AdamJJ

Hi guys,

I'm dropping a ZVH into an early MK5 Escort. I'm using an MTX75 gearbox that uses the zetec 240mm flywheel. Only problem is I'm not sure which clutch to use. I see that Black Diamond do a clutch for this, but will this be able to handle approx 220(ish)bhp? I'm guessing a standard clutch won't last 5 mins. I don't drive hard, or do wheel spins and burnouts etc!

I thought about using a 220mm flywheel from a zetec and going for an RS Turbo paddle, but I don't think this will fit the MTX75 box?

RS TURBO S2

only just seen this mate...

but have herd of cossie clutch plates being used with the mtx75 but am sure thats the rs2000 version of the box only i am looking into options at the mo for my mk4 escort with zetec turbo and using some sort of mtx75 myself.

Phil2002

iTrader: (3)

same as building a mk6 escort 2.0l turbo using a 240mm flywheel with an mtx75 box but can't seem to find a clutch that will take the power was thinking may be and uprated zetec clutch but using a cosworth paddle plate. would really like to no what people have done in the past. focus rs clutch don't fit either!!

pdfbt40

If you use a later MTX with hydraulic release, then a 'blacktop' 2.0l flywheel could be used with a Focus RS AP Clutch, organic or paddle available.

What is the flywheel face/block height and setup height of the cable release MTX? There are many ways of swapping parts/adapting to get what you need that 'specialist' suppliers don't like to discuss. I'm running a Vauxhall C20LET with a solid flywheel and MT285 (Focus ST170 gearbox) on a standard zetec engine, but had to work it all out for myself.

A batch of the standard FRS AP clutch seem to be trickling out on Ebay at the moment going for less than Ł100 each !

Martin

Phil2002

iTrader: (3)

the gear box i'm using is an mtx75 with hydraulic clutch but was told that focus rs clutch will not fit the mtx75 box as it hits the casing.

Am i correct in thinking then that if you have a hydraulic version of the mtx75 you can use the frs clutch???

pdfbt40

Its difficult to be absolutely sure until a dry assembly as there are so many variations of the MTX casings.

The Focus in general uses a different casing to the hydraulic Mondeo, but this is only really because of the mounting points. I'm sorry, I don't know about Escort etc boxes. The MY2002 Focus changes were only to the changing mechanism and cable/gearlever. Its this box that the FRS uses. Despite the b*ll*cks about it being uprated, all I've found different is the Quaife ATB diff and a gasket in the main case joint (as it might distort ).

I've got a July '98 Mondeo 1.8 LX. This is a hydraulic clutch, cable shift, but the casing still has external 'bumps' for where the rod shift use to be. That's why during this period the amount of fluid is over 2 litres, later Focus boxes are under that.

Since the cat failed and blocked the exhaust last year, despite it being a winter hack, I dropped in a FRS engine (and clutch) I happened to have lying around.

No problems with the clutch at all.

I can recognise the issue people might be referring to as the AP FRS clutch uses an alloy cover plate which doesn't 'waist' away from the flywheel. I know from the work I referred to above with the ST170 box, that the area that is usually tight is the bump for the diff inside the bellhousing.

The MTX has always used the same diff and the ATB is certainly no smaller to allow a case mod for the FRS.

So, I can't guarantee it, but as the last FRS clutch on Ebay only got one bid so sold for <Ł70 inc post........

Martin

Phil2002

iTrader: (3)

Thanks martin i might just buy it and see. can always put it back on ebay.

percybigun

so if i wanted to use a focus clutch on a zetec, i'd have to get the hydraulic version of the MTX75 gearbox and the focus flywheel?

would i need anything else, different set of pedals for the hydraulic clutch?

its a mk1 2.0 mondeo zetec turbo by the way.

@ pdfbt40 - have you got any pics of the focus RS conversion in your mondeo? i would be very interested to see it. and did it go straight onto the mondeo engine mounts, what intercooler have you used, what management, and how did you overcome the engine bay wiring loom stuff?

RS TURBO S2

so if i am right, i am fitting a 2.0 zetec to my S2 BTW, a focus rs box flywheel clutch kit will pop on and uses the cable selector? is it a cable or hydro clutch and one more thing i guess it will fit either black top or silve top blocks as the are essentially the same only differance is really in the head and cam tensioner if my research adds up.

please correct me if i have it all wrong, i normally do.

i have considered a multitude of box options and keep coming back to the rs option has it seems to be the most cost effective solution without compramising.

Phil2002

iTrader: (3)

The focus rs box is hydraulic and yes it will bolt to silver and black tops. you will need a cable gear lever as well as converting your car to hyrdraulic clutch.
I don't think(but i may be wrong) there is anything special about the focus rs flywheel i'm sure a normal 240mm zetec one will do the job just get it lightened and balanced.
Phil

RS TURBO S2

thanks Phil,
sounds ideal to me, much better than giving cts 1500 every year for a new box.

i am all for a bit of choppin to make things fit and work just good to know what we are playing with before spending me hard earned, the major prob is the drive shafts by the sounds of things, everything else can be sorted without too much cost or greif.

pdfbt40

I don't know what the set-up height is of the manual release so don't know if an adaptor could be used with a hydraulic clutch to keep the gearbox.

The 2.0l Zetec flywheel has gone through several FINIS numbers, but each change has been a 'one for one replacement'. The current one (well 18 months ago) was 1037635.

You'd have to change the pedal box. The clutch pedal has to push the master cylinder instead pulling the cable. I don't know, but the hydraulic one (from a MK2 ?) might be a fairly easy mod.

When I sourced my Mondeo as a 'hack', I passed on quite a few as I wanted one after May '98 as all my bits and pieces are 'blacktop'/focus and I was expecting to possibly change the engine or do some mild uprating...I just got carried away.
Yes, because of that, it just dropped onto the same engine mount. I had to leave off the front torque restrictor, so have bodged a stiffened rear one currently. The RS waterpump had to be swapped for a standard one as the a/c compressor was bigger, so a standard PAS pump bracket had to be used to get the belt tension correct.
The EEC-V has several spare pins in the connector (104 pin). I added a Focus cylinder head temperature sensor, and there is an AIT in the TB. So wiring was added for those, and some more for WB, AMAL, and water injection as extra sockets in the connector. Then I made a splice box in an old EEC-V case/connector to the EEC-V and a Megasquirt, pity there isn't a PCB for that yet.
IC is just a cheap Far East one off Ebay, the expensive bit was the tube and silicon to pipe it.
I have to admit that although the main fuel mapping was easy, all the 'minor' functions such as ASE and ACC/DECC are still giving me grief.

I'm not a big visual recorder I'm afraid, but you welcome to look around those I was forced to take by 'friends'.
INDEX

Martin

percybigun

thats a very nice install indeed. and quite the sleeper! not many mondeo turbo's around, fair play to ya

AdamJJ

As an update, I fitted a CenterForce Dual Friction clutch I got from the States. Annoying thing is it slips with the boost upto about 12psi, usually in fourth gear. So I guess I'm going to have to go for a paddle clutch. Has anybody got to the bottom of this problem? What paddle clutch can I fit to my setup? Zetec 2.0L Flywheel > 240mm Clutch > Cable operated MTX75

pa_sjo

AdamJJ- so you're using a Focus style clutch disc in an early MTX75? (non-hydraulic) Are you also using the Focus cover? What's the pedal like (eg biting point)?

If the Focus stuff works in your box, then just buy a paddle disc from the states - they're on ebay.com too. (ATC or something)

AdamJJ

Yes that's right, it's for an american ford focus 2.0L, the earlier models, I believe 2000-2003. I'm using the cover which came with it and an escort clutch bearing. The pedal feels just like a normal clutch, can't fault that. It just simply can't take the torque the engine is giving out, but on something like a tuned n/a 2.0L I would imagine it'd be fine. I later found out after e-mailing the company it's rated for 250 ft/lb's of torque.

I don't seem to be able to find any paddle clutches for a normal focus, I've found Focus RS stuff and I'm guessing the clutch cover would be different?

pa_sjo

If it's actually rated for 250 ft-lb then i'm surprised it's slipping at all! Either they're lying or there's something wrong with your setup........

Here's a paddle setup from the states..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=190270796735

No idea if it'd work, though.

Rick

Interesting thread. Helix do a clutch kit for the RS2000 MTX rated at 286lb.