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 What engines will fit into a fastback rapier?		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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david.jo.murphy

Ireland
4 Posts
Posted - 15 Apr 2010 :  13:22:30  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hi folks, recently there has been a horrible scraping noise, and an electric whirring when I try to engage the starter motor. Sometimes I can rock the car and push start it but lately it seems to be getting worse.
I mentioned it to a mechanic and he thinks that it sounds like the ring gear is worn out, so therefore its not simply a case of being able to replace the starter motor, but a much bigger job that will cost as much as the car is worth (x2).
I have heard that some ford engines will fit into the Fastback rapier (1971), has anyone tried this and what is involved?
or does any one know of an easier solution to my problem?

Thanks again folks

1922

United Kingdom
549 Posts
Posted - 15 Apr 2010 :  15:23:20  Show Profile  Visit 1922's Homepage  Reply with Quote
There are 2 easy solutions to this:
1 - Change to a pre-engaged starter which will use the front of the ring gear instead of the back. The requires a modest amount of rewiring; you will need a heavy lead to connect the battery to the starter and will need to extend the solenoid lead to the starter. Then chuck the old solenoid in the bin.
I did this on my '73 years ago just to get rid of the whirr-clunk noise that the inertia starters make.

2 - Pull the engine and fit a good second hand flywheel.
This is no more difficult than replacing a clutch, something that I've done in 2 or 3 hours. The club spares scheme or Speedy Spares in Brighton could probably supply a new flywheel.
I use the larger H120 flywheel - so I might have a good standard one in my shed.

The only Ford engine transplant I know is a 4.2 V8 but this is not an easy one!
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