Project Capri (The Second)

[similarnames]

Two days ago 1JZ barely fitted in the engine bay.. We are still struggling to figure out mounting. I was little sad to see the amount of abuse that the car has to undergo.. I hope it will look decent once finished !!

[Komisiripala]

Oh my...

[The Don]

I think to others following this thread, I say, take a leaf out of Caterham, who build fantastic sports cars which are light weight as well as Agile. When chosing an engine for an older car with a small bay make sure you opt for a compact power unit with a good power to cylinder capacity ratio. Engines used in Kit cars are actually good indicators. The Ford Pinto, The Rover K Series, the Toyota Celica 1.8 engine comes to mind....

I'm not trying to detract from the fine efforts of the OP, just tying to provide some perspective which will hopefully help others thinking of similar projects.

[Hoonigan]

That's a lot of engine The full perspective of things is only just coming to light!

As talked about earlier, the biggest of the Capri engines being V6s and this being a straight 6 was expected to pose a few challeges right? If possible, it would be nice to see what sort of bracing you have done structural integrity.

[Rachitha]

I see your car every day on my way to work near Rajagiriya. Was wondering whats happenning. Now its clear.

Why not remove all the accessories first. There is enough space there. With the weight of the car I think the 1JZ matches well. My 2cts.

[similarnames]

Guys..

Now it seems that the reinforcement part only helps the nose of the car. It does not do much to strengthen the chassis or the firewall (of which a part was cut a few days back). I wasn't sure about the capacity of those mechanics so did not go to remove accessories much(They are careless with the spares). Its only another few more days to fix the major parts.

On a side note.. I agree to what Don said !! Its just a crazy idea to think of a 1JZ. But i am really happy that i pulled this off this far. May be the 1JZ craze in the other parts of the world made me try this. Quite honestly, i did not have the slightest idea if it going to success or not !. I think there could be infinite number possibilities for a project to fail and a very few to success. I wasn't motor-mechanically literate enough even to take a calculated risk . Keeping moderate hopes to finish (most of it) at least by the end of the year it as my wife wants to set fire to it .

I would highly value your advice and comments as they keep the project going ...

Edited May 29, 2014 by similarnames

[Hoonigan]

Machan I vaguely remember hearing about a 1JZ MK1 Capri being done by someone else in SL. Someone in the racing scene but I don't remember much more. Maybe someone else in the forum knows more.

Anyways, nothing ventured nothing gained. Don't give up now

[similarnames]

Reeeeely???? thought it was an SR20DET.. Can't wait to hear about it !!

[MasterDon]

I think to others following this thread, I say, take a leaf out of Caterham, who build fantastic sports cars which are light weight as well as Agile. When chosing an engine for an older car with a small bay make sure you opt for a compact power unit with a good power to cylinder capacity ratio. Engines used in Kit cars are actually good indicators. The Ford Pinto, The Rover K Series, the Toyota Celica 1.8 engine comes to mind....

I'm not trying to detract from the fine efforts of the OP, just tying to provide some perspective which will hopefully help others thinking of similar projects.

Not only Caterham Don.The whole British sports car industry is based on the principles you've mentioned...it is very tempting to put high capacity high output engines to project cars for bragging rights but most screw it up by mutilating the chassis trying to mount it.And because of that these cars will have power delivery and handling issues when pushed so you'd always have to under drive it.Believe it or not engine mounting points has a major effect on how a car behaves.....this is a general comment and not regarding OP's capri.I'm sure it'll turn out well.

[Devinda_Z]

i know i brought up the roll cage point before, but i worry that the engine is going to be "too much" for what is, with no disrespect, a very very tired looking body. Given the amount of cutting & chopping that's been done, both now & previously, i worry very much about the structural integrity or the potential lack there of, in a car of this age when coupled with an engine capable of over 200 bhp is a little dangerous

I sincerely, as much as the many who've been following this project, want to see this work out well - but have my fears on the durability of this swap. It's one thing to get the engine to fit, but whats the point of throwing the engine in if you can't put the power down or if you can't throw it in to a corner hard without the thought of impending doom looming

As an option though, why not consider investing in (a locally fabricated perhaps) tubular frame?

It's a tried tested & proven option when taking the big power route on older cars, whilst ensuring safety & structural integrity.

[Devinda_Z]

These may be a little excessive for this though..... essentially a space frame with a GRP body or pannels that will fit in over

http://www.turbosport.co.uk/showthread.php?t=148826&s=9c45907c2bc14295037ef3199346f860&p=1631615&viewfull=1#post1631615

http://passionford.com/forum/general-car-related-discussion/390636-shp-engineering-mk1-escort-spaceframed-replica-kit.html

A tubular frame inside the monocoque / unibody with mounting points for the drive train incorporated may be better

[similarnames]

Thanks everyone. And Devinda_z, a tubular frame was in the back of my mind. But these mechs are not the people to do that. the only reason that I am keeping the care at present garage is, I can pay close attention.

Thanks for the link machan. It helps a lot..

[Ruslan]

I think to others following this thread, I say, take a leaf out of Caterham, who build fantastic sports cars which are light weight as well as Agile. When chosing an engine for an older car with a small bay make sure you opt for a compact power unit with a good power to cylinder capacity ratio. Engines used in Kit cars are actually good indicators. The Ford Pinto, The Rover K Series, the Toyota Celica 1.8 engine comes to mind....

I'm not trying to detract from the fine efforts of the OP, just tying to provide some perspective which will hopefully help others thinking of similar projects.

Hey Don,

I think your talking about the Yamaha Designed 2ZZ-GE motor. I only saw one in SL in a Corolla Runx (Hatch).

[Komisiripala]

I think Sacha Pieris does tubular frames. Roll cages etc. it'll be expensive but maybe you could look into it? Plus get your exhaust worked on?

It's just that we'd love to have you alive and not wrapped around a coconut tree

[GTAm]

Guys..

Now it seems that the reinforcement part only helps the nose of the car. It does not do much to strengthen the chassis or the firewall (of which a part was cut a few days back).

Whaaat?? You cut part of the firewall? Not a good idea mate. Not good at all I'm sad to say. You better get someone who knows what they are doing it to try at add some strength back to salvage the project. You might end up with a heavier car (If you are bent on this engine transplant) but you'll avoid breaking the car in two when it's stressed.

Your other comment about selecting these mechanics based purely in terms of convenience is also not great to put it mildly, for such a complex project. Just take a break for a few days and think about it, talk to experts who have done something even close. Or else you will end up with an expensive failed experiment. Just my 2cents.

[Supra_Natural]

Not to put you off or anything, but the firewall is kind of a VERY important structural component of the car. And by cutting it, you've significantly weakened the structure! So it will need significant time and effort invested into reinforcing the car (perhaps even a full/semi tubular frame) if you ever hope to be able to drive it safely. As GTam says, you need to take a step back and look at the whole thing again and talk to a few people who are good at doing projects of this scale. The average mechanic at the corner garage probably is not the best choice for this situation man.

Perhaps talk to sacha at WEPR and maybe sabry at Raptor to decide what to do next.

[VVTi]

Machang, did you ever check with any of the UK/EU/OZ/NZ based Capri clubs about the mod you were planning?

Caoz there are guys who have dropped V8s as well.

http://www.fordcapriforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=39262

Edited May 30, 2014 by VVTi

[similarnames]

Seems going to be very hard work.. They have cut about 1sqft out of firewall.

Anyways texted Sacha Pieris in the morning. He said he will help.

And thanks guys for opening my eyes !!!

[The Don]

I think Sacha Pieris does tubular frames. Roll cages etc. it'll be expensive but maybe you could look into it? Plus get your exhaust worked on?

It's just that we'd love to have you alive and not wrapped around a coconut tree

The only issue with Sacha while very good is the cost, so only makes sense for real high performance applications like racing. Best get an estimate before starting work.

Also this is a typical case where planning is clearly very important on a build like this, as well as a clear vision and direction. For example if cutting and chopping was required, the strengthening should have been put in place in the form of an exo skelleton etc before the cuts or chops.

From one hand, I admire the pioneering nature. On the other hand, I fear for the Capri which is slowly becoming something else...

[iRage]

I am curious...when you say they cut off a 1sq ft patch do you mean they just cut it off leaving a big gaping hole there ? Of did they cut off one layer ? or did they cut it off and weld it back up with some fabricated part ?

[Komisiripala]

I'm guessing it's a hole to accomodate the transmission no?

So probably a square foot off the bottom?

Like don said, Sacha isn't cheap, but he's worth it. Doesn't matter even if you put this on hold til you can afford him.

There's a guy called Muditha Tharaka on Facebook (you can find him on my profile) he's building a perana with a 5.0l v8. Get in touch with him. Might also have some ideas about a frame. You can say I referred you.

[MasterDon]

Just FYI and with all due respect to Sacha,he is not the only who can turn out a roll cage or braces.Heck if you get the blueprints and even rough measurements a proper welder/fabricator can do the job at a fraction of the cost.It seems for some internet heroes Sacha is a big deal but always remember project cars are not about handing over ass loads of money to some garage guy and driving out a shiny car a few months later...

[The Don]

But Komi, Look at it this way.......

Whats the point of building a 3 million rupee souped up Capri....?

As you very well know, there is no end to the money you can spend on a project, and no end to the work that you can do. But whats the point? If you were lovingly restoring a rare classic to its former glory, I get that. If you were preparing a car to win races, I get that too.

But a Capri in particular was meant to be an affordable sports car, which you could tune up if you were inclined that way, a muscle car alternative to the Europeans which their narrower roads, and sensible heads.

Before we involve certain individuals, or in fact start on projects, we need to be clear on what we are trying to achieve. As you know these days I bench mark everything by Evo IV. Restore that and you have a car for all purposes. Unless its a rare classic, I'm not sure how anybody can make the numbers work otherwise.

I mean you can very easily spend 100K on a standard exhaust if you are not careful.......... There is such a thing called unnecessary customisation as well.......

[Komisiripala]

The hypocrisy in this forum sometimes... It gives me cancer.

Well don it's all down to what the individual wants with his car, isn't it? If this is what he wants to do then this is he what he wants to do. I'm pretty sure he knows it's a moot investment.

His car, his money, his wish.

It's well and good of us to point out errors which might prove to be disastrous later, but at this point in his build, it's counterproductive to his cause to tell him that his whole idea is bunkum.

[MasterDon]

The Don and I are not trying to discourage the guy.Just trying to save him some money because you keep shoving Sacha's expensive ass down the poor guys throat all because you saw his work on facebook think he's god.Wake up!People have been boosting and making cages here before the guy was even born...

We are not all not made out of money like some people.Being rich is not an excuse to be stupid.And I'd rather be the guy posting hard truths than yelling worthless ''maxxa'' or ''ela machan patta'' everytime the guy posts.

His car,his money yes...We were just mentioning that there are alternative and cheaper ways than what you were suggesting.Wether to ta take the advice or not is totally up to OP.