Just curious. I understand that a 'Sidewinder' is the name given for a 2CV/Dyane fitted with an 1100cc/1300cc Ami engine. How easy is it to fit to a 2CV?Dyane (presumably as it's a four cylinder engine, it'll project further into the front?), and is it usual for the combined engine/gearbox from the Ami to be fitted or will the Ami engine happily mate with the 2CV/Dyane gearbox?

I've no interest in modifying mine but simply interested.

I'm sure someone who knows more than I will be along shortly... but as far as I'm aware, it's not just a case of fitting a GS/GSA engine to a 2cv. In general, they're body swaps - putting a 2cv or Dyane shell onto Ami super running gear. Which gets you a stronger chassis, designed for the flat four, and anti roll bars and stuff.

I think most folks use the ami super 4 speed. I think the GS 4 speed is larger, and I'm sure the 5 speed is.

Seems to fit nicely on a Dyane, 2cvs need some work. The original "Sidewinders" had an "interesting" bonnet bulge thing. Or you can do things with fibreglass - like on Tim's van...

I've seen a 2cv with a GS motor, where some subtle cutting of cowling and wings had squeezed the motor in, leaving things looking pretty much stock. Which was nice...

GS motor tends to require a stretch at the front end a little...

My old Sidewinder Van was Ami Super Chassis, Acdyane body, GSA1300 engine, and 5 speed GSA box with a bit of rust thrown in.

I did the engine and box change once which was easyish as the work had been done before but to start from scratch the issues as I see them would be getting the wiring loom right so it runs, cooling the brakes so it stops, getting the drive to the wheels as a GSA box uses different driveshafts.

Making it look neat on the outside is up to personal preference!!

The 5spd has a bit more protruding to the rear. The Ami & G 4-spds are the same casing, but the Ami has a shorter bellhousing and input shaft.

Been there, had one, got the T shirt. there's no point any more. Joolz proved that to us all last week. In it's time, yes, the best way of making a 2cv fast, but simply finding the parts nowadays is a hassle.

*This* is the way forward:

A BMW R-series 'oilhead' 1100/1150/1200 engine presumably attached to the 2CV gearbox. Any probs with that? Very good engines.

BMW 1150, mated to a Citroen LN 'box.

Isn't sourcing gearboxes going to be a problem? Are there enough suitable ones about?

seems to be just it'll cost a bit and more seen as some hooligans in 4x4s keep blowing them up.