1600 v 2000

[eskyvator]

hey peoples, i have been through the archives and noticed the general trend of 1600 bashing when it comes too the pinto. This is my car (see link)
I don't want an auto so i'm hitting up dellow automotive for a w55 supra gearbox like t3man suggested in his post on the 5 speed gearbox thread in the hopes this is will be a keeper. But my question, all knowing ones, is what is wrong with the 1600, i know the pinto is bigger and you can extract big horses from it but im looking for a well rounded setup, in a word drivability. Will my gearing aspirations fit in with my 1600? What kind of power can i extract with a rebuilt 1600? Most impotantly will it be cost effective? i dont want to spend money on a engine swap if i can turn my 1600 into a true contender.http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...&seot=0&tsrc=a

[Puzzlescort]

there is nothing wrong with a nice 1600, it is a very good motor. they have been raced in formula fords for years
most people would agree the costs of general rebuilding both motors is about the same depending on how far you want to take it
the benefits of going to a 2ltr is a near standard 2 ltr will develop more power & torque than a screaming 1600 will
In an Escort like yours it is so easy to go and get everything you need to do the conversion
the standard diff ratio in a 1600 Mk2 is 3.77 where as a 2 ltr is 3.54 - can make a big difference on the highway
try putting a standard manual behind your 1600 first before you buy the bell housing to suit, and try to get a drive of a 2 ltr so you can judge for yourself

I have driven both, they are quite different, but at the end of the day it is YOUR car and YOUR money so you have to be happy with it

[SnoWhite]

I have some old mates from the UK that sware by the 1600 cross flow kent engine. Some prefer it to the Pinto and say it does rev higher and takes a fair bit of thrashing before it breaks.
It may also be better on fuel and cheaper to service?
I would give the 1600 a go.

[eskyvator]

thanks, will do

[esci-fan]

My first escort was a Mk2 panelvan with a high compression 1600 and 4 speed manual and 3.77 diff. I had the car for a couple of years before it started to get tired. I had the engine completely reconditioned. As i was on a budget all i had done to the internals was to have it balanced and due to its condition it had to be bored out 60 thou. On the outside I fitted the 1600 GT intake manifold and 32/36 DGAV carb, 4-2-1 extractors with 2 inch pipe, and modified the distributor to full mechanical advance with an electronic ignition. The only thing i didn't change though was the cam. The mechanic who modified the distributor and tuned the car told me that i had gained about 15 to 20 BHP from these mods. The car went heaps better (even on the freeway), ran much smoother and i was getting about 9-10 Klms/litre. Hope this helps.

[eskyvator]

that's awesome mate, i have had a hiccup in funding though so all mods are on hold for the moment. Thanks anyway buddy

[krt10]

money is the issue. it all depends on how much you are willing to spend.

this is a good read
http://www.burtonpower.com/technical...crossflow.aspx

i currently have a kent bored out to 1800cc, aftermarket cam, roller rockers, single 45 side draght, extractors, electronic ignition and fuel pump.


i rekon it goes better than my old 2lt and im not done with it yet either
i stil got the pinto. will eventually redo it becuase i still love 2lt.

there is nothing wrong with a kent. my daily driver has a stock 1600 with a 32/36 carb. not the most powerful thing on the road but bloody reliable