v8 capri buildup

[billkara]

good day everyone,

a mate of mine just bought a capri. he wants to do a v8 conversion (302windsor). the owner said that it was registered with a windsor v8 12 years ago. what needs to be done. can someone give me a list of things that need to be modified to do this conversion (eg crossmeber, mounts etc). at the moment its got a rebuilt 2litre motor and 4speed gearbox (which is up for sale)

thnx for any help guys

[T3man]

A list of things? ... first thing to do is get his head read ... that's a colloquialism for "go see a psychiatrist".

Nah, seriously a V8 in a Capri is "unkool". My opinion only. They are a car that should be left alone at least to the point of matching original engines to chassis if possible. Or at least a close restoration. I know they made V8 Capris in South Africa but when they were tested here Ford Australia found the front end wouldn't sustain the extra weight without major strengthening. Also totally stuffed the chassis balance and handling.

IF, and it's a big IF, I was ever to contemplate such a transplant I would only ever attempt it with a Dart all-alloy block. Again, just my opinion.

[Juiceman]

I have to agree with T3man. V8 Capri's are also well overdone, everybody is doing them these days.

On the other hand, if your mate can manage to get a hold of an Essex V6 and maybe put triple Weber 38 or 40 dcoe downdraughts on it, that'd be too cool!

[NRG 290]

Mate
put a v8 in it if its already had one. Its probably a long way off from matching numbers.
There are way too many v8 capris but the more that get converted the more my matching numbers one will be worth.
Triple webbers would be cool though

[whooligan]

Don't listen to the knockers.....Go for it.
I own 3 Capris in all denominations and V8 Capris are still seriously COOL!!!!
The handling issue is a big myth. There is bugger all weight difference btween a small block and an Essex V6 anyway, which can be over come with alloy heads and stiffer springs. As for the Basil Green cars (from Sth Africa) they were put together in like a week with 1970's parts. Check out this website.

http://www.capri-perana.co.za/index.htm

Building a V8 Capri with todays technology is a piece of cake and there's plenty of help out there for folks who want to have a go.

[mr_xr8]

slightly off topic but puting in chassis connectors on a fully matching number car would you consider this good or bad ??

[Capri351]

YHeah, the handling issue is a complete crock when a Windsor is used. Perana Capri are still very successful at classic rallies.

As for Chassis weakness, that again is a myth with testimony from the many V8 converted Capris getting around without a hint of doors out of alignment.

Unless you have a all correct GT, V6, or original Perana theres no point in going for the numbers matching build, its really not worth it. Go do what you want. V8 Capris are so much fun with performance per dollar excellent. I may be biased but I love V8 Capris, they look cool, go hard, and its an easy swap.

Rego people are expecting chassis connectors and bigger brakes as part of the deal. While chassis kits (like Rod Hadfields) are probably overkill when using a 302W they add piece of mind when adding some HP into the mix. Big brakes are a given, don't be afraid to spend here it makes a lot of difference when you got a grunty little package.

If your mate wants to do the swap, give teh Castlemaine Rod Shop a call as they have all the bits to do the swap from chassis to sump. Its a simple swap not unlike any engine swap job. Don't listen to anyone, do as you want. Any questions, just shoot me a PM, will be glad to help as I've been there done that.

[Boostbro]

Go the V8 Conversion, Cheaper than a V6 to re-build.
Lots of torque and 1 hell of a fun car to drive.

Handling, No problem they drive fine for a old car. I own a 302W powered Capri.

I do believe they are getting harder to legally engineer though these days. So you better do your homework first.

[digginganddirt]

rod hatfeild has saled out to another guy could kurt marks but they might still do the package not sure tho

[whooligan]

Originally Posted by digginganddirt

rod hatfeild has saled out to another guy could kurt marks but they might still do the package not sure tho

Could be a good thing. Yet to hear a good word about the Hadfield kits.

[Capri351]

Originally Posted by whooligan

Could be a good thing. Yet to hear a good word about the Hadfield kits.

Had absolutely no problems with mine, will recommend. Went together easy and is pretty well engineered to my eye.

However I have heard many criticisms of kit fitting together, so I would say consistency/QC was lacking. No idea if the new mob has improved matters, but wouldn't be hard I would think.

When it comes to brakes I would go Hoppers Stoppers nowadays, bit better quality and range IMO

[whooligan]

My car was fitted with a chassis kit when I bought it, but most people I know had troubles fitting them. You can see on my car, its not an exact fit, but it could be more a reflection on the car rather than the kit.
I have a mate who is a veteran of two V8 conversions and swears by his own methods, rather than aftermarket kits. He basically welds 3mm plate down the existing chassis and has customises all his mounts. Like he says, every car is slightly different (due to volume manufacturing, accident damage, etc.) so you kinda have to make it up as you go.....Its all good fun and if you learn a little along the way, its a bonus.

[ClevoCapri]

The weight of a windsor to a v6 is nothing. A clevo with alloy heads is only 5kg's heavier than a V6. But yeah. I guess im a bit bias.
I brought my car as a 2000GT XLR V4, drove it for a year then chopped it up. Best thing i could have done for it.
Go the hoppers stoppers kit for brakes. There awsome.
Personaly i like V8 Capri's that dont look any diferent to std capri's. Not the pro street look thats for sure.