Hi guys/gals.

I've just aquired a fiesta 1997 mk4 and it has a horrible, nasty endura 1.3 in the front. Now some of you will probably think im insane, others will call me ambitious and some will cheer me on and beg me for pictures left, right and center.

However despite all this i am determined to see this project through to the end, no matter how long it takes (and i will probably start this year) and the project is....

A Full rear wheel drive conversion for my fiesta.

Now first things first i will explain how far I've gotten and my current thought processes.

I have started work on the car, i baught it for £500, one lady owner since new and its done 105k miles, theres a load of paper with it, including all the MOT and service history. Bargain i think. Now this is going to be a sleeper and a daily driver all in one, so im keeping the interior the same (upgrade of speakers and sound system ofcourse) and upgrading the running gear and the engine.

So far I've acquired a set of Pepperpot alloys (15") from an Xr4x4 which are being reconditioned as we speak and will be wrapped with a set of Toyo rubbers next paycheck.

I have also got myself a set of EBC brake disks and Greenstuff pads (till the rest of my master plan comes together) and matched them up with a set of stainless brake hoses from Taro-x.

Also i have upgraded the front speakers with ample sound deadening and a set of 6" Ground Zero titanium Component speakers (not that it will interest the most of you)

Now for the master plan (this is where you guys/gals come in, i need a few questions answering)

I want to convert the Fiesta to rear wheel drive, utalising either a 2.0 Duratec/Zetec or a 2.5L mondeo V6 from and ST220 and apropriate running gear (Diff, Gearbox, loom, steering rack, prop shaft, ect...)

now i know the basic ins and outs of the project but it will be my first time building a car properly so I will be posting here a lot with pics and problems for you to help me with if you would be so kind (so far ive torn down and rebuild 4 engines (Escort HCS, KA 1.3 Endura, Fiesta 1.3 Endura and an old single cylinder engine out of a rusty 2 tonne dumper) and turned my MK4 escort into a Bass-racer (don't ask if you don't know, you will only be dissapointed))

So first things first, I'm not going to be crafting a custom rig for this, its going to be stripped from a doner car and fabricated to fit the fiesta.

Now question 1: Which doner car should i use? i need a rear wheel drive car that will fit with minimum fabrication to a MK4/5 fiesta (I understand that "Minimum" is a loose word here) Preferably this car could also have an appropriate engine already installed (either a 2.0L or a 2.5L (i will go to 3.0L at a push but i need it low for insurance reasons) and the cheaper the car the better

Now Question 2: What suspension upgrade should i get, there are many reputable companies, and i have tested a few. but who knows whats best? now again this will be a daily driver so a bit of comfort would be a treat, i don't want to be sat on rocks for 2 hours a day just for 40 seconds of fun at the lights.

more later :P

Thanks, guys. Lawrence. Hx

 

Just a few pictures of what i have aquired allready, going to take some snaps of the car this weekend if its sunny (crosses fingers)







just a quick little update as I've worked 15 hours today and its time for bed XD

Hx.

 

Christ alive! I'll be keeping an eye on this, your best bet is probably one of the 4 cylinder engines as the ford V6 engines are very large andf bulky, which will give you loads of grief when it comes to fitting them. A 2.0 zetec would be my choice as they can be turbocharged or supercharged for extra power, and parts are easy to get for them. You could use the type 9 5 speed gearbox (but it won't take much power) as the old skool escort guys use, and I probably an escort rear axle and prop to keep it simple, but I'd imagine there would still be quite a bit of work involved. Depends on your budget really. Good luck!

 

There's this page here which may be of some help to you

http://www.zetecinside.com/xr2/gearbox.shtml

 

This project sounds awesome, I did have a similar thought once but i'm not brave enough. When it comes to engines, I agree with above about using a 4cyl, what about the 2ltr from a Fiesta ST?

I don't know for sure, but think a Type 9 box is normally mounted longitudinally, but I would assume the Fiesta ST engine & gearbox is mounted latitudinally like earlier ones. Might make things a little easier, providing you could pick the parts up for a decent price.. just a thought.

Best of luck!