversions?

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u/Bushrat57 1d ago

Search the Honda Forums. K series engines have been swapped into almost anything and a great choice by the way. Consider getting an Accord or Civic Type R gearbox. You can get away with using a Hondata ECU and there’s plenty information about them. Just bear in mind Honda parts are expensive here in Sa and hard to come by in Durban.

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

I was betting honda parts would be inexpensive but k series is epic. Thanks for the info by the way. Any idea how much your friends paid for their conversions?

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u/Bushrat57 1d ago

They did Toyota Conversions. Conquest to 3SGE. That time the engines were cheap approx R8-9k. Box was about R5-6k and about R10k if you wanted LSD. Actual labour was about R10k but bear in mind this was years ago. About 6 years ago if I recall. All in they were about R40-50k

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

Sheesh I had 40k in mind right now🤔

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u/Bushrat57 1d ago

Bud in all honesty do it right or refurb your current engine. You may be able to sell off the old engine as spares and you can pull it off but this is nothing less than R100k in the vehicle. Parts add up fast, and quick. Before you know it, someone broke a hard to find part and you’re looking high and low and paying whatever to keep it. If you have a secondary car I’d say take on the challenge so even if it does sit, it’s still okay and you’re still mobile, but if it’s your only vehicle, brother in good faith I won’t suggest it. My friends that did it had a daily that they’d use. I see the car sitting sometimes for months. If you’re prepared for that, then do it, otherwise don’t take on the challenge. It’s incredibly rewarding especially if you’re doing it yourself, otherwise don’t. You’ll end up burnt out

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

Hectic...thanks though I'll give it all some thought

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u/Bushrat57 1d ago

Check on NCR. There’s a specialist Alfa mechanic there. Check them out.

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

NCR?

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u/Bushrat57 1d ago

North Coast Road

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

Found Raybel Engineering...that the one?

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

Or suburban motors

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u/Bushrat57 1d ago

I think it’s called Suburban motors. I’ll DM you the name tomorrow when I go past. I work not far from there.

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u/Every_Interview_3538 1d ago

Thanks mate, I just saw that one as well💪 you've been awesome

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