Hi all, about to secure another Mk 1 Capri
Another Original 1600 auto deluxe
Thinking of some mods what does everybody think
Option 1. Convert to manual, retain Kent 1600 with a very mild tweak(weber, cam etc). Original engine rebuild not currently required.

Option 2. Go down the zetec or similar engine/ type 9 box path

Option 3. Essex V6, yer I know heavy, expensive to rebuild etc but a V6 GT replica would be nice.

Option 4. 2 litre escort

I assume somebody will say V8, but pretty sure not legal anymore (don't know how these "perana" rally cars are getting rego.

I have a realistic budget of $5 to $7 k for driveline mods, and will be undertaking all work myself ( when I get time). Rest of car doesn't require any restoration work.

Not after a race car, just a nice cruiser. Wouldn't mind going down the later engine swap or V6 path as I also have a nice original car which I don't want to mess up.

Cheers all

ive been in a few decent pinto powered manual capris. that would be my choice
 

Agree. I think Pinto's go well in a Capri. Zetec would be even better......
 

 

I replaced my very sad Kent with a fairly standard Pinto with a 5 speed behind it and I'm more then happy, and it hasn't even had a final tune up.

Go the Pinto path, dead easy, still reasonably period, more oomph in standard trim, readily available and cheap parts, no rego hassles.
Anything else gets more complex technically, legally, and costly.

Id say Duratec.
You could do it with your budget if your smart. And would have a good modern powerful engine and quiet a unique conversion for a capri.
 

Certainly Durtec would be the modern option.  No idea about gearbox fitment options, but there are probably kits around in UK.
A former club member did the Zetec path around 5yrs ago, along with brake upgrades and fuel injection retained.  Nice job but I have no idea of cost or difficulties.

if you want it i have a conversion kit that fits a buick 231 ci (3.8L) v6 in a 4 cylinder capri, it was running in my car when I bought it but I have gone back to original
 

Hi all, thanks for the advice
Picked up Car yesterday
First things first. Going to need some manual gearbox conversion parts.
Has anybody got a clutch pedal, and manual brake pedal they wont to sell me, and a pedal pivot pin to suit.
If so, please PM me with cost.
Cheers
 

Hey sorry to potentially hijack a post,
But..
Pheonix 13918 can you tell me a little bit about the conversion you had/have?