I need some suggestions on what engine for my 1.3 escort, I'd prefer a fairly simple conversion as it will be my first engine swap. I'm not after mega power, just something a bit more pokey! I was thinking something like an xr3 lump?

Any suggestions welcome!

Ben.

 

1.8 zetec, should still just about be insurable if you are youngish

 

Do you know roughly what will be needed?

Ben.

 

mk3/4/5 escort? 3/4 go with a 1.6 cvh as there easy to fit and get hold of, good for 90bhp and feel plenty quick after the 1.3/ or go zetec but you will need alot more for the conversion, what you will need depends on if you stay injection or carb the zetec

 

+1 spot on

 

Engine,
ecu,
fuel pump,
return fuel line (dont think yours has one)


not sure on exact details, havent done it myself, popular converison though so im sure you can find the info if you look.

 

It is, without a doubt, worth a bit more hassle to chuck a Zetec in there rather than another 'period' engine IMO... far better and far more reliable option. There are quite a few threads on this on here already too.


Cheers,
Grant

 

Oh ar, forgot to mention It's a Mk4.

I guess It's worth the extra hassle of the zetec, what power do the 1.8's run? And do the 130 spec bits bolt on/in?

Thanks for the replies!
Ben.

 

Can you afford to insure an RS turbo engine? If so, just find a chrash damaged or rottern s2 and just swap everything over.

 

early zetec 1.8 are 105 or 130 later ones are all 115, yes all 130 bit bolt onto the othe 1.8's, you will want injuection tank ,rs/xr fuel pump, return fuel lines, efi fuel filter, efi filter to inlet fuel hose, wiring loom and ecu and transponder and key if later zetec, top water hose from zetec with fan switch, hybrid of bottom zetec and cvh bottom water hose, you can either mod a cvh engine mount or or just use 2 bolts on the cvh mount

if you wanted to run a carb on the zetec though just stick the zetec in, use your edis and coilpack loom and get a dnf pinto carb for it, you will need a facet pump and regulator though but wont nee the injection bit or loom and ecu, you can get carb manifolds off ebay cheap enough

mind you the rs2000 i4 conversion is pretty much the same as the zetec too

 

I had thought about that, but what's the reliability like in comparison to a zetec?

 

the fuel economy on the rs engine isnt all that good as a daily! i just converted my mk4 from 1.6 carb to 1.6 rs turbo and shit the bed im skint now