Big-Blocks

[alex33]

I'm intersted in buying a big-block V8 to fit into a Capri.I know they're heavy buggers and the handling will be "interesting" but I'm only bothered about the noise and the magic of having 7 litres of throbbing muscle under the bonnet.
Any reputable dealers you know of? What should I go for:Ford,Chevy,Chrysler Hemi? Any real difference in these engines as regards price,power output and tuning potential? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm pretty vague on the subject.

[v8guinness]

Could do worse than starting here:
www.musclecarclub.com/main.shtml
plenty of basic engines info on there...

[JohnL]

Would it fit?

Probably need a suspension upgrade as well, or it'll look a bit nose-heavy! Not to mention brakes.

[kevinday]

I would actually suggest a small block, I believe there are more tuning parts available and they can be taken out to around 400 cu (6.6litres) anyway. Plus it is more likely to fit in the available space.

[boosted ls1]

And if it's all aluminium it will be a similar weight to a Rover v8 mentioning no names.

[kevinday]

boosted ls1 said: And if it's all aluminium it will be a similar weight to a Rover v8 mentioning no names.

Good point, and I remember several Rover V8 engined Capris from my youth.

[alex33]

Thanks for the info. I know that a small block would make more sense but I NEED a big-block...I want the biggest,baddest mutha I can get hold of...the metal around it (aka "the car")is of no importance really.
I only mentioned the Capri because I like the shape and they are available cheaply locally(Malta).
The engine bay in a Capri is pretty big and a few well-aimed "modifications" will do miracles...if that fails I'll look at something else to put the engine in.
The musclecars site was very helpful in helping me understand what's what.Now all I need is some info about suppliers. Any help? Cheers.

[Fatboy]

try:

www.hemiengineparts.com/

[MOTORMAN377]

Search: Pro stock engines...800 Cu. In., name your power level. If that's not enough go with a Rolls Royce or Allison. Now that's a " BIG " block !

[alex33]

Just got a quote for work which would be necessary on the Capri (body restoration and strengthening, suspension,brakes etc.)...BLOODY HELL !!! No way I'm going to do a John Barker.
I'm now thinking of a second-hand Dax Tojeiro(Cobra-replica).They seem reasonably priced.However,it will still have a big-block which I'll retro-fit if necessary.The Dax site forum was very helpful as regards engine suppliers.
Thanks for the help,I'll keep you posted if you're interested.

>> Edited by alex33 on Saturday 5th April 11:27

[boosted ls1]

Alex, I've seen several capris with Rover V8's in them and it wasn't hard to do the install. Don't give up now. Or if you can afford it and want more power you could fit an LS1.

[interloper]

The right type of small block can be taken out to 7 ltrs, check out this months CCC (the article on the AC 428 mentions just such a mod).

Also the standard ford V6 is a heavy old lump heavier than the rover V8, a detroit small block shouldnt be much heavier than the essex/cologne v6. So hopefully the handling should remain relativley ok.

Dont know much about big blocks, but as far as small blocks go the chevy unit is the most popular. This is due to the fact that it has remained in production virtualy unchanged for decades, so theirs loads of tuning parts available.

[replication]

Because a Capri is small, consider the 5.7L small block Chevy. It is physically small for a V8, parts can be found everywhere, hp can be made very high, the weight is small for what you get, and it sounds GOOD with proper mufflers.

[cortinaman]

i know you have your mind set on a v8 but have you considered the rs500 cosworth engine or a rs2400 engine?(article about this car and engine was in fast ford a few years back)

just wondering.

then again,you could always save for a tickford turbo! (saw a lovely one for sale at the old american car dealers in westcliff just before they closed down about a couple of years ago,it was immaculate and up for £9,995..........the missus said NO! ...bitch!)

[ultimasimon]

Small block chevy is the way to go for a capri conversion as I have done one with a friend, and other than engine mount fabrication, and a minor bodywork "adjustment" with a larger hammer to the tranny tunnel, its "plug n' play".

If you need a top-class engine builder for an American V8, then look no further than Peter Knight Racing Services in Daventry 01327-871177.

However if you MUST have the biggest and want a new one out of the crate...

www.carcraft.com/techarticles/0303_GM/index1.html?terms=Gm+Crate+Marine+Engines

8.1 Litres enough?? Should make the handling, as you put it, "interesting"

[alex33]

Thanks for the help.I've actually bought something pretty similar to what ultimasimon suggests...a 500ci Chevy and Hewland gearbox.That should make up for my small p....ehm,anyways,it's on its way from the States.

However,I scrapped the Capri idea;it would have cost too much-restoration,strengthening,upgrading-I have limited mechanical ability and any work would have had to be carried out by a mechanic...and that costs!So I ended up buying a Dax Tojeiro(see Kit Cars Forum-'Cobra Replicas')
The Tojeiro looks the biz...but,I'll probably end up buying a cheapish Capri anyway once I've got that idea into my head.