hello everyone was wondering if anyone could give me some info on what is involved in dropping a 2litre pinto into a mk1 escort 1.3. does it require the gearbox tunnel to be cut and enlarged and how hard is it to wire the engine up. new to all this but would like to give it a go instead of paying someone to do it.

 

You will probably need a different cross member and engine mounts to begin with, if you are keeping the 4 speed box then you should be able to bolt it straight on and not have to modify the tunnel at all, if you are changing to the 5 speed unit then you will need to modify the tunnel with either a big hammer or with a welder.

The 5 speed box is a bit longer so will need the hole for the gear stick moved and also the gearbox mount will need to be moved back.

As for the wiring, new starter motor lead will be required as the starter is on the other side, you may want to take the time and move the battery to the boot for extra room, all the other stuff, carb, dizzy, oil and water wires can be extended provided the dizzy is running points, if not then a decent electronic ignition system would be advisable.

Try www.speedshack.co.uk for all the bits you need, they do mail order.

Hope this helps

 

To elaborate on what's already been said..
Standard crossmember is fine. Best/easiest way is to use the RS2000 specific parts - namely Alloy Sump and oil pickup, Alloy bellhousing and (cable) clutch release arm (if you are using a pinto 4 or 5speed box), alloy engine mounts and rubbers.
The pinto gearboxes will need the gearstick hole moving back approx. 80mm, in the case of the 5-speed Type9, the gearbox mount is some 80mm further back too, so you need to either move the body mounts back that amount, or make up some special aluminium blocks which will both space the box down and extend the fixing holes back 80mm.

Although the alloy bellhousing might fit, it will at best be very tight, so expect to make a bit of adjustment to the tunnel shape with a large hammer
The other alternative is to use a Mk1 Mexico type 2000E box, with your choice of hydraulic or cable clutch bellhousing - this will fit.

With a 2000E box you will need a Mexico propshaft, with a Pinto 4/5speed you need a RS2000 prop (the output shaft from the gearbox is bigger)

 

u want 2 fit it tranversly or rwd ?

 

why would you want to fit an engine transversly into a mk1 escort?

that would be sacriledge and insanity

 

it was late i was tired i though it said mk3 escort