Want to do a engine swap form a 1788 push rod to maybe a 2.0 ztec with Mazda rx8 gear box is this a good choice or what else would give me about 180/200 bhp in my mk2 escort and not break the bank I'm on a budget???

 

Check the amount of work to get the rx8 box in.

I love a zetec. There are newer and better engines but a zetec is solid and reliable and still very cheap.

180~200bhp in a zetec is not cheap. If you can live with 150~160bhp its cheap and 150bhp can be done very cheap and can of cause be upgraded as and when funds allow.

For a genuine 200bhp from a zetec will require a fair bit of head work and cams, Or a turbo.
The St170 ( a zetec with as better head) would be a better starting point for a 200bhp na build.

The more you make the less it costs.

 

How about using the engine and gear box from a 3rd generation MX5 2005-2015 the engine should be lighter than a zetec and tuning parts are easily available. I would buy a wrecked MX5 donor car and transfer the lot over

 

I like that sort of thing. A lot of the car world, not just Ford don't like cross pollination of different manufactures I.e. Non ford. But it makes sense to get a cheaper and better unit in there....if it comes to it get someone to mill off the rocker cover and stick a ford badge on it if it bothers you.

 

I'd like to keep it all Ford if possible but am open to to suggestions

 

I think you will find that the engine in the 3rd gen mx5's are Ford engines.

You seemed to be happy to use a Mazda gearbox but if you go for a Ford one then something like the ST170 engine would be a good choice

 

Is there anything special needed to do this /brain wiring bike carbs or standard

 

If you have the whole car mx5 donor you would swap in the engine lol and ecu. Bike carbs do not really work well on cars. Or go standalone ecu like Emerald if you can get someone to map it

 

 

And some of the mx5"s had as 6 speed box too, not sure what year though..