Engine swap opinions: Finally doing it

[Andrade]

The 1.3 pushrod in my Capri is becoming really annoying, its the slowest thing I have ever driven, and also the thirstiest one. I am considering a heart transplant so that I can occasionally come out of the slow lane and overtake someone, which is a feeling I am now missing

 

Option 1

In the garage there's a 1.3 Pinto which was on the viva, it works but might need a rebore since it used to smoke a bit.

Advantage: The viva was a heavy car too but it was quite quick and enjoyable to drive

Disadvantage: The engine needs some care, and will have to redo the exhaust since it changes side.

 

Option 2

Been offered a standard 1.6 pushrod engine 711m block in good order.

Advantage: its a very straight forward conversion

Disadvantage: I guess fuel efficiency will not improve at all since its the same design engine.

 

Option 3 (but not an option)

Stick in a modern engine

Advantage: his will take unleaded fuel and better fuel economy

Disadvantage: Expensive conversion and would increase my license since it would no longer be listed as a classic.

 

 

Opinions please? Anyone running 1.6 pushrods on his daily?

[Lardy]

i dont quite understand the bit about putting in a modern engine it does not increase your licence as the car will still be a classic wont it?

[Andrade]

i dont quite understand the bit about putting in a modern engine it does not increase your licence as the car will still be a classic wont it?

 

Here in Malta if the car doesn't have an original engine or one from the same period it doesn't count as classic.

[Vista]

I would discount option 1 too, why swap a 1.3 crossflow for a 1.3 pinto? Sounds like a lot of work for no net gain!

 

1600 crossflow's go well in escorts, especially hot ones. A capri is a much heavier car though so I'm not sure you'd see much of an improvement from a standard 1600 crossflow.

 

Is there a reason you haven't considered a 2 litre pinto option?

[Andrade]

I would discount option 1 too, why swap a 1.3 crossflow for a 1.3 pinto? Sounds like a lot of work for no net gain!

 

1600 crossflow's go well in escorts, especially hot ones. A capri is a much heavier car though so I'm not sure you'd see much of an improvement from a standard 1600 crossflow.

 

Is there a reason you haven't considered a 2 litre pinto option?

 

To be honest I am not expecting any neck breaking performance from the 1.6, there will be the Anglia for that. However at the time being I drop down to 2nd gear and sometimes 1st when going uphill with a passenger, not really the best of impressions. I would think the 1.6 would at least save me that part and make me feel like I'm not driving a bus.

 

There is a 2.0 pinto turbo in the garage, my brother used to drag race in the late 90's. The problem would then be with the insurance company since people under 25 tend to be charged random figures the more the engine capacity goes up..

[2litreScapri]

If you have access to a 2.0 turbo'd Pinto, check how much the extra insurance & fuel running costs would cost over buying the 1600 pushrod. If it works out a little more expensive, just go with it

[Beakster]

Use the 1.6 Crossflow with Megasquirt and Motorbike throttle bodies. Mappable fuel and ignition set up right should give you good power and economy. Then if you want more power, then look at a turbo or super charger later.

[garyv6100e]

I would go for option 2 you should notice a significant difference in power (apx 15 - 20 bhp increase) although it is a 1.6 you should not really notice any difference in fuel consumption as you will not be revving the t*ts out the engine to make decent progress

[Fiesta Steve]

Are you sure there isn't something wrong with your 1300 Crossflow, my Fiesta (I know its a little lighter) is a flying machine, I could go up a reasonably steep hill in any gear !!

[Andrade]

Are you sure there isn't something wrong with your 1300 Crossflow, my Fiesta (I know its a little lighter) is a flying machine, I could go up a reasonably steep hill in any gear !!

 

I converted it to lumenition, new plugs, cooling is fine, carb set up professionally, new coil, starts as soon as i turn the key. The engine is great, it just doesnt do it in the capri..

[Andrade]

I would go for option 2 you should notice a significant difference in power (apx 15 - 20 bhp increase) although it is a 1.6 you should not really notice any difference in fuel consumption as you will not be revving the t*ts out the engine to make decent progress

 

Use the 1.6 Crossflow with Megasquirt and Motorbike throttle bodies. Mappable fuel and ignition set up right should give you good power and economy. Then if you want more power, then look at a turbo or super charger later.

 

Agreed, I think I will be doing this. Its a very simple conversion that I can do myself, and I can keep all the new bits I put on the 1.3 like water pump alternator and stuff. Should be able to do it in a full wkend if there are no hiccups. The sump on the 1.6 is the right way round too so should be straightforward.

 

Thanks for your opinion everyone! Will let you know how it goes

[Grizzley Dell]

option 2, you cant beat an old xflow.

[Kieran]

xflow

[Andrade]

Option 4:

I came across a 1.3 pushrod full race, forged pistons, ported head and larger valves on 40 Webers. all for 500€!!!

 

v.s a 325€ standard 1.6 pushrod

 

What do you guys think?

[escort21]

If it has a full race cam it'll be a twat to drive in traffic etc

[sambo]

If it has a full race cam it'll be a twat to drive in traffic etc

 

Agreed, but its easy enough to swap for a milder one?

 

Sounds very cheap for a steel engine?

[Andrade]

Short update on this one, I bought a 1.6 pushrod which I am currently stripping and giving it a good clean.

 

We started it up before I bought it, the carb was leaking so I am replacing it with a twin choke one while I'm at it.

 

Phone photo:

 

[Andrade]

So finally got around of putting the engine in. Got a ported head from GS Classics which has been converted to unleaded and has double valve springs.

 

Saturday I spent half a day pulling the old engine out and sticking this one in. Managed to do it with the gearbox in place. Plenty of room in the engine bay I thought I was going to loose the engine in there at some point lol

 

Still missing a few parts to get it running, hopefully I'll sort it out today after work

 

[Andrade]

Timing was off big time, it's now sorted, but still wont start. The starter's noise sounds like battery is dead but changed it with an Optima and still doing the same thing.

 

Electrician coming over today to check it out.

[Andrade]

Starter was gone so got it fixed this morning and it sprung to life immediately! just a few more issues to iron out but took it round the block already