Recommended Xflow information resources?
Discussion
Andrew Gray said:
LOL Confession time I do have a 5 speed
She sits all day long at 90mph cruising at 3900 rpm at 45lb oil pressure and never goes over 85 degrees on the gauge not sure if its accurate but has never had an issue.
Have taken her to 115 with 1000rpm before she red lines.
I did one stint where I was over 90 for about 50 miles constantly and the oil pressure started to drop to about 38 so I slowed down to 70 and she was back up to 45 after a few min I will be fitting an oil cooler at some point but its not often you get to do 50 miles without having to slow down
If you do long trips like I do then the 5 speed is fantastic.
Andrew
I do get the 5 speed conversion as mine at 80mph is rather revvy for comfortable cruising. However the purist in me likes the idea of the 4 speed box - I know that's probably illogical but anywy that's how I am. So as an alternative what's the up & down sides of changing diff ratios to get more comfortable cruising, what ratios work well and how would it compare to a 5 speed box?She sits all day long at 90mph cruising at 3900 rpm at 45lb oil pressure and never goes over 85 degrees on the gauge not sure if its accurate but has never had an issue.
Have taken her to 115 with 1000rpm before she red lines.
I did one stint where I was over 90 for about 50 miles constantly and the oil pressure started to drop to about 38 so I slowed down to 70 and she was back up to 45 after a few min I will be fitting an oil cooler at some point but its not often you get to do 50 miles without having to slow down
If you do long trips like I do then the 5 speed is fantastic.
Andrew
Moto
Moto said:
Andrew Gray said:
LOL Confession time I do have a 5 speed
She sits all day long at 90mph cruising at 3900 rpm at 45lb oil pressure and never goes over 85 degrees on the gauge not sure if its accurate but has never had an issue.
Have taken her to 115 with 1000rpm before she red lines.
I did one stint where I was over 90 for about 50 miles constantly and the oil pressure started to drop to about 38 so I slowed down to 70 and she was back up to 45 after a few min I will be fitting an oil cooler at some point but its not often you get to do 50 miles without having to slow down
If you do long trips like I do then the 5 speed is fantastic.
Andrew
I do get the 5 speed conversion as mine at 80mph is rather revvy for comfortable cruising. However the purist in me likes the idea of the 4 speed box - I know that's probably illogical but anywy that's how I am. So as an alternative what's the up & down sides of changing diff ratios to get more comfortable cruising, what ratios work well and how would it compare to a 5 speed box?She sits all day long at 90mph cruising at 3900 rpm at 45lb oil pressure and never goes over 85 degrees on the gauge not sure if its accurate but has never had an issue.
Have taken her to 115 with 1000rpm before she red lines.
I did one stint where I was over 90 for about 50 miles constantly and the oil pressure started to drop to about 38 so I slowed down to 70 and she was back up to 45 after a few min I will be fitting an oil cooler at some point but its not often you get to do 50 miles without having to slow down
If you do long trips like I do then the 5 speed is fantastic.
Andrew
Moto
However with the V8 power through no plan of either Mat or Myself we have a very civilised V8 0 to 60 is not what it would be (under 6 seconds) with other Diffs but as a cruising V8 she is interesting.
Acceleration for me is more than enough for my driving skills still scares me if I want it to.
Someone tried to catch me in a Cerb last year and struggled but cruises at 90 all day long and gives 25 miles to the gallon 300 miles on a Tank which is rather good.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Andrew
V6Pushfit said:
What's is the attraction of fitting a 5 year old engine in a 46 year old car anyway? I don't get it.
I find fitting a modern engine to an old car to give it fuss free performance and reliability very attractive. Far more attractive than spending a small fortune on an overpriced old oil burner with a broken engine block??N.
The Crossflow isn't an oil burner. There are crossflows than burn oil as there are zetecs and every other engine - they just need fixing. I haven't lost any oil in 10k miles and my engine hasn't been rebuilt for 30 years. It's also fine for running in traffic. I do it all the time without any problems. It's also reliable, it's never broken down - sorry a fan belt broke once and I drove home using a number of cable ties as a makeshift belt. Hardly a criticism of the Crossflow though.
It would be fair to say that a Crossflow running twin webers drinks fuel. I reckon on average I get <20mpg, a lot less than say a Zetec. It also doesn't deliver as much BHP as a Zetec could and much less than say a Duratec. Finally it's also fair to say it needs more regular maintenance, mainly carburation and points. But then most people install a simple electronic ignition system replacing the points.
It would be fair to say that a Crossflow running twin webers drinks fuel. I reckon on average I get <20mpg, a lot less than say a Zetec. It also doesn't deliver as much BHP as a Zetec could and much less than say a Duratec. Finally it's also fair to say it needs more regular maintenance, mainly carburation and points. But then most people install a simple electronic ignition system replacing the points.
Moto said:
The Crossflow isn't an oil burner. There are crossflows than burn oil as there are zetecs and every other engine - they just need fixing. I haven't lost any oil in 10k miles and my engine hasn't been rebuilt for 30 years. It's also fine for running in traffic. I do it all the time without any problems. It's also reliable, it's never broken down - sorry a fan belt broke once and I drove home using a number of cable ties as a makeshift belt. Hardly a criticism of the Crossflow though.
It would be fair to say that a Crossflow running twin webers drinks fuel. I reckon on average I get <20mpg, a lot less than say a Zetec. It also doesn't deliver as much BHP as a Zetec could and much less than say a Duratec. Finally it's also fair to say it needs more regular maintenance, mainly carburation and points. But then most people install a simple electronic ignition system replacing the points.
Very True It would be fair to say that a Crossflow running twin webers drinks fuel. I reckon on average I get <20mpg, a lot less than say a Zetec. It also doesn't deliver as much BHP as a Zetec could and much less than say a Duratec. Finally it's also fair to say it needs more regular maintenance, mainly carburation and points. But then most people install a simple electronic ignition system replacing the points.
yes I think my V8 Tuscan is getting more MPG LOL but probably because when I drive the Vixen I drive like I stole it with the Tuscan I drive like I respect it A
Moto said:
The Crossflow isn't an oil burner. There are crossflows than burn oil as there are zetecs and every other engine - they just need fixing. I haven't lost any oil in 10k miles and my engine hasn't been rebuilt for 30 years. It's also fine for running in traffic. I do it all the time without any problems. It's also reliable, it's never broken down - sorry a fan belt broke once and I drove home using a number of cable ties as a makeshift belt. Hardly a criticism of the Crossflow though.
It would be fair to say that a Crossflow running twin webers drinks fuel. I reckon on average I get <20mpg, a lot less than say a Zetec. It also doesn't deliver as much BHP as a Zetec could and much less than say a Duratec. Finally it's also fair to say it needs more regular maintenance, mainly carburation and points. But then most people install a simple electronic ignition system replacing the points.
As much as I love the venerable old crossflow.,It is a very antiquated design. That said It can give a lovely character to a car..The point I was making was in respect to the 20 year old Caterham supersport engine with a cracked lug and 50k plus miles on the clock that someone wants £800 for !! Now I know that some people want character but when you can get a brand new Zetec for the same money or a 60k miler for about £150.. Then all I can surmise is that there must be one born every minute…Now I have built a good few crossflows in my time and as engines go it must be the most simple I have ever worked on…so unless I am missing something I would have thought that rather than pay £800 for something with a supersport rocker cover..£800 would get you a fair old way down the line of retaining the original engine…and upping its power...It would be fair to say that a Crossflow running twin webers drinks fuel. I reckon on average I get <20mpg, a lot less than say a Zetec. It also doesn't deliver as much BHP as a Zetec could and much less than say a Duratec. Finally it's also fair to say it needs more regular maintenance, mainly carburation and points. But then most people install a simple electronic ignition system replacing the points.
I don't get a lot of things.. What I struggle with the most is the so called purist who quotes originality but then for some reason all of the non std stuff on their car is still in character… e.g… a 711m block or AX block in an S2 vixen, a 5 speed box or a must have BDA engine..because the BDA is a period engine and a modern Zetec isn't !! surely the modern zetec is just a modern incarnation of a BDA…Now a Duratec certainly isn't its based on a Jap yamaha engine!! but I digress.
Some people may want originality at all costs …BUT! I have yet to see it because generally something is always altered to suit an individual owner whether it be a 5sp box or some nice but not quite correct sill plates…No criticism but I cannot then understand this discussion about spoiling a cars character. What price character?…Most seem to want to spend a small fortune to get some twin 40's on the old crossflow…Why? Surely it can only be because the owner is in some way unsatisfied with the std performance of the 691 block and GT spec 1600 crossflow..
So the true purist who wants character…surely this is the man with the bog std car…
Anyone else is just another fettler with his or her own idea of being period correct…
Someone has a 1600 x flow on e-bay for £3500 at the moment.. Now that really would be insanity at all costs!!
Still each to their own!
Bye the way….talking of BDA's
This is what I call original..
I agree with Neil that the x-flow is of an antiquated design, very much like the rest of the car. The very fact that it is such a dead simple engine is for me part of the charm and one of it's main attributes. Certainly for me it scores heavily over any engine with a multitude of valves, cogs, springs and camshafts - oh and cylinders in the case of Andrew's Tuscan. Apart from a camshaft change, which is an engine out and turn up-side down job, everything else is an absolute doddle. I know the upsurge in interest in old fords has led to a run on xflow bits but it should also ensure that there will always be someone who can supply the bits you need.
I also agree that the non-standard choice of a twin 40 set up isn't logical but when strapped onto the side of the old x-flow its likes eggs and bacon to me - a perfect combination. Personally I don't miss a 5th gear but admittedly I rarely do long trips. Surely if any of us want a super reliable, incredibly quick and economical motor then why on earth would we choose to drive old TVRS. I guess the exception is for those rare individuals who use there cars for everyday transport. If you ask me we're all bonkers.
I also agree that the non-standard choice of a twin 40 set up isn't logical but when strapped onto the side of the old x-flow its likes eggs and bacon to me - a perfect combination. Personally I don't miss a 5th gear but admittedly I rarely do long trips. Surely if any of us want a super reliable, incredibly quick and economical motor then why on earth would we choose to drive old TVRS. I guess the exception is for those rare individuals who use there cars for everyday transport. If you ask me we're all bonkers.
tomtrout said:
I agree with Neil that the x-flow is of an antiquated design, very much like the rest of the car. The very fact that it is such a dead simple engine is for me part of the charm and one of it's main attributes. Certainly for me it scores heavily over any engine with a multitude of valves, cogs, springs and camshafts - oh and cylinders in the case of Andrew's Tuscan. Apart from a camshaft change, which is an engine out and turn up-side down job, everything else is an absolute doddle. I know the upsurge in interest in old fords has led to a run on xflow bits but it should also ensure that there will always be someone who can supply the bits you need.
I also agree that the non-standard choice of a twin 40 set up isn't logical but when strapped onto the side of the old x-flow its likes eggs and bacon to me - a perfect combination. Personally I don't miss a 5th gear but admittedly I rarely do long trips. Surely if any of us want a super reliable, incredibly quick and economical motor then why on earth would we choose to drive old TVRS. I guess the exception is for those rare individuals who use there cars for everyday transport. If you ask me we're all bonkers.
Dead right..Anyone with real sense would just buy a Porsche Boxter!! Can be had for as little as £5k these days…..I also agree that the non-standard choice of a twin 40 set up isn't logical but when strapped onto the side of the old x-flow its likes eggs and bacon to me - a perfect combination. Personally I don't miss a 5th gear but admittedly I rarely do long trips. Surely if any of us want a super reliable, incredibly quick and economical motor then why on earth would we choose to drive old TVRS. I guess the exception is for those rare individuals who use there cars for everyday transport. If you ask me we're all bonkers.
N.
£800 Neil?? It went for nearly £1200. That's serious money although I think you're being a bit rascally about the crack it's only on a lug and with a good repair. There was that famous crossflow engine called Patch that had a rod hole though the side with a bit of tin over it and was still successfully raced!
V6Pushfit said:
£800 Neil?? It went for nearly £1200. That's serious money although I think you're being a bit rascally about the crack it's only on a lug and with a good repair. There was that famous crossflow engine called Patch that had a rod hole though the side with a bit of tin over it and was still successfully raced!
£1200 for a second hand (damaged) antiquated engine is Lunacy..More to do with the ever upward spiral of values with anything that has a ford badge stuck on it!! as I said earlier..there must be one born every minute. I could put a lovely x-flow engine together for a lot less than that and certainly that money would get you a new zetec plus most of the way to the induction kit required to get it up and running…There is just no logic to what people are prepared to pay these days! and as I said..Non original is Non original..if you are going to go to all that trouble then you may as well do a proper job of being non original….N.
Cars are only original once.
After restoration they are no longer original however there are many approaches to a restoration and some go one direction and some go another and then some go the customised route.
Modern engines modern Gauges switches etc seats wheels trim bonnets off another model to give a different look can only be described as a Customised car not a restored car.
That's fine if that's what an owner wants and many later TVRs have had that done.
Most TVRs have had some alterations and some parts supplied from suppliers have been altered or modified to improve at times anyway.
If you where restoring a 60s Porsche and needed an engine could you fit a Volkswagen engine yes would you no.
None of my cars could be described as Original but the nicest thing about them from my point is they are Mine.
I am sure in years to come when they are no longer mine others may change things and take them in a different direction.
The important things is not matter what you do with your cars you USE them Drive them and enjoy them they may be nice to Look at but the best View is from the Drivers seat.
Andrew
After restoration they are no longer original however there are many approaches to a restoration and some go one direction and some go another and then some go the customised route.
Modern engines modern Gauges switches etc seats wheels trim bonnets off another model to give a different look can only be described as a Customised car not a restored car.
That's fine if that's what an owner wants and many later TVRs have had that done.
Most TVRs have had some alterations and some parts supplied from suppliers have been altered or modified to improve at times anyway.
If you where restoring a 60s Porsche and needed an engine could you fit a Volkswagen engine yes would you no.
None of my cars could be described as Original but the nicest thing about them from my point is they are Mine.
I am sure in years to come when they are no longer mine others may change things and take them in a different direction.
The important things is not matter what you do with your cars you USE them Drive them and enjoy them they may be nice to Look at but the best View is from the Drivers seat.
Andrew
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