Early 90's VD Fit conversion

[ericlangbein]

Hello Folks!
I've been working on installing a Honda Fit motor in a 94 VanDiemen- based on Reid Hazelton's impressive speed at the Runoffs, I thought this might get some interest! While a bit more complicated than a conversion in the 97 and later cars, it can be done! Aside from removing the triangular brace over the engine, I had to modify the frame to fit around the rear of the Honda oil pan (its wider than the frame allows), and the frame needs to be clearanced around the thermostat housing as well. I've added front upper and lower mounts to the engine to add any rigidity that may have been lost from not having the triangulation over the engine. Fun project!

Cheers,
Eric

[reidhazelton]

Very nice workmanship! Thanks for the compliment.

[Jeff Owens]

We are very lucky to have a talent such as Eric in our area!!!! Just for the record, it is a '91 Honda should be excited, I think Eric has been involved in 5 conversions so far (non kit). Who is next?

[Buc01]

Eric,

Excellent craftmanship and engineering. I have a '91 VD FC and have wonderd what it would take to convert to Fit FF.

Aaron

[racinray]

We are very lucky to have a talent such as Eric in our area!!!! Just for the record, it is a '91 Honda should be excited, I think Eric has been involved in 5 conversions so far (non kit). Who is next?

Totally agree Jeff -- if my 97 VD is not next it will be close to it!

Great job Eric!! Can't wait to give you mine and especially can't wait to get it back!

Ray

[warpspeed]

actually in the f1600 championship series the car in 3rd place in the points ia a 97 V D and yes very easy car to covert

[Michael Rand]

Photos of the first CF conversion to be posted soon as my Crossle 30F Fit ran its first race weekend at Lime Rock last weekend.
HPD and Eric Langbein will have an installation kit soon for older Hewland Mk8/9 grearboxed cars.
I have posted extensive tales of that weekend in this forum under the events thread, 2 different threads, lots of words......

[CornerSpeed]

Hi Eric,

Wow, this is certainly some beautiful and awe-inspiring engineering and fabrication skills exhibited here, on the Van Diemen as well as on Mike's Crossle. Taking into account that you've only converted one Club Ford and one early '90's Van Diemen, have you been able put together a cost estimate for future conversions? If so, how do the conversion costs compare to Honda's bolt-in kits for Swifts and late-model Van Diemen's? Excellent work, man!