You've probably seen a lot of projects where V8's replace a 4 pot. Well, how about a 4 pot replacing a V8! Yes - you may think I'm mad, but there is method to my madness. The V8 is a Rover (TVR flavour - no less), and the car is my extremely long term project Mk1 Cortina. I've had this for over 20 years now, and one day it WILL be finished.
I did the V8 conversion some time ago, and the project kind of stalled. Its been in storage waiting, and waiting....
Well, with the dust blown off, I've taken a close look and decided I would rather the lightness and balance of a Duratec. I know the Rover V8 isn't too heavy at around 150kg, but I think the Duratec is 95kg, and in its 2.5L form can be made to pump out some good power (especially if I go with a turbo or supercharger).
Colour is Ford Ermine white with a pearl green stripe.
I spent quite a bit of time dressing the TVR (Rover) V8. Looks the business, but now it will have to go into another project.
Tubbed to accept some serious rubber.
There's a full space frame under there. Very little of the original Cortina remains. The engine mount brackets were all designed for the V8, but I'll have to cut these out now. The front wings, and front panel are a homemade GRP, made with the help of a book I got from the library.
This is the place where the Duratec 2.5 will eventually sit.
I made the bonnet too and incorporated a bulge to clear theV8's air cleaner. This won't be needed now, and I was never really that keen on it. I'd like to keep it fairly stock looking on the outside.
Steering rack is from a Mk2 Escort.
Space frame has backbone tunnel - like a TVR.
I'll keep the pictures coming as I progress.
It would be nice to hear from anyone with experience of tuning, a 2.5 Duratec - especially anyone running a turbo or supercharger.
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