Race Capri History
Weslake Research and Development was founded by Harry Weslake, a cylinder head specialist who had been instrumental in modifying the side valve Standard engine used in the first SS (later to become Jaguar) Sports Car. He also designed the cylinder head for the overhead valve version of the Morris series A engine that was used in the Morris 1000 and the Mini.
He was involved in the design of every Jaguar engine up to and including the V12 of the early 1970´s. He also designed the Straight-4s engines for the 1958 Vanwall Formula One Grand Prix Car, an engine that was using a lot of technology and experience from a single-cylinder Norton motorcycle engine. The Vanwall car went on to win the 1958 F1 constructors cup.
In 1966 Dan Gurney commissioned Weslake Engineering to build an Aubrey Woods designed 3.0 litre V12 Formula One engine for his 1967 Eagle T1G. Their efforts produced a V12 that was smooth and powerful. Gurney won the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch, a non-championship event, and the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix with the Eagle-Weslake V12 engine.
In June 2012 Weslake-Capri along with all assets,drawings and IP were acquired by Ric Wood Owner of the World Famous CNC Heads.With a strong history in and around the Capri he is well equipped with his Team to support and more importantly restart production of previously unavailable parts.
1969
Constructor & Entrant: Ford Cologne
Type: Capri 2300GT Prototypes, Groups 5 & 6, tarmac rally and race
Engine: 2.3-litre V6 (Group 6, 2.6 litre V6) Weslake modified Weslake camshaft
Compression: 10:1 (10.5:1 for injection engines)
Fuel Delivery: Triple twin Solex for original 2.3
Peak Horsepower: 170bhp @ 6500rpm for original 2.3, 190bhp @ 7200rpm for injection 2.3 & 192bhp @ 6000rpm for 2.6
Body: Bumperless with slightly flared arches
Weight: 880kg
Wheels: Tech Del Minilite 13″ diameter with 7J rims or 6J for some rally use
Performance: Up to 130mph on Original 170bhp
1970
Constructor & Entrant: Ford Cologne
Type: Group 2 race saloon, 2300GT
Engine: 2.3 V6 enlarged to 2397cc from 2293cc with alloy cylinder heads by Weslake. Weslake camshaft
Compression: 10.5:1 to 11:1
Fuel Delivery: Lucas replaced by Kugelfischer mechanical fuel-injection Weslake inlet manifold
Peak Horsepower: 230bhp @ 7500rpm
Body: Much the same as 1969 but with Escort style bulges to accommodate race wheels
Weight: 940kg
Wheels: Magnesium & alloy split rim BBS, 13″ diameter with 8-10″ front and 10″ wide rears
Performance: Up to 143mph
1971
Constructor & Entrant: Ford Cologne
Type: Group 2 race saloon, RS2600
Engine: Alloy-Weslake head development of V6 RS 2.6 Enlarged to 2873cc, Modified & assembled by Weslake
Compression: 10.5:1 to 11:1
Fuel Delivery: Kugelfischer mechanical fuel-injection Weslake inlet manifold
Peak Horsepower: 265-275 @ 7300rpm
Body: Strengthened steel RS with front & rear wings replaced by fibreglass extensions flared & rivetted into body
Weight: Up to 940kg
Wheels: BBS 13″ with 10″ wide front & 11.5″ (rear)
Performance: 158mph max 0-60, 4.9sec
1972 / 73
Constructor & Entrant: Ford Cologne
Type: Group 2 race saloon, RS2600
Engine: Basics as 1971 but enlarged to 2995cc, modified progressively for greater power Weslake Alloy heads Compression: 11:1 to later 1973 11.3:1
Fuel Delivery: Kugelfischer with Weslake inlet manifold change 1973
Peak Horsepower: 285-290bhp @ 7500rpm (1972) to 320-325bhp @ 7600rpm
Body: As for 1971 in 1972 but with roll cage extensions, squared off arch extensions & front spoiler
Weight: 980kg max (1972) 973kg (1973)
Wheels: 10-11″ front 1972-73 12-14″ rear 1972-73
Performance: 160-170mph, 0-60, 4.6sec with 295bhp claimed, 0-124mph, 14.3sec in same power trim.