Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
Hi All,
Just wondering if it is possible to fit a Sprint engine using the 1850 sub frame? I know they are different ie the extra "bracketing " on the Sprint subframe. I need to know if it can be done without a Sprint subframe or fabricating new "brackets'? I ask as I need to fit my Sprint engine to my 1850(I already have the Sprint gearbox fitted) It appears my garage has "misplaced" my sprint subframe. IE will the 1850 engine mounts be strong enough? Then there is the difference in angles?? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Baz.
Just wondering if it is possible to fit a Sprint engine using the 1850 sub frame? I know they are different ie the extra "bracketing " on the Sprint subframe. I need to know if it can be done without a Sprint subframe or fabricating new "brackets'? I ask as I need to fit my Sprint engine to my 1850(I already have the Sprint gearbox fitted) It appears my garage has "misplaced" my sprint subframe. IE will the 1850 engine mounts be strong enough? Then there is the difference in angles?? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Baz.
Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
The engine sits a bit higher and at a different angle in the 1850 subframe, which will put the gearstick in the wrong place. I "think" it fits though. It won't be in any way ideal though. I suggest you get the garage to pay for another one.
Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
They lost it, they find either it or another proper Sprint one. No contest. Accept nothing less.
Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
When you find a very corroded sprint subframe that's no use for anyone you can grind off the additional sprint brackets and weld it on to your 1850 subframe.
The 1850 mounts are already to weak for the 1850 so no use for a sprint.
Jeroen
The 1850 mounts are already to weak for the 1850 so no use for a sprint.
Jeroen
Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
I was afraid that may have been the case! Just looking for an easyier way out!. Thanks for the replies all!When you find a very corroded sprint subframe that's no use for anyone you can grind off the additional sprint brackets and weld it on to your 1850 subframe.
- xvivalve
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Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
Apart from the brackets the frames are identical. The brackets are fairly simple and should be easily fabricated. Want some pictures and dimensions to pass to your garage?
Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
Actually that would be awesome , if not too much trouble? I was back at the garage today and had a better look around. Still no Sprint sub frame. They had put aside a very good Dolomite sub frame for me thinking it was a Sprint one! So the thought was there. Peter( My mechanic) is very good at fabricating things with steel so if I could take you up on your offer of the dimensions we can get started on the swap. He did all of the welding/fabricating on my white car so this should be a piece of cake for him.Apart from the brackets the frames are identical. The brackets are fairly simple and should be easily fabricated. Want some pictures and dimensions to pass to your garage?
Thanks very much!
Baz.
Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
Err, Bill, that's just the mounts. Baz needs the whole Subframe, plus he's in Australia... 

Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
I would also be interested in what changes need to be made to adapt an 1850 subframe for use with a Sprint motor etc in NZ there are still a some 1850's around but not many Sprints as very few were imported into the country.
- xvivalve
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Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
I have moved a Sprint frame to in sight of the back door today, but failed with both photo's and measurements before dark. It will be a welcome distraction from work tomorrow!
Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
I would be interested to know what the differences are between the two subframes types and any photos would help - there is no urgency to this request.xvivalve wrote:I have moved a Sprint frame to in sight of the back door today, but failed with both photo's and measurements before dark. It will be a welcome distraction from work tomorrow!
- xvivalve
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Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
Looking at the Sprint frame in detail, it is quickly apparent that the frame is original an 1850 one adapted as the mount holes for 1850 engine are visible beneath the attached brackets. Hope the following drawings and photo's help...easy job I reckon 





















Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
Thanks very much for taking the time and trouble to post the photos and drawings. I can now clearly see what is required to make the neccessary alterations to the 1850 subframe. I agree at face value it appears to be quite a straight forward job to make these changes. So only the enine mounts require adaptation everything else is the same - roll bar mounts steering rack etc? 

- xvivalve
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Re: Sprint engine into 1850 Subframe
yes, make the mounts in accordance with my drawings, weld them to an 1850 frame as shown and you have yourself a Sprint subframe.
Drawing available in pdf if you give me an e-mail address
Drawing available in pdf if you give me an e-mail address