Hi: I am a new forum member with a few years experience of restoring, maintaining, converting and driving Alpines.

If anyone wants help with converting their Alpine to a V6 (2.8 Cologne) engine, I would be glad to help.

I will of copurse also be glad to assist where I can in all the usual Alpine problems in the late series (IV or V).

You can post on the forum, or pm me whatever you pefer.
Cheers

Hi V MAD

Guess you also think this is how they should have been built. I have rebuilt several Alpines, 2 with uprated Holbays and had a dabble with Tigers. Engine wise where do I start? Cosworth?
Cheers
Si

Hi Simon
The starting point is the Ford 2.8 V6 'Cologne' engine as used in the later Capri/Granadas. That will fit easily and give you a similar performance to a Tiger. In the USA they have added turbochargers as well, so thats a possible route, but not one of my experience. As for the Cossie V6, I think the larger heads would mean some serious surgery of the engine bay. How much power/torque do you want?

Thanks for the reply, Im liking this forum. I agree with you it could be great with more input/use.

I reckon 200ish BHP and relevant torque should do the trick. I breifly had an Escort Cosworth which was an experience. So if I was going to die Id rather be doing 60 sideways hitting a tree than 130 dodging a hedgehog. Besides no wheel spin with traction control and rubbish turbo lag is like an 850 mini unless you get extreme.

Serious sheet metal/panel work not a problem as it was part of my trade, but fuel injection and engine management just doesnt feel right for this type of car. Id rather it raw and basic, a bit like.

Do you know from which year which Capri/granadas with Colognes/Essex engines have 3 port exhuasts? from what V6 Jose says this seems the easier route to more BHP.
Cheers
Si

The UK 2.8 V6 Cologne engine, unlike the USA version has only two exhaust ports per head, one of which is siamesed. However, that doesnt seem to limit the power output too much as the UK Capri/Granada injection engines were rated at 160 BHP, normally aspirated. I have heard that 228 BHP is achievable with turbocharging (TVR Tasmin Turbo).

Only the ESSEX engine had the 3-port heads in the UK. But I dont think these are a good option for the Alpine as the engine is heavier/bulky, and I am not sure if these will fit around the Alpine steering mechanism.

OK, I can work out the best car donor for engine, probably a Granada. The T9 I guess is an easy find.

Is it the height of the Cosi heads/plenum that are the problem? I still like the idea of squeezing one in even if it means chopping the bonnet a bit.

Im an engineer and dont have any problems with fabrication either. In fact I still have some spot weld perfect chassis repair section I made if you know of anyone interested? They include both front corners of cruciform, rear spring hanger, cruciform to sill jig box front and back, some other bits I cant remember. Not sure if can make anymore as I think I threw the press tooling. They were all made so that once fitted you wouldnt know it had been repaired.

Thanks
Si

The Granada 2.8 engine should be fine. It will fit straight in, and can be positioned low down and far back to keep the good handling. Finding a type 9 gearbox should be easy. For weight saving, I recommend using the alloy bell-housing and matching starter motor from the Sierras. Get an overdrive propshaft; no cutting required!

If you want to go the Cosworth route, I cant help you, as the engine is quite different, it is a 2.9 type, with 3-ports per head. I have no experience of this, but the main snag could be the exhaust port positions; these might not fit within the Alpine steering gear arrangement. Also, you may not get the engine in such a good position as the 2.8V6. Check with USA Alpiners/Jose if you need help there.