Taunus/Cologne V6

Originally known as the Ford Taunus, this engine is now more commonly known as the Cologne. There are two major forms of Cologne V6 of true concern, basically, the 2.8 and 2.9 series of engines. Both of these have their roots in Germany – hence the name! In that country, a V4 of the same format was also produced in 1183cc, 1288, 1305, 1498 and 1699ccs. Their V6 series also included 1812cc, 1998, 2293, 2551 and 2792cc. However, the engines that are really only used for power are the UK-supplied versions, 2.3 litre and the aforementioned 2.8 and 2.9.

The 2.3 and 2.8 are significantly different since they feature Siamese ported heads, fibre-teeth cam gear and shorter stroke. In contrast, the 2.9s cam is chain driven in the opposite direction and features 3 port heads.

In practical terms, you either tune one engine or the other – you can’t fit 2.9 heads on a 2.8 because the cam phasing is different amongst many other parts – conversion is therefore very difficult. However, you can fit the 2.9 crank in a 2.8 block although the nose at the front will need machining to accept the cam drive. Neither engine has anything in common with the Essex type V6, which this engine replaced for emissions reasons.

You are likely to find a 2.8 in MkII Granadas, Capri 2.8 Injections and Sierra XR4i, whilst the 2.3 was fitted again to MkII Granadas, plus MkIV/V Cortinas. 1989 saw the switch to 2.9 for the new Mk3 Granadas, whilst the 2.3 became the 2.4. These engines were controlled by twin plenum EFi with Ford EEC IV management. The previous engines had Bosch K-Jet injection/carburettor. However, early Mk3s were fitted with 2.8s along with EFi. The 2.9 also formed the base for the 24 valve Cosworth 4 cam version fitted to the Scorpio.