What would make a well-worn Vauxhall-designed van palatable? Power. That’s just about the only answer that works in this regard. When in doubt, you add power and if you can add reliability, modernization, and even gains in economy to boot, then you’ve got a winner on your hands, even if the wrapper you show the world screams loudly for a new paint job and proof that you aren’t on any kind of police watch list. For the last few months the team behind The Skid Factory have been working on a friend’s Vauxhall CF van. The owner loves the van, but the Holden 202 mill that was originally underhood just wasn’t working out anymore, so a Ford 4.0L “Barra” six was swapped in place. Matching a modern Ford drivetrain into a 1970s Bedford van is the kind of “from scratch” builds that requires deep, involved knowledge, outside help, and patience to get everything right. Skill in electrical wiring work doesn’t hurt, either, because with all of the Haltech systems that now run the Barra, lots of wiring is needed to make the engine happy. But happy it is…the van isn’t completed, but it is running, driving, and most importantly, skidding! Check it out!
Ha ha ha ha! – Bedford was the commercial vehicle division of Vauxhall which was in turn part of GM. So its about time somebody put a Ford motor into this to get more power and reverse the trend of putting Shitrolet LS’s into Fords.
I’d like to see a Ford Capri with a Barra powerplant and indeed wonder why this motor wasn’t built in the UK.