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Poor Man’s Frontenac

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Mac the Yankee, Oct 25, 2007.

  1. okay, now my computer won't let me download the pic- probably too big- will get back asap...
     
  2. says the bmp is WAY too big... still learning:rolleyes:
     
  3. Alright- one more time...
     

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  4. bcfordman
    Joined: Oct 24, 2007
    Posts: 53

    bcfordman
    Member
    from cortez co

    hi guys ,hi Dave thank you for resizing pics,hi Mac it's alitle different but I like the engeneering that went into it,2 blocks cut and welded ,cam boxes are basicly layered milled aluminum,I could have built a nice car for the $ that was invested.... BC
     
  5. FleaBiscuit
    Joined: Apr 3, 2007
    Posts: 59

    FleaBiscuit
    Member

    Zetec rocks! :)

    [​IMG]

    http://www.panducky.com/Project-Murray_ep_72-1.html

    Its coming along... i was finally able to pull it over into my fab area the other day, and am beginning to finsih work on the chassis and starting on the body structure.... but this one will be turbocharged, running a custom standalone computer called 'megasquirt'... Should be a fun little build :)
     
  6. That looks good to me. I'm glad the print screen method worked for you.

    Thanks,
    Kurt
     
  7. Phil1934
    Joined: Jun 24, 2001
    Posts: 2,716

    Phil1934
    Member

    I think I solved your problem. There is another thread on four cylinder RWD swaps and I posted some info. Evidently the newer Mazda Miata has a Duratec engine and is RWD and there is a Mazda only junkyard in Atlanta!
    Mazmart (www.mazmart.com; phone 800-221-5156), a Mazda-only yard in Atlanta, always has many Miata engines in stock. Prices usually range from $450 to $1650 depending on condition, year, mileage and completeness. You will also want to go here. http://members.aol.com/solomiata/MiataCSP.html
    Seems the earlier Miatas were CVH, but again the driver's side exhaust.
     
  8. Anyone have some good pics of the Duratec?
     
  9. Phil1934
    Joined: Jun 24, 2001
    Posts: 2,716

    Phil1934
    Member

    The only caution would be Mazda has a variable cam timing run by oil pressure. I don't know if a computer is involved. I don't think Fords have this, but they might. But driveline parts should work.
     

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  10. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,487

    tjm73
    Member

    Non of the Ford have the VVT. Not yet anyway. At least nothing up to '08 has it to the best of my knowledge.
     
  11. Paul Y
    Joined: Dec 29, 2006
    Posts: 633

    Paul Y
    Member

    Why dont you use the Cosworth engine out of the Sierra or Escort Cosworth?

    These are twin overhead cam can be mated to a T5 box (the Sierra is RWD the Escort four wheel drive) can be easily tuned to 500hp+ or a more reliable 350hp and are as tough as old boots.

    That would then give you your FrontyFord look (twin cam) you are after. Only down side is a turbo with EFI so if you want to go carbs you would have to sort out the compression ratio.

    I ran one in a Mk1 Escort and it was completely mental!

    P.
     
  12. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,487

    tjm73
    Member

    We never got them on this side of the big lake. A few trickled in, but they bring big money.
     
  13. Ahhh, BIG money- something us teachers don't see...
     
  14. Paul Y
    Joined: Dec 29, 2006
    Posts: 633

    Paul Y
    Member

    Bolt it in and drive....

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2WD-COSWORTH-...8257791QQihZ004QQcategoryZ21654QQcmdZViewItem

    PLUS! It has the exhaust on the right side for you.

    You can get these engine for $1500-2000 in standard spec. Hey at least you would be the only one with one on cruise night!

    Just as an aside, have you thought about the FIAT twin cam? They are as cheap as chips, light, robust and rwd. Quite a popular swap here.

    P.
     
  15. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,487

    tjm73
    Member

    No doubt they are great engines. I've admired them for years. But at $1500-2000 GBP we would be looking at like $3000-$4000 USD at the current exchange just to purchase. Then it's gotta be shipped over. Not economically viable fo rmost people.
     
  16. Ricola
    Joined: Sep 8, 2007
    Posts: 100

    Ricola
    Member
    from MN

    I'm installing a Suzuki Swift 1300 cc with a Suzuki Samauri 5 speed trans into this Bugeye. I think it could look cool in a T as well.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  17. Paul Y
    Joined: Dec 29, 2006
    Posts: 633

    Paul Y
    Member

    TJM,

    That price is in Dollars. In the UK I can buy a complete engine including all ancillaries wiring loom and computer for between £750-£1000 Pounds or $1500-$2000 Dollars.

    What about the FIAT Twin cam engine?

    [​IMG]

    I have seen complete cars for less than £200 Pounds! These came with a 5 speed gearbox and run well with a little tlc.

    I know this is going away from a Ford in a Ford but if you want a 'Trad' twincam with carbs then these are a good bet.

    P:D
     
  18. Fiats haven't been imported to North America for many years.

    Their twin cam motors,and 5 speed trans look good,
    and run good,but good luck finding one.
     
  19. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,487

    tjm73
    Member

    My bad. Didn't know you wer talking dollars. Thought you were talking pounds.
     
  20. Cargo
    Joined: Jun 18, 2007
    Posts: 232

    Cargo
    Member

    Gentlemen, there seems to be a lot of concern here about an engine looking like something it is simply not. Why? I agree that the temptation to have a rare or rather eclectic looking engine is high, but lets not lose sight of what we really are doing here, building something that is fun and reliable. Budgets are a big concern as well.
    If you can't afford the ransom for a rare motor (I certainly cant) why disguise an engine to look like one?
    Maybe I just don't get it, feel free to call BS on me, but the current trend of the Fauxmobile valve covers on chev small blocks or the fake hemi covers baffles me. One of the more tasty and acceptable treatments I have seen of late was George Poteet's Ford Racing crate engine with the T-Bird adapted valve covers in his black 32 5 window, and that was back in 2003 (I think).
    The trend towards high output bangers and inline six motors is exciting to see. I agree with the Ford in a Ford theme and always have.
    It's just my opinion, but money and effort spent on making a motor look like something it is not, is wasted. No matter how hard you try you will never make a Quad 4 a Frontenac. It can't feel good to have someone say "Hey thats a Frontenac!" and have to explain that you faked it. It is really about form over function, and that is not what this hobby was founded on.
    That said, the Ford 2.3/2.5 fours are dollar for dollar the best bet. Lots of them out there, plenty of aftermarket parts, and years of on the road reliability testing. Paint it, polish it and dress it up, but it is what it is. Why be a poser?
    No ill intent here guys, just putting in my dollars worth (2 cents, with inflation), keep it real.
    P.S. gotta say any time spent being creative in the shop is not a waste, much better than watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island.
     
  21. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,487

    tjm73
    Member

    I don't think the original poster thought he would be telling people he had a Frontiac when he had a Quad4. I think the idea was here is a realitivly powerful widely available engine that is pretty cheap, pretty powerful and could be cool in a rod as it looks kinda old timey race car like. This isn't about pretending to run a mill you don't have.
     
  22. Conder
    Joined: Jan 16, 2005
    Posts: 982

    Conder

    I'm sorry if this has been asked already, but can someone please make a list of new AMERICAN MADE high gas mileage engines and Hybrid combos? - Conder
     
  23. Cargo
    Joined: Jun 18, 2007
    Posts: 232

    Cargo
    Member

    tjm73, I get where your coming from and re-read the original post. your right on about that. My response was more to the suggestion of re-casting valve/cam covers etc. to mimic a motor. I'm all for a cool looking engine and I don't think, in general, anyone in the hobby really wants to pass off a motor for something it's not, I mean they won't stand there and tell you "Oh yea, this is a rare....." when its' a Quad 4.
    The bottom line is do what you want. Hey thats why we build these things, you dont' go to the local car lot and pick up the perfect rod for you, even if you find it you'll eventually change something to fit your personal tastes! Happy building guys!
     
  24. Phil1934
    Joined: Jun 24, 2001
    Posts: 2,716

    Phil1934
    Member

    And KRP gets a deal on engines taken off line for QC so you can get a new Duratec long block with clutch for $800. Since you will make manifolds you only need to get pulleys and alternator.
     
  25. Phil... dumb question- who or what is KRP?
     
  26. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,487

    tjm73
    Member

    Not a dumb question as I wondered the same thing......:confused:
     
  27. Hey all,

    Hope your Thanksgiving was good!

    Thought I would get this post back in circulation, but didn't want to simply give myself a BTTT, so here's a little some thing from the Frontenac family...
     

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  28. Bigcheese327
    Joined: Sep 16, 2001
    Posts: 6,694

    Bigcheese327
    Member

    I like that. Reminds me of the street-legal bellytank someone built in the 1950s.

    -Dave
     
  29. I took a ride from Riverside to Big Bear Lake California and back in this Quad Four powered puppy. It's a runner. The only down side was I burned my leg on the exhaust. I like the Quad Four from a looks standpoint. But I'm thinking about using one of the Ford head Mercruisers in my next project.
     

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