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]

Been playing with the Jag V6 tonight.  Shortly after the engine arrived I turned it over couple of times by hand, ever since I have had it on the engine stand, I can't get the crank to fully rotate.  Thought it could have excessive oil in the combustion chambers (as it arrived laying on it's side on the pallet).  So removed the plugs and tried to turn the engine through it's full cycle again, still stopping at cylinder 1 TDC.  There was no mechanical sound as it jammed, just serious resistance.  Then tonight thought, if it has oil in the chambers, if I dilute the oil I could get it to drain out.  A good spray of WD40 down each bore, then turned the crank pulley again.  That sorted it, engine now turns freely, so must have had excessive oil in the chambers.

[Dave Adams]

what's the prize.........medical students, carry on doctor springs to mind.....oh no i am giving away my age.

[Dave Price]

Yesterday went across the road to talk to the house full of young medical students who are converting an LDV luton van into a camper van.  Got talking about projects, so they all came across to see the Phaeton.  They loved the car and in particular it's shape.  It was great to see young people so admiringof a classic kit car.  They laid down a challenge, first to complete their project (them, the camper, me the Phaeton).  So we are going to be doing regular checks on each others projects. 

[John Allen]

Hi dave, sorry in delay but thanks for letting know. good luck with the project.

[Dave Price]

Now got some Hayabus throttle bodies for the V6 engine.  I decided the large cast ali inlet manifold would look ugly sticking out of the bonnet, but throttle bodies / trumpets would look good.  Now have 8 bike throttle bodies, anybody want the 2 spare one?

[Dave Price]

John, sorry heads are 4 Star (Oval port) and the timing gear is fibre

[Big Vern]

The Essex (tugboat) engine is heavy iirc 250+kg the jag V6 is about 80kg less and the duratec 90 or 100kg less.

[John Allen]

After unleaded heads and and all steel timing gear if available??

[James Doulton]

I want to know how much lighter the Duratec is compared to the Essex ... and I wouldn't mind sharing the blonde.

[Dave Price]

dodgy typo, should say anybody want any Essex bits?