Hi folks

Currently have a 1600vx and managed to obtain a low mileage 1800vx engine. I know the conversion is only mildly worth doing but it will satisfy all I nedd from our 7.

For those that know will this be a straight forwards swap or is there a massive pitfall in there that I have overlooked ?!?

Any advice gratefully taken apart from yellow snow etc 😃

This engine swap should be straight forward, if you have not taken your engine out before it is a good idea to take a few pictures of the ancillaries just as a ref when it comes to refitting them later.

Mad Hatter


Thankyou. All is still in situ at the moment. I'll take a good number of shots. Am I right in thinking the only difference on these engines was a larger bore to the block?

Sorry, can't help much unless it is a Duratec.
I would think that would be the case though.
Sure someone will be along with more info.

That's fine , thanks

I've looked about the bay, taken a million shots

I'm thinking

Remove ancillaries after marking up
Disconnect everything
Undo engine mounts with hoist in place whilst taking weight slightly
Bring engine forward to split engine and box (is this a real tug of war ?)
Lift engine about 30 degrees and out
Reverse process to lower in new lump after swapping lower ancillary parts to new engine?
Add all existing ancillaries
Fill necessary fluids slowly
Turn by hand a few times
Terrify myself and turn the key?

Label each and every electrical connection on the loom!
And you will probably need to remove engine and gearbox together... not enough space to split in situ.

I remember that day and my engine still hanging from the crane in the dark
It always help once you have sorted the ancillaries to have another 7 owner with experience of engine removal to lend a hand and another set of eyes.
You will not believe how simple it it, just take your time refitting the ancillaries and check and double check everything before starting again.

Thankyou, keep you posted. I could do without removing the box if honest

I had an old VX engine or boat as it was affectionately called. SBD were fantastic when I was dabbling with the idea of changing the boat to just the anchor (c20xe) though in the end I changed to a k series.
Though I believe he does some lovely upgrades and shiny things for the VX engines.

Job done. Roughly 20 hours start to finish I guess. Single handed removal and install. New belts, tensioner and waterpump, plugs and thermostat. Engine been flushed, likewise coolant. All buttoned up and starts first time. Noticeable difference that's for sure great experience, never tried it before.