Front end - whats the difference?

[crankedup]

I own the 4.3 pre cat model and have often read that the 500 has a different front. I know the spotlights are set in slightly different but are there any other changes.

[AntonyJ]

Mainly just around the "grill", on a precat there is a smaller aperture with the main beams set in there own recess', on a later 500 the main beams are set into a larger wider aperture.
When you see it you will know.

[beano500]

You've just about got it - the "mouth" changed shape for the 500. All in the quest for better airflow to the rads, I believe.

If a pre-cat's been upgraded for any reason, prang or whatever, it's likely to have had the newer style front.

Needs someone to come along now with links to decent pics......

[beano500]

Have a look at the one up for sale at David Gerald compared to this later "mouth"....




...and edited to add that I can't believe Blythy's still got this immaculate looking 4.0

>> Edited by beano500 on Monday 11th October 17:18

[raceboy]

beano500 said:

Needs someone to come along now with links to decent pics......

4.3.....

5.0.....

[beano500]

Nice pics!

PS The (Cibie) driving lamps/main beam are held in by what can loosely be described as a big rubber band on the 500s. Right fiddly piece of artwork to replace

[neilmac]

Or....for more airflow still - you need a really big mouth



Neil

[starmist]

beano500 said:

Nice pics! PS The (Cibie) driving lamps/main beam are held in by what can loosely be described as a big rubber band on the 500s. Right fiddly piece of artwork to replace

? Mine have three sprung loaded wing nuts securing them. Except them them rubbing the bodywork when you're trying to adjust them, they seem fine!

[neilmac]

starmist said:

beano500 said: Nice pics! PS The (Cibie) driving lamps/main beam are held in by what can loosely be described as a big rubber band on the 500s. Right fiddly piece of artwork to replace ? Mine have three sprung loaded wing nuts securing them. Except them them rubbing the bodywork when you're trying to adjust them, they seem fine!

I think the sprung loaded wingnuts are for adjusting the beam, its the big rubber band that keeps the lights in.

Neil

[simpo two]

crankedup said:

I own the 4.3 pre cat model and have often read that the 500 has a different front. I know the spotlights are set in slightly different but are there any other changes.

Tchah Dave - how many car shows have you been to!!!

[crankedup]

Erm, best I get down to specsavers me thinks, hardly any difference at all. Still thanks for clearing that up for me. Should have a handle Mr Magoo not crakedup

[barreti]

This is much easier to see from the side.
The early cars seem to just make a 90degree turn at the end of the bonnet so it has a very flat fronted appearance.
The later ones have a bit of an overhang at the end of the bonnet which gives it more of a pointy look.
Get 2 together and it's very obvious.

[donatien]

Pic of 500 front end on my profile.

[griffter]

My 4.3 has a 500 front end. Cooling is loads better than the standard design - just look at the difference in airflow. At a recent track day, my car was going over 90 deg C until I removed the number plate (thanks for the tip DustyC) - the car then sat below 90 deg C all day, the 4.0 with a standard nose (and in very good health, correct coolant level etc) was overheating by the end of each session.

[Griffer]

Yes,the intake slot is tiny on the the 4.x cars compared to 500. On a 4.x the whole area behind the no.plate is solid,so removing the plate on the early nose makes no difference at all to cooling.With the solid areas around the main beam lamps as well on a 4.x, thats why the front was changed for the bigger engine.
In normal road use the small slot seems adequate on my 4.0L.
Griffer