Ranchero project

[sgtlethargic]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

The 2TC is a very stout engine from the early 1970's, and was a favorite with the racers because of its cross-flow hemi head design.

How radical or tame are you considering? High compression ratio would work fine with E85 and propane fuels. A turbocharger would allow you to effectively achieve variable-compression-ratio change via a waste-gate valve, so quite high CR could be used (11-12:1?).

The 1600 Kent engine was only used for two years (1971-1972) and then was replaced by the 2000 Cologne German engine and then the 2300 USA engine. If you were in Great Britian, it would be readily available in different sizes ranging from 1300 cc up to 1800 cc; but, here in USA, it quickly went obsolete when Formula Ford racing ended in the 1980's. Although it was resurrected again in the later Ford Fiesta (my dad had one!)

I'm talking mellow, at first.

What's wrong with obsolete? I just bought an engine and trans for $120. What seems to be one of the more expensive rebuild parts (aftermarket pistons are $400) I've found NOS on ebay for ~$150. And, now that you mention it and if I go that way, EFI could be adapted from the Fisasta 1.6 L?

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

I hear on the 'net that the Suzuki Samurai 5-speed transmission bolts to the Geo Metro 3banger.

The fwd drivetrain has fewer losses than rwd drivetrains. If you're shooting for the most efficiency I'd consider it.

[hondaguy72]

Being in Cali I would bet the best way to get your mileage goals met and avoid CARB requirements would be to do an E conversion. I'm guessing that 90-100mpgE would be very possible.

[sgtlethargic]

Originally Posted by hondaguy72

Being in Cali I would bet the best way to get your mileage goals met and avoid CARB requirements would be to do an E conversion. I'm guessing that 90-100mpgE would be very possible.

CARB requirements aren't really an issue. 1975 and older cars are pretty much exempt.

I've looked into electric (member of DIY Electric Car forums), and it's too limiting for my current situation. Maybe after I'm settled down somewhere with a short work commute. Even then, unless I had a range extending generator, I would want a high-mpg car for longer trips.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

unless I had a range extending generator.

[user removed]

I would look for one of the diesel import trucks from the 80s and early 90s. The components would probably come very close to matching the 61 Falcon in weight and wheelbase. You could probably use the complete power train and move the engine mounting position so you could use an unaltered drive shaft. Get the shifter in the right position and you are in good shape. Most of the Japanese imports had small diesel pickups in that time period. Low mileage wrecked or rusted away body and frame would be your ideal choice. Run it on veggy oil if you can.

regards
Mech

[sgtlethargic]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Why ya eyerollin' that?

[Frank Lee]

We just had yet another big go-around on what I think is the folly of using a generator to address range anxiety.

[vacationtime247]

That depends on what kind of Tempo ya drive...
VT247

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

On a good day a Tempo/Topaz can just hit 40, but it doesn't AVERAGE that. You could go fwd and put a Metro drivetrain in- lots of them are rusted out.

[Frank Lee]

Ah yes, shooda said gas.