GT40 scratch build

Hi everyone

I'm helping my uncle build a Ford GT40 replica from scratch.

At the moment the chassis is complete and we have some pannels and the R21T Gearbox.

I have been tasked with finding the following parts to push this project on as it has been on hold for a few years:

So here's what i need:

Ford 302 small block v8
Adapter plate ( Ford 302-UN1 R12T)
Fiat 850s Rear Lights
Viva HB front Head Lighs (With side light bulb holder)

If anyone can help please let me know, thanks

I will also keep this post updated with our project as we go
 
Last edited:

Ian Anderson

Lifetime Supporter
Hi and welcome

My suggestions below

Regards
Ian

Hi everyone

I'm helping my uncle build a Ford GT40 replica from scratch.

At the moment the chassis is complete and we have some pannels and the R21T Gearbox.

I have been tasked with finding the following parts to push this project on as it has been on hold for a few years:

So here's what i need:

Ford 302 small block v8 Suggest import from USA - should be cheaper than UK source
Adapter plate ( Ford 302-UN1 R12T) Chris Cole / Tornado Both can be found on this forum using a search
Fiat 850s Rear Lights E bay (Look under GT40 - about £50 each at present)
Viva HB front Head Lighs (With side light bulb holder) Again e bay )base of light is metal and you can drill this and fit your own sidelight - sidelight unit from S-V-C)

If anyone can help please let me know, thanks

I will also keep this post updated with our project once i take some pictures.
 
We are hoping to only spend a few hundred £ on an engine, even if it requires work.

The cheapest option might be to get a car which is for spares or repairs with the needed engine.
 
Could anyone tell me what sort of cars i should be looking for that use this engine (Ford 302 small block v8)?

Im also told that these engines can also be found in such things as power boats?
 
Any American V8 from 1966 onwards is worth a look, dont forget smaller USA trucks/vans either. Mercury & other small boat manufacturers have used 302/351w in some stern drive ( thru transom ) applications since the late 60's, just be a bit wary of those that run a raw water cooling system if they have been in the salty stuff, internal corrosion of the cooling water jackets has a habit of getting to the wrong places. With Fords industrial engine program V8's occasionally turned up in strange places like generators , blowers for fertiliser application etc. Just keep an open mind.
 
Ahh, I see your point.

Keep your eye on the back of the american car mags, Classic American and so on, also the back of Practical Classics, and there is a weekly on that looks like a news paper, but the name escapes me now. All these mags have a "spares cars" section, what you want will most likely be listed in one of these mags.

You can pick up a "cut out" engine for about 250GBP. These are where someone has gone to a scrap yard and just cut out the entire engine. But even then it will take in the region of about 1500GBP to get it running.

The problem your going to have is that the 302 V8 was quite rare in the UK. We got the essex V6 and the Pinto 4 pot. We did get some but mostly in pickup trucks.

Have you thought about using a rover V8? There are alot more of these about. And your chances of finding a running engine that you can use without any work are much increased.
 
I no there’s some mustangs around with the 302 v8 that we want. These cars have failed mot’s and are for sale for under 1000GBP.

As regards the Rover v8. We feel that a ford v8 will be a lot more reliable than the rover v8. Quite common to have head gasket failure.

Also, seems a shame to build a Ford GT40 and not put a Ford engine in. But thanks for the idea; a smaller rover v8 (3.0L) might be a good option for when putting the car through its road test.

Never thought of looking in those mag’s good point.

Does anyone know where the engine number can be found on the Ford 302’s ?
 

Randy V

Moderator-Admin
Staff member
Admin
Lifetime Supporter
Does anyone know where the engine number can be found on the Ford 302’s ?

Down by the starter..

interchange1.gif
 
Just been doing some research on the Fiat 850s rear lights.

Other kit cars that use the Fiat lights also have the option to use the Opel Manta's rear lights.

Could this be a alternative for the GT40 replica's as well?
 
Ok, anthor thing to add to may shopping list.

We are using 15" rims and need a brake system (discs and calipers) that will fit inside the rim.

If anyone has also used 15" rims can you tell me have calipers and discs you used?
 

Ian Anderson

Lifetime Supporter
Granada front uprights - obvoiusly then Granada discs and calipers will work I have AP 4 pots that bolt direct to the uprights - came of Austin Princess also found on MK1 Escort rally cars and Cop SD1 Rovers

Rear Granada work OK - scorpio are better as they have vented discs

Mine runs Saab 9000 front calipers on the rear (Saab ran their handbrake on their front wheels)

Or for a little more get Wilwoods all round and do it right fron the start
Also need to decide on your master cylinders to suit the calipers and some form of balance bar system

Ian
 
If we use the Granada Scorpio Discs and Calipers on front and on the back we use the the Granada Discs with the Saab 9000 calipers what master cyclinders would you recomend?
 

Ian Anderson

Lifetime Supporter
I'm running a hung Tilton twin master cylinder setup with balance bar at about 6-1 pedal ratio

I run 0.7 master cyllinders front and rear

There are so many variables when it comes to brakes so sizing is really important

Ian
 
Back
Top