Weight of a Kent 1600
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I would just like to know the weight of the original Kent 1600 in the Vixens. And the usual question: how much would swapping that out for a 289/302 upset the Vixen's handling? Obviously, straight line performance would be terrific, but would it flounder in the corners?
Thanks a lot,
Garrett
I would just like to know the weight of the original Kent 1600 in the Vixens. And the usual question: how much would swapping that out for a 289/302 upset the Vixen's handling? Obviously, straight line performance would be terrific, but would it flounder in the corners?
Thanks a lot,
Garrett
you mean What do I need to do to convert my vixen to a Griffith / Tuscan replica??
You need to re-engineer the chassis depending on whether you have a series 1 or 2 on vixen the series 2 on had a shallower hoop at the back of the bellhousing and a straight front top chassis member which may or may not foul the water pump of your V8. you need to completely renew your rear uprights and quil shafts and install a salisbury 4HU jag rear diff. 3.54 ratio with powerlock is best
Front uprights are weak and have a tendancy to snap at the base where the trunnion screws to. you can obtain solid ones without the drilling to avoid that.
You need to cut out your front footwells to allow the installation of decent exhaust manifolds, you need to custom fabricate the steering linkage, uprate all brakes and suspension which has different geometry.
In essence sell everything away on your standard car but keep the trim and body / chassis (you may even want to replace the chassis.
Estimate around £20-£25k to do the job properly.
doubtless some will say it can be done cheaper, ask them if they have done it? and ask to see a photo of the car.
The short answer to your question is about 3 times the weight and yes it does affect the handling of the car.
Good luck.
Neil.
You need to re-engineer the chassis depending on whether you have a series 1 or 2 on vixen the series 2 on had a shallower hoop at the back of the bellhousing and a straight front top chassis member which may or may not foul the water pump of your V8. you need to completely renew your rear uprights and quil shafts and install a salisbury 4HU jag rear diff. 3.54 ratio with powerlock is best
Front uprights are weak and have a tendancy to snap at the base where the trunnion screws to. you can obtain solid ones without the drilling to avoid that.
You need to cut out your front footwells to allow the installation of decent exhaust manifolds, you need to custom fabricate the steering linkage, uprate all brakes and suspension which has different geometry.
In essence sell everything away on your standard car but keep the trim and body / chassis (you may even want to replace the chassis.
Estimate around £20-£25k to do the job properly.
doubtless some will say it can be done cheaper, ask them if they have done it? and ask to see a photo of the car.
The short answer to your question is about 3 times the weight and yes it does affect the handling of the car.
Good luck.
Neil.
Neil,
You're absolutely right !!!
I did the whole job years ago and in the end I spend more money than an original at the time (if you can find one !!)
It is a very expensive job even when you do it youself.
And buying an original can be an option but be carefull......there are more Tuscan V8's driving around than originally build in the factory .
And the last thing; Tuscan V8's are very, very dangerous cars to drive in. You don't drive it, it drives you!!!
You're absolutely right !!!
I did the whole job years ago and in the end I spend more money than an original at the time (if you can find one !!)
It is a very expensive job even when you do it youself.
And buying an original can be an option but be carefull......there are more Tuscan V8's driving around than originally build in the factory .
And the last thing; Tuscan V8's are very, very dangerous cars to drive in. You don't drive it, it drives you!!!
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