Anyone know about Vauxhall Ventora performance parts?
Jon M
3.3 straight-six lurking beneath the bonnet of my FE Ventora,
and other 'big' Vauxhalls?
I'm particularly interested in knowing if there used to be manifolds
available to fit triple Strombergs, SUs or Webers?
I'm asking because, though I'm going to fully restore the car, I'm
sure the asthmatic old lump is capable of a tad more than 123bhp.
Decent inlet/exhaust manifolds would help a lot, I suspect. The
originals look useless for gas flow.
--
Jon M.
Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
Website: http://the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
ma...@my-dejanews.com
best of luck re replies , when I've requested info re real Vauxhalls (Pre 1980
etc) , all I've recieved is total silence.
BTW I run a 1975 Magnum now , but in the past have had OHC HB viva VX2300
transcontinental and customised HC viva , and once to my undying shame a
Cavalier (ugh)
In article <36A9681B...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>,
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own
Chris Wilson
museum.freeserve.co.uk says...
> Anyone know if there ever were any go-faster goodies for the
> 3.3 straight-six lurking beneath the bonnet of my FE Ventora,
> and other 'big' Vauxhalls?
>
> I'm particularly interested in knowing if there used to be manifolds
> available to fit triple Strombergs, SUs or Webers?
>
> I'm asking because, though I'm going to fully restore the car, I'm
> sure the asthmatic old lump is capable of a tad more than 123bhp.
>
> Decent inlet/exhaust manifolds would help a lot, I suspect. The
> originals look useless for gas flow.
There used to be a kit to use a 28/36 Weber carb.Not sure whether it
was an adaptor for the existing manifold,or a complete manifold/carb
set up.Ideally something like triple SU's would be neat.You'd end up
making a manifold from scratch,though.As for exhaust manifolds,it
would almost certainly be a matter of getting one of the race exhaust
fabricators to make up headers.Probably at least 800 quid,maybe
more,given it's a six,and they wouldn't have patterns.
I still think the FE Ventora was one of the classic shapes.A pals dad
had a manual one,and in its day it was no sluggard.A Datsun 240/260Z
lump in it,with the matching gearbox,would be interesting?
--
Best Regards,
Chris Wilson
http://www.f3.u-net.com
mailto:ch...@f3.u-net.com
Alex
Autobahnstormers is a club exclusivly for Straight Six Vauxhalls,
(although V6 are now also allowed) Thier WebSite is at
http://members.aol.com/abahnstorm/
Alex
Jon M wrote:
> Anyone know if there ever were any go-faster goodies for the
> 3.3 straight-six lurking beneath the bonnet of my FE Ventora,
> and other 'big' Vauxhalls?
>
> I'm particularly interested in knowing if there used to be manifolds
> available to fit triple Strombergs, SUs or Webers?
>
> I'm asking because, though I'm going to fully restore the car, I'm
> sure the asthmatic old lump is capable of a tad more than 123bhp.
>
> Decent inlet/exhaust manifolds would help a lot, I suspect. The
> originals look useless for gas flow.
> --
> Jon M.
>
> Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
> Website: http://the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
--
---------------------------------------
Change nospam@ for alex@ when replying.
---------------------------------------
Mach
>There used to be a kit to use a 28/36 Weber carb.Not sure whether it
>was an adaptor for the existing manifold,or a complete manifold/carb
>set up.Ideally something like triple SU's would be neat.You'd end up
>making a manifold from scratch,though.As for exhaust manifolds,it
>would almost certainly be a matter of getting one of the race exhaust
>fabricators to make up headers.Probably at least 800 quid,maybe
>more,given it's a six,and they wouldn't have patterns.
>
The carb on my old 3.3 Viscount had a adaptor plate. run on the first
choke at 70 -80 mph on the motorway and not use much petrol. Put your
foot down and away she went; very good at pissing off some BMW
drivers.
Would possible get another or a FD Victor/Ventor sometime and try a
chevy 250 in-line six under the hood with a late injection system.
Did come up with idea of cut/shuting some FE VX4/90 manifolds for a
tri-carb setup; then there was the other idea of using the
LE-jetrontic system off a Carton 2.8 :-]
Andrew W. MacFadyen
Strangely triple single choke carbs don't work well on straight sixes
because of the firing order, twin carbs give the same or more power.
Andy M
Jon M
cover cars fitted with my engine (older ohv six), but I suppose
I could fit the 3.0 ohc six from a Monza etc.; then I'd have an engine
for which tuning parts _are_ available.
Trouble is; I'd like to keep the Ventora original(-ish.)
--
Jon Manton.
Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
Website: http://the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
Random Silliness Of The Day:-
"We DEMAND rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty."
Jon M
http://classicmotor.co.uk/dunsmore.htm
Rather nice pre-war style sports car - some of them have been built
with Ventora engines - with triple SUs.
Maybe I should talk to this guy - perhaps he's having manifolds cast
and maybe sell me a set.
Re: Chevy six - someone I spoke to thought that the Vauxhall six
was related to the Chevy six - and maybe some of the Chevy tuning
parts could be adapted. Could be an idea...
Jon M
something of a Vauxhall-free zone, so I thought it was time to
de-lurk.
Looks like I've started something here, though!
'HB Viva VX2300 transcontinental' - new one on me, tell me more!
Sounds like fun.
One car I'd like to find - early HC Viva 2300. Looks just like bog
standard 1256; nothing to give away the 'surprise' under the bonnet!
Rumour has it that number of surviving examples is in single figures,
so I'd be lucky to find one. I'd settle for a Magnum though - I am
strangely hooked on cars with quad headlights!
BTW - gratuitous plug for my website - my 'rust collection' is on
there, (HC Viva, FE Ventora, PB Cresta) and pics of last year's
All-Vauxhall Rally at Billing.
Chris Wilson
mailed to Jon M]
In article <36AB5511...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>, jon@the-
museum.freeserve.co.uk says...
> BTW - gratuitous plug for my website - my 'rust collection' is on
> there, (HC Viva, FE Ventora, PB Cresta) and pics of last year's
> All-Vauxhall Rally at Billing.
I'd love to have a gander at your web site,but the server does not
seem to have a DNS entry.Is the URL correct?
Dave Plowman
<j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Trouble is; I'd like to keep the Ventora original(-ish.)
Howsabout giving one of the older tuning firms, that were around in the
Ventoras day, a ring? Blydenstein (sp?) I think they still exist.
A bit of gas flowing, larger carbs and a decent exhaust IMHO would work
wonders. I drove one occasionally when they were new. In manual form, not a
lot got near it away from the lights. Understeered a bit though, until it
got wet-----------
--
Dave Plowman dave....@argonet.co.uk
RIP Acorn
Jon M
I've corrected my sig-file now, this should work now! Sorry.
--
Jon Manton.
Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
Website: http://www.the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
Random Silliness Of The Day:-
One of life's great unanswered questions:
"What is an occasional table the rest of the time?"
Chris Wilson
net.com says...
<snip>
> I still think the FE Ventora was one of the classic shapes.A pals dad
> had a manual one,and in its day it was no sluggard.A Datsun 240/260Z
> lump in it,with the matching gearbox,would be interesting?
Ooops,no I don't,it was the FD series I liked,the coke bottle waist
lined ones.Sorry (and no offence... <g>)
ma...@my-dejanews.com
Jon M <j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> I've been lurking on this group for a while and noticed that it's
> something of a Vauxhall-free zone, so I thought it was time to
> de-lurk.
>
> Looks like I've started something here, though!
>
> 'HB Viva VX2300 transcontinental' - new one on me, tell me more!
> Sounds like fun.
mind my bad typing should have been OHC HB Viva (was originally 1600 but was
transpanted with 2000 from Victor) and VX2300 , FE was code named
Transcontinental.
>
> One car I'd like to find - early HC Viva 2300. Looks just like bog
> standard 1256; nothing to give away the 'surprise' under the bonnet!
> Rumour has it that number of surviving examples is in single figures,
try Viva owners club I think they may be more than you think , within 2 miles
of my home there's a 2300 Firenza (1971/2) , HC Viva 1300 (1971/2) ,both in
roadworthy condition, and what looks like a 1800/2300 Viva Estate (1971/2) but
I've yet to get a decent look at it
> so I'd be lucky to find one. I'd settle for a Magnum though - I am
> strangely hooked on cars with quad headlights!
what do you mean settle for a Magnum , you make it sound like a last resort!!
>
> BTW - gratuitous plug for my website - my 'rust collection' is on
> there, (HC Viva, FE Ventora, PB Cresta) and pics of last year's
> All-Vauxhall Rally at Billing.
> --
> Jon Manton.
>
> Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
Jon M
> <snip>
> mind my bad typing should have been OHC HB Viva (was originally 1600 but was
> transpanted with 2000 from Victor) and VX2300 , FE was code named
> Transcontinental.
Had me puzzled there for a mo'. All is clear, now. I don't think I
had me brain engaged when I read your posting :)
> <snip>
> what do you mean settle for a Magnum , you make it sound like a last resort!!
Ahem, I could've worded things better :) Sorry to cause offence!!
I really like Magnums, but I fancy the Viva 2300 'cause it looks no
different to it's smaller engined brethren.
--
Jon Manton.
Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
Website: http://www.the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
Random Silliness Of The Day:-
"We DEMAND rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty."
Jon M
> <snip>
> Ooops,no I don't,it was the FD series I liked,the coke bottle waist
> lined ones.Sorry (and no offence... <g>)
No offence taken!
FD, now you're talking! I utterly utterly _adore_ the FD! What
a shape! looks great from _any_ angle, and has a definite hint
of American muscle car about it. Work of art on wheels!
I've lusted after one since I was about 5; a neighbour had a
white one with red interior - I can still remember how
excited I was on the single occasion I got a lift in it!
You know the _real_ star of 'Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)'?
When I've sorted the FE out, I'm likely to look for a tatty FD;
and repeat the whole restoration process again.
I'm kinda looking at the FE as a 'practice' restoration; body
parts are more common, so if I mess up when learning body
repair techniques, I can get new panels.
I'd rather tackle an FD (and the Cresta) when my skills are
a little better; but I still want to get the FE perfect; I
dreamt of owning one since the FE came out.
Ian Michael Hodson
> Anyone know if there ever were any go-faster goodies for the
> 3.3 straight-six lurking beneath the bonnet of my FE Ventora,
> and other 'big' Vauxhalls?
>
> I'm particularly interested in knowing if there used to be manifolds
> available to fit triple Strombergs, SUs or Webers?
>
> I'm asking because, though I'm going to fully restore the car, I'm
> sure the asthmatic old lump is capable of a tad more than 123bhp.
>
> Decent inlet/exhaust manifolds would help a lot, I suspect. The
> originals look useless for gas flow.
There used to be a firm that did Weber carb conversions for the straight
six lump back in the early 70's. Somewhere in my collection of old mags
I have an old 'Motor Sport' with an advert for them.
I learnt to drive in a '71 FD Ventora II, with the rare manual/overdrive
box. Driving around Cornwall in it taught me to reverse-park the hard
way.
Brilliant fun in a straight line, but the Bedford truck-derived six (as I
recall - anyone know different?) was no revver. I once kept a log of
the fuel consumption, but worked it out the first time (16mpg) and
threw the log book away - I preferred not to know!
Have you considered modifying the suspension? The FD had a habit of
understeering when pushed hard, and the tendency to wander meant it
wasn't so much steered as corrected. I also remember once having to
stop suddenly and the engine mountings sheared, causing the fan to
carve up the radiator core.
If this sounds negative, it's not supposed to be. I will always have a soft
spot for the Ventora, and think it's a shame that so few have survived.
Regards
--
Ian
Lancia Gamma Consortium web page editor
www.users.zetnet.co.uk/gammacon/
John Jenner
Victor 101 Club
Members Secretary
43 Princess Street
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 6NT
Cheers JJ
Marko Patsikka
ma...@my-dejanews.com wrote:
>
> In article <36AB5511...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>,
> Jon M <j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> > One car I'd like to find - early HC Viva 2300. Looks just like bog
> > standard 1256; nothing to give away the 'surprise' under the bonnet!
> > Rumour has it that number of surviving examples is in single figures,
>
> try Viva owners club I think they may be more than you think , within 2 miles
> of my home there's a 2300 Firenza (1971/2) , HC Viva 1300 (1971/2) ,both in
> roadworthy condition, and what looks like a 1800/2300 Viva Estate (1971/2) but
> I've yet to get a decent look at it
Those one 2300cc Firenza have to be '72 model, just because 2300SL
Firenza's were produced only during March 72 - September 72
These Viva Estate couldn't be '71 model.
If it is 1800 model, there were three different versions...
Viva 1800SL Estate 3-door, produced March 72 - October 75
Viva 1800L Estate 3-door, produced October 75 - April 78
Viva 1800SL Estate automatic, 3-door, produced October 75 - December 76
and
Viva 2300SL Estate 3-door, produced March 72 - September 73
If this car mentuioned before is 2300cc model it have to be really rare.
There were three 2300cc Viva SL models (all prod March 72 - september
73)
2- and 4-door Saloons and 3-door Estate.
In Finland were imported only 3 pieces Viva 2300 Viva models (all
2-door), one is survived. Owner will came with it next June to Denmark
where is Big Vauxhall Meeting (there will came people also from Norway,
Sweden etc...)
Do You know how many these 2300cc models were ever produced??
Don't get me wrong, I give those details just because it is nice to talk
about Vauxhall's. I'm not want to sound too concider, You know?! :-)
Well, I will ask two questions too...
I own several Vauxhall and Bedford cars and one of them is FE Victor
3300SL Estate. Do You know how many cars like this are survived in GB??
In Finland was imported only these one piece, also in Sweden was
imported only one car too.
Fellow who own this Swedish car told that his car is in bad shape. I'm
lucky, because mine is still quite good and totally rust free. These
cars were produced only 693 pieces.
And second question. Could anyone give to me Cavalier Mk1 VIN-codes?
(and also some other Vauxhall codes are very welcome too)
I need those codes in our club site, there is Codes-site where are
listed so much codes as I already find out. (This one site is in English
too, rest sites will be translated during next month)
Regards,
-Makke-
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Marko Pätsikkä, Vintalantie 294, 21360 Lieto as., SUOMI-FINLAND
+358-(0)50-554 0836 mailto:mapa...@lieto.fi
cars, music and much more... check it out!! http://www.utu.fi/~eihapa/
Webmaster of Vauxhall Bedford Club Finland http://fly.to/vbcf
Marko Patsikka
Ian Michael Hodson wrote:
>
> There used to be a firm that did Weber carb conversions for the straight
> six lump back in the early 70's. Somewhere in my collection of old mags
> I have an old 'Motor Sport' with an advert for them.
>
> I learnt to drive in a '71 FD Ventora II, with the rare manual/overdrive
> box. Driving around Cornwall in it taught me to reverse-park the hard
> way.
Was this manual/overdrive transmission rare in UK too?
Well if it so, then my FE 3300SL Victor Estate have to quite unigue? Is
it so???
> Brilliant fun in a straight line, but the Bedford truck-derived six (as I
> recall - anyone know different?) was no revver.
I was hear same thing that it was at the first used in Bedford cars.
Some rumours said that it is actually modified Chevrolet Flathead!!
Anyway, 3300cc is very good and strong engine. In our club is one fellow
who own 1970 Ventora II, there is turbo charged 3300cc engine with
intercooler. Transmission is (US) GM TH750 automatic transmission which
is changed to operate manually. Engine is still with totally original
parts (also pistons), even cyliderhead not modified at all. There is
almost 750hp.
Carbs. are two Stromberg's which are modified by car's owner. He took
away all inside parts and now engine got enough gasoline. There is
switch inside the car and now he can adjust fuel mixture by him self.
(hope that you understand what I mean).
Car is still very heavy, all seats and other thigs are still in their
place. And believe me it is really fast... the best 1/4 mile time with
street tyres is 10.2. And the best part is that car is still road going.
Kalle, cars owner, drive thousands of miles every summer, even to all
drag race competitions he drive with this car...
This car is very unique road car in Finland just because our laws are
very tuff.
If someone don't believe that Vauxhall engines are good, then better
remember this little story, that's why I told it. ;-)
(BTW in our clubs internet site (Gallery.site) are pictures about thar
very vehicle)
> Have you considered modifying the suspension? The FD had a habit of
> understeering when pushed hard, and the tendency to wander meant it
> wasn't so much steered as corrected. I also remember once having to
> stop suddenly and the engine mountings sheared, causing the fan to
> carve up the radiator core.
In these turbo Ventora all suspension and axles etc. are modified. There
were used lot of parts which were taken from Chevrolet Corvette. If use
original suspension can't never drive so fast... Think about it, car
with same suspension than Viva... anyone can't drive safe almost 190Mph.
And one question...
FE Victor and almost all FD Victor too... original suspension was same
as HB/HC Viva.
Are there in UK many cars with heavy duty rear axle (FE -> same as
VX4/90 & Ventora)?
Seems that almost all FE Victor's which were imported in Finland were
with heavy duty suspension & rear axle (option code 357). It is very
hard to find FE Victor were is standard suspension here in Finland. I
don't know why, maybe because of hard winter time?!
ma...@my-dejanews.com
Jon M <j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
> ma...@my-dejanews.com wrote:
> > <snip>
> > mind my bad typing should have been OHC HB Viva (was originally 1600 but was
> > transpanted with 2000 from Victor) and VX2300 , FE was code named
> > Transcontinental.
>
> Had me puzzled there for a mo'. All is clear, now. I don't think I
> had me brain engaged when I read your posting :)
>
> > <snip>
> > what do you mean settle for a Magnum , you make it sound like a last
resort!!
>
> Ahem, I could've worded things better :) Sorry to cause offence!!
>
> I really like Magnums, but I fancy the Viva 2300 'cause it looks no
> different to it's smaller engined brethren.
>
Just to confuse eh ? , I remember a HC viva that used to do the drag circuits
in the late 70's ,what people didn't realise that despite its rusting bodywork
etc it was fitted with 302 cu inch V8 a bit extreme but the principle is the
same
Malc
Jon M
> Just to confuse eh ? , I remember a HC viva that used to do the drag circuits
> in the late 70's ,what people didn't realise that despite its rusting bodywork
> etc it was fitted with 302 cu inch V8 a bit extreme but the principle is the
> same
Nice!
I seem to remember also in the '70's, when my dad used to take me to
Santa Pod and Melbourne Raceway (as it was then) there was
a bright yellow, stone stock looking Ventora, laying down
some surprising times!
Closer inspection revealed a small-block Chevy V8 in there!
You get the impression I like 'sleepers' ?
Another car I'd like to get my hands on is the 5 litre V8 MkIV
Cortinas the South Africans got. Was it the XR6 or something?
Fords are bit off-topic in this thread, but I do like some of 'em!
Michael
>
> > <snip>
> > Just to confuse eh ? , I remember a HC viva that used to do the drag circuits
> > in the late 70's ,what people didn't realise that despite its rusting bodywork
> > etc it was fitted with 302 cu inch V8 a bit extreme but the principle is the
> > same
>
> Nice!
>
> I seem to remember also in the '70's, when my dad used to take me to
> Santa Pod and Melbourne Raceway (as it was then) there was
> a bright yellow, stone stock looking Ventora, laying down
> some surprising times!
>
> Closer inspection revealed a small-block Chevy V8 in there!
>
> You get the impression I like 'sleepers' ?
>
> Another car I'd like to get my hands on is the 5 litre V8 MkIV
> Cortinas the South Africans got. Was it the XR6 or something?
>
> Fords are bit off-topic in this thread, but I do like some of 'em!
>
> --
> Jon Manton.
It sounds like you'd love either the Triumph Spitfire or the
TR7 conversions that I saw at a friend's workshop.
The Spitfire was fitted with a twin turbo Mazda RX-7
drivetrain. The only clue before it disappeared over the
horizon was the extra wide tires hidden underneath in the
back. With 220HP, the only way to keep traction in the rear
was to bolt about 200 lbs of lead to the parcel shelf and
carry another 200 lbs in the trunk. From what I gathered,
it isn't a difficult fit if you don't install the turbo
version and keep standard tires. Even with a normally
aspirated RX-7 engine, this makes one hell of a sleeper.
The TR7 had a Saab 900 turbo engine installed. The shop
owner told me that this modification actually took far more
work to install. It outperformed the TR8 by far, but it
wasn't a convertable, so I passed when I had the chance to
buy it.
Best regards,
Michael.
NFSEnq
In article <36AE4EB7...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>, Jon M
<j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> writes:
>I seem to remember also in the '70's, when my dad used to take me to
> Santa Pod and Melbourne Raceway (as it was then) there was
> a bright yellow, stone stock looking Ventora, laying down
> some surprising times!
>
>Closer inspection revealed a small-block Chevy V8 in there!
This sounds similar to Big Bertha, the Ventora V8 raced by Gerry Marshall at
about that time. I didn't see it race, but I did once see its successor, Baby
Bertha, a Firenza of equal monstrousness.
I think Big Bertha was quite a bit wider than the standard Ventora on account
of having been sawn down the middle and extended - the car's most obvious, and
very possibly only, connection to the prototype Morris Minor.
David
Need For Speed, the UK's online supplier of parts and services for road and
competition cars
www.needforspeed.co.uk
NFSEnq
In article <36AE7443...@mindspring.com>, Michael <mtu...@mindspring.com>
writes:
>It sounds like you'd love either the Triumph Spitfire or the
>TR7 conversions that I saw at a friend's workshop.
>
>The Spitfire was fitted with a twin turbo Mazda RX-7
>drivetrain. The only clue before it disappeared over the
>horizon was the extra wide tires hidden underneath in the
>back.
Even more alarmingly, there was once a Reliant Kitten with an RX7 turbo engine
mounted in the back. It appeared in a few rallies and was staggeringly fast in
a straight line, but unfortunately little of it remains after the accident
which is the inevitable result of mounting RX7 turbo engines in the back of
Reliant Kittens.
hibberd
Jon M heeft geschreven in bericht <36AE4EB7...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>...
>> <snip>
>> Just to confuse eh ? , I remember a HC viva that used to do the drag circuits
>> in the late 70's ,what people didn't realise that despite its rusting bodywork
>> etc it was fitted with 302 cu inch V8 a bit extreme but the principle is the
>> same
>
>Nice!
>
> Santa Pod and Melbourne Raceway (as it was then) there was
> a bright yellow, stone stock looking Ventora, laying down
> some surprising times!
>
>Closer inspection revealed a small-block Chevy V8 in there!
>
>
>Another car I'd like to get my hands on is the 5 litre V8 MkIV
> Cortinas the South Africans got. Was it the XR6 or something?
Were they not called savages or something like that?
>
>Fords are bit off-topic in this thread, but I do like some of 'em!
>
>--
>Jon Manton.
>
Chris Wilson
> >Another car I'd like to get my hands on is the 5 litre V8 MkIV
> > Cortinas the South Africans got. Was it the XR6 or something?
>
> Were they not called savages or something like that?
No they were the Jeff Uren built UK cars.Ford South Africa actually
turned a V8 engined Cortina MkIV off the production line.I think it
used a fairly mild 302 cu. ins. motor,but as one might expect,it went
rather well.
ma...@my-dejanews.com
"hibberd" <hib...@wxs.nl> wrote:
>
> Jon M heeft geschreven in bericht <36AE4EB7.9598EEC@the-
museum.freeserve.co.uk>...
> >> <snip>
> >> Just to confuse eh ? , I remember a HC viva that used to do the drag
circuits
> >> in the late 70's ,what people didn't realise that despite its rusting
bodywork
> >> etc it was fitted with 302 cu inch V8 a bit extreme but the principle is
the
> >> same
> >
> >Nice!
> >
> >I seem to remember also in the '70's, when my dad used to take me to
> > Santa Pod and Melbourne Raceway (as it was then) there was
> > a bright yellow, stone stock looking Ventora, laying down
> > some surprising times!
> >
> >Closer inspection revealed a small-block Chevy V8 in there!
> >
> >You get the impression I like 'sleepers' ?
> >
> > Cortinas the South Africans got. Was it the XR6 or something?
>
> Were they not called savages or something like that?
I seem to remember reading in a pullout article about the XR series that there
was a South African V8 Sierra which was a XR8 although I dont think it was a
official Ford product
>
> >
> >Fords are bit off-topic in this thread, but I do like some of 'em!
> >
> >--
> >Jon Manton.
> >
> >Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
> >Website: http://www.the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
>
>
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
Geoff Mackenzie
In article <78nn21$lah$1...@reader2.wxs.nl>, "hibberd" (hib...@wxs.nl) writes:
>
>Jon M heeft geschreven in bericht <36AE4EB7...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>...
>>> <snip>
>>> Just to confuse eh ? , I remember a HC viva that used to do the drag circuits
>>> in the late 70's ,what people didn't realise that despite its rusting bodywork
>>> etc it was fitted with 302 cu inch V8 a bit extreme but the principle is the
>>> same
>>
>>Nice!
>>
>>I seem to remember also in the '70's, when my dad used to take me to
>> Santa Pod and Melbourne Raceway (as it was then) there was
>> a bright yellow, stone stock looking Ventora, laying down
>> some surprising times!
>>
>>Closer inspection revealed a small-block Chevy V8 in there!
>>
>>You get the impression I like 'sleepers' ?
>>
>>Another car I'd like to get my hands on is the 5 litre V8 MkIV
>> Cortinas the South Africans got. Was it the XR6 or something?
>
>Were they not called savages or something like that?
No, the Savage was a Cortina fitted with a 3 litre V6. By Jeff
Uren, I think. Was originally called the Avenger, but Rootes had
already registered the name. >
>
PEKKA SIVULA
I'm Vauxhall Viva HB owner from Finland.I have two GTs(one is working),three
1600s;sedan and two estate,one SL90 and a few 1200s. I'd like to join
English Viva Owners Club but do they have www. page or e-mail adress.And
does any one know Guy Turner from Ukcfield,E.Sussex (1992)? New address
please.Sorry my bad english.Thanks and happy winter to every one.
Ian Michael Hodson
> Was this manual/overdrive transmission rare in UK too?
I'm no expert on Vauxhalls, so I can't quote any figures, but I do
remember that most Ventoras I saw were autos (and there weren't
many of those around even then, either).
> I was hear same thing that it was at the first used in Bedford cars.0
> Some rumours said that it is actually modified Chevrolet Flathead!!
It could be. I do remember that it took two of us to move the block
when we had the engine rebored - it was no lightweight lump. I used
to live in Luton, and as I remember it was one of our neighbours who
worked in the Bedford truck division who told us of its origins.
> Anyway, 3300cc is very good and strong engine. In our club is one fellow
> who own 1970 Ventora II, there is turbo charged 3300cc engine with
> intercooler. Transmission is (US) GM TH750 automatic transmission which
> is changed to operate manually. Engine is still with totally original
> parts (also pistons), even cyliderhead not modified at all. There is
> almost 750hp.
I've heard of a turbo Ventora back in the early 80's, but nothing like that!
Ours needed a rebuild after just under 100,000 miles, but that was
due to a broken piston ring. It ran for a while like that, but tended to oil
up the plug on No 6 cylinder...
Dave Plowman
<hod...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > I was hear same thing that it was at the first used in Bedford cars.0
> > Some rumours said that it is actually modified Chevrolet Flathead!!
>
> It could be. I do remember that it took two of us to move the block
> when we had the engine rebored - it was no lightweight lump. I used
> to live in Luton, and as I remember it was one of our neighbours who
> worked in the Bedford truck division who told us of its origins.
IIRC it was based on a war time 'high speed' truck design.
Jon M
The Vauxhall Viva Owners Club now has a website - very new, I only
uploaded it yesterday!
It's only one page - but it will get better. All club contact details
are on there, though.
http://www.vivaclub.freeserve.co.uk/
--
Jon M
Email : mailto:j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk
Websites:
'The Museum'
http://www.the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/
'Vauxhall Mania!'
http://www.the-museum.freeserve.co.uk/vauxhallmania/
Andrew W. MacFadyen
who went on to design the first Caddy V8, the Chevy Small block and the
Rover/Buick engine.
The 3.3 version was weaker than the earlier 2.6 and didn't like high rpm, the 2.6
was a very sweet engine and good for 180,000 miles.
The Ventora in its day had a reputation for being fast but wasn't I remember well
leaving a friends FD for dead with an Austin 3 litre on several occaisions.
Andy M
Jon M
> <snip>
> Howsabout giving one of the older tuning firms, that were around in the
> Ventoras day, a ring? Blydenstein (sp?) I think they still exist.
> A bit of gas flowing, larger carbs and a decent exhaust IMHO would work
> wonders. I drove one occasionally when they were new. In manual form, not a
> lot got near it away from the lights. Understeered a bit though, until it
> got wet-----------
I asked someone in the VX4/90 club what the handling was like before
I got mine - "Entertaining" was all he would say...
Mine's a manual, but no overdrive - I get the impression that most
were autos. I could have fun finding an overdrive for it - a bit
scarce, by all accounts.
I found somethinbg in a club mag. FD Ventora in NZ, modified with
triple Dellortos, 11:1 compression, and other mods -
top speed is 145mph @ 7000rpm, power is 283bhp - at the wheels!
Probably a bit extreme for me, but just shows what can be done!
Dave Plowman
<j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> I found somethinbg in a club mag. FD Ventora in NZ, modified with
> triple Dellortos, 11:1 compression, and other mods -
> top speed is 145mph @ 7000rpm, power is 283bhp - at the wheels!
Oops! Hope they've done quite a few 'other mods' if it revs to 7000.
Jason Morris
Michael wrote in message <36AE7443...@mindspring.com>...
<snip>
>It sounds like you'd love either the Triumph Spitfire or the
>TR7 conversions that I saw at a friend's workshop.
>
>The Spitfire was fitted with a twin turbo Mazda RX-7
>drivetrain. The only clue before it disappeared over the
>horizon was the extra wide tires hidden underneath in the
Jon M
>
> Hi try email viva...@compuserve.com
Not for much longer!
New email for Viva Club is mailto:adr...@vivaclub.freeserve.co.uk
Compuserve account is being cancelled, now Freeserve account is set up.
--
Jon Manton.
Michael
>
> Even more alarmingly, there was once a Reliant Kitten with an RX7 turbo engine
> mounted in the back. It appeared in a few rallies and was staggeringly fast in
> a straight line, but unfortunately little of it remains after the accident
> which is the inevitable result of mounting RX7 turbo engines in the back of
> Reliant Kittens.
I've never felt true fear while just thinking about an
insanely fast car until I surfed around on the web and found
out what a Reliant Kitten is.
My lord, what was he thinking?
The Kitten looks like an interesting little car to own.
Somehow I doubt if I could find one here in the US.
Best regards,
Michael.
NFSEnq
In article <36B79035...@mindspring.com>, Michael <mtu...@mindspring.com>
writes:
>NFSEnq wrote:
>>
>> Even more alarmingly, there was once a Reliant Kitten with an RX7 turbo
>engine
>> mounted in the back. It appeared in a few rallies and was staggeringly fast
>in
>> a straight line, but unfortunately little of it remains after the accident
>> which is the inevitable result of mounting RX7 turbo engines in the back of
>> Reliant Kittens.
>
>I've never felt true fear while just thinking about an
>insanely fast car until I surfed around on the web and found
>out what a Reliant Kitten is.
Then perhaps I should not draw your attention to the rocket-powered kart
dragster I once saw advertised in Karting magazine.
>My lord, what was he thinking?
Indeed. The mind boggles
>The Kitten looks like an interesting little car to own.
>Somehow I doubt if I could find one here in the US.
No, probably not, but I'm sure you could find one here. When in production it
was the lightest four-wheeled car on sale in the UK ( ... drifts off into
reminiscence about the Peel Trident ... drifts back again ... ) and the 848cc
engine, the same as is used in Formula 750 (750 = capacity of Austin Seven, the
unit used before the regulations switched to the Reliant a few years ago), is
very tunable - 80-plus bhp quite possible, I understand.
A friend and I once spent a little while discussing the possibility of using a
monstrously tuned Kitten in hillclimbing, probably using Ford transmission, but
it came to nothing. Apart from the rally car which has caused you such
understandable distress there was also a circuit racing version, though since
this was just a lookalike body on a spaceframe chassis it probably doesn't
count.
Jon M
> Oops! Hope they've done quite a few 'other mods' if it revs to 7000.
I did wonder how long it lasted before self-destruction...
I'm not taking mine up that far...I think I'll stay well below the
redline at 5000 on the tacho.
Mind you, with the torque that thing's got, you don't really need to
rev it much.
--
Jon M
Jon M
I'd heard from a mate who's restoring a Kitten that
Reliant toyed with the idea of producing a 'Kitten GT' and
tried out a tuned 1600 crossflow and modified suspension.
The resulting car was quicker and handled better than the
Scimitar GTE, so the idea was 'shelved.'
It could be fun to replicate this - possibly slightly safer
than using RX7 turbo engines! (mad... I'm amazed...)
--
Jon M
Jon M
> <snip>
> Was this manual/overdrive transmission rare in UK too?
> unigue? Is it so???
I've done some research - you've got a real rarity!
It seems that just 693 FE Victor 3300SL Estates were produced, total!
I've no idea how many had manual/overdrive but autos seem to be more
common, but your car is rare anyway, manual or auto.
>
--
Jon M
NFSEnq
In article <36B988EF...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>, Jon M
<j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> writes:
On you go then! I will follow this with considerable interest. However, you
might try the Nova engine instead (easier and cheaper to tune than the Ford)
and a Carlton/Manta GTE gearbox (five speed, costs £50, bolts straight on to
Nova engine) with a prop going to an English axle. This is a popular and very
economical set-up for Westfields and it should work with the hot Kitten too.
In return for this tip I ask only a) that you buy the parts from NFS and b) I
get a drive in it once you've finished!
Jon M
I've still got a Carlton 1.8 lump (in bits) and Getrag 5-speed 'box
sat in the garage - originally destined for the Chevette that some
rotten swine wrote off three years ago.
I'd better get the Ventora sorted first - I'm known for starting
a project and never finishing it, so for now I'll try very hard
_not_ to look out for cheap Kittens.
As a future project, though, 1.8 Kitten could be fun, or a new way
of potentially becoming demised :)
I'd have to keep it looking original, and paint it brown or beige;
very important for that 'surprise factor'....
Certainly I'll be in touch when it comes to buying parts; that 1.8
needs a full rebuild - the car it came from was an ex-taxi that
seems to have been to the moon and back, mileage-wise.
--
Jon M - clearly insane, and a self-confessed 'petrol-head'...
NFSEnq
In article <36BA12D0...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk>, Jon M
<j...@the-museum.freeserve.co.uk> writes, on the subject of loony Reliant
Kittens:
>I've still got a Carlton 1.8 lump (in bits) and Getrag 5-speed 'box
> sat in the garage - originally destined for the Chevette that some
> rotten swine wrote off three years ago.
Hmmmm ... the Carlton engine is a good deal heavier (conceivably more so than
an entire Kitten come to think of it). Still think the smaller, Family One,
Nova/Astra/Corsa engine would be better. That 'box is absolutely fine, though.
>I'd better get the Ventora sorted first - I'm known for starting
> a project and never finishing it, so for now I'll try very hard
> _not_ to look out for cheap Kittens.
Then the name of a contact who can source several shall not pass my lips!
that 1.8
> needs a full rebuild - the car it came from was an ex-taxi that
> seems to have been to the moon and back, mileage-wise.
That's okay, it won't need a major service until it's reached the asteroid
belt. These things seem to last for ever.
TONY958F
nothing has ever replaced it, there is a UK Viva club, but i dont think it has
a web site regards