Looking at this Capri tomorrow

[Stuart]

To my mind, buying something different is half of the battle. Most of us have owned faster cars, cars more 'capable' in the sense of grip, cornering speed and delivering accelerative wallops. But buying an older, more simple car gives you different pleasures.

I like the driving experience of most older cars, the honesty in the way that the controls work, and the way that you feel so much more involved too. Don't get me wrong, when I 'only' had the mk2 Golf a few years ago it was a miserable time and I longed for modern turnkey reliability and the fuss free element of newer cars (will you have the option of the Capri and a modern car to use for daily stuff alongside it?)

My two most memorable cars were the caged M3 track car and the caged Sierra V6 track car, and that's amongst many 'faster' cars on paper, but they both gave me so much satisfaction to own, drive and thrash when need be.

Whenever I see my brother, Paul or Alan I always start thinking about another V6 Ford of one shape or form, and I will buy another at some stage, mark my words.

Good luck with the mission Jon. Make sure you don't have your beer goggles on and enjoy the ride

[Rob S]

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/clas ... ial/766829

[Stuart]

What have you started now Jon?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 786wt_1271

[Rob S]

LMAO, I should have kept my Grp N one
That is awesome Stu.

[Rob S]

How about this as slightly different to your brothers?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1984-FORD-SIE ... 1c2bcf7e2a

[Monster]

Those Capri's are totally cool. Saw one parked up recently and was almost late for a meeting as I wandered round it drooling. Love that!

And that Mag article about Specialised engines brought back memories I'd totally forgotten. They built the engine in my XR3i cab all those years ago (first car) although sadly I couldn't afford the 1.9 I did have kent cams, zorst etc etc, loved it.

[Stuart]

I can picture you in a cab I bet it was white Cool motor for your first car.

[Monster]

Red Actually wrote it off tho

[Jon]

Took the Capri into work today and had a proper look see at any potential problems that may arise for my brother, and must say that after pulling the thing apart it all looks better than expected.
It's had recently fitted rear shoes, cylinders, TCA's and bushes, Monroe shocks + the added bonus of Goodridge hoses all round.



There are a few minor spots of rust that'll need attention but apart from that it's all fine and dandy.

One thing I did notice from when Tim & myself looked over it was a leak coming from the OSR hub & spilling onto the wheel/tyre (brake fluid/diff oil?) & upon closer inspection last week it was diff oil leaking past the bearing! So today we fitted a new bearing onto the half shaft which has cured any potential saftey issues.




Also upon the driving it home from London there was quite a large amount of brake judder under heavy braking and after checking the discs with a dial gauge I found them to be out by 0.78mm which would explain it.
Next on the list are some EBC slotted rotors and Greenstuff pads, full waxoyl (by Mr S) and hopefully a new exhaust complete with cherry bomb rear silencers for added soundtrack pleasure

PS

I hate with a fucking passion working on cars during my weekends off, but today it was just brilliant! There's something very pleasurable about working on a old skool ford with one's brother.
Not sure if it's the simplicity/honesty of the car or the memories it brings back from cutting my teeth on similar machinery 20+ years ago?, but either or, I loved every minute of it. Just properly awesome

PPS

One thing I noticed as a passenger today is that people (young or old) really seem to appreciate it, and it seems to evoke memories in many. People just simply smile when they see the thing

[Rob S]

They are a doddle to work on Jon, which helps massively as you're not fighting the car every five minutes. I fitted modified cosworth front legs to mine, and hence had uber brakes.
PS The cherry bombs will make you smile, I had a pair in my Janspeed system, and it sounded almost as bassy as a V8. If you manage to get a lightened flywheel for it, grab it as it really wakes the engine up.