Discussion
Alright chaps.
I'm looking at getting a Capri for some fun, cheap, RWD weekend action for the summer and wanted some input from anybody that's owned one before. I've considered other cars, like the Nissan 180 SX, but they look naff and I can't get them on classic car insurance.
Capris traditionally rust like a nightmare and I'm prepared to do any work necessary to get it looking good again. I'm also looking at this as a bit of a learning car because I'm not very handy under the bonnet, but also want to learn to drive a fast RWD car.
So, I'm after a 2.8i (because this is by far the quickest, I'm told) and wondered what subtle mods people would advise me to do. I hear that standard brakes are rubbish so I'd look to upgrade those straight away. Can anyone suggest a cost effective conversion?
A friend has also advised putting a device in the fuel tank that slow releases lead into the petrol, so I could then fill up with unleaded and not pay extortionate LRP charges. He's used a similar device in his Fiat X1/9 for years and says it's great. Does anyone have any experience with one of these?
Finally, I've also been told the engine is notoriously un-tuneable. Now sound and image are as important as speed with this car, so I wondered what the possibilities would be of sticking Webber carbs on the engine instead. I love the sound of a car with carbs so this would be awesome, but would I see any kind of performance increase?
Anyways, I'm searching long and hard for a half decent example and any feedback you guys could give would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
I'm looking at getting a Capri for some fun, cheap, RWD weekend action for the summer and wanted some input from anybody that's owned one before. I've considered other cars, like the Nissan 180 SX, but they look naff and I can't get them on classic car insurance.
Capris traditionally rust like a nightmare and I'm prepared to do any work necessary to get it looking good again. I'm also looking at this as a bit of a learning car because I'm not very handy under the bonnet, but also want to learn to drive a fast RWD car.
So, I'm after a 2.8i (because this is by far the quickest, I'm told) and wondered what subtle mods people would advise me to do. I hear that standard brakes are rubbish so I'd look to upgrade those straight away. Can anyone suggest a cost effective conversion?
A friend has also advised putting a device in the fuel tank that slow releases lead into the petrol, so I could then fill up with unleaded and not pay extortionate LRP charges. He's used a similar device in his Fiat X1/9 for years and says it's great. Does anyone have any experience with one of these?
Finally, I've also been told the engine is notoriously un-tuneable. Now sound and image are as important as speed with this car, so I wondered what the possibilities would be of sticking Webber carbs on the engine instead. I love the sound of a car with carbs so this would be awesome, but would I see any kind of performance increase?
Anyways, I'm searching long and hard for a half decent example and any feedback you guys could give would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
Good luck with your search.......good 2.8s are very few and far between now. I'm now on my 4th after a lengthy break and it's making a great alternative to my 300ZX (much easier to explore it's limits at safer speeds).
I ended up buying from Spur Classics in Sheffield, despite living in Surrey. Paul and Malcolm there are great guys and I'm sure they'd help you out.
www.classicperformanceford.com/
Here's a thread Hugh started, he's just got himself a lovely black number
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=241108&p=4
I ended up buying from Spur Classics in Sheffield, despite living in Surrey. Paul and Malcolm there are great guys and I'm sure they'd help you out.
www.classicperformanceford.com/
Here's a thread Hugh started, he's just got himself a lovely black number
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=241108&p=4
Hi Lee,
I don't know a huge amount about 2.8's but I have heard of people fitting them with carb's. There isn't a problem making them loud, there are plenty of different exhausts on the market. The 3.0 can also be good for big power (180bhp+ at the wheels) but they need new internals etc to get them to that level.
Alternatively you do an engine swap, either to a 2.9 V6 EFI from a granada/scorpio or Rover V8. There are also some cosworth engined cars with massive power around.
If you go either the 2.9 or RV8 route unleaded fuel won't be a problem, and I *think* there are plenty of 2.8 UL heads around.
The brakes are easily upgraded, I've got a new system in mine but to standard spec except braided hoses, drilled/grooved disks and greenstuff pads and its stops very nicely. If you want to go further than this then many people fit a mondeo based system, see www.caprisport.com. Be aware that they although their stuff is fine, Caprisport dont have a good image in the Capri community because they won't accept that anything other than their way is the way of doing things, and put down perfectly reasonable ideas on their website.
If you have very powerful brakes it's probably best to get an anti-dive kit too!
I don't know a huge amount about 2.8's but I have heard of people fitting them with carb's. There isn't a problem making them loud, there are plenty of different exhausts on the market. The 3.0 can also be good for big power (180bhp+ at the wheels) but they need new internals etc to get them to that level.
Alternatively you do an engine swap, either to a 2.9 V6 EFI from a granada/scorpio or Rover V8. There are also some cosworth engined cars with massive power around.
If you go either the 2.9 or RV8 route unleaded fuel won't be a problem, and I *think* there are plenty of 2.8 UL heads around.
The brakes are easily upgraded, I've got a new system in mine but to standard spec except braided hoses, drilled/grooved disks and greenstuff pads and its stops very nicely. If you want to go further than this then many people fit a mondeo based system, see www.caprisport.com. Be aware that they although their stuff is fine, Caprisport dont have a good image in the Capri community because they won't accept that anything other than their way is the way of doing things, and put down perfectly reasonable ideas on their website.
If you have very powerful brakes it's probably best to get an anti-dive kit too!
Lee one other thing, www.capripower.co.uk and www.fordcaprilaser.co.uk are also both a wealth of knowledge.
Paul how is yours going? Have you had a chance to have a proper play in it yet?
Paul how is yours going? Have you had a chance to have a proper play in it yet?
Hi Hugh.....yep, been out in it as much as possible and really enjoying it. It's a real contrast to my 300ZX, slower of course, but still great fun. In fact, it's probably more enjoyable as I can get closer to it's limits at sane speeds!
I just need to spend some time with the spit and polish....I can't believe I've had it nearly a week and not detailed it yet....I normally keep my cars spotless.
I just need to spend some time with the spit and polish....I can't believe I've had it nearly a week and not detailed it yet....I normally keep my cars spotless.
Twin Turbo said:
Hi Hugh.....yep, been out in it as much as possible and really enjoying it. It's a real contrast to my 300ZX, slower of course, but still great fun. In fact, it's probably more enjoyable as I can get closer to it's limits at sane speeds!
I just need to spend some time with the spit and polish....I can't believe I've had it nearly a week and not detailed it yet....I normally keep my cars spotless.
Glad you're enjoying it. I know what you mean about keeping cars clean, I keep getting stick from people saying "oh you're the bloke who's always washing his car and spent a whole day doing it". Yes thats me, I spent 6 hours making it looks really pretty and to keep it looking that way and the pollen, sap and other shit off it it gets a quick wash (10mins) twice a week!
Ashley exhausts are the loudest..although the C.C.I sports systems are good too..Trust me ..don`t go to the bother of converting to carbs..Drill 6-8 smallish (1cm across) holes in the bottom of the air box under the filter..you will swear they had 45`s..!!2.8 specials are best with the LSD...A device called fuel Kat should sort out your unleaded issues which are pretty much tin pelletts in a net bag..
>> Edited by F.M on Saturday 13th May 22:43
>> Edited by F.M on Saturday 13th May 22:43
Matthew C said:
Ah, but 4 star is still available at a few garages, and you can buy tetraboost which is an additive that gives you real leaded.
Alternatively instead of spenting 40p extra per litre on 4star, you could spend a couple of hundred quid on UL heads or hardening the valve seats. Thats equivalent to the extra cost associatedw with 500l of fuel, 500l of fuel gets you approximately 2500miles. Personally I'd go with making the car work with UL!
Twin Turbo said:
My 2.8 has 125k, although that has also had work already done (unleaded heads etc).
BTW, since I got the Capri, my 300ZX hasn't been used
Good to hear your enjoying your 2.8i
, now stop it i cant afford or justify having another one and you are making it worse , i love 2.8i's a decent ammount of power poor grip and handling and if you know how to drive it just adds up to lots of fun ! right im off to look on auto trader , your buying .......
NOW SHUT IT ....... 
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