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I have the chance to buy a 1972 Bentley Corniche at a good price, but it needs engine work. I want to put a good modern engine in it, but am a complete novice. Any suggestions for appropriate engine make and size? Am looking to end up with a good solid car, rather than a racer. I want to keep the car rather than sell it on. Thanks for any suggestions.
Edited by Pugugly on 19/03/2009 at 17:57
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With respect, I don't think think this is the sort of project a complete novice wants to get involved with.
It will likely involve large costs, unpredicatable results and a seriously de-valued car at the end of it.
I think your best bet is to try and find a specialist who has done this type of conversion before.
MVP
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Forget this idea.The only engine that will fit is the same type.All manner of other issues including how to power the hydrauilc systems for the brakes and self-levelling suspension etc,etc.There are 2 pumps that are camshaft driven for these systems.hth
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Seriously.... forget it. Or put in a Bentley 6.75l V8 turbo engine in it. Which I assume is there now.
Edited by rtj70 on 19/03/2009 at 17:19
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Was there such a beast - I thought that the Corniche was a Rolls Royce.
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After I posted I thought that too... Made from 1971-2002 according to Wikipedia. But first generation was 71-85. Original name was "Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward two door fixed head coupé" but replaced with Corniche.
The equivalent Bentley eventually was the Azure wasn't it? Oldest Bentley I've actually seen was one of the original Blowers ;-) Drives through the plant once a week to keep it driving well.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentley_Blower
Edit: according to the (un)reliable Wiki it was sold as a Bentley but the name changed to Continental in 1984.
Edited by rtj70 on 19/03/2009 at 18:34
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Too much work and effort and complications to change the engine to something else. Far better to rebuild yours. Not that expensive either. Mind you the ancillaries may be worn out and causing running problems, but the engine is a very low revving unit, and it is VERY tough.
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I can see why someone would want to fix an old car like this and enjoy it. But even with a different engine it will not be an everyday car. So no point in the expense in trying. It would cost a lot to do it right (if that's really feasible) and still cost a fortune to run and maintain.
Get a Mondeo or something boring :-) Or a modern classic.
If this Bentley was in good condition even in need of the engine it would be worth something. Can't remember how much my Uncle paid for example for his Jaguar XK convertible.
Edited by rtj70 on 19/03/2009 at 18:44
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Many thanks for your suggestions and ideas: When I was a lad (20 years ago!), many a friend converted an older car into something more peppy. Yes, I understand the costs and wasn't going to do the work myself but get a specialist. Honestly, I like the shape of the car and thought it'd be fun to update the insides to a more modern standard, and have something I could drive forever (I'm not fussed to have a showcar or sell it on). Since the existing car would only cost me £4000, it seemed something like a bargain. cheers Jim
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Wow, April 1 already. Where does the time go? ;-)
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