Mink

Hello all. I'm new to the forum thing so please bear with me. I have a 1998 Escort Sport (not the zx2) with the 2.0L SOHC and a 5 speed manual. It's been my tinker toy for a bit. I now have in my posession a ZX3 engine and 5 speed manual trans with all the accessories, wiring, etc. in excellent condition (I pulled it from a Focus in very good condition). I am curious to know if I can put the ZX3 motor in my Escort. The Zetec motor looks like it will fit (snugly) but the motor mounts look quite different and I am curious about sensors and wiring. Does the swap sound plausible? I like how my Escort handles and it is very light, like driving a gocart, and it already gets up and goes even though it is stock, but I want to modify it and beast it up a bit. I was planning on taking the ZX3 motor and modifying it from the ground up and inside out over a period of time before I dropped it into the Escort. Keep in mind I have all of the engine and trans components for the zx3 motor at my disposal. Any and all input is greatly appreciated. I know that the ZX3 has a little more hp than the motor in the Escort, and I know that there are more aftermarket applications I can put onto a ZX3 motor as opposed to the Escort motor, which brings me to another question: should I swap the motors or would I be just as well putting aftermarket exhaust pipes/muffler, cold air intake, supercharger, etc. on the Escort motor? In any event, I am guessing I'd be set if I could get the ZX3 motor into the Escort and I would like to do so, but I would like input from anyone with any good ideas. Thanks!

Mink

Wow, no suggestions still??