I've been putting a larger engine (1600 crossflow - 691 Mexico) into my left-hand drive Mk1 Escort. She already has a T9 gearbox, and starter motor moved to right-hand side. Also added a 4-branch manifold, designed to clear the steering column. However, the brake servo is on a long extension, meaning that the manifold now clashes with that instead! Does anyone know if there's another servo which would be compatible with my set-up, which wouldn't extend so far back into the engine bay? Also concerned that my existing brake system might not be adequate, since there are now quite a few tweaks (she's got somewhat upgraded carb and cam shaft too). Any guidance would be very much appreciated!

 

You can fit a remote servo...even in the boot. Car builder solutions sell them

 

Are you running twin 40"s as there were 2 types of inlet manifold one is angled so it does not hit the servo..

 

No, just a twin-choke weber. It's the outlet manifold that's the problem though. The left-hand side of my engine bay is always overcrowded! A remote servo is a good idea - I've checked and it would be about Ł200 for two wheels, or Ł350 for all four. Someone else has also suggested removing the top air filter plate? I need to discuss these ideas with my mechanic, but he's fallen really ill this week so I can't talk to him at all atm. Thank you for your help.

 

Pop some pictures up if you can

 

The problem with putting pics up atm is that the bonnet is just leaning on the engine bay - i.e., it's unhinged (a bit like me) so I can't actually move it by myself. But I will as soon as I can.
If I'd known Bill was about to fall seriously ill, I wouldn't have picked now to post a request for advice - I'm really sorry it's such bad timing! Please bear with me...

 

OK, so I'm still not in a position to take photos (sorry), but I just wanted to clarify that it's the outlet manifold that's clashing with the servo, not the inlet manifold. This is because it's a left hooker, and so the servo is on the left.

I'm also told that there would be a problem with using a remote servo because the brakes are dual circuit?

 

You can get Dual circuit remote servo.

I assume you dont want to chop about the bulkhead or get someone like Nortec to make a new exhaust manifold?

 

I'm not keen to get another manifold - the one I have cost over Ł300! Sorry if I'm being dense, but I don't see how customising the bulkhead would help?
Bill is thinking of modifying the servo now, by cutting away some of the extension and then reassembling it with some welded reinforcement. He's very good at making things, so I'm optimistic...
.

 

 

These photos show the old manifold which has been put in place just to see if we can get it started. The trouble is that the new engine is taller than the old one, meaning that the manifold doesn't reach. The new manifold is good, but the pipes arch upwards meaning that they clash with the servo extension.