The appeal of the LS-based engine swap is evident around the globe. Dale Ackworth and Michael Castle from Spotted Motors are prime examples of this trend. The UK-based YouTube channel picked up a Mark V Ford Cortina as a project car and swapped out its naturally aspirated 500 cubic-inch engine for a turbocharged 5.3-liter LS mill.
The European-based Ford Cortina debuted in 1962 and eventually became Britain’s best-selling car until 1981. The fifth generation, or MK5 version of the car landed in the market in 1979 and production ran until 1982.
The Spotted Motors duo picked up this particular car and it had already been back-halved for drag racing with a 4-link rear suspension. It was powered by a 500 cubic-inch engine and wore a big ole snorkel hood scoop. They put some nitrous on it for fun before deciding to go a more modern route with the engine combination.
The stock block 5.3 LS that powers it now utilizes a stock crank that swings forged connecting rods and pistons. It’s topped with a set of cathedral port heads, and a Summit Racing fabricated intake manifold with a 92mm throttle body. The Cortina’s engine management is handled by a Holley EFI Terminator X system. MagnaFuel fuel system components provide the pump gas that feeds the hungry engine. Boost comes from a pair of Holset 53mm twin-scroll turbochargers. The combination put down 640 horsepower to the rear wheels.
The driveline consists of a Turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission, shifted via Hurst Lightning Rod shifter, and a stout Ford 9-inch rearend handles those hard launches you can see in their videos.
Ackworth and Castle have been sawing away at the Cortina’s on-track performance by making chassis adjustments to calm down the launches and keep it going straight. So far, they’ve set a personal best elapsed time of 8.88 at 153 mph in the quarter-mile. They are also competing in European drag-and-drive-events, as well as regular drag competitions such as the Doorslammers and Flame and Thunder events held at Santa Pod Raceway.
You can follow their progress with the Cortina on their YouTube channel HERE. This awesome video from Mk1Kieran shows the Cortina doing work at the track.
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