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2007-09-11 by lxado63
I recently purchased a 1970 marcos 3 ltr steel chassis which is in need of some mechanical TLC. It runs, but very roughly. My preliminary research indicates that it may cost as much to restore/rebuild the volvo unit as it would to update/swap in a newer engine. Has anyone in the US put a newer engine/drivetrain into their marcos with success and could offer advice? What US spec engines fit the marcos chassis? Advice/Info is greatly appreciated.
2007-09-11 by Donny Lang
----- Original Message -----From: lxado63Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 2:29 PMSubject: [MarcosManiacs] engine alternativesI recently purchased a 1970 marcos 3 ltr steel chassis which is in
need of some mechanical TLC. It runs, but very roughly. My
preliminary research indicates that it may cost as much to
restore/rebuild the volvo unit as it would to update/swap in a newer
engine. Has anyone in the US put a newer engine/drivetrain into their
marcos with success and could offer advice? What US spec engines fit
the marcos chassis? Advice/Info is greatly appreciated.
2007-09-12 by Paul Dransfield
I would also concur with Donny s assessment. I ve owned my 3 litre Volvo for 32 years and I ve NEVER had an engine problem other than a worn water pump or two.
2007-09-12 by larry meadows
I agree with Paul and Donny. I have owned Marcos with B-30 engine sense 1972 But only have 22k miles on the clock. The car has just completed a complete frame off restoration. While I had the engine out, I replaced the valve seats with hardened seats and installed electronic ignition. Upon internal inspection, I noticed that crosshatching in the cylinders are very visible and very little wear on the main seal wear surfaces (realizing the low mileage I was expecting this) and the seals were still tight and pliable, but replaced them as it seemed pointless not to as it is over 35 years old. I replaced the automatic with an overdrive 4 speed. I used to think it was swift before, but there is a marked improvement with the new tranny. The only problem I have had is trying to find a new water pump that isn't oversize on the pipe outlet. All pumps I have tried, Have been overhauled too many times to maintain the ID of the outlet pipe opining and it doesn't seal against the "O" ring. Larry 3V5536
----- Original Message ----
From: Paul Dransfield <pauldransfield@...>
To: MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:17:59 AM
Subject: Re: [MarcosManiacs] engine alternatives
I would also concur with Donny's assessment. I've owned my 3 litre Volvo for 32 years and I've NEVER had an engine problem other than a worn water pump or two. I switched out the original standard B30 engine around 12 years ago for a factory tuned B30 marine engine (literally out of a boat) putting out 235bhp, and I've had no regrets. The original engine was still running very well and could out-accelerate most other cars on the road but it needed an overhaul. It had done well over 100,000 miles and would have benefitted from a rebore and valve job. After weighing up the rebuild cost against CAN$1200 being asked for the newly rebuilt factory tuned engine, it was a no-brainer. I had to have the cam reprofiled with new lifters, installed electronic ignition and swapped a few components from my old engine, but I then just dropped it in and away I went. After 12 years of lead foot driving, I've only ever had to change the oil, filter and spark plugs. Not
even a water pump problem since though I do have a spare sitting in my tool chest.
On the other hand, if you try to substitute another engine, you'll be opening up a whole new can of worms. For a start, the hood would likely have to be reprofiled unless you elect to go with a much smaller engine. The engine mounts would have to be repositioned. The throttle linkage would have to be rerouted. And if you go with the Rover V8, I'm pretty sure the chassis would have to be adjusted to allow clearance for the starter motor.
So I'd thorough investigate your options before proceeding with an egine swap.
Regards,
Paul Dransfield
3 litre Volvo
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donny Lang"
To: MarcosManiacs@ yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [MarcosManiacs] engine alternatives
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:09:46 -0400
My Marcos came with a 2 liter Ford V4 that I feel is not the best match for a sports car. I am transplanting a 3.9 liter rover/5 spd into mine. This basic configuration (3.5 liter and larger V8) was used by Marcos though the 1980's on into the 1990's. The exhaust headers are an extremely tight fit, but it can be transplanted.
Your Volvo 3 liter (B30) is a wonderful, smooth, tourquey engine when running properly. It is a 7 main bearing block (if I recall correctly) and very robust, and still makes a nice exhaust sound with the right exhaust. Your hood should have a bulge on the right side to clear the Volvo carbs rather than the center bulge of most f the rest had. You may have hood clearance problems with other engines other than the Volvo 6. I would look at rebuilding the Volvo. I have overhauled a couple of these in the past, and even with well over 100.00 miles, they had very little actual wear. A good disassemle, cleaning. rings. bearings, gaskets, and valve job were all my old engines needed. It is a very simple basic engine with only the water piping being sensitive to assembly.
I don't know if this helps! - Donny
----- Original Message -----
From: lxado63
To: MarcosManiacs@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 2:29 PM
Subject: [MarcosManiacs] engine alternatives
I recently purchased a 1970 marcos 3 ltr steel chassis which is in
need of some mechanical TLC. It runs, but very roughly. My
preliminary research indicates that it may cost as much to
restore/rebuild the volvo unit as it would to update/swap in a newer
engine. Has anyone in the US put a newer engine/drivetrain into their
marcos with success and could offer advice? What US spec engines fit
the marcos chassis? Advice/Info is greatly appreciated.
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http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=3965454692007-09-12 by Don Lattimer
I assume from your post that the car is in the US ? If so, where are you located and what is the serial #? I'll add you to the North American Marcos Registry. Don (Moderator) #3M5759 --- In MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com, "lxado63" <lxado63@...> wrote: > > I recently purchased a 1970 marcos 3 ltr steel chassis which is in > need of some mechanical TLC. It runs, but very roughly. My > preliminary research indicates that it may cost as much to > restore/rebuild the volvo unit as it would to update/swap in a newer > engine. Has anyone in the US put a newer engine/drivetrain into their > marcos with success and could offer advice? What US spec engines fit > the marcos chassis? Advice/Info is greatly appreciated. >
2007-09-13 by bennywhiz
Hi,As a matter of interest, I bought a 1970 steel chassis a few years ago. The previous owner had installed but not connected up a 2.8 v6 chev along with 5-speed gearbox. My point being how well it fitted, the only problem would have been the headers. The gearbox lever was nicely positioned. The engine I believe was a Camero, fuel injected etc.,I never used it as I wanted to go back to motors I was familar with, 1600 x-flows, b18 Volvo's...
2007-09-14 by lxado63
Hi Don: My marcos is already on your registry- just with a new owner. Its #3V5688, 1970 3L convertible, and it now resides in Miami Beach FL. Regards, Rob Moehring --- In MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com, "Don Lattimer" <donlattimer@...> wrote: > > I assume from your post that the car is in the US ? If so, where are > you located and what is the serial #? I'll add you to the North > American Marcos Registry. > > Don (Moderator) > #3M5759 > > --- In MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com, "lxado63" <lxado63@> wrote: > > > > I recently purchased a 1970 marcos 3 ltr steel chassis which is in > > need of some mechanical TLC. It runs, but very roughly. My > > preliminary research indicates that it may cost as much to > > restore/rebuild the volvo unit as it would to update/swap in a newer
> > engine. Has anyone in the US put a newer engine/drivetrain into > their > > marcos with success and could offer advice? What US spec engines > fit > > the marcos chassis? Advice/Info is greatly appreciated. > > >
2007-09-14 by ANDREA CATTON
2007-09-14 by Don Lattimer
Mick,
I have a 1971 with Essex V6 and it has the Girling large reservoir master cylinder but the number reads CC4A . It's a 3/4" bore.
www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk has what you're looking for I think. Try this link:
http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=gmc-12-il
Or search on their site for: GMC-12-IL
Don
--- In MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com, ANDREA CATTON wrote:
>
> Hello there,
>
> I have a 1969 2ltr V4 Marcos.
> I am trying to find and purchase a replacement Brake Master Cylinder unit.
>
> The one on the car at present is a GIRLING unit with the number 64675575 printed both sides near the screw cap, directly below this is a large symbol H with a small A printed underneath, below this is the word Girling then 875 below that.
>
> It's a 3/4" bore,90deg Large Bowl
> I have contacted a couple of vendors and given them the info above.
> Each time they cannot recognise the serial numbers as a GIRLING part.
>
> Does anybody know if this is the correct unit for the car or which make of car was the donor for this.
> I know most of the braking system was triumph.
> Is this a triumph part?
>
> On another note:
>; I don't know if i hold the record for the longest rebuild.
> I started stripping the car down in Aug 1993 thinking it would be back on the road in 6months.
> 14 years later and it's still not finished.
> I am a member of CLUB MARCOS INTERNATIONAL here in the UK.
> In the last mag i received it mentioned MARCOS 50th Anniversary was coming up in 2009 so i am trying to finnish it for then.
>
> Thanks. Mick
>
2007-09-22 by ANDREA CATTON
Mick,I have a 1971 with Essex V6 and it has the Girling large reservoir master cylinder but the number reads CC4A . It's a 3/4" bore.www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk has what you're looking for I think. Try this link:Or search on their site for: GMC-12-ILDon
--- In MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com, ANDREA CATTON wrote:
>
> Hello there,
>
> I have a 1969 2ltr V4 Marcos.
> I am trying to find and purchase a replacement Brake Master Cylinder unit.
>
> The one on the car at present is a GIRLING unit with the number 64675575 printed both sides near the screw cap, directly below this is a large symbol H with a small A printed underneath, below this is the word Girling then 875 below that.
>
> It's a 3/4" bore,90deg Large Bowl
> I have contacted a couple of vendors and given them the info above.
> Each time they cannot recognise the serial numbers as a GIRLING part.
>
> Does anybody know if this is the correct unit for the car or which make of car was the donor for this.
> I know most of the braking system was triumph.
> Is this a triumph part?
>
> On another note:
> I don't know if i hold the record for the longest rebuild.
> I started stripping the car down in Aug 1993 thinking it would be back on the road in 6months.
> 14 years later and it's still not finished.
> I am a member of CLUB MARCOS INTERNATIONAL here in the UK.
> In the last mag i received it mentioned MARCOS 50th Anniversary was coming up in 2009 so i am trying to finnish it for then.
>
> Thanks. Mick
>
2007-09-22 by Don Lattimer
Great! Glad I could help. Don #3M5759 --- In MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com, ANDREA CATTON <smiglit1@...> wrote:
> > Don, > > Took your advice and purchased the item from MERLIN. > Thanks. Mick
2007-10-28 by McLeod, Ronald
Don . . . Thanks for this link. My 3-litre Volvo had a dual-circuit master cylinder - a huge thing that restricted the pedal rack adjustment because it was up against the front of the pedal box. This was a bit of a problem, as I am 6' 0", and the lack of adjustment meant that my knees were pressed up against the bottom of the dashboard. Paul Dransfield's car has the Girling master cylinder, and he has plenty of room for adjustment, so I ordered one from Merlin. Installed the Girling in place of the dual-circuit master cylinder last week, and it makes a world of difference. I can now adjust the pedal rack right out to the end of the screw drive. No more bruised kneecaps for me! Regards . . . Ron McLeod Marcos Mantis P8-5858 Marcos GT 3V-5642 ________________________________
From: MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Don Lattimer Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 6:04 PM To: MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com Subject: [MarcosManiacs] Re: Master Brake Cylinder ? Mick, I have a 1971 with Essex V6 and it has the Girling large reservoir master cylinder but the number reads CC4A . It's a 3/4" bore. www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk <http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk> has what you're looking for I think. Try this link: http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=gm c-12-il <http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=g mc-12-il> Or search on their site for: GMC-12-IL Don --- In MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com, ANDREA CATTON <smiglit1@...> wrote: > > Hello there, > > I have a 1969 2ltr V4 Marcos. > I am trying to find and purchase a replacement Brake Master Cylinder unit. > > The one on the car at present is a GIRLING unit with the number 64675575 printed both sides near the screw cap, directly below this is a large symbol H with a small A printed underneath, below this is the word Girling then 875 below that. > > It's a 3/4" bore,90deg Large Bowl > I have contacted a couple of vendors and given them the info above. > Each time they cannot recognise the serial numbers as a GIRLING part. > > Does anybody know if this is the correct unit for the car or which make of car was the donor for this. > I know most of the braking system was triumph. > Is this a triumph part? > > On another note: > I don't know if i hold the record for the longest rebuild. > I started stripping the car down in Aug 1993 thinking it would be back on the road in 6months. > 14 years later and it's still not finished. > I am a member of CLUB MARCOS INTERNATIONAL here in the UK. > In the last mag i received it mentioned MARCOS 50th Anniversary was coming up in 2009 so i am trying to finnish it for then. > > Thanks. Mick > This e-mail and any attachments are intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email, and any attachments thereto, is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error please immediately notify the sender and permanently delete the original copy and any copy of any e-mail, and any printout thereof.