Mk1 Escort Engine Change

love_me_esky · 06-05-2010, 02:06 PM

Hi everyone,

Very new to this forum and pretty clueless when it comes to cars so am after some advice. I've got a Mk1 4 door escort which was my very first car and I love her to pieces. Unfortunately whilst still at uni had a bad bingle which put her out of action for the last 5 years! It was just repairable panel damage but have dreamed of doing a full restoration.

Soooo have finally got the money and handed it over to a local guy who is really enthusiastic about the project and a real perfectionist. I always imagined giving the esky a bit more grunt than the 1300 she had in and he's recommended an SR20 N/A. He claims he can get one install it and change the diff, clutch and brakes for the same price as re-tuning a 2L ford pinto and the mods associated with that. After looking at peoples posts it seems one should be more expensive than the other. But for arguments sake if they cost the same which would be best???!!

Am very torn as I'm attracted to the old skool and keeping it ford (my dad has a mk3 capri and is definately pushing for this) but am not a mechanic so I wouldn't really know the difference. I want to be able to make it my main car if I get strapped for cash in the future so it needs to be reliable and reasonably fuel efficient and have air con (not fussed about power steering because don't really need it in the lil esky).

If any one could give me their own opinion with pros and cons it would be greatly appreciated and might help me finally make up my mind :-)

danscort · 06-05-2010, 02:48 PM

Hi, welcome to the AFF. I would keep it old school, but get an electronic ignition if your not that mechanicly minded

Les · 06-05-2010, 04:05 PM

G'day,
I have 1600 and 2 litre Mk2's at present but as a lad drove a 1300 Mk1 around Adelaide. Value wise keep it original, If you're driving around town, you can only drive at the speed limit and they are quick enough getting there. Economy wise the 1300 is as good as any.
Keep it original it will have value, change it and the value is only there for you or someone that wants a hotted up car.
Naturally if you want to get into some form of racing you will want to hot it up.
Just my opinion
Cheers,
Les

ratta tat tat · 06-05-2010, 11:14 PM

SR20NA is the way to go. No tuning hassles, reliable. I think I would be happy for a while with the 1300, but not for too long. What were you quoted for the conversion? I think it's fair to say you'd be looking at around $8k-10k for a full conversion if you were to pay someone else to do the work. An SR20, gearbox, ECU & harness is around 3K

love_me_esky · 10-05-2010, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the input guys ^_^

Have spoken with the restorer and for just over $8K he can do the jap engine, gearbox, computer and specialised diff/tailshaft (labour inclusive). He quotes $7K for a 2L pinto recond and associated mods. Sooooo am thinking of turning my back on old skool and going for the jap which will be efficient and reliable.

I realise this dramatically reduces the resale and character value of the car but as I never intend to sell it, it remains valuable to me only

Will keep you posted on the final decision and pop some photos up if anyone is interested as the work continues.....