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Vauxhall Chevette.. any information?

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Luke_E

Luke_E

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Good morning everyone! I'm looking for information on parts compatibility between the Vauxhall Chevette and the North American Chevette. From what I've seen so far, they are basically the same car. I'd like to build an HSR clone, but I'm having a rough time getting responses from retailers in the UK.

The thought of 140+HP and the beautiful styling make me green with envy.. my little Acadian (Canadian Chevette) has 65hp, and looks pretty plain.

If anyone has any connections for finding/importing parts (provided they are interchangable) please let me know! It would be most appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
-Luke
 
Parts for the HSR are like hens' teeth......you can't find any. Seriously, it can be done, but will take up a lot of time and a lot more money. I read an article on such a job recently, so I'll see if I can find the magazine. You can start with a 2.3 mill from a Vauxhall Magnum, but you will need many other parts to go on it. I'll see what I can dig up.
 
Thanks so much for the info, since I know very little about the European versions of the Chevette, every little bit of information is helpful. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The 2.3 from the Vauxhall Magnum.. is that a twincam head on that engine? I'll be doing research of my own as well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Thanks!
-Luke
 
Hi Luke

... from just down the highway

Not sure about the compatability between the Vauxhall Chevette and Chevrolet Chevette, have never heard about anyone even thinking about what you are - sure would make a neat car if you could pull it off, you might want to make some basic inquires at www.vauxhallheritage.com (corporate run website, not too bad, and has a message board). May have some other potential contacts if I dig around a little.

My personal Vauxhall project if you're at all interested... https://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/northamericanvauxhalls
 
Work on the Acadian/Chevette is progressing.. there appears to be very little rust on the underside, and the floorpans look to be fairly good shape! I've already begun to plan out the car, beginning with interior, since I'm still seeking information for the mechanical side of things.

The v6 conversion is starting to look like a better idea, since I havent had many reponses regarding building up the 1.6l engine.
 
There was a HO version of the Chevette in (I think) in 1983 or so that made approx 80 some HP. That bolted to a 5spd might be a cheap way to go a little faster. I know ice racers use Chevettes a lot so maybe they have some go fast tricks?
 
Well, I think I'll start with the usual rounds of go fast tuning.. open up the intake and exhaust, big tune up, etc. I've read about people using thermal wrap on exhaust to keep gas velocity up... someone on a toyota board boasted of 3-4hp gain just by doing this.. I'm not sure how accurate that is though.

Exhaust is getting the treatment also, and I'll be removing all unnecessary weight from the car. So goodbye back seat and rear seatbelts, spare tire/jack/accessories, and before anyone asks, there is no stereo at all in the car at the moment. 1600cc of fury.. that's my sound system. lol

-Luke
 
Oh one more thing.. Bob Watts apparently does carbs for racing chevettes, and one engine that was built with his carb on it made 151hp on the dyno! Keep in mind that is at the flywheel though, so drivetrain losses should put me around 120ish hp at the wheels. That would be good enough for me for now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Plans for the 2.8 V6 swap are already in the works, and the donor engine is on the stand right now being torn down.
-Luke
 
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