2.3 v6 ghia running gear

[mad dog mccarthy]

I know this is not the norm, but i have decided to put a cortina or similar ford 2.3 V6 ghia engine in my trike, but here's where i need the help from you guy's, to start with i'm disabled, and have no idea of mechanical knowledge.

How easy is it to do the basic electrics just enough to get it running?
It seems to me that these engines came with a manual box, Why are auto's hard to find these days?

Thanks for reading this guy's, hope at least one of you can help.

[Justin S]

Good luck with the project. I guess with running a carb you should be able to get it running with just an electrical feed to the coil etc. Pretty basic stuff if you search for info. My only thought is that the 2.3 V6 wasnt the best engine and weighs a huge amount, which may make the trike difficult to manouvre, which is probably why people stuck Rover V8's in, as they are probably lighter.

[VinceFox]

Sounds like an interesting project, id agree the 2.3 isn't ideal, but if it's a freebie go for it.

Electrically theyre're pretty simple iirc. I'd definitely have a haynes manual on hand though.

[mad dog mccarthy]

I had thought of the rover V8, but i wont fit, at the moment its has a reliant engine, but thats useless, and i'm still trying to find a decent V6 with auto box, if the for unit i wanted is too heavy then i may have to rethink this. Look at pic and tell me what you think

[mk2 24v]

there was a trike in BSH ages ago that had an Essex v6 without a gearbox just the clutch operating straight to the prop!

as for your setup, the 2.8 would be a better bet as its the same size as the 2.3.
Banger racers are the best bet for a 3speed auto, or even use the A4lde autobox that was used in the mk3 granadas and sierras

[mad dog mccarthy]

mk2 24v said:

there was a trike in BSH ages ago that had an Essex v6 without a gearbox just the clutch operating straight to the prop!

as for your setup, the 2.8 would be a better bet as its the same size as the 2.3.
Banger racers are the best bet for a 3speed auto, or even use the A4lde autobox that was used in the mk3 granadas and sierras

Some good advice there, but i've been told of a nice engine and auto box 3.0L out of a mk2 transit camper van at my local breakers, i'll be there at opening time tomorrow.

[Justin S]

Thought the transit engines were a lower compression engine so not as potent as the car versions. But thats good, as you can put more boost from a supercharger into it for better gains !!! Good luck.

[mad dog mccarthy]

Justin S said:

Thought the transit engines were a lower compression engine so not as potent as the car versions. But thats good, as you can put more boost from a supercharger into it for better gains !!! Good luck.

Well i went and looked at the engine, they even started it, i drove it around the yard and all is good, so i got it at the bargain price of £150 thats cheap as i got the gearbox as well. Yes its the low compression engine, great for touring, but i wont be putting a supercharger on it, because its a trike not a rally car, my trike frame only wieghs 285kg's so power to wieght ratio it will be quicker than most cars on the road anyway, especially as i'm sticking a couple of DCOE40 Webbers on it. I also bought a capri 3.0L LSD axel.

I will be posting pic's of the build as it happens, it would help if i knew someone with good welding skills, to weld up a few brackets, and someone with spray equipment, but never mind thats not needed yet.

[VinceFox]

mad dog mccarthy said:

Justin S said:

Thought the transit engines were a lower compression engine so not as potent as the car versions. But thats good, as you can put more boost from a supercharger into it for better gains !!! Good luck.

Well i went and looked at the engine, they even started it, i drove it around the yard and all is good, so i got it at the bargain price of £150 thats cheap as i got the gearbox as well. Yes its the low compression engine, great for touring, but i wont be putting a supercharger on it, because its a trike not a rally car, my trike frame only wieghs 285kg's so power to wieght ratio it will be quicker than most cars on the road anyway, especially as i'm sticking a couple of DCOE40 Webbers on it. I also bought a capri 3.0L LSD axel.

I will be posting pic's of the build as it happens, it would help if i knew someone with good welding skills, to weld up a few brackets, and someone with spray equipment, but never mind thats not needed yet.

Thiscis going to need pics, definitely. You given thought to tank type yet?

[mad dog mccarthy]

VinceFox said:

Thiscis going to need pics, definitely. You given thought to tank type yet?

I han'nt thought about the tank as yet, but i do have a really nice 100L air tank from my compressor, and it fits perfectly between the rear wheels, so it just needs a few bits ground off and converted to hold the fuel, it'll also act as a bit of wieght on the rear for traction perposes, i also intend to use a auxillary tank up front, probably use some kind of harley tank?