Zetec into Mk1

[smwporter]

Anyone done a Zetec 2.0 into a Gilbern? Seems like a good idea with a 5 speed box and bike carbs & Megajolt.

[trippdl]

I've got the last of the Mark III's, which has a Pinto engine in it (from new). I bought a Duratec 2.3 from the States, intending to convert the car, but the engine has been sitting on its pallet for a year or better, and, given the progress (lack of), it doesn't look like the conversion will happen any time soon.

Have a look at 'Duratec Tuner Spec Engines' in the Burton's catalog, and make a decent offer if you are interested.

The 2.3 Duratec engine is both lighter and more powerful than the Zetec; I think it would make a great conversio.

There are a few Pinto-powered cars around, I've seen a reference to a Cosworth-engined car in an old Rarebit, but haven't seen it in person.

I think if Giles and Bernard could have got hands on an engine that weighed in at 100 Kilos and had half again as many horsepower as an Essex, there never would have been any three-litre cars...

[raysmelt]

I have seen a cosworth in a mark 3. It was being installed by Philip Ivimey at the same time he had my mark 2 in for chassis repairs. I did consider the cosworth for my mark 3 but in the end opted for a V8 as thought it might be easier to get the parts and the engines are in plentiful supply. TVR went from the Essex to the V8, so this might have been the route for Gilbern. The V8 is a very tight fit but looks as if the car had been designed around it.

Ray

[Tony Hayward]

Dave

Thought you might like to know, I've probably got your diff. Many years (70s or 80s, I can't remember) ago I bought a spare 3.09 diff (for £15) that the seller told me came from a Mk3 that had had a Pinto engine installed. It is now in my car, so you're not getting it back!!!

Tony