Murdock91

Hi guys,

New to the forum, just looking for some advice...

I recently got a '99 Ford Focus 1.6 Ghia. Unfortunately, it has now become quite obvious that the engine and gearbox are not in the most healthy of conditions. Therefore, I'm looking to get a new engine and gearbox for it. Ideally, I'm looking to put one of the 2.0 Focus engines in it, but unsure of exactly how much work it would require. I understand the exhaust layout etc is different between the 1.6 and 2.0 as well as the obvious ecu etc.

Wondering if anyone has already done it and would I basically need everything? i.e. Engine mounts, full exhaust etc etc...

Cheers.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

I can tell you the inlet and exhaust are opposite way round so would need the exhaust system and ECU as you know.

Not sure about mounts etc.

Martin

focusrrx87

get a donor 2.0 focus Ur'll be taking a lot of parts off it. Gear box driveshafts linkage gear stick. Engine ecu exhaust mounts, there's always more than meets the eye so get a donor car not just an engine.

Murdock91

Yeah, I was hoping to be buying a complete car rather than just the engine in case something didn't quite go to plan. Just need to start saving the pennies now I guess.

I'll probably end up replacing the rear axle/brakes as they're not in the best of states either.

Is there anything else that you would recommend changing at the same time? If I'm going to be buying a donor car, might as well replace as many parts as possible I guess.

Is there much in the way of tuning etc that can be done to thay type of engine, preferably something that's reasonably cost effective.

Thanks.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

You've got to change loads, suspension is different, engine bay and interior loom change, full exhaust, ecu, clocks, ignition barrel to match new ecu, the list goes on and on. Don't think its ever been done due to how much work is involved. Be far better off selling it and buying a 2.0!

Murdock91

I was considering just selling it and buying a 2.0, but I'm quite attached to this Focus lol.
I've got the resources available to get the work done anyway, so it's not much of an issue. My dad owns a garage (auto-electrician) and there's a mechanic right next to him so I've got everything there to get the stuff done. Just going to take a while to do it I guess.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Don't forget it will also cost more to insure than a standard 2 litre as it will be classed as a nodified car.

Murdock91

Can't be any worse than last years insurance policy, was paying Ł3000 for a '98 Vectra SRi 140. (That was going through my dad's name too!)

Luke Trundell

heyhiheyhello!!

it should be a lovely nippy little thing ! AC deleted as the new shell doesnt have it lol. I've even got a pipe fitter mate ready and willing to make me a full 2.5" straight through system!!

My mechanic buddy Jim and I had all the physicalities of the swap buttoned up but with the 2.0 ecu and key but the thing won't even crank ! i dont know if its because we didn't change the immobiliser ring but there's a lot of controversy out on the web over the rings importance in these matters..:

With the 1.4 ecu back in with the matching key and it cranks but there's no spark !

Jim reckons that a new ecu, immobiliser ring and matching key/transponder from a facelift model will do the trick but there are just so many unknowns right now and I've been off the road for almost two weeks now having stupidly only budgeted two days for the swap :s

ps:- just so put minds at ease - the brakes/ suspension will be swapped over once i can drive it (carefully) to where the parts are stored across town

pls halp