As I'm a bit slow getting to all posts I've only now got to this one and as an ex Scimitar owner I must say that yours sounds ace!! Mine was an SE5A and a real 3ltr , not a 2.8 that used the Cologne engine. The Essex engine was always better as standard, but the trunnions were a nightmare so bad that the good mod was to fit grease nipples to them! Had lots of fun in that RWD and lots of power!!