Engine mods for mk2 escort

[Clige]

Just bought a mk 2 escort and I'm looking for some advise on engine options. It has the 1600 crossflow motor but it needs more power. I don't want a race car just a nice daily driver. So questions are

Should I spend $ on the 1600 and if so what mods?

Put a 2l in it?

I have a 4 speed out of a 6 cylinder cortina. Where can I get a bellhousing to suit the 1600
OR 2l?

[jpblue1000]

2L all day for a street car.
JP

[Tickford.]

Hey Clige, I know you said you "don't want a race car" but that's how it all starts, believe me. Here's a little advice if you want it. Don't waste your money trying to mod the 1600 for more "power". The type of "power" that is required from your 1600 so it could even remotely keeps up against a late model 1.6 Corolla is going to cost you a fortune. And the same goes for the 2ltr. Don't waste your money chasing "power" from either engine.

The Escort is a classic, and now getting very rare. Enjoy it as it is. It is long past it's "power" days. Look after it as it is and only fix things as required, and keep it as close to OEM as possible. Please don't go chasing more "power" from these motors. You will end up broke and unhappy with the results.

Again, keep it as is, and maintain it as it came from factory as much as possible. It will be worth more $$ that way, and you'd be less embarrassed when you try to run a Corolla off the lights. Technology has come a long way in the last 50 years or so.

[Clige]

Ithe is a good idea keeping it original, also cost wise. Should I not bother with the manual conversion?

[asagaai]

Originally Posted by Trickford

Hey Clige, I know you said you "don't want a race car" but that's how it all starts, believe me. Here's a little advice if you want it. Don't waste your money trying to mod the 1600 for more "power". The type of "power" that is required from your 1600 so it could even remotely keeps up against a late model 1.6 Corolla is going to cost you a fortune. And the same goes for the 2ltr. Don't waste your money chasing "power" from either engine.

I agree if you are modding to keep up with modern cars. A loosing battle.

But that Kent 1600 with ported heads and bigger valves, extractors, a nice cam to rev to 7,500 with twin dcoe side draft webbers just is horn to drive- the feel of the cammy motor and the farting and gurgling of the webbers.

Worth it to mod to feel that cammy surge and kick from 4,000 to 7,500 and the sound with socks and trumpets on the webber is just fantastic.

Same would apply to the 2 litre with side draft webbers-who cares about fast compared to modern cars- the shake and vibration and induction sound- is real driving.

Try to find a 4 speed close ratio manual, the standard 4 speed had not close ratios that were made to pull the car off the line with very underpowered engine.

[jpblue1000]

healthy 2 litre with fuel injection from a sierra and mild cam will show a clean set of heals to any 1600 corolla in the traffic light derby.
I know had one for years.


JP

[simon varley]

a worked 1600 is certainly fun. Changing to a 2.0 isn't a big job but don't forget that the exhaust runs down the other side.

just a shame it's a mk2 really

there are a fair few active FB groups and web forums as there is still a pretty active rally scene for these cars.

[Clige]

Thanks for the replies. I've decided to keep the 1600 and fix as needed. Still want the manual conversion though. I'll post picks on the body and paint progress.

[Tickford.]

If you want manual then go ahead. Being that it's an auto, it has the larger gearbox tunnel. So put the manual in and store the auto. Auto to manual on a Escort is easy done and easily undone. The other way around is not so easy as the tunnels are different.