SUSPENSION

The suspension layout and components are basically the same as the Mk1 and Mk2 Cortinas with a few subtle differences. On the V4 cars, the front struts are based on Mk1 Cortina items, but the bottom spring seat is angled — this was to improve the self-centring action on the steering, apparently. Lowered/uprated springs and inserts are no longer available new for these struts, but Escort and Capri springs will fit. As for inserts, they’re available off the shelf from GAZ for the 1500 struts, and you can have a bespoke pair made up by Bilstein or GAZ here in the UK for the V4 cars.

That’s it if you’re retaining the steering box, but if you want to go for a steering rack conversion (which makes life easier if you are fitting an engine with a rear-bowl sump), then Old Ford Auto Services supply a kit based around 2-litre Capri struts and an Escort steering rack and crossmember, and using offset top mounts, adjustable TCAs and a modified anti-roll bar. Obviously using Capri struts means a whole world of off-the-shelf springs and inserts is opened up to you.

At the rear, the multi-leaf springs can be swapped for Capri 2.8i single-leaf ones. They go straight on, but you’ll need to use two Capri front spring eye bushes, as the rears are a different size to the Corsair’s. These springs will sit the car lower, but to bring it down further, just add some lowering blocks (above). Damper-wise, use uprated Mk1/Mk2 Cortina ones, plus the Bilstein-made Capri 2.8i rear dampers fit straight on, too.The axle is the good-old English and is the same as the Mk1 and Mk2 Cortina’s. Only the GT and early 2000E had anti-tramp bars fitted, so if you want to give the axle some additional support, source a set of these if you can find some (you’ll also need the mounting brackets for the axle and spring hangers), or even fabricate some of your own. Finally, don’t forget a set of polyurethane bushes.