R6Franky

iTrader: (2)

Hi,

I'm buying parts for a 16v zetec turbo build in my 88 s2 erst. Aiming for 300bhp and similar torque, should i be thinking of seam welding the engine bay. Has anyone heard of problems when getting upto this sort of power?

Cheers
Dan

NUTS RuS

iTrader: (35)

No - will be fine on road mate as long as the shell isn't rotten.

Mainly its done for safety

Danny B

but then I've sean solid cars split the front legs from the bulkhead so its really down to you mate, more to the point is you wont put 300hp down to the wheels through a shell that twists.

R6Franky

iTrader: (2)

Cheers,

I'm no roll cage fan so theres not gonna be much stiffening going on. Strut brace and a decent suspension set up will be my lot. Still gonna have a good go at putting the power down.

LEE-RS

seam welding the shell will stiff it up no end and won't twist no where as much so if i was
going to have that much power i would deffo get it seam welded

Al Bags

Areas of suspension and stiffener mountings should be non-continuously welded for best strength and transfer of loads across a larger area. Gusseting in the joints between bulkheads and pans/floor rails is also a good thing. I do a lot of body welding/fabrication, and I usually strengthen with 1" long welds every 2" approx.
A few good pointers are in the Ford guide "How To Prepare an Escort For Rallying" (if you can find one!) That covers Mk1/2, but the areas to improve are similar, and the same theories apply.

Mr C

iTrader: (2)

I have seen suspo turrets ripped from the arches on super stiff samll cars, all be it older and would do mine if it helped in the traction and drive departments too. Worth doing I think

Al Bags

I did my Mk2 Escort Flat-front RS1800 shell quite a long time back ... You can tell the difference when you jump a bridge, that's for sure

Charlie Chalk

iTrader: (1)

My Mk4 shell is being seam welded in most areas, gonna be used as a track car only

Power will be about 360bhp so i want a STIFF shell

Al Bags

Well, I hope you got rid of the 'effin cradle to start with mate
I reckon you need a main trunnion to transmit the loads .. above the back of the gearbox.

Red16

my RS16i is the same

Charlie Chalk

iTrader: (1)

Red16

im confused you got any pics to show what you mean ?

Al Bags

The cradle that is used as a sling .. and to support the engine/gearbox mounts on the Mk4 ... I see yours is a Mk3 .. so you wont have that problem!

Al.

Ginge !

but makes fiting the engine a dream though

Red16

ah right, i get what you mean now