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Post by johnnyanglia on Nov 9, 2014 23:56:38 GMT 1
After much deliberation I have decided that I would really like to upgrade the engine, gearbox and suspension in my Mk3 Zodiac to handle, drive and have the fuel economy of a modern car. I know of a local hot rod enthusiast who recently converted a Mk3 using the suspension and back axle from a Capri and the engine and box from a Granada. I would like to keep the conversion as straightforward as possible, ideally I would like to retain the selector, indicator arm, quadrant(the car is presently an automatic) and steering wheel(although this may mean trying to devise a hybrid steering rack with a Mk3 top end). I would also like power steering and would consider fuel injection although this may have implications for the fuel tank used and may cause problems with electronics. I would consider a diesel engine and to top it all off I would like to do it all as cheaply as possible. Not asking much am I ? lol. Any suggestions as to how to do it and what donor parts to use would be greatly appreciated.
PS Has anyone seen a Mk3 with rear fender skirts ?
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Post by colin on Nov 10, 2014 21:53:38 GMT 1
I reckon it would be easier to leave it as it is, and probably cheaper to stick the petrol in it! Well, that's because I'm a fully paid up member of "the Victor Meldrew silly old git" club!! Anyway, best of luck, I'm someone will point you in the right direction, Col.
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Post by colin on Nov 10, 2014 21:56:35 GMT 1
Sorry, not "me", I meant "I'm sure someone" will be able to guide you to a decent conclusion, I'm also useless at typing! Col.
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Post by Joe on Nov 11, 2014 8:33:22 GMT 1
Technically anything is possible and as you say the Capri suspension can be made to fit and the mk3 engine bay is big enough to take most engines. Be aware however that if you replace all of the components as you say you would take that vehicle out of the 8 point rule and jepodise the historic status of the vehicle.
I would start with renewing and upgrading the original suspension.
A good standard Mk3 handles very well for a car of its era and can be stiffened up to give a much more positive feel. If you want to keep the standard wheel column and gear selector then the steering would need to stay standard anyway.
I dont know for sure but other auto boxes might have the same (or similar) gear selector on the box that could utilise the same linkage. Another hiccup of couse is that most of the modern engines have electronic fuel injection.
If it was me (and I am considering going down that route) I would be looking at keeping the suspension and steering standard but renewing everything and stiffening the dampers. Then using the Ford 2.9 Cologne V6 as found in the Scorpio shape Granada's
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Post by johnnyanglia on Nov 29, 2014 19:00:53 GMT 1
Thanks Joe, I think what you suggested is the route I am going, as I said my objective is better handling, starting and fuel economy ta, Johnny.
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Post by Eddie on Nov 29, 2014 23:45:56 GMT 1
Thanks Joe, I think what you suggested is the route I am going, as I said my objective is better handling, starting and fuel economy ta, Johnny. I know nothing about modifying cars, but if you are looking at better handling then surely keeping the suspension and steering standard means that the handling won't change that much.
On a properly set-up standard car, starting should not be a problem, and you will have to drive a lot of miles with a 2.9 Cologne engine for the fuel savings to pay back the cost of all the modifications - unless you are able to get hold of all the parts very cheaply.
Anyway, whatever you decide to do, keep us posted with lots of photos  .
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Post by zephyr6man on Nov 30, 2014 12:02:08 GMT 1
A point for consideration too is the value of the vehicle after mods have been done, the trend I have noticed lately is that bog standard cars are holding their values whereas modded cars seem not to be. Just a thought before all the time and expense though there are some cracking modded MK3's out there! Good luck whatever you decide.  |
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Post by Joe on Nov 30, 2014 12:42:39 GMT 1
One problem that we are all faced with is the cost of rebuilding the mk3 engine. The old "have the block bored and the crank reground and new bearings" approach is ok but a lot of the engines especially on the cars in marginal condition are past that. Cam shaft and valve gear has allways been a weak point on these engines. And camshafts cam followers and rocker shafts are pretty much unobtainable.
I have been quoted figures of between £2000 and £10,000 for a rebuilt engine (the £10,000 was for a full race spec engine)
To replace the engine with a modern one makes sense if the old engine is generally knackerd and the car is not that valuable. Just a thought.
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2014 21:55:55 GMT 1
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Post by johnnyanglia on Dec 21, 2014 18:34:17 GMT 1
Cheers Graham, all the best, Johnny.
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