20 replies to this topic

[jagman.2003]

How is this little project coming along?

Sadly I ran short of time. I needed to work on a daily driver which swallowed all my time up earlier in the year.

Now my mini projects have taken over again. But the Magnum will get done....!

[sonikk4]

If I remember correctly that pig iron lump was originally going to be a V8 but the powers that be decided against it. The one thing I can remember about those bloody engines was the oil pump being a pig to fit.

They still haul well and you should get 160bhp with that set up although a good cam will help. See if you can find Bill blydenstein one. He knew his way around these lumps like no one else.

[jagman.2003]

If I remember correctly that pig iron lump was originally going to be a V8 but the powers that be decided against it. The one thing I can remember about those bloody engines was the oil pump being a pig to fit.

They still haul well and you should get 160bhp with that set up although a good cam will help. See if you can find Bill blydenstein one. He knew his way around these lumps like no one else.

You are indeed correct. I'm sure I can see the hacksaw lines across the block! V8 conversions are quite common & in this case still not out of the question one day.

The oil pump can be a pain. I have broken one & auxilliary shaft getting it out. Too impatient. It almost comes out without removing the inlet manifold, but not close enough. I think I've got an uprated one stashed somewhere.

 

They do indeed have alot of torque. Rear wheel steering is always fun. But not much power at revs standard.

It's got a big valve head & some sort've uprated cam. But don't have a clue what spec.

The car came with a large amount of spares. So just been using the best from the pile.

I'm hoping the Webers should free up some performance as the original Strombergs were very worn & power was down if weakened for emissions test.

 

The gearboxes have always been the weakest link on this car & my previous Firenza. So hoping the Ford type 9 will sort that out & make it much nicer to drive.

 

The Magnum has been cleaned & tucked up next to the Mini's so if I get short of things to do I will get it up on some stands & start pulling the old gearbox out.

Edited by jagman.2003, 28 August 2015 - 10:55 AM.

[sonikk4]

The only issue with the Type 9  especially the four pot models is they are not the strongest of boxes. The V6 one is a slightly better box but certainly for swapping onto another 4 pot Pinto the very end of the layshaft had to be machined back as it protruded further into the crank on the V6's.

 

Mine at its peak in my RS was dealing with just shy of 160bhp and 145 lbs ft of torque and i used and abused it. The 2.8i boxes had to contend with that as standard anyway. There are upgrade kits readily available for these boxes though. Might pay you to fit a quick shift conversion as well. That does work really well and made a huge difference to gear selection.

 

Now if you could afford one then the T5 from a 2wd Cossie would be the beastie to get.

 

The Webers will make a big difference (i take it they are 45's, 40's will be too small) i had to modify the return springs on mine by adding another set of springs to get a bit more resistance. The single springs although worked just did not feel right.  

[jagman.2003]

The only issue with the Type 9  especially the four pot models is they are not the strongest of boxes. The V6 one is a slightly better box but certainly for swapping onto another 4 pot Pinto the very end of the layshaft had to be machined back as it protruded further into the crank on the V6's.

 

Mine at its peak in my RS was dealing with just shy of 160bhp and 145 lbs ft of torque and i used and abused it. The 2.8i boxes had to contend with that as standard anyway. There are upgrade kits readily available for these boxes though. Might pay you to fit a quick shift conversion as well. That does work really well and made a huge difference to gear selection.

 

Now if you could afford one then the T5 from a 2wd Cossie would be the beastie to get.

 

The Webers will make a big difference (i take it they are 45's, 40's will be too small) i had to modify the return springs on mine by adding another set of springs to get a bit more resistance. The single springs although worked just did not feel right.  

 

Thanks for the tips.

I would imagine the engine might be putting out about 150bhp once done. But that may be wishful thinking.

As long as it's a bit more lively than standard I'll be happy.

I think my type 9 just came out of a 2L Sierra. I pulled it out myself from a local scrap yard many moons ago.

I've heard the Cosworth one is the item to have. Will consider that as an upgrade. A friend is using one on a V6 I believe.

All the Vauxhall 4-speed gearboxes I've had have been rubbish. Including the overdrive one I have now.

 

And yes I've got a quick shift for it. I had mislaid the original, so what was I to do...

 

Yes the Webers are 45's. I think 48's were a common choice as well if I wanted to really got to town on the head.

I've got a few tuning books including Gerry Marshall's biography for reference.

[sonikk4]

Yep 48's were the weapons of choice on the seriously tuned motors. Bill Blydenstein was a guru on these engines and at one point had them out to 2.6ltr and if memory serves me correctly i believe even 2.7. Now that would be torque monster. He had a lot of input on the Rally Chevettes i believe and was synonymous with big numbers.

 

Although a big lump of metal they did go well. My mates 2.3 Magnum used to pee all over my 2ltr Cortina and i must admit i did like driving it.