For sale: 1969 Cooper S (MK2) Mini

Mechanical features – Ford Falcon EB GT^[24]

The V8 engine applied to the GT was similar in specification to Ford's SVO Mustang Cobra, with slight adaptations by TVE for local conditions, and Australian compliance (including emmissions). Revised specifications were then given to Ford's SVO, who engaged Watson Engineering to build the engines in Michigan. The engines were completed and ready to run before being shipping to Broadmeadows. The engine produced significantly more power over Ford’s standard 5.0l V8. This was achieved mainly through camshaft, intake and cylinder head improvements as designed by Ford USA’s Special Vehicle Operations / Power Products division. The majority of the remaining drive train consisted of components shared with the XR models. However, other enhancements were made with respect to the transmission and handling, as outlined below.

Performance figures:^[25]

• 0-100 in 7.3 seconds (factory claim), 7.65 seconds (as tested by Motor Magazine, December 1992).
• 400m / ¼ mile: 15.43 seconds (as tested by Motor Magazine, December 1992).
• 1,600kg towing capacity.

Engine:^[26]

• 5.0l / 4942cc (302ci) 90 degree fuel injected OHV 16-valve V8.
• Bore & Stroke: 102 x 76mm (4.00 x 3.00in).
• Power (DIN): 200kW (270bhp) @ 5250rpm.
• Torque (DIN): 420Nm (310lb-ft) @ 4000rpm.
• Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
• Head design: Cast iron crossflow Ford SVO GT40 heads were fitted with roller rockers, providing a flow of 196/129cfm (however, motor magazine, Dec 1992 page 34 states it is 280cfm, up from 20).. The increase is achieved through larger inlet and exhaust valves, resulting in far greater than the flow achieved by the standard E7 V8 heads used on the XR8 and other models.
• Fuel and ignition system: Multi-point electronic fuel injection system and electronically controlled ignition, using the Ford EEC4 engine management system. The EEC-IV engine management system was the same as applied to the standard 6-cylinder Falcon, but the GT had one dedicated to the engine and a separate unit for the (automatic) transmission.
• Exhaust system: 2.5 inch twin pipe free flow exhaust.
• 68l fuel tank capacity.
• Free flow alloy inlet manifold.
• Throttle body diameter increased by 14% to 65mm (up from 61mm).
• Mass flow sensor diameter increased by 34% to 74mm (previously 55mm)

Transmission:^[27]

• BTR95LE 4-speed automatic or BTRT5 5-speed manual Borg-Warner transmission was available:
  • T5 5-speed manual, with unique ratios for the GT. The Manual transmission had a heavy duty SVO clutch applied (40% more torque capacity than standard). Ratios were as follows:
    • 1st: 3.35:1
    • 2nd: 1.99:1
    • 3rd: 1.33:1
    • 4th: 1.00:1
    • 5th: 0.72:1
    • Reverse: 3.15:1
    • LSD axle ratio: 3.27:1
  • Type BTR 4-speed + overdrive automatic, with lock-up torque converter and electronically recalibrated shift points through the use of a separate EEC-IV management system. These transmissions had US-made gear sets installed in the Australian-made BTR housing. Ratios, however, were the same as the standard Falcon unit as follows:
    • 1st: 2.39:1
    • 2nd: 1.45:1
    • 3rd: 1.00:1
    • 4th: 0.68:1
    • Reverse: 2.09:1
    • Rear LSD axle ratio: 3.45:1
• Final drive ratios are different to the XR8 and the drive ratios are also different between manual and auto cars. On manual cars they had a heavy duty clutch brought in from SVO in the USA.

Handling:^[28]

• Power-assisted variable ratio rack and pinion steering.
• 4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes (Black Tickford calipers), with re-developed (PX709) high-metallic content brake pads, having a higher heat capacity. Front and rear brake disc diameter was 287mm.
• Front and rear stabilizer bars (sway bars) with urethane bushes. Front anti-roll bar was 27mm (26mm on the auto).
• Limited slip differential (see ratios under transmission details above)
• Live rear axle with 4 trailing arms and Watts linkage.
• The bushes applied to the suspension on the GT were slightly different between the manual and automatic GTs. The automatic transmission cars had fewer polyurethane bushes applied. We are unsure of the specific details regarding the differences, so please contact us if you have any further information which could improve this section.
• Munroe Australia 6-valve dampers, with single rate coil springs.
• Unique 17 x 8.5 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels were fitted, finished in a pale silver-gold colour. The paint code for these wheels has been quoted by one owner as code: 0045. However, we have not yet been able to confirm this is correct with any official reference, and further information is needed to confirm this. These wheels were fitted with Pirelli 245/40ZR17 P Zero Kevlar belted tyres.
• 40% reduction in overall lift from the body kit design, with a drag coefficient of 0.31.
• The steering rack applied to the GT was a Reman brand, the same as applied to the Falcon Sprint, having between 2.5 and 2.75 turns lock to lock (less than the standard Falcon). There should be a GT tag on the steering rack.