Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor

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Fri 29 Oct 2004 17:13
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - paulc924
I need one of these but I don't know what the identification marks should be for this engine. Can anyone help please. Cheers.
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Fri 29 Oct 2004 17:54
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - henry k
What version and year?

MkII I am guessing.
MK II had the same engine as the 1600E.
Have you tried 1600E owners club?

I had a 1969 1600E for many years.
I may have some info still around but not a distributor.
I seem to recall they were fitted with a Lucas distributor.
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Fri 29 Oct 2004 18:19
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - John S
IIRC if it's an OHC engine it's a late Mk3 or a Mk4 so will have a Motorcraft distributor. I think the distributor for the OHC rotates in the opposite direction to the OHV unit so check what you're buying.

JS
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Fri 29 Oct 2004 20:05
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - Number_Cruncher
I agree, if it is OHC, it can be mkII, IV, or V. However, I think some were fitted with a Bosch distributor.

If I were looking to fit a distributor to one of these, I would consider fitting an electronic one from a Sierra.

number_cruncher
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Fri 29 Oct 2004 20:13
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - jc
They were fitted with Bosch or Ford(Autolite)which were interchangeable;only the Bosch is now serviced.
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Fri 29 Oct 2004 20:31
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - paulc924
Sorry to be non-specific. I am building a 2.0 litre OHC engine with performance parts and I have read that using the distributor from the 1.6gt ohc gives the correct advance characteristics for these conditions. Cheers.
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Fri 29 Oct 2004 23:54
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - Civic8
Distributor to all these models. were not really up to scratch. what with bearing problems.Over tightning of points screws..leading to premature points wear/timing probs ie constant adjustment.Unless you wish to stick with old fashion style adjustments. Would convert to Electronic ignition..Poss in the way NC stated..points method was never the best idea..Really depends on which way you wish to go??
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Steve
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Sat 30 Oct 2004 18:44
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - jc
Only electronic ignotion worth having is LUMENITION-expensive but good.
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Sat 30 Oct 2004 20:28
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - Civic8
>>LUMENITION

Yep thats it.Name escaped me.. easy to fit as well
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Steve
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Sun 31 Oct 2004 17:43
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - John S
Bang on, Steve - dreadful devices!

JS
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Sun 31 Oct 2004 18:31
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - Civic8
>>Bang on, Steve - dreadful devices!

Only one that works..Only problem I ever had was where the points backplate screw threads were stretched. Causing the infra red unit to flop around when screws come loose.I have fitted to toyota as well.never had a problem
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Steve
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Sun 31 Oct 2004 22:45
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - Number_Cruncher
As yet, we haven't answered the original question, i.e., the identification No.

I know this info used to be published in the autodata book giving service data. But, you would need to find an old copy including the GT 1.6. It might be worth your while to ask around your local independant garages.

Failing that, you might be able to get help from one of the many Cortina owners clubs.

number_cruncher
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Fri 5 Nov 2004 18:07
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - paulc924
Thank you for your reply. I did ring one dealer who couldn't help even after a bit of a laugh, and the Ford Technical Centre can't help. I will just have to keep looking.
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Fri 5 Nov 2004 18:44
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - Number_Cruncher
Hi paul,

Another possibility is Aldon. They convert points distributors to electronic, and IIRC can remap the advance curve for you.

My other suggestion is if you are modifying the engine significantly, the best option is to put it on a dyno, and obtain your own optimum mapping, which, hopefully, someone like Aldon will be able to make up for you.

I've just tried asking a friend of mine who is in the Cortina soc., but he has lent out his Haynes manual, so I have drawn a blank there.

How soon do you need to find this number?

number_cruncher
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Fri 5 Nov 2004 19:43
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - Civic8
Sorry whats the id for??. Unless I`ve missed something here. both distributors for the 1.6/2.0 were interchangeable ie same unit.same as GT..Please correct if wrong.Long time since I worked on one.
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Steve
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Sat 6 Nov 2004 07:50
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - paulc924
Thank you for your comments and advice. I am building an engine that will have a racing camshaft with the associated valve gear, be lightened and balanced, increased compression ratio and other modifications. From my technical bible I read that the 1600gt distributor gives the correct advance for these conditions. My engine has the standard 2 litre RS Bosch distributor at the moment and what I use will have a Lumenition system added. The weights and springs used in a distributor defines the advance curve and the 1600gt is the one I am after. Aldon products are very good-I have used them in the past but £200+ is a lot of money to pay for different weights and springs being put into my or somebody elses exchange unit. Don't get me wrong-they have their developement work to pay for and overheads e.t.c. I am just trying to save £200. Thank you.
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Sat 6 Nov 2004 16:23
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - cheddar
I assume it is the 2 litre Pinto engine you have, 98hp in the Mk III & IV Cortina, 115 with EFI in the Sierra/Granada. 100/110hp in the Mk I & II RS2000.

The 1.6 Pinto was 75hp from Mk III Cortina through to Sierra, an 88hp version was fitted to the Mk II Escort Mexico (the Mk I Mexico had an OHV engine), perhaps it is this spec distributor you need. Suggest look in a Mk II Escort Haynes manual and see what ignition specs are quoted.
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Sat 6 Nov 2004 19:20
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - tr7v8
If you're actually running a race cam then the advance curve isn't so relevant. As generally you'll be using fairly high revs to keep it on Cam. Vacum advance and retard should be discarded especially if running side draught carbs which I'd assume given that cam you are. Ignition timing is then set on a rolling road at peak revs and I'd guess given the cylinder head shape would be around 34-36 degrees BTDC. Guessing that the distributor has a 28 deg cam then this means static timing of around 6-8 deg, which should be OK to get it started assuming you're running sensible acompression ratio.. I'd need to know hmore about the cam & engine spec but assuming your running standard rods & cast pistons then safe max revs will be around 6,500-7,000RPM. Given that the race cam won't start working until 3ishK then on a normal dizzy most of the mechanical advance would all be in by then so fiddling with springs won't make a vast difference.

Jim
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Sat 6 Nov 2004 22:13
Cortina GT 1.6ohc distributor - henry k
After my rubbish reply earlier on, all I can offer is the following which might be a little more helpful
I have both the Haynes Cortina 1.6/1.8/2.0 and the Sierra 4Cyl Manuals.
There is no mention of the GT so I assume it is a MK 3.
I do not recall a Mk 4 GT

However
Sierra only lists various electronic systems.

Cortina IV 1976 - 1983 says for distributor
1600 Bosch 76 HF - 12100 - HA Red/Purple
1600 Ford.. 76 HF - 12100 - GA Yellow Brown
2000 Bosch 76 HF - 12100 - CA Yellow/Green
2000 Ford.. 76 HF - 12100 - DA Yellow
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