I'm thinking about building a Group2 Mk1 Capri replica for rallying. I would greatly appreciate help in finding pictures or links to articles that show detail pictures of the suspension or interior of period cars. Thanks!
Group 2 Mk1 Capri suspension
Started by
GregCozier
, May 05 2012 14:54
3 replies to this topic
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#2
RS2000
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Posted 05 May 2012 - 19:34
Greg, as you'll know, in UK it depends on year with 75/6 being the vital change over for Group 2 regs on suspension etc. Having co-driven a Gp2 1600 Capri (because no pushrod Escort was then homologated at 1600) on post 75 Internationals, I don't recommend it! The thought of a 3 litre with similarly restricted suspension (and thus traction) is scary!
#3
RS2000
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Posted 05 May 2012 - 20:57
Handling was always an adventure, even on a short shakedown a week before the RAC Rally....
http://imageshack.us...191/prerac.jpg/]
http://imageshack.us...191/prerac.jpg/]
#4
GregCozier
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Posted 07 May 2012 - 10:41
Greg, as you'll know, in UK it depends on year with 75/6 being the vital change over for Group 2 regs on suspension etc. Having co-driven a Gp2 1600 Capri (because no pushrod Escort was then homologated at 1600) on post 75 Internationals, I don't recommend it! The thought of a 3 litre with similarly restricted suspension (and thus traction) is scary!
Investigating period Capri mods has been very interesting over the last 6 months. The 1971 Gp2 regs allowed any modifications to the 'non-visible parts of the coachwork (anything below the wheel hub line). It was also allowed to 'add stabilisers' and 'rigid rear axle locating arms and their mounting brackets'. That means that Escort 6-link rear suspension would have been legal then and would be now if period proof can be found. I contacted the Classic Safari organisers and they sent me photos of a period Gp2 car with suspension that shows 1970 Broadspeed-like watts linkage, top links in boxes very much like Mk1 Escort rally link boxes but not extending down through the floor and bottom links mounted inboard of the original spring hangers. There is no detail of the original car but it is what they used for period proof.
I used to own a Cologne v6 many years ago and traction, as you say. was a bit of a problem. I suspected at the time that rear-axle steer due to short links caused the 'break away' oversteer but certainly catching the car after was never as easy as catching even a Gp1 Escort with similar leaf springs and anti-tramp bars. When the car is considered on paper it should handle no different to an Escort but obviously it does but I've never driven a proper Gp2 one.
Edited by GregCozier, 07 May 2012 - 12:35.
