...to modify classic/vintage cars? (e.g. engine swaps, modern comforts like ICE, a/c etc)

Does it depend on how old they are or how many are left? Or do you think anything goes? Is it okay as long as there are a certain number left in standard form?


Personally I'd change engines in an old classic to something newer but I'd keep it's external looks as close to original as possible.

Thats what I did with my old MGB, put a zetec/MT75 in it, sold it for 7K which wasnt bad.

Wouldn't dream of doing it to the E-Type, but plenty of Americans have fitted Chevrolet V8's.

I think its down to personal taste and thickness of wallet.

what do you have in mind?
can't beat a MK1 escort with a xe engine

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Originally posted by blakep82
what do you have in mind?

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sounds interesting! as were were saying yesterday on the TVR thread, don't change anything on the original chassis, make an engine subframe to fix the engine onto the original mounts, shouldn't need IVA either

I would see it as sacrilage if the car was in mint, original condition.

Go for it, wasn't that a P4 Chop Shop put a Jag 6 in, for the jet 1 replica?

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Originally posted by speedyxjs
I would see it as sacrilage if the car was in mint, original condition.

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Originally posted by r1_pete
Go for it, wasn't that a P4 Chop Shop put a Jag 6 in, for the jet 1 replica?

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Oh yes, big time.....
Rescued attachment cs1.jpg

anything goes as its reversible

NS Dev's built a business round it. Best thing for them if it keeps them on the road
Unless theyre mint/unique/rare examples antyhings fair game

I think it all depends on what engine the car came with in the first place.

You wouldn't dream of doing an engine change on an E-Type. However, I'd be tempted to slot all sorts of things under the bonnet of a Midget, MGB or Spitfire, as well as making them stripped out race cars too.

My mate has a '59 Lotus 7, which he's converted to fireblade power. He had the chassis work done by Arch and had them weld in some extra engine mount bobbins for the engine cradle. Basically, it could easily be put back to entirely original condition if he wanted, but as it is it's the best of both worlds right now - very beautiful and very fast

ETA:

When he bought it in the first place, it was pretty much in boxes and in a sorry state. He did own a limited edition Caterham though (30th anniversary I think) that was one of only 15 or so produced - he kept that in completely original condition.

[Edited on 2/2/10 by StevieB]

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Originally posted by ReMan
NS Dev's built a business round it. Best thing for them if it keeps them on the road

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Originally posted by r1_pete
Oh yes, big time.....

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I have seen a very beautiful Brooklands type sports car, built using a Mk4 Bentley as a donor. If I had the money and skill, I'd do one.

I've got some ideas for the scimitar lurking in my shed - but as its a scimitar nobody cares what you do to it :lol:

I would be thinking about an engine swap, but thats the one bit that works (sound good too) so I recon some modern wiring, ignition, headlights, radio and a few other bits to make it reliable / useable - but no obvious changes
(but thats more to do with the budget than anything else)

I wouldn't personally buy a classic car that had been significantly modified, it's not what they are about.
There are some types of classic cars though where mods are acceptable to the enthusiasts: Volkswagon campers for instance, and I'm tempted by a mildly rodded '40's Chevy Stepside pickup!

As a for instance, Id never ever buy an old lotus and spend a fortune restoring it and rebuilding the twink, Id do one of the spider conversions with a zetec, or the new sigma engine and a completely new loom.

At the end of the day if you own it you can do what you want.

I have taken a angle grinder to my saab 96 and put an engine in the back. Its slightly modified now. Saab enthusiasts have been ok with it, some think its great.

I guess if its not a A1 condition car its not too bad. I mean its unlikely you would do major mods to an expensive car as it will really hurt resale. But i am never selling my 96

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Originally posted by blakep82
what do you have in mind?
can't beat a MK1 escort with a xe engine

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I'm quite intrested in the whole idea of a classic car rebuilt to be more useable, I've seen alot of stuff about companies that modernis old porsches and Jags and I'd love to have a go myself.

I like what they make on Chop Shop and I especially like the Jet 1 replica.