Login Register Sign up for the GRM e-newsletter

Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » ~1000 to spend on the CAPRI XR2 Best bang for buck?
  • dansxr2

    Aug. 23, 2010 5:47 p.m. dansxr2 Reader

    So the guy backed out on wantin to sell the Fiat so I have some cash to throw around now. What options would your recommend to liven up the car a bit? Electronic boost controller, mx6 intercooler, 2.25" exhaust, better air filter, Chipped ECU or MS (Chipped ECU gives fuel to ~16psi) I'd like to see ~180-200 HP. Am I askin for too much? The car has recent fluids and tune up and the belts and waterpump are recent aw well.

  • Raze

    Aug. 23, 2010 7:06 p.m. Raze Dork

    find another fiat?

  • dansxr2

    Aug. 23, 2010 8:00 p.m. dansxr2 Reader

    not an option at the moment :( Also scouring for a hardtop also...

  • Junkyard_Dog

    Aug. 23, 2010 8:14 p.m. Junkyard_Dog HalfDork

    Step 1: Buy $1000 Miata

    Step 2: Sell Capri and put Money into Miata

    It won't be turbo (right away) but will be so much more fun.

  • Lugnut

    Aug. 23, 2010 8:25 p.m. Lugnut HalfDork

    I agree with JD. I had a '93 XR2. Permanent spot near the top of my 10 worst cars I've owned list.

    I recall a mainstream mag article (C&D? R&T? I don't remember) comparing the XR2 to the Miata even though FoMoCo said they didn't compete in the same market, weren't the same class of car, etc. Their final conclusion was that they aren't in the same class.

  • dansxr2

    Aug. 23, 2010 8:56 p.m. dansxr2 Reader

    I've owned a Miata as well as 2 other XR2's. The Capri is more practical for my needs and is FWD for better traction in the mountains in WV during the winter months. Also I enjoy owning something less mainstream. the past 2 XR2's Made it to ~200,xxx on the OEM drive trains with nothin more than routine maintence and belt changes. I can't complain with that. Parts are iffy to find for somethings, but they are out there.

  • 2002maniac

    Aug. 23, 2010 9:02 p.m. 2002maniac HalfDork

    Festiva swap!

  • pres589

    Aug. 23, 2010 10:29 p.m. pres589 HalfDork

    I'm thinking 323 swap.

  • 93celicaGT2

    Aug. 24, 2010 7:45 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

    pres589 wrote:

    I'm thinking 323 swap.

    Isn't the Capri XR2 already a 1.6T?

    I don't think the 323 came with anything worth swapping for.

    I like the OP's plan, but i would maybe add swapping a BP longblock in there in addition.

  • dansxr2

    Aug. 24, 2010 3:24 p.m. dansxr2 Reader

    Sourced hardtop and plat to go to Pittsburg to pickup in the morning. Exhaust will be next and K&N Filter and then an Electronic Boost controller @10psi.

  • Aug. 24, 2010 5:25 p.m. mistanfo SuperDork

    dansxr2 wrote:

    I've owned a Miata as well as 2 other XR2's. The Capri is more practical for my needs and is FWD for better traction in the mountains in WV during the winter months. Also I enjoy owning something less mainstream. the past 2 XR2's Made it to ~200,xxx on the OEM drive trains with nothin more than routine maintence and belt changes. I can't complain with that. Parts are iffy to find for somethings, but they are out there.

    Miata with Blizzaks

  • Rumnhammer

    Aug. 24, 2010 7:23 p.m. Rumnhammer Reader

    In reply to 2002maniac:

    ^ +2 The engine is a Mazda B6T, basically a Miata 1.6 liter engine with a turbo and lower compression ratio. Or more accurately the Miata engine is this engine with the turbo removed and the compression raised since this engine came before the miata did.

    The drive train IS the best part of the Capri, the rest of the car is poorly assembled junk. Best thing to do is swap the drivetrain into a Festiva, and ebay the rest to Capri lovers that want to replace all the bits that have broken on their cars.

    Chris Rummel

  • dansxr2

    Aug. 24, 2010 8:17 p.m. dansxr2 Reader

    I'm planning later on to add a Non Turbo bottom end later on, would a 1.8 Miata bottomend work with a B6T Head?the uber low c/r (7.9-1) makes for boost fun, but from a stop its weak 9.2-1 would be better in a DD. I think the turbo (vj-14) is a weakpoint also and I'm looking to build a hybrid vj14/tbird or vj11/14. Its my DD for now so I'm basically makin the best of what I got. If you know me I always like the road less traveled. I like to be different Also can anyone Verify the B6 and B6T have the same crank or rods? I've heard both ways.

  • 93celicaGT2

    Aug. 25, 2010 6:00 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

    I'd just use an entire 1.8 motor. Block AND head.

  • dansxr2

    Aug. 25, 2010 8:33 a.m. dansxr2 Reader

    will the turbo bits bolt to it? I may have to extend the downpip as the 1.8 may be a lil talled that the 1.6

  • Cotton

    Aug. 25, 2010 9:00 a.m. Cotton HalfDork

    I personally think the capris are bullet proof. I just swapped the engine in an XR2 that had over 250k on the original clutch! Engine only went because the radiator popped and the owner overheated it. Blew the HG, but we found a low mileage engine cheap, so went that route. There is still a company that makes chips for them, which raises the boost etc and is supposed to get you a nice power increase. The cost was either 200 or 250. I'll see if I can find the link for you.

  • 93celicaGT2

    Aug. 25, 2010 9:05 a.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

    dansxr2 wrote:

    will the turbo bits bolt to it? I may have to extend the downpip as the 1.8 may be a lil talled that the 1.6

    Should bolt to it, i think?

  • dollraves

    Aug. 25, 2010 10:55 a.m. dollraves New Reader

    pres589 wrote:

    I'm thinking 323 swap.

    323 GTX swap. Check with Rocketman. :D

    http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/reader-rides/3032/

  • MadScientistMatt

    Aug. 25, 2010 2:48 p.m. MadScientistMatt Dork

    dansxr2 wrote:

    I'm planning later on to add a Non Turbo bottom end later on, would a 1.8 Miata bottomend work with a B6T Head?the uber low c/r (7.9-1) makes for boost fun, but from a stop its weak 9.2-1 would be better in a DD. I think the turbo (vj-14) is a weakpoint also and I'm looking to build a hybrid vj14/tbird or vj11/14. Its my DD for now so I'm basically makin the best of what I got. If you know me I always like the road less traveled. I like to be different Also can anyone Verify the B6 and B6T have the same crank or rods? I've heard both ways.

    1.6 and 1.8s have a different bore spacing - you can't put the B6T head, or for that matter, the B6T exhaust manifold, on a BP.

    Not sure if the non-turbo version has a different crank and rods, but the B6 stock crank and rods can take quite a beating anyway.

 
Tire Rack- Revolutionizing Tire Buying

You'll need to log in to post.