Komentáře •

  • @Ralph2
    @Ralph2 Před měsícem

    Your knowledge of Imps is incredible. In the 70's I wanted to mid-mount a Ford Taunus V6 in an Imp for hill climbing. I forget the gearbox but it was possibly Saab. Lack of space, money and talent eventually canned the project but I've always liked the concept, so this build is fascinating to me!

  • @grahamcrompton1798
    @grahamcrompton1798 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Its mental seeing such a huge flywheel and bellhousing on an imp box😂 well done cant wait to see AND hear it driving🤞🤞🤞🤞

  • @chicanesimon
    @chicanesimon Před 8 měsíci +1

    I have a soft spot for the little Imp (my first car) and RV8's are my engine of choice , great video great project

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před 8 měsíci

      Agreed rv8 is a jewel ! can’t wait to get building it 👌

  • @stephenfrench4417
    @stephenfrench4417 Před rokem +1

    Such madness is magical back in the mid 70's a mate of mine fitted a Rover 3.5 V8 into a Sunbeam Stiletto the engine replaced the back seat and i think he used a modified VW gearbox

  • @alangraham4526
    @alangraham4526 Před rokem +1

    WoW labour of love. Well done.

  • @gerrymcivor374
    @gerrymcivor374 Před rokem +1

    Absolute madness, love it.

  • @duggy788
    @duggy788 Před rokem +6

    back in the day many moons ago i remember seeing an imp stock car racing with a rover v8 fitted, it passed everything i think it even lapped the all the cars at least once and oh that sound magic 🙂.

  • @anthonycarty9433
    @anthonycarty9433 Před rokem +2

    When I first saw the thumbnail, I thought you were going to be welding two banks of cylinders together Allen Millyard style . Still an utterly bonkers project and I'm green with envy of your engineering talents . Looking forward to seeing the finished job .

    • @ericrawson2909
      @ericrawson2909 Před rokem +1

      Exactly what I thought. That would be a pretty special engine!

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem +1

      Thanks, and may have a little v8 imp project for you coming soon.

    • @pashakdescilly7517
      @pashakdescilly7517 Před rokem +1

      If my memory serves me correctly, there was a Roots project to make an Imp V8

  • @chevyimp5857
    @chevyimp5857 Před rokem +1

    Pretty wild ... Good luck..

  • @williambarry8015
    @williambarry8015 Před rokem +1

    Pretty dang impressive welding those bell housing parts together and get everything to line to where it will function.

  • @hydorah
    @hydorah Před rokem +1

    I'm glad you decided to weld your gearbox bits together. Doing it yourself all the way. Total madness of course. 4.6l Husky van. Ace

  • @moootaable
    @moootaable Před rokem +3

    True British spirit have a go and see what happens love watching your content love imps put a bike engine into one years ago and sprinted it passed my driving test in one at 17 keep up the good work buddy

  • @Cobra427Veight
    @Cobra427Veight Před rokem +1

    I had a stock hillman imp when I was a young whipper snapper , all I can say is your a very very brave man , at 50mh the front was very jumpy , I used to carry a bag of cement in the front boot . 🤣 good luck guys .

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      thanks, i will fill the fuel tank up, that should hold it down!

  • @Brooksie
    @Brooksie Před rokem +3

    I fully approve of this madness.
    Excellent content 😁👍

  • @finlay230
    @finlay230 Před rokem +1

    great vid, love this type of build !!!! class

  • @chrisjohnson4165
    @chrisjohnson4165 Před rokem +3

    Crazy idea - I hope it goes well. You'll need a right big bag of concrete in the front to steady this one up!

  • @theoriginalwallace
    @theoriginalwallace Před rokem +1

    Nice! My friends 140bhp 1040cc screamer hillclimb Imp had Jack Knight internals & lsd, but he kept splitting cases. He rectified this with a steel belt brace. I had a Ford 1300 x-flow in my '65 Imp then sold it to a friend who fitted an lsd & a 150bhp 1700cc x-flow with van half shafts. It wheelied, but kept twisting the heavy duty shafts! The Lotus donuts suffered too! Looking forward to seeing it progress. You could get a cv joint drive shaft conversion made. Cheers. Leigh. PS: I'm building my 19,480 mile '74 Viva HC P38 4.6 V8 at the moment!

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem +1

      thanks, yes aggressive starts on the hill not kind to the box! good luck with the project 👍

  • @mauricestevenson5740
    @mauricestevenson5740 Před rokem +1

    I endorse and approve this project. I really, really want to see (and hear) it moving under its own power.

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      thank you, episode 2 “ the engine build “ coming soon.

  • @nmc356
    @nmc356 Před rokem +3

    Ill be watching this one right through... love it.

    • @patbutete1722
      @patbutete1722 Před rokem

      I too love these sort of projects. Back in the day we did not have access to cheap tig welders lathes etc. These days problem is it's sacriledge butchering old classic cars!...I never would have thought one day the then much maligned Hillman Imp a classic!

    • @nmc356
      @nmc356 Před rokem

      @@patbutete1722 And it's growing in status. I have an Australian GT version now listed as $25k au.

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      thank you

  • @carltonlane8931
    @carltonlane8931 Před rokem +1

    Brilliant.

  • @looneyliron
    @looneyliron Před rokem +1

    Just love watching your videos Andy , yes you are Mad , but a very clever Guy , can’t wait to see how it turns out👍

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      thanks steve, look forward to seeing the clan out soon !

  • @niallsommerville9813
    @niallsommerville9813 Před rokem +2

    "Plonk a 4.6 V8 in the Husky to tow my Bond Bug to the track", sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

  • @davetheglidingbum
    @davetheglidingbum Před rokem +1

    I had an Imp, brilliant car, brilliant engine.

  • @pip470
    @pip470 Před rokem +7

    I love the madness. You have crazy ideas and then the skill on expertise to carry it out. It will sound sick. I wonder if it could wheelie? 🥳🥳

  • @wriggiepark-jn5vo
    @wriggiepark-jn5vo Před rokem +2

    Wow what a thing to take on, Testing your engineering skills like that IAM sure you will learn a lot a long the way

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      yes my point exactly, always a learn to be had !

  • @CATech1138
    @CATech1138 Před rokem +1

    reminds me of the Chevy 350 into a Pontiac Fiero conversions.....hope the Hillman gearbox holds up as well as the little Pontiac box did....was fun to get one up on a lift.. the tiny gear box dangling off the back of the big V8 was quite a laugh...

  • @paulwhiteman3625
    @paulwhiteman3625 Před rokem +1

    Oh yes, mate . You are most definitely certifiably mad😂!!
    I absolutely loved this video and what you’re doing there. Totally nuts, fella. Keep ‘em coming. Your a man after me own heart.

  • @chrissmith7655
    @chrissmith7655 Před rokem +1

    Hi, awesome work. Looking forward to next stage. Many thanks from Nr Chester.

  • @stevecmason-rs6vf
    @stevecmason-rs6vf Před rokem +1

    Mega, I want this to work, then hear and see it run. Great video Andy

  • @johnmoncrieff3034
    @johnmoncrieff3034 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Would you not have been better to find an old Coventry Climax F1 engine which were V8's all based on the pump engine that was the basis for the IMP! I take my hat off to you for trying, A good alternative to the V8 would be the Subaru EJ 2 or 2.5 ltr 4pot or even the 6 cylinder. Suberu also made a 2wheel drive trans-axle that looks compact enough to replace the IMP box without any serious body mods! The linkage is almost identical and it gives 5 gears!

  • @garypoulton7311
    @garypoulton7311 Před rokem +1

    Good project, hope you can get insurance on it when finished. Thanks for posting

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      valid point! hadn’t crossed my mind yet 😬

  • @thatdudeinorange5269
    @thatdudeinorange5269 Před rokem +2

    Ok, doing hillclimbs in a Reliant 3-wheeler?! Think we need to know more about that to! Off to search through your other videos.

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      thanks, the bond 875 is another subject that i would love to do a video on, just a touch busy at work at the moment to get near it.

  • @tonycalow708
    @tonycalow708 Před rokem +1

    A racer at Lydden Hill circuit raced an Imp with a Rover V8 shoe horned into it. It was great on the straight but rubbish in the corners. Great fun watching it though on Grandstand on the BBC.

  • @patbutete1722
    @patbutete1722 Před rokem +3

    Don.t be tempted to put super sticky wide tyres on your Husky V8.Put low grip tyres that will easily break traction acting as a sort of fuse should you give it a bootfull!...Better than replacing a geabox every 5 seconds lol!

  • @fairthorpefanatik1700
    @fairthorpefanatik1700 Před rokem +1

    I would have used two 4 mil plates, welded one to the gearbox casing and the other to Rover "bell housing". Then bolt the two together, no need to worry about welding pulling it out of alignment. Attach a rod to the end of Rover crankshaft and attach a dial gouge so that it sweeps the inside bearing bore on the gearbox casing. Once it is centralized, drill, ream and install a couple of dowel pins to keep the alignment. Interesting project, following..........

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem +1

      thanks, yes that would have been a much better way of doing it ! i will remember that for the next crazy swop !

  • @hughliddle5233
    @hughliddle5233 Před rokem +1

    Brilliant Andy! Mental, but brilliant 😀

  • @roberthill2219
    @roberthill2219 Před rokem +1

    Well... Project Binky is almost done...

  • @Mark-jp9dz
    @Mark-jp9dz Před rokem +1

    A long time ago I had a Ginetta G15 with a 998cc stage 1 engine. I cant even imagine what it would have been like with this slight mod! (Would have had fun finding out though!)

  • @stuartburgess2409
    @stuartburgess2409 Před rokem +1

    I think it's utterly brilliant although a bit on the mad side , but I suppose that's the way us Brits roll , I'm still learning on my TIG & hopefully your welds & the box will hold ! The tolerances were just astounding considering how the car industry was in the 70's , really interested to see how it all pans out well done for just having a go🎉🎉🎉🎉

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      Thank you, yes amazing what we were capable of tolerance wise!

    • @stuartburgess2409
      @stuartburgess2409 Před rokem

      ​@@thehillmanatorOh yes in so many ways , best of British for this exceptional build!

  • @rhiantaylor3446
    @rhiantaylor3446 Před rokem +1

    You are increasing capacity to 5.25 times that of the engine that gearbox was designed for.... Wow !

  • @user-my6om9ip4z
    @user-my6om9ip4z Před rokem +1

    Hi Andy in the 70's Bob baxter built an imp with rover v8 using vw transaxle appeared in hot car magazine call child of the devil

  • @gazza116
    @gazza116 Před rokem +1

    hope you have a good supply of gearboxes

  • @clive7915
    @clive7915 Před rokem

    Ohhhh that sounds like it will fly 😳😀😀

  • @andrewstoffel1170
    @andrewstoffel1170 Před rokem +1

    Just found your site, love the madness. I’m of an age where Imps where fairly new cars. You obviously know what your doing and have all the kit. I’m asking a question out of curiosity and in no way criticizing what you’ve done. Why didn’t you split the gearbox after the diff housing? I ask this knowing absolutely bugger all about imp gearbox’s.

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      Thanks, i just needed that seal housing diameter to line up the input shaft, perhaps if i had split the whole box and put a shaft through the whole lot it would have made the job easier 👍

  • @neiljarvis8911
    @neiljarvis8911 Před rokem +1

    Yes you're defiitely mad, but not too mad! Loving it, hope you can get the time to get the next episode out soon. Can we have a sneaky peak at the Husky this is going into. I suppose those old Hewland Engineering 'boxes that the grass racers used to use are rare as rocking horse shit now? Weren't they a vw transaxle with re-engineered internals. Looking forward tyo seeing this one driving, judging by the amount of progress in episode one we shouldn't have to wait too long. Great work!

  • @thomaswykes3647
    @thomaswykes3647 Před rokem +2

    I heard the Hillman Imp engine was half a 1500cc Coventry Climax V8

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      both single overhead cam and made of ally, so definitely related !

  • @petenikolic5244
    @petenikolic5244 Před rokem +1

    Renault 25 Transmission is what you need From memory the cross pin in the diff on the later transmissions is thinner than the early ones Yes V8 Mid engined Imp been there .

    • @ferrumignis
      @ferrumignis Před rokem +1

      The UN1 transaxle is significantly longer than the Imp box, I doubt it could be fitted without a lot of modification to the rear suspension mounts and floorpan. An early Boxster transaxle is fairly compact and cheaper and easier to find than the UN1 and wouldn't need to be mounted upside down or have the diff flipped, but it's still quite a bit "fatter" than the Imp box. Edit: just saw you mentioned mid engined, isn't Andy making this rear engined as per regular Imp?

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem +1

      thanks yea i really don’t want to alter the husky shell, it’s just for a bit of fun with the plan to revert back at some point.

    • @petenikolic5244
      @petenikolic5244 Před rokem +1

      @@ferrumignis Needed the rear wheels moving back think it was 8 inches but the overall car lenght was the same used modified ford focus struts on the rear with fully adjustable arms

  • @jiminycricket9877
    @jiminycricket9877 Před rokem +1

    Yep, you’re mad. Your welding is shit and I love the attitude!
    Looking forward to more.

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      ha ha thanks yes it it 🤣i can only get better

  • @phildem414
    @phildem414 Před rokem +1

    Cool project ! Isn't necessary to improve the box case by adding more or augmenting ribbing?

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      thank you, the box is surprisingly strong, provided it’s set up correctly.

  • @s4uk218
    @s4uk218 Před rokem +1

    I would be tempted to use a 3.5 to give the gearbox a fighting chance!

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      yes agreed i have bought one, filming it’s strip down soon 👌

  • @sylviabaird9238
    @sylviabaird9238 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Did you get any further with this? Looking for part 2!

  • @salamander5703
    @salamander5703 Před rokem +1

    Can you get very long diffs? I had a Ginetta G15 with a 998 engine and it revved its heart out all the time. 80 was over 5000rpm. Frantic enough with an imp engine but with a V8 would be worse still!

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      all the same final drive but can put taller ratios in👍

  • @sidecarbod1441
    @sidecarbod1441 Před rokem +4

    I've built loads of 4.6 engines, usually with big valve heads and all the other 'tuning stuff' that I could lay my hands on, I admire your efforts but I really don't think your gearbox is going to last 5 minutes! Rover used the LT77 box in many cars and even that doesn't like sitting behind a 4.6. (well not if you use the 4.6 in anger).

    • @patbutete1722
      @patbutete1722 Před rokem +1

      Sure the imp gearbox wont last 5 seconds used in anger behind or should that be in front of a 4.6 V8.People said the same thing the Anglia box behind a 3 litre Zodiac V6! ..It will last if you don't pull wheelies all day!

    • @ralphmillais5237
      @ralphmillais5237 Před rokem +1

      He might get 50 miles out of it if he drives gently.

    • @ralphmillais5237
      @ralphmillais5237 Před rokem +2

      @@patbutete1722 I with a friend of mine put a 3 litre Capri engine into a 1600E Cortina in the mid 80s. We used a Zodiac sump and mated the V6 to the stock 1600E gearbox with a Corsair bellhousing. He went through 3 gearboxes in 12 months, usually stripping 2nd gear overtaking stuff. He ended up putting in a proper 3 litre Capri gearbox.

    • @sidecarbod1441
      @sidecarbod1441 Před rokem

      @@ralphmillais5237 For the 4.6 projects that I've worked on I always go for the Borg Warner T5 (Cosworth) gearbox but with Quaife internals. (not a cheap box by any means!) This box clearly would be no use in the Imp.

    • @notpoliticallycorrect1303
      @notpoliticallycorrect1303 Před rokem

      ​@@sidecarbod1441 I used a T5 with a 4.3 in my Capri for years ,I only originally fitted the quaife fifth gear kit, it coped admirably for years, taking plenty of stick.The LT box was a massive lump and even they used to crap themselves behind even a 3.5 on carbs, as soon as any torque is applied I see this box leaving the chat😊, and almost immediately.

  • @peternunney3735
    @peternunney3735 Před rokem +1

    Is it a Rover Vitesse twin plenum version fuel injected twin turbo?😃 you'll need a slab in the front for sure.

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      ha ha i think i be better off with the low compression 3.5 on s.u”s! give the box half a chance.

  • @GWAYGWAY1
    @GWAYGWAY1 Před rokem +1

    It is going to need MORE cement bags in the front boot.😊
    Does it run the same rotation as the imp?😮

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      i hope so or we have to turn the seat round 🤣🤣

  • @ashleyaustin1894
    @ashleyaustin1894 Před rokem +1

    It could be a prototype for the new Tatra minicar.

  • @samrodian919
    @samrodian919 Před rokem +1

    As long as you don't go stupid or suddenly floor the pedal the gearbox should be ok. Just don't put a lairy cam in it lol

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      Thanks, that’s the plan just for cruising the roads no heroic’s!👍

  • @shoominati23
    @shoominati23 Před rokem +1

    Great conversion, but why don't you use the 3.5 version rather than the bigger one to go a bit easier on the gearbox?

  • @69waveydavey
    @69waveydavey Před rokem

    Welding old cast ally is not easy and if you bought a TIG from an ebay bloke in Blackburn like I did I can sympathise, I sold it shortly afterwards and bought a branded one!

  • @spiroskatsikas
    @spiroskatsikas Před rokem +1

    Great build but I thought 4mm plate to thin 6mm or 8mm better but it may be ok 👍

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem +1

      thanks, yes in hindsight 8 mm would have been more appropriate, hence the tie bars.

  • @ldnwholesale8552
    @ldnwholesale8552 Před rokem +1

    It was done decades ago here in Oz. 4.4 Leyland in the back seat with a Hewland VW based gearbox. Like all the rear engined V8 cars it was banned when the rules stated the engine must be in the original location in relation to the gearbox. Chev/ Type 3 VW,, Chev. Corvair/ Chev, Imp 289 Ford and a couple of others

    • @ashleyaustin1894
      @ashleyaustin1894 Před rokem

      As I understand this will be rear engined, substituting the Rover motor for the Hillman in a more or less stock location.

  • @PenguinMotors
    @PenguinMotors Před rokem +1

    Thats certainly interesting, not sure how an imp gearbox is ever going to cope with a 4.6 rover, on my dyno even a mildly tuned 4.6 on twin su's wil chuck out 290lbft torque

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      thanks yea we going with a mild 3.5 now

    • @PenguinMotors
      @PenguinMotors Před rokem

      @@thehillmanator so just 190lbft then, i admire your optomism and go for it attitude, keep it up :)

  • @clivewilliams3661
    @clivewilliams3661 Před rokem +2

    I thought that the Imp 'box was a weak link that limited the application of large power increases? I have not measured it but the o/a length of the Imp 'box must be close to the air-cooled VW 'box that can be built to take very large power outputs and the typical abuse that drag racing dishes out.
    I looked at alternative engines/gearboxes for my Clan project and drew up the installation using a Scubbie + VW 'box, which fitted easily in the space, with capacity to accommodate a longer gearbox if necessary. Maybe this is an alternative engine route for an Imp?
    From a practical stand point, surely the Husky isn't rated to tow a Reliant 3-Wheeler (+trailer?) whatever the power output of the Husky is without massive chassis strengthening that will put it in the realms of a BIVA?

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      yes its something iam going to have to look into before putting on the road.

  • @Tal5258
    @Tal5258 Před rokem +1

    Great bit of engineering Andy but can't see that standard box lasting long. I've always loved the idea of fitting a Rover V8 on carbs into the back of a Stilleto fast back like the old Autograss cars from the 1980-90's. The Boss "Jeff Hog" S270 Class 7 champion was a legendary car from the era always one that everyone longed to see it always seemed to win and sounded great on open pipes 4.3 Rover V8. Great clip here they always used a hewland gearbox czcams.com/video/i21q94gYHTk/video.html

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      yes agreed it going to be purely for trundling round town.

    • @dazmill697
      @dazmill697 Před rokem

      I've usually found its traction that kill boxes and axles, I wouldn't imagine great traction unless on slicks so might surprise on the longevity.

  • @ralphmillais5237
    @ralphmillais5237 Před rokem +1

    Has anyone put the Subaru flat 4 into an Imp?

    • @chevyimp5857
      @chevyimp5857 Před rokem +1

      Yes ... Saw one at the national 2003

    • @ralphmillais5237
      @ralphmillais5237 Před rokem

      @@chevyimp5857 In theory at least that sounds a good conversion.

  • @bobhenderson7961
    @bobhenderson7961 Před rokem +1

    You've chopped mickys ears off the imp bell housing how you going to mount the silly slave

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      Yes it’s going have to come off the engine just in the valley

  • @johnbewick6357
    @johnbewick6357 Před rokem +1

    Basically, basically, very annoying. Have you ever listened to yourself. I like your idea of the V8 though.

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      i struggle to play back, not keen on sound of my own voice!!
      yes my other nerve word is erm 😐

  • @ldnwholesale8552
    @ldnwholesale8552 Před rokem +1

    Do not hang it out the back,, Imps are very dangerous with th little alloy 4 let alone an V8

    • @davidoldridge3138
      @davidoldridge3138 Před rokem +2

      Very dangerous?…….hardly

    • @ferrumignis
      @ferrumignis Před rokem +1

      I suggest you take a look at James Ibbotson racing his Imp in the wet and then revise your beliefs.

    • @raymond_rayder
      @raymond_rayder Před rokem +1

      Hahahahahahahahaha!

    • @patbutete1722
      @patbutete1722 Před rokem +1

      @@ferrumignis ....Or Andy Dawson, George Bevan.Rosemary Smith who campainged Imps succesfully back in the 1970s. Cantekorous yes.Dangerous certainly not.

    • @ferrumignis
      @ferrumignis Před rokem

      @@patbutete1722 Yep, lots of successful drivers have campaigned Imps, including the owner of this channel. Fantastic little cars that make for some very entertaining racing. I only mentioned James because of his antics in the wet, embarrassing the Escort rally lads with his sideways action 🤣

  • @bobawatsit
    @bobawatsit Před rokem +1

    Your TIG welder, single phase and max amps ?

    • @thehillmanator
      @thehillmanator Před rokem

      3 phase, just a bad operator, my mate can make it work properly!

    • @bobawatsit
      @bobawatsit Před rokem

      @@thehillmanator what can your m/c produce max and how many amps did you use to weld the bell housing Ta rob NZ

  • @scottclements1040
    @scottclements1040 Před rokem +2

    Absolute madness, love it.