Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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May 15, 2012 18:53:41 GMT
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Hello folks, I've hit a conundrum. For a number of years now I have owned this: For the last few years (make that 6) it has sat languishing on my parents drive slowly rotting away (of which I am not proud). It has a 2.9 Cosworth fitted but is not yet finished. It also need a fair bit of welding now. It has been patiently waiting for me to finish and sell the Escort so I can concentrate all my efforts on it. But now a friend has offered me his dog-eared Stag for £500! It does have a dent in the door and is fitted with a shonky 3.0ltr Essex and auto-box but that could be replaced. Thing is, in order to fund it and make space I'd have to sell the Cortina. I really like the Cortina and it's probably more exclusive than the Stag as the Stag is hardly a rare sight in the summer. But it will never be worth as much as a Stag and I've always promised I'd own a Triumph. I just never thought it would be a Stag as I'm always skint! So, should I stick with the 'Tina or get the Stag and transfer the Cosworth V6 into that? I'm hoping to have a good look over the Stag tomorrow to see just what sort of condition it is in. Cheers, Smiler. P.S. If anyone has any pics of modified Stags for inspiration then please do share. Here's a starter: Only this one is white.
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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May 15, 2012 19:05:34 GMT
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No contest for me, it's got to be the Cortina, the Stag is a common as a MGB these days and just as boring where as the Cortina is a better looking car, more usable and will get lots more attention.
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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May 15, 2012 19:11:00 GMT
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.... the Stag is a common as a MGB these days........... the Cortina ............. will get lots more attention. I think that's possibly the thing that's bugging me. My original future project plans had revolved around a Triumph 2000 saloon with a BMW straight six conversion. This was partly because I had some hope of being able to afford one, but also because it is a bit different to the norm and not the usual default choice. I'm just also rather concerned that in a years time I might be kicking myself for not taking the opportunity to buy this bargain basement Stag as it's the only time I'll ever be able to afford one.
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Last Edit: May 15, 2012 19:47:46 GMT by Smiler
www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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May 15, 2012 19:15:35 GMT
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No contest for me, it's got to be the Cortina, the Stag is a common as a MGB these days and just as boring where as the Cortina is a better looking car, more usable and will get lots more attention. Yeah I'd second that. What was once so common is now so rare in comparative terms. TBH I'm not a big fan of Stag's, yet I really like Cortina's so it's a bit of a biased opinion. I'd stick with what you have, you know what it needs to get it sorted. Late Cortina in Ghia spec with Cosworth v6 is full of win. Get it done mate.
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Copey
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,845
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May 15, 2012 19:27:51 GMT
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cortina, make a reet cool sleeper that will
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1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLSi with 2.0 Zetec 1985 Ford Capri 3.0 (was a 2.0 Laser originally)
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May 15, 2012 19:34:10 GMT
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Put the 24v in the stag, I have owned a 24v Cortina and they are humungously grinly to drive, I can only surmise that the same engine in a trad brit convertible would make your smile so wide the top of your head would fall off.
If you don't want the stag, ask him if he wants to swop it on a volvo turbo cos i'll have it if its half reasonable.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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May 15, 2012 19:35:34 GMT
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Cortina all day long.
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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May 15, 2012 19:42:09 GMT
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Thanks for the replies, all the none-retro types have been saying go for the Stag as it's more desirable (open to conjecture) than an old banger Cortina. I knew you lot would give a more balanced opinion. I'm still torn though. A lowered de-bumpered un-polished stag is tempting. I'll try and get some pics tomorrow. Then maybe a bit of photoshop.
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Cortina or Stag?Rob M
@zeb
Club Retro Rides Member 41
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May 15, 2012 19:48:32 GMT
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I'm not sure its purely a case of which car to get. Your Cortina has been sitting there for a few years now and needs urgent attention. Are you TRULY motivated to get it finished? I don't think there is any argument, personally, id flog the Cortina, buy the Stag, bring it up to a decent driveable and sellable condition, use it, enjoy it then when you have fullfilled your desire to own a Triumph, you sell it for lots of money and then bag yourself a good Cortina with the proceeds. You wont get offered many Stags in your lifetime, especially not at that price. If its half good, grab it. There will always be a Cortina or ten to buy at a later date, right?
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bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
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May 15, 2012 19:49:10 GMT
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Stag for me I'm afraid they really are fantastic looking cars. Shame that ones not got the trummy v8 in it, i know they can have serious issues but god do they make a nice noise. In my humble opinion far far nicer than a Rover v8 noise wise at least.
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Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44 1974 VW Beetle 1303s 1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV 1988 VW LT45 Beavertail 1998 Volvo V70 2.5 1959 Fordson Dexta
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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May 15, 2012 19:55:55 GMT
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The motivation is there, it's just time to devote. The long layup was a result of project wife and kids coming along. All work stopped on everything. Now though I've been able to restart on the Escort. I chose this one first as it is the tidiest and so needs to be moved on before it starts getting shabby. It gets worked on during lunch hours at the club workshop where I work. Once gone the Cortina/Stag will take its place.
I take your point about later selling the Stag and getting a tidy Cortina.
One thing against the 'Tina, when I drive it my head is in the sunroof hole! (6'1")
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Last Edit: May 15, 2012 19:57:37 GMT by Smiler
www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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PHUQ
Part of things
Posts: 861
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May 15, 2012 20:23:00 GMT
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I was going to say "if you've not got around to doing the work on the cortina, what's the point in replacing it with something else to sit and crumble away?", but if you've started to get more time & funds to sort it out then it sounds like it's the ideal time to be motivated with something new. Also, Stags are awesome.
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,251
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Cortina or Stag?ChasR
@chasr
Club Retro Rides Member 170
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May 15, 2012 21:23:12 GMT
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Stags are awesome (I should know ). I'm not sure if they are as common as MGBs (I certainly see less about (I owned two 'Bs the past too but a cheap Stag can be a real money pit (quite a few of the cheaper cars are worth more in spares) Spares wise, think normal BL tin prices (some of which are not) and double them! £200 for new doorcards and around £200-300 for a secondhand tailgate as a couple of examples should give you an idea of the prospect ahead. Assuming it is not rotton and complete (unless you wish to go down the custom route with other bits bar the engine) I would say consider it. With the roof A slightly harsh reply about buying one but you have been warned. However, when working fine they are IMO a great driving experience. Surprisingly modern but still with more than enough character present to give it that grin factor. Going from MGBs I was quite impressed! Anyway, pics : Shameless self plug: There is one 24V Cosworth Stag going around and it is a bit of a monster . I do wonder whether a Lexus V8 could be shoehoned into one...
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Last Edit: May 15, 2012 21:39:02 GMT by ChasR
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May 15, 2012 21:25:59 GMT
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I can see the appeal of the Stag, but its gotta be the tina for more reasons.
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v8ian
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,824
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May 15, 2012 21:48:26 GMT
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Put the 24v into the stag, put the essex out of the stag into the Cortina, sell the cortina on EBay, and get silly money for it, lavish that money on the stag and have a big bag of WIN
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Atmo V8 Power . No slicks , No gas + No bits missing . Doing it in style. Austin A35van, very different------- but still doing it in style, going to be a funmoble
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Smiler
Posted a lot
I no longer own anything FWD! Or with less than 6 cylinders, or 2.5ltrs! :)
Posts: 2,492
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Thanks again everyone for the replies and taking time to vote. To many of you it appears to be an obvious choice, only for both sides of the coin! The poll is also a close runing race. This just goes to show how great this board and its members are! You can all see the true potential in both old cars. The money pit nature of the Stag is a concern but I shall be taking a very carefull look over it. If I'm unhappy with it (and I'm hoping to find something scarey as it'll make the decision easier) I'll walk away. Having said that, I found fresh rust on the Cortina last weelend around the boot floors rear edge and the spare wheel well where the LPG tank is hiding (which would also get swapped across). v8ian - That thought had crossed my mind, sell it on as a Savage replica. Would have to be an auto though. If I can get to see the car today and get some sneaky photos (it's on an airbase) I'll try to post them up on here tonight.
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www.Auto-tat.co.uk'96 Range Rover P38 DSE (daily driver) '71 Reliant Scimitar SE5 GTE 3.0ltr Jag V6 Conversion '79 Reliant Scimitar SE6A 3.0ltr 24valve Omega Conversion '85 Escort Cabrio 2.0 Zetec - Sold '91 BMW 525i - Sold '82 Cortina 2.9i Ghia Cosworth - Sold '72 VW Campervan - Sold '65 LandRover 88" - Sold
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ToolsnTrack
Posted a lot
Homebrew Raconteur
Posts: 4,121
Club RR Member Number: 134
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Cortina or Stag?ToolsnTrack
@overdrive
Club Retro Rides Member 134
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Stag, and chevy 350 lump. Personal goal for me too...
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JohnK
North East
Posts: 470
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Put the 24v in the Stag then sell the Cortina to me without an engine. Always wanted to do something mental with a Cortina !!
Cortina wins every day for me though...
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------------------------------------------- 1999 'V' Rover 620Ti 1999 'T' Mercedes E55 AMG 1997 'R' Ford Probe 24v 1994 'M' Nissan Maxima 3.0 1992 'J' Honda Prelude 2.0iS 1986 'C' BMW 728i Auto 1985 'C' Talbot Solara 1.6 Minx 1984 'A' Talbot Horizon LE Ultra 1.3 1978 'S' Ford Cortina 1.6 GL
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Put the 24v into the stag, put the essex out of the stag into the Cortina, sell the cortina on EBay, and get silly money for it, lavish that money on the stag and have a big bag of WIN thats your answer right there
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Buy Stag, sell Stag, spend Stag profits on making Cortina a winner.
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