I have a 1.3 1989 escort which I think has the HCS engine. The original gearbox sounds like it's going to die imminently, loud whining and what sounds like a grinding bearing in 1st gear. I bought the car with the intent of sticking in an ST170 turboed engine and I've been collecting parts for it. I have an IB5 gearbox already which looks like it has mk6 diesel housing and an LSD fitted, unsure if gears are diesel or not. Question is; will this fit my current engine? From what I've read on here so far I think it will but wanted to check.

 

If i was you i wouldnt use the BC or IB5 you will still be on a time bomb in some ways, check the diff see if its a ATB diff or just an LSD from an RS turbo, you can get some good/better boxs for around 1500 with bigger bearings, new IB5 cases and quaife ATB and treated gear set, the cool thing is now the quaife ATB is lifetime warranty !

 

Thanks mate. I might look at a more robust gearbox in the future. For now I already have an IB5 which was rebuild but never used prior to me buying it. I might as well try my luck on that one first... if it fits. If it doesn't fit on this little engine then I'll probably hold out and not use the car until I have ll the parts for a complete engine build