DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
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Corsa X18XE1
I hope this helps people!
Please be aware I did the conversion on a 1.2 Corsa Merit with no PAS, ABS and a mechanical speedo.
Mechanical
The engine literally bolts in on the standard mounts and onto the standard F13/F17 gearbox, there isnt really much to talk about in this respect
Cooling system
This is where things get a little bit fiddly, the huge variable inlet on the 1.8 almost touches one of the heater matrix pipes and is very close to the other, my solution to this is to either cut the pipe shorter (down to the next rib) or cut the pipe at a 45 degree angle and re-solder/braze it so it is facing towards the passenger side at 45 degrees, this will allow you to fit the hoses without them fouling the inlet.
You will also need to relocate the expansion tank, this isnt a problem if you dont have ABS or you want a relocate the battery as you can use the space on the inner wing to mount a tank.
The 1.8 has the same rad hose connections as the 16v corsa so this isnt a problem, if you are upgrading from an SPi engine then you will need the 16v top hose.
Starting & Charging
You need to transplant the starting and charging loom from the corsa lump, this is very simple and takes no time at all, it allows you to simply plug in to the original loom without having to mess about.
Engine Loom
The X18XE1 uses the Simens Simtec70 ecu which has two connectors, one for the engine loom and one for the car loom. This makes things much easier for the conversion as you dont have to go sifting through loads of wires
Before doing the conversion you need to unplug the original corsa loom from down in the drivers footwell, remove the ECU and pull the loom through the bulk head. Once the loom is out cut off the small black multi-plug from the inside end.
For the conversion you just need to cut the car loom side as far back into the car as possible (making sure you include the purple fuel pump relay that is in the engine bay).
Once you have the loom make sure you have enough to go from the ecu and down into the drivers foot-well. Now its just a case of matching up the wires:
Corsa Loom -> X18XE1 loom
1 Red/Blue -> Red/Blue (fuel pump relay output)
2 Blue -> Blue (Temp)
3 Thick Black -> Thick Black, ECU Power feed (IGN 12v)
4 Thick Red -> Fuel pump relay feed (12v)
5 Brown/White -> Brown/White(Immo)
6 Brown / Blue -> Brown / Blue (Immo)
7 Blue/Red -> Brown / White (Immo)
8 Green -> Green (Revs)
9 Brown / Yellow -> Brown / Yellow (Diag)
*Note both pin 5 and 7 goes to the brown/white wire on the 1.8 loom!
NOTE: You need to make sure you use the transponder (box from the ignition barrel) and keychip from the Vectra or your car will NOT run.
Fueling
The X18XE1 has a single input fuel rail and thus has no fuel return so the fuel pressure regulator is integral to the fuel pump/filter this means you need to fit an after market fuel regulator in the engine bay.. I opted for a pump with a gauge allowing me to fine tune the pressure; fitting is simple you just fit a t-piece to the fuel feed line connect one side to the fuel rail and one side to the input on the fuel pressure regulator then connect the output to the fuel retun line:
If you are converting a 1.2 or 1.4 SPi then your fuel pump will not be up to the job; I used a Vectra B 2.2 pump which is a straight swap!
Exhaust
You can use your original system and fabricate a joint between the vectra down pipe (cut off the cat) and the middle of your original system. I would advise however to buy an after market 2" or bigger system.
Here is the finished product including the Z18XE manifold which can be found on ebay for less than £100..
[Edited on 27-04-2009 by DaveyLC]
[Edited on 03-10-2010 by DaveyLC]
[Edited on 03-10-2010 by DaveyLC]
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James_H
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Registered: 16th Sep 07
Location: Slough, Berkshire
User status: Offline
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in berkshire!!
Where abouts?
Nice change from the red top!!
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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In hurst, so just down the road from you.
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l15ter
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Registered: 1st Feb 08
Location: Berkshire
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its looking good..and yea where in berkshire lol?
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
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See above lol
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l15ter
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Registered: 1st Feb 08
Location: Berkshire
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is that the garage you work at?
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
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I rent a workshop with a mate.
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James_H
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Registered: 16th Sep 07
Location: Slough, Berkshire
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wheres hurst?
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
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Between maidenhead and woodley/twyford
[Edited on 13-10-2008 by DaveyLC]
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l15ter
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Registered: 1st Feb 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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oh, really need a job
so whats the plans for it next?
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
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Next I need to tidy everything up, sort the handling and get it resprayed.
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jr
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Registered: 20th May 02
Location: Kent
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impressive davey
ge it sorted and bring it to the SE rr day in uxbridge
be alot of people intrested in it
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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Whens the RR day? if ive got insurance sorted i might
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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Durr read the stickied post.. will see what I can do
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Warren G
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Registered: 14th May 06
Location: Kent
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about time someone did this
just a shame you beat me to it!
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pow
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 06
Location: Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire
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Davey, James and I might hjave to come have a look
Looks hot
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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My all means mate
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Mobby
Member
Registered: 31st Dec 07
Location: Leicestershire
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and you didnt use the 1.6 sump did you?? can i get a picture of clearance?
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DaveyLC
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Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
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I used the standard 1.8 sump, will get some photos.
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James_H
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Registered: 16th Sep 07
Location: Slough, Berkshire
User status: Offline
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corsa_rob
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Registered: 22nd Jan 06
Location: Birmingham
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pictures of everything please...looks cool little lump haha
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fazza
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Registered: 7th Feb 08
Location: Plymouth
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sweet conversion mate. considered using the z18xe instead of the x16 for my turbo conversion but my turbo manifold wont fit it
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Mobby
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Registered: 31st Dec 07
Location: Leicestershire
User status: Offline
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alright, can i have a picture of the front wheel
(to see how much its lowered), and then a picture of underneath the car, please please please
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pow
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 06
Location: Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire
User status: Offline
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quote: Originally posted by DaveyLC
My all means mate
Tell us when
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DaveyLC
Member
Registered: 8th Oct 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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Sorry forgot to take pics tonight, I was polybushing the rear end..
I had a peek underneath, the sump comes hardly any lower than the front x-member.
Still having running problems, the FSE regulator i've got is being a CNUT!
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