right having decide to do a zetec conversion on mk2 escort only because i couldnt find a decent pinto without going to the end of the earth,now low and behold i have found one on my doorstep lol. Its out of an early sierra complete wite everything including box (5 speed) . Now i know this yopic been covered many time but can i use the original box that came with the engine...and if not why ? also what extras do i need as in regards to mounts, radiator and such as. Can somebody finally put me straight on this please....thanks guys

 

hi mate
yes you can use the 5 speed box from the sierra (me and my brother done a MK2 escort
conversion a few years great fun) but you also need the engine mounts from a RS2000 plus the radiator form the RS2000 a single piece prop shaft as if you use the split type it keeps coming lose due to the extra power going to the back wheels (unless using a RS2000 rear axel) we used a axel from a escort 1600 sport much quicker off the mark and now the hard work starts as you need to cut back the transmission tunnel by 6" as the 5 speed box is longer than a standard escort box also you need to either cut out the under side of the tunnel to make room for the box to fit (again due to the size of the box and the bell housing be much wider then weld in a plate to cover the hole up or if you dont fancy that get a lump hammer and knock the under side and keep trying the box to see if it fits) thats about it mate but if your stuck with any thing just ask and i will help you as much as i can
good luck get some pics up when your finished

 

thanks for reply minder..i was going to use sierra radiator as it comes with the engine would this be ok and also was going to modify the sump for the clearance. thanks again

 

hi mate
you don't need to modify the sump it will clear the cross member ok with no problems
as for the radiator i don't know mate i used the RS2000 type as i already had one ready
to use by all means there's no harm in trying the sierra one

 

The sierra one is completely the wrong shape, and does not have a fill point. Use a capri, or. 2 escort or cortina radiator for the easiest fit...... Good luck... You gotta love a pinto'd escort.

 

so i can use my original mk2 escort rad then

 

yes mate you can