So I'm thinking of changing the stocko A12 out to an A15. Couple of questions about that and some suspension questions, all you gurus who have done it can you shed some light for a young fella. = ]

Now what are the main differences going to be in this swap? Will i need to change engine mounts?

Do all the engines (A12,A15) all butt up against the same gearbox? Or will I have to replace my current box?

With the new Queensland licensing laws and all that jazz for P's, will these be a legal swap?

If not, are there any legal swaps?

After rebuilding the A12 (if thats the only option), extractors, port and polish etc. what sort of power am I looking at?

Suspension question - With the front struts, I think the previous owner changed these. What other options do I have for the setup?

With the rear suspension, how do I go about lowering it? Lowering blocks?


I know I have more questions for you, but can't think of them. Thank you very much in advance for taking the time to answer them. = ]

Its a very easy swap, wiki will give more info. As for rego issues: I cant comment cause I live in WA, but you could always grind off the A15 stamp and restamp it as A12!

A15 to replace a 1974-up A12 is entirely a bolt-in swap.
See A15 Engine Swap
It will physically bolt up to the A12 transmission but often the transmission will break. Better to use the A15 transmission which is exactly the same length and uses the stock tailshaft.

A12 with cam, larger carburetor and ported head is good for 80HP or so. Stock A15 is 85 HP.

Thanks for that link. = ] still questions to be answered up there if anyone can.

im no p plater and havnt been for quite some time but isnt the law only saying that you cant drive v8s and turbo cars it doesnt say anything about engine transplants... but i could be wrong. i would recomend talking to qld transport and getting the correct advice and not listening to hear say. i would recomend reading what dd has given you and try using the search feature, as many poeple havedone this conversion. in qld the a15 would have to be mod plated anyway so dont forget the engineering costs, where as if you use a a14 you dont need engineering.

again check the wiki and search button for strut swaps there is heaps of info, everything from 120y stanza standard with silvia brakes s13 ect ect

dont use blocks as they are illegal in qld for a few $$ more you may aswell get the leafs reset cost about $160 for both sides. plus it looks cleaner.

the power of the a12 can be quite high for such a small engine but the key factor is money, as it seems you are quite young and as i remember i didnt have much of that. i would stick with the a14 extractors exhaust and a nice carby.

have fun

Thanks for the advice.

My gf just got her P's and a little booklet with it with all the rules, etc. One of them states that you can't drive any car requiring a modification plate... if that helps

Don't need a mod plate in WA, are you sure you need one there? You are only increasing engine size by .3 of a litre.

Maybe a15 cracnk in the a12? with a 77mm bore, witch I think givs you about 1524cc's? think you need a late a12 though?

a12 to a15 25% increase