Capri 2.8- what to look out for?

[Jimmy No Hands]

Hello all,

I have been offered a 2.8i Special and was wondering if anybody can give me a comprehensive "buyers check list" Have had a read online but sometimes its nice to get the opinion of an owner past or present. This particular example has an LPG kit.

Thank you.

[B7PSG]

Jimmy No Hands said:

Hello all,

I have been offered a 2.8i Special and was wondering if anybody can give me a comprehensive "buyers check list" Have had a read online but sometimes its nice to get the opinion of an owner past or present. This particular example has an LPG kit.

Thank you.

Hi Jimmy, Had a few Capri's, 54 to be precise, not all 2.8's tho but that was a few years ago now. Apart from the obvious, with the 'Special' check that it still has the LSD as I have know for them to be removed and a standard diff fitted. As for the LPG check its got an in date Certificate. Hope that helps, Paul

[Jimmy No Hands]

Bloody hell that is a lot. He says the install is very well done but there is no certificate (hmmm..)
I think my biggest concern is if it hasn't been done properly, any issues arising from this. Car has only done ~80k.

[B7PSG]

Jimmy No Hands said:

Bloody hell that is a lot. He says the install is very well done but there is no certificate (hmmm..)
I think my biggest concern is if it hasn't been done properly, any issues arising from this. Car has only done ~80k.

Personally I wouldn't touch it without a certificate but I dont know too much about LPG conversions, I would suspect it would cost a bit to get it re-certified so I would find that out first...Or if its a good one the do away with the LPG if your not going to do loads of miles in it.

[Jimmy No Hands]

Will be a second car, possibly getting one or two days a week use. By no means a daily commuter or anything of the sort. It's got more or less full history at a specialist and very low mileage for the year, I would be more than tempted to remove the unit and sell it on if I had any doubts.

Apart from the slightly rough repair on the wings (replacements included) it looks very straight indeed. Seems to be a good buy.

[The_Burg]

Rust, rust and probably rust. Rust free was an option even new.
The rest it easily fixable.

[Jimmy No Hands]

Rust concerns me massively. But then again, I have just got some welding qualifications and I do own one! But obviously, I'd rather not have to go through the hassle. Bit of an odd choice, but I'm also torn between a little MGB GT that I have seen that has had a few choice modifications. I know the two are poles apart (seemingly as susceptible as rust mind) but I can't help but think what if..

[catso]

Don't know if the 2.8 engine is similar to the older 3.0? but many years ago I had a 3.0 that blew a head gasket so ran low on coolant for a while.

When I replaced the gasket I found that the head had cracked between the valves on 2 of the cylinders - I was told that it was fairly common...

[stang65]

2.8 is a "Cologne" engine and 3.0 is an "Essex" so completely different. Colognes aren't as "torquey" but are fundamentally sound. Shouldn't make any too offensive noises.

The main thing, as has been said, is rust. Check sills, floors, bulkhead, strut towers (including the underwing supports) and screen/A pillars......and around sunroof if it has one. If that lot is OK then it's more cosmetic so wings, arches, hatch etc.

You can check if the LSD is still there by raising both rear wheels and turning one, the opposite side should turn the same direction if it is an LSD.

Like all old Fords some trim can be difficult.