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Verified Tsikot Member
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March 20th, 2006 09:42 PM #1Hey'ya guys. I am planning on doing a full upgrade and a makeover to my HM Contessa (1983). The original car was made in the days when our economy was still not open to foreign trade. I really found the ride + comfort of the Contessa surpass most imports available today.
Anyway, I'm planning on doing a complete upgrade. For now, I'm focusing on the engine, transmission, and suspension. If anyone can give me an idea as to what engine, transmission+clutch can be fitted in the car, it will greatly be appreciated. I am not interested in smashing records. I am more in for the smooth ride. Here are the tech specs of the original components:
ENGINE
Type: OHC (Isuzu 1877cc)
No. of Cylinders: 4
Capacity: 1817 cc
Bore: 84 mm
Stroke: 82 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.5
Max. Power: 75 HP at 5000 rpm
Torque: 13.8 kgm at 3000 rpm
Cooling: Water cooled
Transmission
Clutch Type: Diaphragm
Diameter: 215 mm
Gear box no. of speeds: 5
Ratios 1st 1) 3.736
2nd 2) 1.963
3rd 3) 1.364
4th 4) 1.000
5th 5) 0.775
Reverse: 3.402
Synchromesh on: All forward gears
Final Drive Ratio: 3.417
Drive: Rear
Suspension
Front Type: Independent front suspension with coil springs-wishbones and anti-roll bar
Shock Absorbers: 2
Rear Type: 5-link Rear Suspension Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar and Panhard Rod
Shock Absorbers: 2
Any ideas on what parts can be used in the above areas will be greatly appreciated. I am not planning on refitting or repairing the engine. I'd like to work with new parts. Thanks for the time guys. The pic of the HM Contessa is on the thumb below.
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Verified Tsikot Member
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March 20th, 2006 09:58 PM #3Originally Posted by falken
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March 20th, 2006 11:15 PM #5
hmm...never heard of the car until now.
anyway, if you're looking for a smooth ride and you like your car's ride already, why not tune up/freshen the car with manufacturer-spec parts? most other performance mods to engine, tranny or suspension will only add noise or harshness. i am assuming you're not looking to do anything drastic like fit in a V6 or convert it to an automatic or have someone fabricate a fully independent suspension for you...?
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Verified Tsikot Member
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March 21st, 2006 12:50 AM #7Originally Posted by carlocaraddict
anyway, if you're looking for a smooth ride and you like your car's ride already, why not tune up/freshen the car with manufacturer-spec parts?
I mean, is it worth repairing the existing parts (esp. suspension) considering the car was made in 1983???? The problem is that most cars today use the McPherson suspension system. The contessa uses the 5 link independent cross member mounted suspension. Can you get parts for such suspension systems nowadays?? Has anybody worked with such suspension systems? As far as I can see, this is the only real challenge I'll be facing.
Anyway, here's the link to more specs:
http://auto.indiamart.com/cars/contessa/index.html
as an aside, in the olden days, anyone who does not move 'ala luksa during Holy Week, especially...
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