The V8 Owners Forum -

Howdy, I'm new here so I will begin with a short intro. I'm fairly new to the automotive scene. I have done work on Skodas such as suspension and basic engine part replacements. Also had a Fiesta mk4 which was given to me as a non runner. I did an engine swap and a few other replacements before selling it on for a few extra pounds. So I have a little bit of experience. Anyway, I have time on my hands and since I was a boy I loved American muscle cars but still being quite poor I cannot afford to buy, restore and upgrade one.

Sooo... after spending time on the internet I found a british car that looks like a yank and I was crazy about it...

It's a Vauxhall Victor FD! And here she is:



The body work is great on it, it was fully restored and the chassis is solid.

Now, I want to upgrade her mechanically and put in a V8 (which one exactly to be confirmed, I am looking at options).

The car has a 2.3 4 cyl in there at the moment (which feels more like a 1.3l when you drive it) It's running poor and perhaps the rear wheel bearing is giving up because it doesn't sound good.

I have prepared a basic plan for this project:

> Rear axle
> Rear susp upgrade
> Rear drums to disks
> Steering and engine mounts
> V8 plus auto gearbox
> Body and interior details for much, much later

I have begun with point number one, the rear axel. Which looks like this:





I am looking at axle options at the moment, however it's difficult finding anything that has similar suspension mounts. Looking at Jag axles and maybe getting an axle and then welding on brackets for the suspension mounts.

I would appreciate any help from anyone, all sugestions, bring it on and please help me put this baby back on the road with a V8

Hi and welcome. A cool car to upgrade and you will get plenty of advice on this sight. rich

Vauxhll were prety unique in the way they mounted their axles, and I dont think you will find anything that will swap in this country, some of the OZ boys may be able to help, look at a Mk2 Jag, that has a solid axle, can get LSDs for them, they are pretty strong, come with disc brakes and the same stud patern you have, assuming you are 5 stud?? if not its the ventora that is 5 stud

Mine is a 4 stud unfortunately... I too have come to realise that the mounting is quite unique and will either require getting a plain-ish axle and welding on brackets or, which is what I am going to do tomorrow - measuring the diff and getting new ratio gears and replacing the wheel bearings.

TBH, I dont think the FD axle is that fragile, it is what Vauxhall used to modify for their sporting car variants, certainly the GT viva used a narrow FD Axle,
I wonder if it is a 10bolt chevy axle

Depends on the power output ,but could upgrade the shafts for moser or strange. rich . just done a quick search and found someone that had a mild tuned chevy attached to a fd axle with no problems.

Moser should be able to copy your half shafts.

I just had mine done for the MGB. Cost about £250 per shaft inc postage from USA.

I got them done via Webster racing in Northampton and so far they seem pretty indestructable.

Perry

Opened up the diff, it's a 6". Not sure what ratio it is, may be a 4.13:1

Now looking for ratio gears (crown wheel & pinion), something around 3:1. Not sure how to find a 6" one though...

Any sugestions?

I am looking to rebuild the rear axle and change the ratio to something between 3 and 3.5 :1

Browsing ebay I come across alot of ford gears, such as this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Ford-Atla ... 231c476d73

Would this be compatible with mine? Can anyone suggest any specialists, shops etc for rear axle's and diffs?

maybe you can use an axel from a Volvo 740/940 diesel? they come with a tall ratio (Dana internals) and with rear disk brakes as well.

I can use any axle really... even get lucky and get one with a LSD and a good ratio but would need to get brackets for the suspension and do some welding. I would prefer if I can just change the gears (which cost as much as a used axle...) and change the wheel bearings keeping my current axle. Open to other ideas though so sugestions very welcome

The Ventura had the same basic body - but a much larger (3.3ltr) engine, so I'd guess that would be up to the torque from a RV8? Should be taller geared too?

Getting an LSD for that axle is going to be tough to say the least although Quaife do an ATB unit for the Manta which may or may not fit.
What you have there is basically a 4 link which is pretty strong on all accounts and will take plenty of abuse.
You may find that Manta guts will fit and also Manta shafts as well.
I run an LSD equipped Manta axle in my car and have had no problems.
You can also fit Vectra disc's without too much hassle.

cheers
P