EXPERT CLINIC
Got a tech problem. We can help.
17 inch four-spokes
I have seen Ade Brannan’s Capri with the 15 inch Image four-spokes fitted, which look the business. I am considering getting a set of 17s made by Image, but I want to keep the dished look that Ade’s have — could you tell me what offset they are, and also the rim width? John P Email
“The Image wheels on my Capri are 8Jx15s up front and 9Jx15s at the rear,“says Ade. “The offset is ET0, and to be honest are far too wide for a slammed Capri — or any Capri, really — but they do look good.”
“I’ve had 8Jx15 Weller steels on before with an ET4 offset, and they looked great — still with plenty of dish, but they were a more realistic fit in the arches.”
RS2000 downpipe
I’ve been restoring a Mk2 RS2000 for a couple of years. The car is coming on well, but I am stuck for a standard exhaust front pipe. Do you know of a supplier that may supply a new one? I have contacted various companies that advertise in your magazine, but so far none can supply a front pipe — only a four-branch manifold and exhaust to match, which I don’t really want. Keith Harris Email in. GS Escorts and Escort-Tec are also worth calling to see if they have a second-hand one on the shelves.
With summer on the way, it seems a shame to not have the car on the road because of one pipe — how about fitting a second-hand fourbranch just to get it road-ready until you can track down the correct part?
Tuning 950s
I currently own a Mk1 Fiesta that I plan to fully restore when I’ve got the time, space and money. A lot of people say that the 950cc engine which I’ve got is difficult to live with, as it is slow and doesn’t hit more than 50-55 mph. Is this true, and is there anything I can do to the engine to get it to 70 mph? Colin Palmer Email
Ford claimed a heady top speed of 79 mph for the 950 engine, which for 40 bhp is none too shabby, so yours should hit the magic 70 with ease. If it doesn’t then there’s something amiss, but it’s nothing a decent service and getting your local garage to check the timing and carb settings are spot-on, would sort out — assuming the engine is in basically sound condition.
The 950 is not a popular engine to tune, but porting the head and fitting the carb from the 1300 would give some good results. However, it’s far easier (and cheaper) to fit the 1300 engine instead — assuming your insurance can stand it. Pop swap
I’m looking to replace the tired sidevalve engine in my 100E. I travel about 300 miles a week, largely on motorways. What engine and gearbox would you suggest as a modest upgrade to something more modern but economical? I’m not looking for a screamer, just a good daily runner. Tim Jennings Email
The obvious answer to fit the 1600 or 2-litre Pinto, or 1800 or 2-litre Zetec — both with the Type-9 five-speed gearbox. These engines are reliable and will soak up the miles with ease, though arguably the Zetec will be better on fuel economy — especially if you retain the standard Ford fuel-injection set-up. Either way, both will require some
serious work and parts — the Pop’s engine bay and transmission tunnel are too small to accommodate the new engine and gearbox and will need refabricating. You will also need to upgrade the front suspension, brakes and steering set-up and the rear axle will need updating, too — most use the Anglia 105E unit.
On the plus side, it’s a modification route that is fairly common for these cars, so there’s plenty of advice and information out there to make the job as smooth as possible — we recommend going the 100e.com Facebook group.
Crossflow buying
Can you recommend where I can buy a 711M 1600 Crossflow engine — either standard or mildly tuned?
Is there a classic Ford breaker you can recommend who could supply one, or maybe an engine specialist who may have one rebuilt? Finlay Powell Email
Despite the constant demand for Crossflows, they are still pretty easy to come across. Any of the classic Ford parts specialists who advertise in the magazine (GS Escorts, D&D Developments and so on) will have them come through the doors fairly regularly, so it’s well worth giving them a call and asking to keep their eyes peeled for you.
You could also buy a reconditioned unit from the likes of Specialised Engines, or modified example from one of the tuners such as Throbnozzle Racing, CTM Performance or Burton Power. They usually build engines on an exchange basis, but they would help find a suitable unit for rebuild.