Z20let into a lanos

[Glb86]

Hey guys!

Right I've aquired a z20let out of an asta g gsi. And like the idea of sticking it in a lanos I've seen.
The lanos is a 1.3 by the way.

So what I'm after is as much info on possible on this conversion.
Engine mounting, drive shafts, hubs, wiring etc

Cheers in aevance guys

[Glb86]

Ive read that the lanos and nexia (i think) have the same chassis base as the Astra MK2.

Would this mean a big block (c20xe, LET and a Z20LET) would bolt straight up?

[PrecisionBoost]

The lanos base is an exact replica of an Astra MK2 / Kadett E chassis.... therefore you can simply use a Z20LET / Astra MK2 conversion example for all information.

The Lanos will accept the F16,F20, D16, D20 gearbox without modification ( standard is the D16 which is just a hydraulic version of the F16 )

The F28 gearbox can be installed just like it is in the Astra MK2.... you will need to get some parts from a Calibra to make it work.

"big brake kits" for the Astra MK2 also bolt right up, suspension is identical, axles are identical, wheels are identical, gearbox mechanisms are identical.

The big difference is of course the outer shell, interior and wiring.


So for engine mounting you simply need to get the mount from an Astra MK2 GTE which came with the C20XE.

I'm not sure if the Z20LET has the mount on the front or if it is the newer center mount.

In the Nubira you have to remove the power steering bracket to get at the front mount which is found on most Lanos and Astra MK2

If you have to loose power steering to use the front mount you may find it hard to drive, but you have three options.

1) get a manual rack from an Astra MK2 ( one with no power steering )
2) Use the electro-hydraulic power steering pump from a newer Astra.... the hydraulic pump is driven by an electric motor.
3) Make a new power steering bracket and relocate the factory pump.

Personally I have gone with the electro-hydraulic.... I haven't installed it yet.... just arrived at my shop a week ago.

The one plus about the electro-hydraulic unit is that it can be tucked into any place you have room.... so it gives you more room for the turbo.

You may find the clearance between the turbo and radiator is rather tight..... you will need a low profile fan to fit in there and you might want to consider ceramic coating your turbo parts to decrease heat.... and you may want to make a heat shield.


Another gearbox that will fit is the M32 from the newer Astra VXR.... but they are a pile of money and will need completely custom mounts and custom work for the gear shifter since it's cable driven instead of the mechanical linkage normally found with the F16/F20/D16/D20/F28

You should be able to use the hydraulic slave from your Lanos on the F16/F20/F28 as I'm pretty sure it's an external actuation as oposed to the newer ones where the slave cylinder is inside the gearbox.

As far as power handling.... just like with the Astra MK2 a limited slip differencial will help.... so will the equal length drive shafts from the Calibra.


I go onto the Migweb and AstraMK2 forums quite a bit.... lots of good information and build ups to be found for the Astra Mk2 chassis.

Really when it comes down to it the only hard part is the wiring of the engine..... it can be a real pain some times.

[Glb86]

So the 1300 comes with the D16 box?

ANy idea if this will bolt up to the LET block? If not, ill have to aquire a F20 box as teh engine has the M32 on it at the moment.

Id the clutch slave easy to bolt onto the F20 box? If not, a mk2 astra clutch pedal + cable should fit right?

Will get someone who knows wiring to wire it up as i dont have a clue.

Ill nip off to mig etc now and see what astra bits i can source!

Cheers for the info fella, lots of help there

[PrecisionBoost]

I'm not 100% sure but I would imagine that you have the D16 and it is a direct bolt on.

F20 would be better.... pushing more than 170 BHP through the D16 may be slightly risky.

Don't get me wrong.... it might not break the D16 until 300 BHP.... but I would say a good F20 would be best since they are pretty easy to find in good condition.

I suppose there is also the F18.... I think it can also be used... but I'm not familiar with that gearbox.

As far as the slave.... the F16/D16 and F20/D20 are pretty much the same externally so I see no reason why you shouldn't have a problem moving the stock slave over to an F20.

Converting the pedals would be a huge pain.... interior components are not the same as the Astra MK2.... so odds of the Astra Mk2 petals fitting into the lanos is fairly low.... not sure if anyone has tried or looked into the idea of inserting Astra Mk2 pedals into a lanos.

As far as the Z20LET, what kind of boost/power were you hoping to run?

[Glb86]

Standard zlet. Vxr injectors and turbo. So maybe around 210bhp, standard boost, not 100% what they run stock tho