Can i or Can't i??

[Mark A S]

Hi everyone.

I would like to get back into some Motorsport, poss in the next few years, finances depending etc etc.
It has to be a Mk 2 Escort, I have an idea for a spec I would like, so please bare with me on this.
Full Gp 4 spec rolling shell, 5 link Atlas, usual suspension for tarmac and forestry etc
However, for engine and gear box, I was thinking of the TVR AJP 4.5 V8, and CR T5 Gearbox.
My thinking behind this, is that this engine is pretty tough, can churn out a reliable 400 bhp, its N/A is compact and only weighs 120kgs. It will also be a lot cheaper than a BDA, Vauxhall, Warrier, Cossy atmo etc
Some questions;

Would there be a problem getting a RAC log book ?
What tyres widths are legal ?
Any other reasons why I would not be able to run an Escort to this spec in rallying?

My idea would be a car that I can do a bit or everything in, Rallying, on all surfaces, Racing, Hillclimbs Sprints etc, something to have fun in.

All comments welcome, thanks in advance

[stacy]

I think the only home for this in circuit racing would be things like LMA Saloons, Classic Thunder etc. Probably the latter.
Of course you don't need a log book for circuit racing.

For rallying I know they've stopped FWD to RWD conversions, but wasn't aware of blocks on engine swaps. Suspect you'd just have to run in a hairy class..

Need someone knowledgeable in that area I'm afraid.

S.

[thunderbelmont]

I thought they'd only stopped the fwd rwd conversions for road rallying, not for special stages.

Cars built for rallying don't generally make good race cars as what's good for one genre isn't for the other.

[onomatopoeia]

There are plenty of Escorts out there with alternative engines in rallying. Talk to the MSA before you start building anything though, you never know what the Rallies sub-committee might be up to (remember K.37 ?)

[Mark A S]

Thanks all for your comments. The RAC MSA inform me the max engine I am allowed is 3000cc 6cyl with 4 valves / cyl.
Any suggestions?

I agree most rally cars are not so good on the track, but they can be pretty effective with suitable suspension and tyres etc. I raced my old Mk 2 Escort rally car a couple of times at Lydden purely for fun in special saloons, put it on pole once too, as it was wet!
Race was dry though, so I got whooped

What was K. 37 ??

[450Nick]

The TVR Championship runs an invitational class... Perhaps you could give that a go if you're running an AJP?

[andy97]

Mark A S said:

Thanks all for your comments. The RAC MSA inform me the max engine I am allowed is 3000cc 6cyl with 4 valves / cyl.
Any suggestions?

I agree most rally cars are not so good on the track, but they can be pretty effective with suitable suspension and tyres etc. I raced my old Mk 2 Escort rally car a couple of times at Lydden purely for fun in special saloons, put it on pole once too, as it was wet!
Race was dry though, so I got whooped

What was K. 37 ??

Alfa V6 24V?

Several of the regional saloon car series allow cars to ace with engine swaps

[Graham]

Mark A S said:

Thanks all for your comments. The RAC MSA inform me the max engine I am allowed is 3000cc 6cyl with 4 valves / cyl.

mmm there is one chap that rally's a 5ltr Rv8 Tuscan challenge car I wonder how he gets away with it..

G

[stacy]

thunderbelmont said:

I thought they'd only stopped the fwd rwd conversions for road rallying, not for special stages.

Cars built for rallying don't generally make good race cars as what's good for one genre isn't for the other.

I was on an MSA committee at the time when it came up. The argument put forward was one of safety and thus for all, which seemed bizarre to me as you're punishing everyone for the questionable preparation of the few (which should be picked up by scrutineering) but there you go.

That said it wasn't the rallying committee I was on (it was a member of that rallying committee telling us) so it may have changed during the long period to making it to the blue book.

S.

[Muz_Wez]

Mark A S said:

Thanks all for your comments. The RAC MSA inform me the max engine I am allowed is 3000cc 6cyl with 4 valves / cyl.
Any suggestions?

I agree most rally cars are not so good on the track, but they can be pretty effective with suitable suspension and tyres etc. I raced my old Mk 2 Escort rally car a couple of times at Lydden purely for fun in special saloons, put it on pole once too, as it was wet!
Race was dry though, so I got whooped

What was K. 37 ??

If you're based in the South East it might be worth talking to Rod Birley and running the car in the BARC SE Intermarque. There's a few Mk2's in that running Pintos, Cossie Turbos etc. His details are here BARC SE

[Mark A S]

Thanks all for your help.

Recommended engine, apart from a DTM KF lump [ pricy!! ], is the 3lt Nissan V6 from a maxima, apparently you can get good power from this. http://www.iesracing.co.uk/3ltrV6.htm
RAC state, if 4 valve / Cyl then 3lt 6 cyl is tops, if 2 valve, 3.5 lt, so likewise, I do not know how the Tuscan challenge car gets on, maybe because it’s a treat to watch! Apparently its came to grief on Epynt recently, which is a pity.
I remember Rod Birley from thundersaloons, ta for the tip.

Lots to think about

[Graham]

Mark A S said:

I do not know how the Tuscan challenge car gets on, maybe because it’s a treat to watch! Apparently its came to grief on Epynt recently, which is a pity.

Yeah apparently sometimes id doesnt land well !!!! just about totaled but as I understand, it Trevor the Rally car is being rebuilt...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk54FWmYQPA&fea...

( not the big one..)