Transit for a tenner and a bottle of plonk!

[cross_buss]

Here is my Transit, it was covered in green slime when I got it, but I cleaned it all off.



http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit1.jpg



http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit2.jpg



http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit3.jpg



http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit4.jpg



http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit5.jpg



http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit6.jpg



I plan to upgrade the van a small amount, but because I plan to use it for motocross I want to keep the spending to a limit ( no fancy bodywork or interior ). Have started with the rust, got a couple of panels, filler and a pile of sandpaper! Main area of interest is a power increase, not sure how to make it more powerful just yet though, first thought was to use some pinto performance parts from a MkII Escort, but to my surprise used performance cams and heads still hold value really well, even on ebay. My next thought was a turbo, I had the idea of building a 2.3L turbo like the type from a Ford Thunderbird coupe, but the head alone is roughly 300USD and I'm not so sure I'd get a 2.3L short block in Sweden. So my latest idea is to convert it to EFI by buying a complete Sierra and stripping the motor and EFI. Then maybe looking for a turbo to add to that motor. I'd like to hear some ideas on this topic. Not sure about a V6 conversion, do you need to make custom engine mounts for that option?

[FredTransit]

Here is my Transit, it was covered in green slime when I got it, but I cleaned it all off.

http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit1.jpg

http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit2.jpg

http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit3.jpg

http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit4.jpg

http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit5.jpg

http://segment2.net/transit/pics/ford_transit6.jpg

I plan to upgrade the van a small amount, but because I plan to use it for motocross I want to keep the spending to a limit ( no fancy bodywork or interior ). Main area of interest is a power increase, not sure how to make it more powerful just yet though, first thought was to use some pinto performance parts from a MkII Escort, but to my surprise used performance cams and heads still hold value really well, even on ebay. My next thought was a turbo, I had the idea of building a 2.3L turbo like the type from a Ford Thunderbird coupe, but the head alone is roughly 300USD and I'm not so sure I'd get a 2.3L short block in Sweden. So my latest idea is to convert it to EFI by buying a complete Sierra and stripping the motor and EFI. Then maybe looking for a turbo to add to that motor. I'd like to hear some ideas on this topic. Not sure about a V6 conversion, so you need to make custom engine mounts for that option?

The pics are a bit big, was that why you only posted the URL? if you can edit them where you have hosted them it would be good! Still, got to be this year's bargain!

[cross_buss]

Yeah the pics came out much larger than I thought, the missus is the person to help me with this, I have no idea about cameras or photo editing software, even though I work at compter hardware and OS support ( I think I'm not 100% anorak, I love dirty old vans ). The domain that the photographs are hosted belongs to my company, so I thought I'd place the pics there until I can figure the photo application out ( GNU gimp ), also I'll ask the missus to help me reduce the size as soon as I can. Van is a bargain alright, but I would have preferred a Mk II Twinwheel LWB semi high roof - my favourite transit of all!

[FredTransit]

If you upload them to photbucket (free account) you can reduce the size of them there.

[Guy88]

Nice. Bonus model too

[MarkM]

Nice. Bonus model too

But only the clock is what is left of the Bonus extras...and the stickers of course.

[cross_buss]

Interesting comments, what were all the bonus extras? I thought it was the broken diff in the back, rip in the seat and the rusty old spanners in the glove compartment! I think it may have been owned by a electrical company of some sort. There were loads of gutter bolts and bits of cables in the gap beneath the sliding door step.

[Guy88]

Bonus meant tou got a clock, stickers, a radio casset player and wheel trims


Mines a bonus but it has only got the sticker on the back door to say it. mines got different side stickers too

[cross_buss]

I did have hubcaps ( wheel trim? ) on the van, but were badly scratched and chipped. Any opinions on power increase?

[stevew]

Any opinions on power increase?

It's a good idea!

Steve

[cross_buss]

Does that mean that it is a good idea to increase the power? My experience with vans is limited to Renault Traffic ( worst machine ever, I hate all French vehicles... although just a tad more than Volvo's ), Toyota Hi Ace and Nissan Urvan, popular company vans and always 2.5D so torque was there. I was disapointed with the power output of the 2.0L OHC, but to be truthful most of my experience on the road is riding motorcycles so I guess I am always disapointed when I have to drive any 4 wheel motor ( maybe not so much in a cossie, had a serious eye opener in a cossie rs 500 2WD once, but don't have the money to fit a cossie motor in a van ). I once suffered two motocross seasons in a Renault Traffic, I recall having to leave 2 hours before evryone else to get to the motocross meeting an hour later than everyone else! Power suggestions greatly appreciated!

[stevew]

You've got a 2l petrol?
Most people find this sufficiently powerful to be honest. Like you say it's a popular engine in a lot of Fords so many perfomance parts are available. You could fit a DOHC or 16V if you're lucky.

Steve

[rover]

What carb is it running? I would have thought a VV, so the first increase you could get would be a Twin Weber 32/36 DGAV and a manifold to suit

Rover.