Hi all, following on from my previous post regarding re-powering my Mk1 Capri.
I have just been offered a complete running Essex V6 engine & box from a local capri guy.
So I am chasing some info regarding major items required to convert my 1600 kent to essex V6.
I am wondering what is the main differance in cross member, I remember the original V6 had three bolts on each side compared to the 1600 two bolts,  but can my orginal 1600 crossmember be utilised of modified to fit V6 engine mounts. Or will the engine mounts line up to the 1600 crossmemer.
Engine / Box is complete, but dont think it comes with engine mounts. The box has a crossmember, so I assume I can modify / adopt to fit etc. It also comes with a tailshaft.
Any thing else I should consider,Front brakes?, front springs? Not sure what I am going to do about a diff yet.
I assume v6 diffs are getting a bit scarce.
I would appreciate any ideas.
 
 
 
 
 

The engine bay of a v6 is completely different to a 4 cylinder. So is the suspension brakes tail shaft diff fuel tank etc etc. All depends on what you want to achieve . If you're trying to pass your 4 pot as a v6 . It will be easy picked up as the 2 are chalk and cheese. It would still cheaper buying a .v6 .

Yes - easy to tell a 4cyl shell from a v6 - pressings on inner guards different etc - but you will need (at least)
 - a v6 crossmember and mounts (4cyl one wont work)
 larger radiator (new radiator mounts),
 new gearbox mount,
new exhaust system and mounts,
front springs.
V6 ran larger rear drums,
accelarator cable set up.
V6 diff bolts straight up but brake line is in a different spot.
An easy conversion but will always be a 4cyl (unless you change the inner guards etc - then you might fool them)

Thanks for the advice.
I'm not looking at trying to pass it off as a GT, so not concerned regarding the inner panel braces, fuel tank etc. What is the difference in cross members? Can my 4 cylinder one be modified. If not does anybody have a V6 crossmember they want to sell. I am also looking for a pedal assembly to if anybody has a spare they want to sell, thanks again.

A friend has a V6 with auto he put into a 1600 manual shell, not too many problems if you are ever in Melb you could drop by and take a look,  

You might also need a V6 bonnet to clear the air cleaner and V6 instrument cluster.  The 4cyl battery tray is further back than the V6 one, but most conversions leave them where they are.  If you consider the cost of the conversion and the value of your car as is the matching numbers V6 on ebay might be a better buy when you consider the total cost and final value. 

Ive got a v6 diff and maybe a radiator if that helps im in brisbane.

Hi Jimmy thanks for letting me know about your diff, I am in Tassie so freight may be a huge cost.
But I will keep you in mind if I get stuck.
Just a bit more background regarding my thought behind the conversion.
My car currently has a V6 bonnet, GT blackout paint along sill panels, rear light section etc.
I am not trying to pass it off as a genuine V6 GT, just a replica.
Yer it probably be easier to purchase a Genuine GT V6, however this car come up locally at the right price.
Also still seeking information regarding differance between 4 cylinder & V6 crossmember. I am assuming the engine mount locations are differant, bit some clarificatin would help.
So I am currently looking for the following;
Clutch and brake pedals.
I have a 1600 GT dash, does anybody have a V6 tacho?
V6 crossmember
V6 diff including brakes
I assume I can use my 4 cylinder struts and fit the heaver v6 springs.
Again any advise is appreciated.

So I am currently looking for the following;
Clutch and brake pedals. I may have a manual pedal box, will have to check over the weekend.
I have a 1600 GT dash, does anybody have a V6 tacho? I have a spare V6 instrument cluster.
V6 crossmember I have a spare V6 crossmember which I was going to use for a V8 conversion.
V6 diff including brakes
I assume I can use my 4 cylinder struts and fit the heaver v6 springs. That should be fine, but be aware that the struts fitted to Capris had two different heights for the spring seats - standard height and country suspension pack height. I don't think there is a massive height difference, but it may be handy to know in case you need to swap a strut over.
Again any advise is appreciated.


There will be those who have done this conversion who can give advice, but it may be worth considering a celica/supra 5 spd box instead of the original 4 spd. That way you get a better driving experience than a standard V6 and you won't be trying to fiddle around with mounting the shifter mechanism to a 4 cylinder trans tunnel.

Cheers
Jamie

v6 and 4cyl xmembers significantly different - to the point that u really want a v6 one - use v6 springs and your struts / brakes. Yes the supra box v good - beats the old external inkage capri box and no tunnel cutting
so:
1. a v6 xmember
2. v6 springs
3. v6 diff
4. your brakes
5. can keep your battery tray
6. will have to cut your radiator mounts to fit a larger radiator
7. v6 tail shaft and box (of whatever ilk)
8. sundry rubbish