Turbo Technics

Just like a good wine, the Capri has matured with age and is now a legend in its own time. In standard form, its performance is exciting, to say the least, and more than a match for that of any of its ever-growing lust of competition. In turbo-charged guise though, this classic sporting thoroughbred is simply streets ahead of the opposition, a true wolf in sheeps clothing, with a top speed of over 140mph and shattering performance to match.

Surprisingly, there is relatively little to see under the bonnet of the Turbo Technics car. The heart of the conversion, the Garrett T3 turbo with integral wastegate pressure control, being tucked largely out of sight, down in the airstream on the nearside of the engine. Slightly more visible is the multi-branch exhaust manifold, cast in high nickel contention and specially designed for pulse separation, and the new downpipe that couples to the standard exhaust system in front of the main silencer boxes.

Other alterations necessary to convert the Capri from a coveted 160bhp sporting coupe into a 200bhp supercar include: the re-routing of the air supply via the standard air filter to the compressor, it is then cooled by a front mounted intercooler before passing to the standard inlet manifold, and the provision of fresh plumbing to enable oil to be taken directly from the main engine feed to the turbo, before returning to the sump.

The standard fuel injection system, high-energy electronic ignition and radiator are all retained with minor modifications and the ignition is given a modified advance characteristic, incorporating a vacuum advance/pressure retard capsule. However, apart from the requirement for a wide heat-range spark plugs, servicing is absolutely as per a standard car.

So efficient is the Capris standard package that few modifications are required to complement the turbos cars major increase in performance. Harder suspension bushes further tauten the already excellent handling, while uprated pads are fitted to the standard braking system. For those that want to further uprate the front brakes, however there is the option of heavy-duty AP 4-pot callipers.

Unlike the "cammy" conventionally tuned cars of yesteryear, well developed turbo cars allow their drivers the option of leisurely cruising or vivid performance throughout the range, and so it is with the Turbo Technics Capri. Driven modestly, it behaves exactly like the standard car. With the right foot hard down however, it takes on a whole new character. The 0-60 mph dash is covered in a shattering 6.5 seconds, while the 100mph mark is attained in a disdainful 14.8 seconds. As standard the Capri has an enviable top speed of 130 mph. The turbo though leaves it far behind, with a mean maximum of no less than 143mph.

However impressive though such ultimate figures are, modern driving is more about instant acceleration in the higher gears, and in that respect the Turbo Technics Capri leaves even supercars struggling, witness its top gear 50-70mph time of 7.0 seconds compared with that of the Porsche 911 Turbo (7.2 seconds), Lotus Esprit Turbo (8.0 seconds), and Audi Quattro (8.4 seconds).

With all this performance on tap, one might expect the penalty of heavy fuel consumption. In fact, in most owners hands the Turbo Technics Capri will return within one or two miles per gallon of the standard car. Altogether life with the Turbo Technics Capri is nothing but good news. Who can afford not to be seen in this very special version of the worlds all-time great motor car?