Hey, Guys! Where the 4BT guru's at?
So I got a 1982 Chevy Chevette that hadn't run for almost 10 years for free a month or two ago. I just got it running and driving 2 weeks ago. It has the 1.8L Isuzu 4FB1 N/A Diesel engine with the B/W T5 transmission... Since I got this little car, I've been thinking on doing a 4BT swap. I have been driving it as a daily driver and I love the 45MPG but it struggles to keep above 60MPH on any incline on the freeway and can hardly move out of it's way. Yeah, I know, it's not supposed to be a FAST car - but I sure wish I could keep up with traffic on my way to work.
Here's what I need to know:
Will a 4BT even come close to fitting?
I have another 81 Chevette with the same engine and trans as a parts car that I got with the 82 (Also for free. Package Deal) so I don't care if I have to cut the hood, but Length wise, will it fit?
Will I need a stronger Transmission?
I know that the B/W T5 (AKA - Tremec T5) was also used in some jeeps and Camaro's (I think) But I don't know if it could hold the torque that a 4BT puts out.
If the trans can hold it, what Clutch am I going to need?
I don't know exactly what rear end is in it, but will I need to upgrade that or will it hold the power of a stock 4BT?
What kind of suspension upgrades should I look at?
Being that it's a RWD car - that makes it easier - but I don't even know where to look for a stronger spring and Shock for a chevette. Probably have to go custom? Maybe I could shorten some jeep springs?
I know next to nothing about the 4BT's other than they're basically a 6BT with-out 2 cylinders. meaning it's just about as heavy as a full 6BT.
What kind of radiator will be small enough to fit, but big enough to cool the 4BT?
This little car is a BLAST to drive just from the fact that every where I go people either think it's about to throw a rod or tell me about how they had a chevette or how their parents had a chevette and that's what they rode in all the time. I love this little turd and so far it's been the best investment I've made since buying my Ram.
To be honest, I got this car to have as a daily driver/Beater car. I just think it would be an even better beater with a 4BT. Plus parts for a 4BT are easier to find than this Isuzu. I've found a few dealers that deal with them for old fork-lifts and such, but finding parts for the automotive version is a gigantic PITA!
So I got a 1982 Chevy Chevette that hadn't run for almost 10 years for free a month or two ago. I just got it running and driving 2 weeks ago. It has the 1.8L Isuzu 4FB1 N/A Diesel engine with the B/W T5 transmission... Since I got this little car, I've been thinking on doing a 4BT swap. I have been driving it as a daily driver and I love the 45MPG but it struggles to keep above 60MPH on any incline on the freeway and can hardly move out of it's way. Yeah, I know, it's not supposed to be a FAST car - but I sure wish I could keep up with traffic on my way to work.
Here's what I need to know:
Will a 4BT even come close to fitting?
I have another 81 Chevette with the same engine and trans as a parts car that I got with the 82 (Also for free. Package Deal) so I don't care if I have to cut the hood, but Length wise, will it fit?
Will I need a stronger Transmission?
I know that the B/W T5 (AKA - Tremec T5) was also used in some jeeps and Camaro's (I think) But I don't know if it could hold the torque that a 4BT puts out.
If the trans can hold it, what Clutch am I going to need?
I don't know exactly what rear end is in it, but will I need to upgrade that or will it hold the power of a stock 4BT?
What kind of suspension upgrades should I look at?
Being that it's a RWD car - that makes it easier - but I don't even know where to look for a stronger spring and Shock for a chevette. Probably have to go custom? Maybe I could shorten some jeep springs?
I know next to nothing about the 4BT's other than they're basically a 6BT with-out 2 cylinders. meaning it's just about as heavy as a full 6BT.
What kind of radiator will be small enough to fit, but big enough to cool the 4BT?
This little car is a BLAST to drive just from the fact that every where I go people either think it's about to throw a rod or tell me about how they had a chevette or how their parents had a chevette and that's what they rode in all the time. I love this little turd and so far it's been the best investment I've made since buying my Ram.
To be honest, I got this car to have as a daily driver/Beater car. I just think it would be an even better beater with a 4BT. Plus parts for a 4BT are easier to find than this Isuzu. I've found a few dealers that deal with them for old fork-lifts and such, but finding parts for the automotive version is a gigantic PITA!