15/10/2026
CUSTOMER BUILD FEATURE — DAIMON’S 1966 MK1 FORD CORTINA
Some builds are just too good not to share, and Daimon Ellis’ 1966 MK1 Ford Cortina is definitely one of them!
At first glance, it’s a beautifully presented classic Cortina. Metallic blue paint, tidy wheels and unmistakable 1960s Ford styling.
But pop the bonnet and things get a whole lot more interesting.
Daimon has swapped the original Ford engine for a Nissan S13 SR20DET, giving this old-school Cortina a completely different personality.
And it’s far from a standard SR20!
Here’s what’s gone into the build.
ENGINE & INTERNALS
- Fully balanced 2.0L SR20DET
- Forged pistons
- GTI-R rods and oil pump
- Tomei large-capacity sump
CYLINDER HEAD & INTAKE
- Hand-ported head
- Kelford 188-A2 cams and springs
- Adjustable cam gear, intake advanced 8°
- S13 intake, 60mm drive-by-wire throttle
TURBO & EXHAUST
- Turbo Bits GT3582, 0.63 A/R rear housing
- Sinco turbo manifold
- 44mm TiAL wastegate
- Custom 3” stainless exhaust
- 4” dump pipe
FUEL SYSTEM
- Custom alloy tank and external surge tank
- DeatschWerks external fuel pump
- -6AN braided fuel lines
- Turbosmart 1200 FPR
- Bosch 720cc injectors
- Tarrks fuel rail
THE RESULT? 250KW AT THE REAR WHEELS!
That’s roughly 335whp from a 2.0L four-cylinder, all tucked inside a classic Ford Cortina.
But it’s not just the power that makes this build special.
From the colour-matched engine bay and custom fabrication to the motorsport-focused interior, complete with a roll cage, bucket seats and digital dash, the attention to detail is impressive.
And it’s not just built to sit in the garage either. Daimon’s Cortina has been out at events like Summer Bash!
Massive credit to Daimon for putting together such an awesome machine. We’re stoked to see our GT3582 turbocharger playing a part in this build.
Now the big question...
Would you SR20 swap a classic Ford, or keep it Ford-powered?