C15 hdi conversion

[Bsim9751]

Hello all. I have a c15. It's slow. Very slow. But I like it. I've been thinking I'd like some hdi power, 2.2 would be amazing! Thing is I don't know enough about wiring to sort this. Swapping the engine/gearbox etc is within my capabilities but wires/ecu's are not my strong point. Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

Er.. this would me a completely different setup. The C15 doesn't have a BSI and the electronics for an HDI are completely different. Because of the matched BSI, engine ECU and Immobiliser needed on most HDI setups I'm not even sure this would work. Most newer (post 2001) HDis would also have a comms unit with the immobiliser that would work in conjunction with the engine ECU and BSI. Without all these and the other ECUs on the vehicle I'm doubtful this would work. I stand to be corrected though

[wheeler]

The only way i can think of to to this is to use the engine, ECU & wiring harness from a Xantia HDi as there is no BSI on this setup. You would of course need to get the Immobiliser removed from the ECU. Could be a big task & no doubt you would hit other unthought of snags along the way.
I dont think i would really fancy anything more powerful than what you have as the brakes on a C15 are awful nevermind with something more powerful.

[GiveMeABreak]

Agree there - our old C15 you nearly had to stand up on the brake to get it to work!

[mickeymoon]

Fitting the HDi engine would be possible, but an enormous amount of work, however, the 1.9TD motor has been fitted successfully to many a C15, much like this example.

With the amount of these engines available in old and scrap cars, it's the way to go..

http://visaforum.freeforums.org/c15-van ... -t418.html

[Bsim9751]

Ok so the 1.9td is a straight swap? How about the 2.1 xud turbo? Would that be an easy swap? I want my little van to have a decent amount of oommph!

[ekjdm14]

Where are you going as regards brakes? as alluded to previously the standard stoppers ain't up to much in all honesty... And a Bosch pump'd 1.9TD can be quite easily tuned to give more than decent oomph while being more easily/cheaply available than a 2.1 probably would. Any TD engine swap you do, key to best power will be down to getting the charge air cooled efficiently I think so I'd opt for the 1.9 with a bigger intercooler over a 2.1.

That said, my old 406 is a 2.1 and it is a peach of an engine even on 275k miles. I can imagine it'd make a little C15 fly, hence my concern that you get the brakes upgraded too

[GiveMeABreak]

And then you've got all the re-certification hassle for tax and insurance I suspect as it will then not meet the original class.

[mickeymoon]

If it's pre-2001 there wouldn't be any tax change I believe. Just have to tell DVLA and insurance of engine change , and other mods in the of the insurance.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

[GiveMeABreak]

Isn't there something to do with the class though? being that the C15 has a commercial designation?
Something along

Change of engine number or cylinder capacity (cc)
You need to provide either:

a receipt for the replacement engine
written evidence from the manufacturer
an inspection report provided for insurance purposes
written confirmation on headed paper from a garage (if the change took place before you bought the vehicle)

[mickeymoon]

Yes. That's just to show your replacement engine hasn't been nicked. A receipt for it (or the vehicle your taking it out of) is all I've ever needed to send off with the logbook with the changes noted.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

[white exec]

Anything's do-able, but the brakes issue does need facing.
The C15 is lovely (there are hundreds on the road around here), but have you considered taking the plunge, and getting yourself a S2 BX instead? Comfort, space, light, relative simplicity, superb ride, 1.9D or TD (room for a 2.1TD if you must) and no hassles with brakes or paperwork.

[van ordinaire]

TD's the way to go - & (I'm told) you can still run it on 30/35% cooking oil.

If you're determined to go for for the HDi, suggest you find s scrap Berly of similar vintage - & swap everything over.

Why is your C15 so slow? mine was when a got it but after changing the pedal box (after the accelerator pedal broke off) & fitting a new throttle cable it's good for 90, once it gets going, although a certain combination of length & gradient of hills catches it out - also, coming out of roundabouts, it always sees to be in the wrong gear. Oh, & the brakes are well up to it being driven like that, which is not to say they can't be improved (I'll be looking for some ventilated discs when the time comes - but what I'd really like is rear discs).

1st time I changed the engine in my 2CV, I just told Swansea the "new" No: (& don't forget the engine No:'s not necessarily recorded in the V5C) &, rather more recently when I learned the Caddy's VIN was wrong (it was a character short) I simply sent the V5C back with a note.

If you really want a rapid C15 (or if you want a really rapid one) you need to change to petrol: Mi6 equipped C15's fly! (almost literally, I suspect)

[mickeymoon]

My mum's C15 based Romahome was good for an indicated 90mph too

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

[van ordinaire]

Now THAT is impressive; what with all the extra weight - & the aerodynamics of a brick wall!

I have actually seen 90 on the satnav a couple of times; downhill with a following wind, etc,etc - & then, only fleetingly.

Now the cambelt's done, I can try for the indicated 100 - but that last 5 mph is sooooooooooooo ellusive.