grahamw48

Just as a bit of extra useless info': The TVR 400 and 450SE 'Wedges' used the these 4 pots with Granada MK2 ESTATE vented discs, but also using the Granada (5 stud) stub axle. Cortina wishbones and steering were used. So, it could be worth cross-checking parts for these also.

Thanks for that....useful stuff. :thumbup:

Brilliant thanks...will take a look over there. :thumbup:

I've put a couple of Essex engines into MK3 Cortinas (long time ago), also using the 2.3 axle with 3.44 diff...though it's exactly the same as 2 litre axle by the way. Isn't there a tag on your diff giving the ratio ? You also have to factor in the rolling radius of the wheel/tyre combination you have fitted, and do a calculation from there. The gearbox used is not relevant to the calculation. I can't remember how many splines there were on the little splined nylon cog you need to change where the speedo cable goes into the gearbox, but maybe a bit more googling or another member here will be able to advise. The one you have already may even be ok.

Yes, I've always had Cat 1 Thatcham alarms on the TVRs that I've had (all group 20+). Insurance company has never bothered to check though...maybe because I'm an old bloke. lol! May as well sicken you off by telling you that my 400SE costs £180 a year fully comp. for me.:D Useful tip anyway thanks, and you're right the old cars were sooooo easy to nick. :( On the old insurance groups a standard Mini was group 1, a Corty 1600 group 3, and a Corty 2000 was group 5. When I put a Capri 3 litre motor into my 2000 GXL, they only put the insurance up one group. Didn't even ask me for an engineer's report. :)

Great idea...and save me doing all the bloody work. lol ! :thumbup:

I fitted a 3 litre Essex with auto box out of a Capri into a MK3 Cortina, along with the matching Capri rad (with oil cooler at the bottom). I discarded the viscous fan and fitted an electric one. Personally I'd keep the oil cooler to be on the safe side. Radiators are a lot cheaper than gearboxes. I put 20,000 miles on the Corty before I sold it, still running perfectly and never any overheating issues, engine or box. Edited to add: The 3 litre Capri rad' has the oil cooler actually integrated along the bottom section, not a separate component as yours appears to be. So there's your problem. Buy a Capri 3 litre auto radiator ! :D

IMO the original void bushes were fine when new, and yes putting a load of stiff ones in their place will screw up the handling. I would perhaps put firmer ones on the front subframe to body, and the fronts on the lower rear radius arms only. Uprate the springs all round (25%), and put a decent set of adjustable shocks on.

Thanks Chris, that's sound advice mate. :thumbup:

Maybe had a small bump in the past ? .

I've only had 3s 4s and 5s. My favourite has to be the MK3 (mini Camaro looks?). I got my first company one when I was 21, and they were a BIG car. At that time and at that age size meant a lot in the one-upmanship stakes. :D They were also one of the quickest cars around in that price bracket. Fun on a windy day on the M1, and front end floating around, bonnet flapping slightly. I used to be flat out wherever it was possible (a lot more places than now :D). Great long distance cruiser though, and even with all the body roll, hard to lose grip on a corner if you were brave enough (ie under 25). Still frightens me to think of the speeds I'd take certain bends at on roads that I'm still using today. :rolleyes: Never ever lost control of or pranged a Corty though. They are actually quite a capable car when grasped by the scruff of the neck and MADE to handle. I wasn't happy (at the time) when they came up with the squared looks of the later models, but the dash was much nicer. I know the original MK3 dash does look 'charming' now, but let's be honest, it's always looked plastic wood-effect cheap and nasty. I think that the original type rear end combined with new front worked much better on the Cortina Estate than on the Escort version. My early MK3s were used as company cars, doing upwards of 500 miles a week, and the seats were probably to this day the best for comfort. :) As a kid I remember my dad hiring a MK1, which he hated...being a BMC man. Cheap and cheerful family car. 'Dagenham Dustbin' reputation (THEN). MK2 Cortina, came across as a classier car, and the 1600GT and 1600E were 'hot' and respected. I'd like one.

I'll second that. :D I was just so gobsmacked when he said he thought they were cool. B)

Thanks Mike. :thumbup: My TVRs have been with Adrian Flux, so I'll give them a call first, but your figures are 'encouraging'. :)

Thanks guys...will take a look on ebay. :) Any other experiences still welcome.

Hello all. Yes, could have knocked me down with a feather when my lad announced that the only car he wants after passing his (imminent) test is a Corty MK3...and no persuasion at all ! :o So, ok he's picked the most expensive model :rolleyes: , but also my favourite. :) First thing I'm thinking is INSURANCE :o . Has to be a 1600 then. I'm used to having classic insurance for the various TVRs I've owned, but has anyone had experience of insuring a Corty for such a young driver, or should I put him out of his misery and tell him to get a 1 litre Fiat ? Any advice appreciated. :)