Aussy Ford Falcon engine (4.0 straight six) for swap ??

[RCK974X]

Guys, Especially any Aussie and NZ folks - help please....

has anyone got a GOOD set of external dimensions for the 4.0 SOHC OZ Falcon straight sixes ? I can't seem to find any on the web, and my local scappers haven't got any right now. Any help appreciated !

Why....?

Well, a while back I opened a thread about possible swaps for my 2.8 engine. Problem is that the Series 1 wedge does get very narrow at the back. I happen to have a 3800 V6 (GM Commodore, ex-Buick), but it's a 90 degree V6, and so is at least as wide as a Rover (perhaps a bit more). It won't fit without serious mods I reckon.

As time has gone by, the XR6 Oz Falcons (as a complete runner) are now becoming quite cheap in NZ, and from what info I CAN get, it would seem the L6 engine isn't any longer than a Rover, and a hell of a lot narrower, and you can find a OZ Cortina rear sumps for them, which means it might just go in without any chassis mods (apart from engine mounts and modding the front crossbar).

They make sh*tloads of torque as std (early = 216bhp and 266ft lb, later = 231 and 276), aren't any heavier than the 2.8, and there's quite a lot of aftermarket bits for them.....even a 4 barrel carb kit to replace Efi

If I spend more dosh, there's even a DOHC version at 244bhp upwards - but EEC gets a bit harder to fiddle with.

And they are unleaded, common, pretty sure they have a T5 gbox.... and an excellent reputation...

What's not to like ?

Thanks....

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Andy...That sounds good..A thing to research would be how much torque the trailing arms can take.
The reason i say this is that i when i was doing the supercharging of Delilah i was a little concerned and someone told me that they was going to put a 4.0ltr into their trailing arm 350i but was advised not to as the 3.5 V8 was the limit for a trailing arm set up.

Not sure how true it is..Has the silver blown 350i got trailing arm?.... Just a thought mate...Cheers...Ziga

[adam quantrill]

It might get a bit squirly around corners.

However if you add front-back tie bars (like on the A-frame) that might be enough to tame it.

Also look into a rose joint at the front to replace the big rubber bush.

[Rockettvr]

Hi
I Would have thought a 4.0 straight six to be a LOT longer than a v6 or v8. Had a fantastic hol in NZ a few years back and from my short time there I remember most of the cars being Japanese. Would you not be better off getting a nice narrow angle V6 multivalve from a honda/ Mazda/ Toyota or something similar? Would also be concerned about the weight of the falcon engine - if it's an iron block it could be a lot heavier than your 2.8.
Good luck
Ron
Edit : just realised most of the Jap stuff is going to be FWD. So that leads to the problem if converting to RWD

Edited by Rockettvr on Monday 3rd March 10:17

[RCK974X]

Yeah, also on my list is the Nissan VQ engine, (60 degree V6 DOHC) fantastic reputation, but as you say, they are mostly FWD....(Nissan Maxima, Altima etc). DOHC makes them wider too.

Actually the 4.0 L6 seems to be no heavier than the 2.8 (as far as info I got).
I agree I need to double check the length...

Info I have now is RV8 length = 29.5, 31.5, 32 inches (depending upon pump etc). Ford L6 length 30.5 inches

Trailing arms mods - OK. Probably good ideas. Thanks.

I'm just trying to decide if engine fits first !!

Edited by RCK974X on Monday 3rd March 10:48