The 1600M uses the Ford Kent 4 Cylinder 1.6 litre Crossflow Engine, much used in the Cortina and the Capri. As can be seen in this picture the Carburrettors are almost as big as the engine block. With open bell mouths they represent quite a fire hazard in a glass fibre car and therefore a built in fire extinguisher with under carb spray bar is fitted.
Claimed BHP = 105 with Kent High Lift Cams and 40 DCOEs, performs well at high RPM but poor low end torque, definately a boy racers car.
The 2000M uses the Triumph GT6, 6 Cylinder 2.0 litre Engine with twin Solex constant vacumn carburrettors. Being a sideflow engine it is probably less efficient the the Ford engine.
Claimed BHP = 100, poor for its size but reputed to have much more low end torgue and to be far smoother running than the 1600M.
The 3000M uses the Ford Essex V6, 6 Cylinder 3.0 litre Engine. This was the workhorse of the large Ford Saloon cars and commercial vehicles of the period. Its central single carburrettor tends to restrict its potential and this plus its greater mass meant their was still a market for the smaller engines.
Claimed BHP = 130, lots of torgue giving loads of low end acceleration, very smooth in fact goes much better than a 1600M without half the fuss.
But personally I like my 1600M and its roarty snorty fuss and struggle. If I wanted a smooth sleek and civilised car I'd be driving an old Daimler wouldn't I?.
Copyright ©1999 Jim Rushton