1985 Ford Capri Laser 2.0

Summary:

Get a good one (not rusty) and it'll serve you well for a long time

Faults:

Nothing. In 11 years of ownership I just replaced routine service items. I was very meticulous with maintenance, which may have contributed to overall reliability. I think there was one year when I do no maintenance at all, I just put petrol in it and drove it.

Being an old Ford I did some minor mods to improve reliability and efficiency, such as electronic ignition etc... Had to keep an eye on the bodywork and use the Waxoyl to keep it solid.

General Comments:

After 10 years of ownership, I wanted something a bit quicker, but liked the car so much I modified it rather than get another car. There was still nothing wrong with the engine so I used that for another project (which still goes).

I fitted a tuned 2.1 and fitted a full fuel injection system from a Granada. I know now it's not original, but it still runs the original gearbox, suspension and axle etc... Very lively performance, can't see me selling it now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2003

1985 Ford Capri Injection Special 2.8

Summary:

A classic performer

Faults:

There have only been a couple of things that have been a problem. The radiator decided to give up the ghost, and the front end has become a little rusty. Mind you, what do you expect from a sixteen-odd year old car!

General Comments:

With the LSD the car does not lose its back end like the lower spec models.

The engine may not have the 0-60 times of modern performance cars, but it isn't far off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2002

29th Mar 2007, 13:46

Hi, it runs the same metering unit as a 2.8. The Swaymar still uses the same distributor as well.

7th Jun 2007, 16:17

There was really only one 3.2 turbo Capri made and I owned the car for about seven years and I had all the work done by Malcolm and David at Swaymar. It was a very very quick car that could corner and stop. I changed everything from the originalprototype 3.2 engine (It went into a one off TVR that was shown I believe in 87 at Earls Court and I believe still exists in the Birmingham area.) /gearbox, suspension, axle to the brakes were all renewed. I have a lot of photos of the car and I think the video of the car at Fords track, when I was invited to the top gear show, We burned out the clutch and returned the engine to carbs for the Brighton Sprint. we were quick, but suffered fuel starvation.

1985 Ford Capri Laser 2.0

Summary:

A classic that will never die!

Faults:

Heater blower motor stopped blowing - replaced with a brand new Bosch unit.

Thermostat leaking coolant - sorted with a new gasket.

Steering joint coupling is worn meaning play between the steering wheel and the front wheels - brand new coupling fitted (bought from Capri Club International).

Both steering rack gaiters split - two new ones fitted.

Differential was leaking oil - sorted by fitting a new gasket.

Rocker cover gasket went - fitted a new one.

Some stuff I've still to do:

Sump leaking oil - fit new gasket/seals.

Gearbox leaking oil and also a bit noisy - don't know, I'll probably have to fit a reconditioned one. This is the only thing worrying me about the car at the moment.

Rev counter not working.

Heated rear screen not working.

Track control arm bushes need replacing.

I'm going to get the cylinder head converted to run on unleaded (no Capris left the factory being able to run on unleaded). Also, while this is being done I will fit a new camshaft and all the bits to go with it. I think it needs overhauling as it's a little noisy.

General Comments:

Yes, it looks like a lot of work, but there is nothing serious. A lot of the faults are just due to the fact that the car is fifteen years old. You must expect gaskets, etc. to go, but the Capri is a great car to work as it's nice and simple and the engine bay is so roomy.

Don't be afraid to have a go yourself - it's very rewarding to look after and maintain the car yourself, and it's really not too difficult. There's a lot of information and support out there, so you will always have help if you get stuck. I'd recommend joining Capri Club International (CCI). It's great for spare parts, contacts with local clubs, and just general information.

Capris are great fun to drive and have plenty of power. There are lots of different modifications you can make or you can just keep everything as Ford intended. Whatever you do, you'll have fun doing it.

Buy one - you'll soon be addicted!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th August, 2001

1st Sep 2006, 16:51

I bought a 1985 black 2.0 litre laser in 1989 (when I was 19) and found it a great car to drive and work on. I had it for about 9 years and in that time wax oiled it inside and out, along with slick 50 in everything, uprated the suspension to 2.8i spec, RS four spoke steering wheel, put on a set of 2.8 special RS 7 spoke alloys, fitted a full shark grey recaro interior, fitted a Richard Grant Body kit for a while and then later on removed it again, as with the turbo tail etc. I fitted luminition ignition, K&N air filter, NGK Leads, and a capri club four branch big bore exhaust system. Yes this car was my hobby at the time and I used to show it at the popular classics shows - If its still alive it registration was C129 TNR. I have a lot of great memories and photos of this car. Not many cars are this easy to work on/ with such unique styling or fun to drive. The only warning I would give is watch out in the wet, because by modern standards the handling on these cars is lethal.

14th Dec 2006, 11:11

Capri club twin exhaust for Pinto fitting problems. Ground clearance too low and tail pipes exit at strange angle. Wondering if I have the wrong brackets. Any one else fitted this?