New and in need of TE Cortina info!

[George]

Hello all, I thought I'd give this site a shot after scavenging Google for the past few months for TE Cortina restoration info. Currently I've stripped her to a rolling chassis and I thought it'd be best to do my homework before going out and spending all my savings on random bits and pieces. I've got a few questions I'd like to ask that I haven't been able to find an answer to, so if any members could please answer them it'd be really appreciated.

Firstly, what is the best engine and what is the largest engine that can be legally fitted into a TE Cortina Sedan? And what would be the best gearbox to match? (Auto and Manual option please)

Secondly what mods will need to be done to handle the extra horses? I'm aware that the brakes will need to be upgraded (I was planning on upgrading them to 5 studs eitherway) but I'm not sure what the deal is with that? I heard Hoppers Stoppers sells a kit for the front but I'm not sure about the rear? Aside from the brakes however, what else will need to be upgraded?

Thirdly, what are the best / largest size rims and tyres for a Cortina in regards to handling and performance?

And last but not least will I lose any performance by running dual exhausts on my current 250 crossflow?

Thanks in advance for any help

[ortinrose]

I am new to the Site...But I do know a lot about Cortina's......................Here are some basic's for you George to get started......................
Right First Question..................Largest Motor Legally allowed on Victorian Roads (without an Engineers certificate, brake upgrade.etc.Similiar rules for most other states...)............Is a 250 Crossflow...or 4.2 litre.............Naturally Aspirated.eg No Turbo, Superchargers...Even Fuel Injection can be picked on.............Register the car Stock........Once Registered, THEN modify.......

Second Question...........................A v8 installation into your cortina, would require bigger brakes(at minimum, And a costly engineers certificate........................5 stud is also not required, unless engineers being employed............Then, well how deep are your pockets...Sky is the limit.................Prices too....You have a Registered 250 Crossflow?.Why not just bolt on a Turbo setup and then build a hot 6 to suit.......Less costly than engineer reports............and no one has to know....

Thirdly..................14 inch is my preference...........depending on your setup, and what diff you are running, tyre size and rim size is open to argument.Rolling diameter is probably even more contentious argument.............................

Last Question.......Most performance headers and exhausts that are sold are match flowed and designed to enhance performance..............If your exhaust is prepared professionally it will be effective........No you will not lose performance......But if you take my advice an go for a covert turbo setup then you have to find new headers to suit turbo installation............;).


IF, you want to employ an engineer, go with the V8....................If you want to see some value for your money,,,,stick with the 250Crossflow...................Probably easiest option......................................






Foot Note.............I am running a TE cortina....with a Cast Iron Head 250 Crossflow(Big Money spent on Head) that is running a t4 Airesearch Turbo, and C4 auto, with Stock Diff, brakes etc..... around 16PSI boost.................Currently running 5.8 Second 1/8 Mile..on 14inch street tyres........Street Registered...........;) No engineers certificate.........Do it smart......Keep it quiet....No Problems................Oh yeah...It stops OK with the stockie brakes...I just chew Pads BADLY

[Billit1000]

You've gotta figure out what motor you want. They all fit, and for the right amount of money can all be legal. Auto or manual depends on what you want to drive. Do you want efi or carby? Naturally aspirated or forced induction?

You can just squeeze a 225 under the rear, possibly a 245 with mini tubbing. Trimming the rear dog legs is needed for 28" tyre, maybe even a 26" too. Front brake upgrades are a must, I've used the hoppers stoppers kit and recommend it. As for rear brakes it really depends on what diff you use. I'm pretty sure all the cortina ones were only 25 spine, so pretty useless at decent horsepower levels. Either 9'' or 8-3/4" can be built tough and with disc brakes if you want.

Chassis rails can do with strengthening if you put a V8 or turbo something in it, boxing the trailing arms is a good idea, and reinforcing the top arms where they mount to the body is a must. Cortina's aren't known for a strong chassis, so any improvement is worth while.

The questions you have to ask your self first are what configuration motor you want, what type of transmission you want, what kind of power you want, what the car will be used for, and most importantly, how much you are willing to spend!

[rubber fire]

had 235's under mine untubbed an no rubbing