My Mk2 Cortina Project

Hi guys, first post here for me, just joined these forums recently, and been enjoying looking at the many nice cars on here, especially Escorts which I have a little sweet spot for.

I recognise a few user names, and some of you may have seen me round other forums, in which case you might know about my project. I have a '70 Mk2 Cortina, which is at the moment a bare shell, it's not even rolling anymore as I have removed the original diff and rear suspension in preparation for the new stuff to be fitted.

That is because I will be fitting a 289, yes a V8, into the car. The new diff is out of a '90something Falcon, and it's currently being narrowed to fit. I am retaining the leaf spring setup. I did consider other options like 4 link, and triangulated setups, but I decided to go with the simpler option. I believe it's possible to have a nice handling and riding car with leaf springs, particularly with the use of Nolathane. The car will be street driven only, I have no intention of running it on the circuit or strip.

I will be using a T5 5 speed gearbox, also from a Falcon. The front suspension will be completely replaced as well, using a unit from a Mitsubishi L300 van, and I will be starting to work on fitting that once the rear suspension is fitted. Obviously, wit hthe V8 being a much larger engine than the Cortina was designed for, there will have to be some modifications. The firewall will be recessed, and the transmission tunnel enlarged.

That's just a breif overview of the project and my plans, for a more detailed description and pictures, you can have a look at the little website I have created to detail the build.

http://www.freewebs.com/mk2maniac/

that thing is going to fly...maybe just one run down the strip mate haha

Thanks for the comments guys. According to the casting numbers the 289 was originally in a Galaxie. I haven't had it rebuilt yet, but it won't be anything overboard, just simple, and built with plenty of the typical good bits so it's strong and reliable, and sounds good. Exact specs will be decided closer to when it goes to the engine builder, and will be based on what he recommends, because I'm certainly no expert in that field (not yet anyway). I'm not out to make huge numbers, as I've said it's a street cruiser and show goer.

And yes, I like the billet too, plenty of polished stuff will be the theme.

Here are some pics of the L300 front suspension unit I will be using for those who are interested.

This will be very interesting to follow, good stuff.

Sounds to be a fair reason to make the change.. Keep us updated

Well I haven't updated on this forum for a while, so I will bring you all up to speed. I might it sound like a $hitload of work has happened but it hasn't really.

I mentioned I was taking the car away to have the fuel tank hole cut bigger. I have done that and the car is back home again, here are some pictures of the work.


I made a carboard dummy of the tank and sat it in place, approximately where it is going to sit. It sits up slightly in the boot, which will allow me to fabricate a false floor, which will clear the electric fuel pump and filter, which are going to be mounted in the spare wheel well. The well on the opposite side will contain a little tool kit, and I'm going to make little hatch lids to go over them. A couple of shots of my mock up.



My boot will look somehing like this, though no subs, the battery and possibly the brake booster, depending on what I decide to do for that, will be mounted behind the panel, hidden from view. My engineer offered a suggestion for the booster, one from a Hiace van or similar, mounted behind the dash to keep it plumbed up front, and actuated with a bell crank. Another option would be a VH40 in the boot, actuated by vacuum.



Also, so changes to my front suspesnion plans to note.I was initially going to use the L300 front end, but I've decided against that for a number of reasons. The L300 unit is a large, and heavy front end and I'm concerned about how this will impact the handling of the car. I also feel it requires too much modification to fit, and will not be of a standard or look that I am satisfied with.

My plan now is to fit completely custom, tubular wishbones and adjustable coilovers. I am in contact with McDonald Bros. Racing in Australia in regards to the tubular wishbones they make, and I'm gethering some information from them at the moment. Here are a number of pictures of their wishbones.


The wishbones in an XY Falcon


The certifier/engineer came to give the car its first inspection this afternoon. This is required before any further work can progress. He was very impressed with what has been done so far, and my intentions for my front and rear suspension setup. I'm now in the process of selling some parts in order to get some funds so I can start buying things like these wishbones.

Wow,
always wanted a v8 cortina. Cant wait to see this coming together.[^]