Out with the Essex V6, Duratec V6 is the future

[Dave Price]

The Jag S Type 'box arrived today.  It must be half the weight of the Essex V6 4 speed, I could lift the Jag 'box with one hand (just about).  It is a lot more compact than the Ford Essex 'box.  Also it is 5 speed (hopefully if it works).  Until this arrived I was still unsure which way to jump, stay will the Essex or go Jag AJ V6 (Duratec).  This 'box is so compact and light, it has to be the future.  I know this will be a challenge as I know nothing about engine management, but it is time I moved to the 21st century.  Now just need to check out the 'box fully, currently can't find reverse (it has no lever with it), then find and engine.  I know this is complete madness and you don't need that much power in a Phaeton, but it would be good cheap fun.

[Dave Price]

The Jag V6 engine has now gone. I believe the new owner is planning to fit it in a Triumph Spitfire. That would be a tasty car

[James Doulton]

The Mk3 Capri 1600 OHC had a type 3 box as did some 1600 Sierras, so there might be different bell housings around.

[Dave Price]

Now gone full circle.  Back to plan A, fit a Pinto.  Jag route will consume too much time and money.  Now got a 1600 pinto, type 3 'box and a bell housing.  All parts came seperately,  PROBLEM - put the bell housing on the engine and now can't  the starter in.  The starter holes are in a different place in the bell housing compared to the engine sandwich plate.  They seem to be about 10mm offset.  Is this s a cross flow bell housing?

[Dave Adams]

My engine of choice would be a V6 two stroke......ironically very low on engine emissions. when the EEC first proposed the catalyst on all cars from 2000 some time in the 90‘s only the east german Wartburg 3 cyl two stroke engine was capable of passing the emissions requirement at that time and that was without a catalyst !

[James Doulton]

Just a visual smoke test? that's great!

[Paul Thomas]

If it is on a Q plate its a visual smoke test only

[Adrian Southgate]

It probably depends on the perceived age of the engine, MOT testers discretion and all that :-)

[James Doulton]

I was thinking about your Jag engine and converting it to bike carbs and I wondered about the whole emissions business, Cats and MOTs etc. Am I right in thinking that the MOT requirements are based on the age of the engine and the manufacturer's figures for it? In which case does that mean that it'll be difficult to get it through the MOT, with six carbs to try to balance? I'm not trying to rain on your parade, I'm just worried for you. And jealous too.

[Dave Price]

Dave, I was looking for a Cosworth 24v V6.  When do so research on the web I found an artical suggesting the S Type Jag engine / box are currently a bargain (and a longitudial RWD set up).  Placed a checky offer of £65 on a 5 speed box, so once that arrived I then looked for an engine.  Then found an engine for £150.  Most expensive item so far has been the bike throttle bodies to replace the ugly cast inlet manifold.

[Dave Adams]

interesting engine choice, i was offered a mondeo duratec V6 for £100 but didnt know what gearbox would be viable, but the Lancia car needs an engine.....hmmm.