Wow, it did not take the stateside bloodhounds long at all! $500 buys me a box with lock up converter out of a moderate miles early 90's Dodge Ram (this is the 'perfect' match). 400k units per anum sold so the pick is easy....Or $1100 for a fresh 'reconditioned unit'. Now, ball back in my court. Buy now or wait until I actually start this adventure...
Greg, yes I agree with your improvement list. I wonder if the gearbox (am I fixated?) is the root to 25% economy improvement (so the yanks suggest), better gearbox (what characteristics are you critical of?), much improved refinement as engine speed drops by 30% when cruising. So that is at least part way to 3 off your list...Then wipers would be a fairly simple Lucas parts bin raid and wire up, A/C - buy everything salvage out of a fiesta and re engineer to fit!
Actually the older gasses are more 'efficient' than the latest so pumping energy consumption is on its way up, so just ditch that great York compressor for a more modern scroll unit and accept the hazards of gas/seals compatability (I've not researched this but I bet you can get modern compressors which cope with old gasses!). Then latching with Central Locking, I'd be looking at what suits from salvage and re engineer it into the car. Call me a butcher, but mine wont ever be a concours contender!!
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