Ford Capri 3.0 V6 1974 - Ford Forums

mmfleet · 02-22-2005, 20:29

Hi All
I have posted this elsewhere on this site with no response, so lets try it here and see what happens.
I came across this forum trying to source some information with regard to my 1974 Ford Capri 3.0GT. The car is modified to Uk touring car spec to be used for Classic car racing in New Zealand. The engine is the Esssex V6 with steel timing gear,Swaymar race cams and roller rockers, forged pistons, Triple weber 42 DCNF carbs, Cross drilled Crank, racing headers with free flow exhaust. Compression ratio is 9.5.1 and has around 207bhp at the wheels.

I have two problems to sort out, first it jumps out of 2nd gear, is there and known easy fixes re adjustment and second is it has a 3.09 ( standed ford ratio) LSD diff which is too long legged for our local track as the car has 15" Simmons wheels. Does any one know if I can get a 3.5 ratio to fit. As far as I know its a Atlas diff but I am not sure of the standard size 8.3/4 or 9", any ideas would be very welcome.
Also can you skim to heads or block on these engines as I am looking for 10.5.1 compression ratio which should give me around 240bhp at the wheels, so I'm told, or if anyone has any ideas how I can get a little more power please respond.
Cheers

BlownV8 · 02-23-2005, 14:51

As for the gearbox, i have no idea. I'd tell you to stick an auto in it, but that would get me crusified here, and is no good for circuit racing. As for the diff, GT capris were available in a few different ratios. I just sold one with a 3.23 centre in it, but you can get higher. I cant remember which year it was, but a similar vintage BMW had the same diff in it as a capri, and the gears are interchangable. Ring any good diff shop, and they would be able to tell you which cars had that diff in it, and then go around the wreckers looking for a suitable donor diff.

To get more power out of you engine, get a set of D-Port heads. These were the heads used in the mid 70's on the mk1 and 2 capris for racing. Very good flow, for their time, and would get a lot more power out of you engine. Be careful when you get your current heads machined, as you want to make sure you have enough piston to valve clearance. If you take to much off the heads, you will start bouncing valves off the pistons. Best to get a set of lumpy top pistons to bring comp ratio up.
Go to www.burtonpower.co.uk They have the biggest range of after market parts for english cars in the world, and will ship overseas.

mmfleet · 02-24-2005, 19:16

Thanks for the advise, with regard to the diff do you know what size they are in the Capri. I think its 8 3/4" but I am not sure. Would a Ford Sierra diff fit as I think they had a 3.54 and 3.75 ratio and Ford Escorts had up to 4.1 and I only need the crownwheel and pinion, then its just the case of shimming to fit. I Hope!
With regard to the pistons it would be a shame to have to change them as the previous owner only fitted the forged pistons 3 months ago. So I may be better getting the heads checked to see what clearance I have and get them skimmed.
Cheers