Further to the original article's, I found it difficult to source the 1800'K' series engine, & for that reason I've now decided to fit a 2 litre Ford 'ZETEC' with drastically modified sump to reduce the engine total height, instead of the previously mentioned 'K 'series. Having already done this swap in my Dutton ­ and, since I'd originally wanted to fit a 2 litre motor into Tank, this is no hardship, sadly this will also mean buying some expensive special parts to reduce the Z's extra weight [+10.5kg] compared to the x flow, and to enable a neat fitting in the S4 these include:

RS2000 Alloy bell-housing saves 6kgs in one go! Though it cost £75 second-hand, it will also allow me to fit the clutch actuating mechanism, either hydraulic or cable and the starter motor on either side of the engine very useful to have alternative fitting options. Binned the heater saving 4Kg's, and the poor puny looking roll bar 4.5kgs! A lightened flywheel at 5.5kgs saving 3kgs. (1800 Zetec item modified to accept a Pinto or Sierra DOHC clutch)

Fit original spec 1970's Lotus steel wheels and chrome hubcaps, each of these is 1kgs lighter than the alloys currently fitted. [what idiot? invented that very misleading phrase 'light alloy wheels'] These savings are easy and will make the car some 10kgs lighter than original, which with the 2 litre's extra grunt and 5 speed 'type 9' box, will bring the car up to modern standards of performance.

I've also made & fitted the rear suspension connecting rod [mentioned in Dennis Ortenburger book] a well known mod in the 70's, and something I know works well coz I fitted one to the original tank, A removable front suspension X tie rod has also been fitted, surprisingly Mr Ortenburger & all other 7 authors omit this essential and simple upgrade!

Both these mods improve the car considerably and are easy to fit. Allowing the car to remain glued to the road, Yokohama AO21r tyres, have the correct size of 185/70x13 & give the desired grip & traction, at £40 apiece they're a snip. On my Dutton I use Yoko AO48r's and the grip is nice & scary, but unfortunately these stunning looking tyres only come in '60' section which would lower the 7 too much, which is a shame.

My decision to fit the Z also means some minor chassis mod's to give me the extra height, required for the Z to fit - I intend to photographically record the transplant, so watch this space.
Mal Hill Jan 2005