Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

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caprikid61
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Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by caprikid61 »

Hi Folks, looking to purchase a capri in the next few weeks, but not sure to go for the same as I owned before 2.0 laser or a 2.8i.

I have always fancied owning a 2.8i mostly because they have more power but always ended up getting a laser . The question I have is the 2.8i much more complicated to work on ? I know the pinto inside out I have always found them easy to work on and pretty bulletproof.

What about the 2.8i engines are they as reliable and easy to work on ? It's tough to choose which one to go for . Another capri I have been looking at is the 2.0 S are they just the same as the laser as far as power goes or are they more powerful?

So difficult knowing what to go for so any advice would be much appreciated πŸ˜‰ cheers Alec
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by andyd »

Hi Alec,
Unlike you I have only ever owned a V6 Capri.

I'm no mechanic but the 2.8 isn't a complicated engine, although I'm sure others will agree the injection system can sometimes be more awkward than a carb, but nothing that can't be sorted on here or with some info from specialists or on the web :)

The 2.8 is far from fast compared to todays small engined cars, but nice to drive with the low down torque and they can sound great too.

The same areas will rust as on any other Capri!

:goodluck:

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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by pbar »

Personally I would prefer a Laser, because I like the carb and the engineering which goes with it for cars of that age and pre-injection technology. I did have a drive in a 2.8 many moons ago before I bought my Capri, but opted for a Laser.

Looking at issues which some have and, for example, the questions and problems posed in the Capri Club magazine as regards to the 2.8, there does seem to be a wealth of issues, sometimes complex, but as Andy rightly said this forum is great for solving things.

Don't forget that maintenance and parts are more expensive also.

Not sure of the differences betwenn the S and Laser models, I always thought that it was pretty much just trim, etc.
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Mr B »

Have the best of both worlds and get a 3 litre Essex engined Capri instead, no injection system to worry about and more torque than the 2.8 Cologne engine as used in the 2.8 injection and the Essex V6 sounds better too!

Wayne
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Peter-S »

caprikid61 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 5:13 pm Hi Folks, looking to purchase a capri in the next few weeks, but not sure to go for the same as I owned before 2.0 laser or a 2.8i.

I have always fancied owning a 2.8i mostly because they have more power but always ended up getting a laser . The question I have is the 2.8i much more complicated to work on ? I know the pinto inside out I have always found them easy to work on and pretty bulletproof.

What about the 2.8i engines are they as reliable and easy to work on ? It's tough to choose which one to go for . Another capri I have been looking at is the 2.0 S are they just the same as the laser as far as power goes or are they more powerful?

So difficult knowing what to go for so any advice would be much appreciated πŸ˜‰ cheers Alec
I'm lucky enough to have one of each and I would say go for the 2.8. But I only say this because if you don't get a 2.8 this time you may always regret it.

As far as the cars go I keep the 2.8 for summer use as it is the better condition car so the 2.0 is used in winter. But I look forward to the point when it is time to change them over as they are quite different to drive as you would expect. The 2.0 I would be more inclined to chuck around a bit and the 2.8 is more of a motorway cruiser but the 2.0 will happily keep up with motorway traffic and I've always enjoyed taking it on a good run. The 2.8 is also fine around town, power steering making things easier but it is less economical.
If you know the 2.0 mechanically already I don't need to say much about it - its easy to deal with. The 2.8 has much less room under the bonnet and is more complex because of the fuel injection system and so has more parts to potentially go wrong and they are more expensive to replace than anything on a pinto. Having said that I have a reasonable understanding of the 2.8 now and its come from hands on DIY approach with tips from here and manuals, there's nothing too daunting and basic tools cover most maintenance.

As mentioned, the 2.8 is not lightning quick and you can tune a pinto to keep up and I suspect that a tuned 2.0 will handle better but there is something about driving around in a V6 that makes you smile.

So if I had to keep one? I'd probably stay with the 2.0 but really because I've had it nearly 20 years. The wife prefers the 2.8 - only as a passenger, she's never driven it, and she's swayed by the colour!

So all in all, probably not much help! I don't think there's a lot of difference between 2.0S and Laser. I think the S had single leaf rear springs against multis on a Laser but lots of Capris have been changed to singles over the years anyway. The S has a bit more kudos to it but under the bonnet I believe they are the same.
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by andyd »

Mr B wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:29 pm Have the best of both worlds and get a 3 litre Essex engined Capri instead, no injection system to worry about and more torque than the 2.8 Cologne engine as used in the 2.8 injection and the Essex V6 sounds better too!

Wayne
That's a good suggestion Wayne :cool:

I had a 3.0 Ghia, still a good engine and cheaper than the S!
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Bug »

Many years back I fitted an injected Pinto from a Sierra into a 2.0GL, along with the 5-speed box, propshaft, 2.8i front struts, single leaf rear springs etc.
Used the tank, pump, accumulator and fuel pipes off a 2.8i. The ECU fitted neatly behind the glove box and was a doddle to hook up as I used the complete Sierra engine loom.
The engine was lightly tweaked and gave 130bhp, so more or less the same as an Essex. Less torque of course, but much better weight distribution.

Having had everything from a 1.3 to a 2.8i, plus a lucky six months in an RS3100, I would say that for modern driving the injected Pinto was the best of the bunch.
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Vermilion »

Mr B wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:29 pm Have the best of both worlds and get a 3 litre Essex engined Capri instead, no injection system to worry about and more torque than the 2.8 Cologne engine as used in the 2.8 injection and the Essex V6 sounds better too!

Wayne
3.0 is like wonky dinosaurus that makes clonking noice because of horrible pistons and weak stock crank.

I throw 3.0 essex to weight for fishnet. Unless you got that GAA, engine that Essex is pretty good but i doubt there is one in here.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ak0ev910-aPV_GCdz5YFLlPZg8gz
2.8V6 sounds from here, but a turbo to next to 2.8 like Astomartin did and made with tickford turbo capri, then It will beat most of modern budjet cars too.

And that 3.0 essex have so little torque, with v6 turbo you can get 600nm+ torque.
https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ak0ev910-aPV-z3QnX_r5FPn3kk3
(Fifth gear run with 3.09 rear axle ratio on dyno)

IF free to choose go for Barra or 2JZ engines those are the best 6-engines available....
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by caprikid61 »

andyd wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 6:47 pm Hi Alec,
Unlike you I have only ever owned a V6 Capri.

I'm no mechanic but the 2.8 isn't a complicated engine, although I'm sure others will agree the injection system can sometimes be more awkward than a carb, but nothing that can't be sorted on here or with some info from specialists or on the web :)

The 2.8 is far from fast compared to todays small engined cars, but nice to drive with the low down torque and they can sound great too.

The same areas will rust as on any other Capri!

:goodluck:

Andy
Hi Andy , thanks for your feedback I have never had the opportunity to drive a capri V6 so don't know what they are like to drive . I do think as you said the injection can be a bit problematic and more expensive to maintain so I am leaning more to the 2 litre pinto again , been doing a bit of research the results seem to suggest that the 2.0 pinto is the one to go for as I am no mechanic so the easier the better. Cheers Alex
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by caprikid61 »

pbar wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:47 pm Personally I would prefer a Laser, because I like the carb and the engineering which goes with it for cars of that age and pre-injection technology. I did have a drive in a 2.8 many moons ago before I bought my Capri, but opted for a Laser.

Looking at issues which some have and, for example, the questions and problems posed in the Capri Club magazine as regards to the 2.8, there does seem to be a wealth of issues, sometimes complex, but as Andy rightly said this forum is great for solving things.

Don't forget that maintenance and parts are more expensive also.

Not sure of the differences betwenn the S and Laser models, I always thought that it was pretty much just trim, etc.
I see where you are coming form regarding the webber carburettor on the 2.0 pinto they are pretty straight forward and very reliable.

Another thing I need to consider though is the older capri 2.0 S might need converted to run on unleaded , I think anything after 1986 should be OK?

Going to go for the easiest option and stick to the laser , it's just a case of trying to find a good one as they seem pretty scarce at the moment . Cheers Alex
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by caprikid61 »

Mr B wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:29 pm Have the best of both worlds and get a 3 litre Essex engined Capri instead, no injection system to worry about and more torque than the 2.8 Cologne engine as used in the 2.8 injection and the Essex V6 sounds better too!

Wayne
Yes the V6 Essex does sound fab!! My cousin had a 3.0 S back in the 80s a black one it was stunning . The problem I have with the Essex engine is maintaining it as I think it's away above my mechanical ability. Cheers Alex
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by caprikid61 »

Peter-S wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:49 pm
caprikid61 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 5:13 pm Hi Folks, looking to purchase a capri in the next few weeks, but not sure to go for the same as I owned before 2.0 laser or a 2.8i.

I have always fancied owning a 2.8i mostly because they have more power but always ended up getting a laser . The question I have is the 2.8i much more complicated to work on ? I know the pinto inside out I have always found them easy to work on and pretty bulletproof.

What about the 2.8i engines are they as reliable and easy to work on ? It's tough to choose which one to go for . Another capri I have been looking at is the 2.0 S are they just the same as the laser as far as power goes or are they more powerful?

So difficult knowing what to go for so any advice would be much appreciated πŸ˜‰ cheers Alec
I'm lucky enough to have one of each and I would say go for the 2.8. But I only say this because if you don't get a 2.8 this time you may always regret it.

As far as the cars go I keep the 2.8 for summer use as it is the better condition car so the 2.0 is used in winter. But I look forward to the point when it is time to change them over as they are quite different to drive as you would expect. The 2.0 I would be more inclined to chuck around a bit and the 2.8 is more of a motorway cruiser but the 2.0 will happily keep up with motorway traffic and I've always enjoyed taking it on a good run. The 2.8 is also fine around town, power steering making things easier but it is less economical.
If you know the 2.0 mechanically already I don't need to say much about it - its easy to deal with. The 2.8 has much less room under the bonnet and is more complex because of the fuel injection system and so has more parts to potentially go wrong and they are more expensive to replace than anything on a pinto. Having said that I have a reasonable understanding of the 2.8 now and its come from hands on DIY approach with tips from here and manuals, there's nothing too daunting and basic tools cover most maintenance.

As mentioned, the 2.8 is not lightning quick and you can tune a pinto to keep up and I suspect that a tuned 2.0 will handle better but there is something about driving around in a V6 that makes you smile.

So if I had to keep one? I'd probably stay with the 2.0 but really because I've had it nearly 20 years. The wife prefers the 2.8 - only as a passenger, she's never driven it, and she's swayed by the colour!

So all in all, probably not much help! I don't think there's a lot of difference between 2.0S and Laser. I think the S had single leaf rear springs against multis on a Laser but lots of Capris have been changed to singles over the years anyway. The S has a bit more kudos to it but under the bonnet I believe they are the same.
Hi Peter, thanks for all that information it was very helpful, One of each sound like a dream to me but unfortunately it's one or the other . As stated earlier I am now leaning towards another laser but it would be nice to have a shot in 2.8i just to see what the difference is compared to the laser .

Might have to look into someone trusting me with a go there 2.8i but that's not going to be easy lol. Cheers Alex
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by caprikid61 »

Bug wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:38 am Many years back I fitted an injected Pinto from a Sierra into a 2.0GL, along with the 5-speed box, propshaft, 2.8i front struts, single leaf rear springs etc.
Used the tank, pump, accumulator and fuel pipes off a 2.8i. The ECU fitted neatly behind the glove box and was a doddle to hook up as I used the complete Sierra engine loom.
The engine was lightly tweaked and gave 130bhp, so more or less the same as an Essex. Less torque of course, but much better weight distribution.

Having had everything from a 1.3 to a 2.8i, plus a lucky six months in an RS3100, I would say that for modern driving the injected Pinto was the best of the bunch.
That sounds like a great idea but to much work for me with my limited mechanical knowledge but yes that sounds like a good idea . Would you recommend a 2.0 litre pinto or a 2.8i ?? . Cheers Alex
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Jasonmarie »

There was a book out two years naming the Pinto Engine The Best In The World , its light easy to play with and a good engine to modify πŸ‘
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Mc Tool »

Jasonmarie wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:16 pm There was a book out two years naming the Pinto Engine The Best In The World , its light easy to play with and a good engine to modify πŸ‘
What 🀬ing book , theres no book ....unless its the book of "Jasons wildest dreams "πŸ˜† the 1st couple of chapters will be about blow up dolls and sheep πŸ˜‚, then there will be the lusting after Nicks car, and then the crop circles in his lawn, the big chapter on mother in laws and the dispatching thereof , and then the last wee page at the back ( stuck to the cover ) is a hand written addition ....that sez pintos are the best engine in the world ...Ever........πŸ˜‚
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by D366Y »

Mc Tool wrote: ↑Tue Mar 09, 2021 1:04 am
Jasonmarie wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:16 pm There was a book out two years naming the Pinto Engine The Best In The World , its light easy to play with and a good engine to modify πŸ‘
What 🀬ing book , theres no book ....unless its the book of "Jasons wildest dreams "πŸ˜† the 1st couple of chapters will be about blow up dolls and sheep πŸ˜‚, then there will be the lusting after Nicks car, and then the crop circles in his lawn, the big chapter on mother in laws and the dispatching thereof , and then the last wee page at the back ( stuck to the cover ) is a hand written addition ....that sez pintos are the best engine in the world ...Ever........πŸ˜‚
:lol: :lol:
have to agree with you there Hamish hahaha
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by D366Y »

caprikid61 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 4:27 pm
I see where you are coming form regarding the webber carburettor on the 2.0 pinto they are pretty straight forward and very reliable.

Another thing I need to consider though is the older capri 2.0 S might need converted to run on unleaded , I think anything after 1986 should be OK?

Going to go for the easiest option and stick to the laser , it's just a case of trying to find a good one as they seem pretty scarce at the moment . Cheers Alex

I think generally speaking you should work on the assumption that all capris will need to be converted to run on unleaded. I recently had the engine in my 1986 laser tinkered with (was leaking shit loads of oil) and was told that it wasn't suitable for unleaded so I had to have it converted while they had it

It's not the end of the world, I've ran that car as a daily for 5/6 of the last 10years occasionally chucking in lead additive when I remembered to do so and it's been fine.

Also, I can advocate getting a 1.6 and just whacking the 32/36 weber from a 2.0 on it and getting a bigger exhaust for the same power as the 2.0, possibly for less than it would cost just to buy a 2.0
I had the 1.6 set up on a rolling road a couple of years ago and was putting out 105bhp - a standard 2.0 from the factory would put out around 100bhp
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Mr B »

Vermilion wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 12:30 pm
Mr B wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:29 pm Have the best of both worlds and get a 3 litre Essex engined Capri instead, no injection system to worry about and more torque than the 2.8 Cologne engine as used in the 2.8 injection and the Essex V6 sounds better too!

Wayne
3.0 is like wonky dinosaurus that makes clonking noice because of horrible pistons and weak stock crank.

I throw 3.0 essex to weight for fishnet. Unless you got that GAA, engine that Essex is pretty good but i doubt there is one in here.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ak0ev910-aPV_GCdz5YFLlPZg8gz
2.8V6 sounds from here, but a turbo to next to 2.8 like Astomartin did and made with tickford turbo capri, then It will beat most of modern budjet cars too.

And that 3.0 essex have so little torque, with v6 turbo you can get 600nm+ torque.
https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ak0ev910-aPV-z3QnX_r5FPn3kk3
(Fifth gear run with 3.09 rear axle ratio on dyno)

IF free to choose go for Barra or 2JZ engines those are the best 6-engines available....
I take it that your not keen on the Essex V6 then! :lol:
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Vermilion »

Mr B wrote: ↑Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:17 am I take it that your not keen on the Essex V6 then! :lol:
Crank broke, camgear failed, lost pushrods, heads flooded with oil with high pressure oil pump.
With tuning camshaft + bettter exhaust gave +15bhb (to 150bhb same as stock 2.8...) and fuel consumption rise to horrible 20l+/100km
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Re: Ford capri laser 2.0 or capri 2.8i ???

Post by Mr B »

Vermilion wrote: ↑Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:45 am
Mr B wrote: ↑Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:17 am I take it that your not keen on the Essex V6 then! :lol:
Crank broke, camgear failed, lost pushrods, heads flooded with oil with high pressure oil pump.
With tuning camshaft + bettter exhaust gave +15bhb (to 150bhb same as stock 2.8...) and fuel consumption rise to horrible 20l+/100km
I agree with the timing gear being weak but the same design is used on the Cologne V6 as well so that makes it a weak point on both engines.

I have had Essex engined Capris for nearly 30 years and I have not had the issues that you describe, any modification made to an engine has the potential to go wrong if not thought out properly, saying that I have used a high pressure oil pump a few times on a Essex and not had a problem but as the engine was not designed for the HP pump i think its reasonable to expect some issues from time to time.

I have had four 2.8 injections over the years and to be honest I find the engine to be gutless and it definitely has no where near as much torque as the Essex, I found the injection system to be very temperamental as well, which is why I suggested the OP gets an Essex engined Capri instead - granted not as much HP as the Cologne but a lot less hassle and much easier to work on.

Just my opinion.

Wayne
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