I have done a lot of searching on this one and get a lot of conflicting answers and opinions on what i should be doing. I'm almost ready bolt my black top zetec upto a type 9 box with RS2000 bellhousing to be dropped in an escort. Buuuuut what clutch and flywheel?! I have heard of using a 1.8 zetec, 1.8 CVH and 2.0 zetec flywheel i believe that the pinto clutch can be used with the CVH flywheel but some adaption is needed? Would the flywheel need rebalancing once it had been redrilled? I'm also confused about which thrust bearing is needed, transit and capri are a couple that are used i have read. I believe that one combination leaves very little pedal travel which would be a bit of a ball ache as i plan to use the escort daily-ish. It's all as clear as mud to me so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Lots of people use the zetec 1.8 fwd clutch with I believe the ct133 release bearing as Its nice and cheap but I have spoken to a few who say the pedals a bit stiff as all the zetec clutches are designed to be hydraulic In operation you maybe ok with It If you go hydraulic though?? The best way to do It IMO Is to have the zetec 1.8 flywheel drilled to take the pinto clutch as you will then have a clutch designed to be used with the t9 box/arm ratio etc therefore It will change gear like an old escort should and If you wish to upgrade In future there are more clutches available to choose from...You can get a flywheel ready from retroford

 

when i fitted a 2lt zetec in an old sierra i used the zetec flywheel with a sierra dohc clutch it worked well

 

Who ever told you all zetec clutchs are designed to be hydraulic are lying i could rattle off a hand full of zetec powered fords with cable clutchs

 

Not with the same clutch arm ratio as the type 9 RWD gearbox you cant....(Theres more to It than Hydraulic /cable operation)

As for zetecs with CABLE clutches Im not 100% sure If any of them match the 23 splines of the type 9 box anyway If any do they still wont match the clutch arm ratio (which Is why people mix and match release bearings and the clutch ends up feeling like a switch ie hardly any travel.. engaged or not engaged)So the fact that you know of a handful of zetec powered fords with clutch operation still doesnt answer the origional posters questian It just means that there are a handful of cable clutch zetecs out there..

The fact still remains If you want a clutch with good feel and smooth operation use the clutch that was designed to go with the box...ie pinto/rs2000 clutch afterall thats why retroford does the kit for It

 

Silver top zetec flywheel, Rs2000/pinto clutch & cover. I used the concentric hydraulic cylinder which all fitted perfectly. Also had to fit pinto spigot bearing. Rs2000 alloy bell housing also works perfectly.

 

Bang on zetec flywheel drilled to take the pinto clutch the proper way to do it...

 

as evans2822 said retroford,ive been running zetec in my escort for three years now and i got a flywheel from retroford which are redrilled to take pinto clutch assembly,best option and you know its gunna work

 

i just used a mondeo flywheel and plate with my old type 9 never any bother ??