[manbearpig]

The 1.6l CVH turbo was long lived in Europe... we just got the short end of the stick here. The Escort Mk3/4 RS Turbo is somewhat of a legend.

 

[SpeedMafia]

The 1.6l CVH turbo was long lived in Europe... we just got the short end of the stick here. The Escort Mk3/4 RS Turbo is somewhat of a legend.

I would love to do a conversion with a true euro swap.

 

[Joey_Twowagons]

The only difference I know of among the 1.9 HO heads is the plain or roller camshaft. I would try to get the later roller cam head, complete.

My 1.9 SEFI had the tiny cracks between the intake and exhaust valves when I got it. A friend had run out of coolant and damaged it.
I had the head resurfaced and a valve job done, but couldn't do much about the cracks. So I just ran it as is (well... "as was"). I recall I did have some minor trouble with combustion gases pressurizing the coolant for many months, but that went away and I have been driving it for fifteen years or so with no problems related to the cracks.
I wonder if the cracks only occur on heads that have been run dry of coolant, which is a common cause of death of these cars.

 

[SpeedMafia]

The only difference I know of among the 1.9 HO heads is the plain or roller camshaft. I would try to get the later roller cam head, complete.

My 1.9 SEFI had the tiny cracks between the intake and exhaust valves when I got it. A friend had run out of coolant and damaged it.
I had the head resurfaced and a valve job done, but couldn't do much about the cracks. So I just ran it as is (well... "as was"). I recall I did have some minor trouble with combustion gases pressurizing the coolant for many months, but that went away and I have been driving it for fifteen years or so with no problems related to the cracks.
I wonder if the cracks only occur on heads that have been run dry of coolant, which is a common cause of death of these cars.

Thank you forbthe information

 

[UnexplodedCow]

I'm a fan of the CVH, but it's fiddly at times, and extremely sensitive to mechanical timing. They also tend to wear valve guides a bit fast. Not a terrible engine.

Focus ST engine in completely stock trim (standalone controller unless you get the control pack) with matching gearbox. You'd need custom axles, and I'd suggest boxing the frame (where the swaybar bolts) back to the control arm pickup point, as there is going to be a lot more force pulling on the swaybar (and front of car). It would be respectably quick, too.

The Fiesta 1.6L - has a mild design flaw, IMO. I dealt with a crank bolt that may have fatigued, or else another shop re-used it. Those engines have friction-drive timing belt pulleys. There is no keyway or splines on the crank or cams - only clamping force from the bolt. If it slips the exhaust valves will bend, possibly cracking the valve guides in the process.

 

[manbearpig]

Hey cow, good to see you're still around. Read many of your posts over the years, although I no longer have an Escort.

What about the 1.0l ecoboost 3 banger? That light motor would definitely motivate an old Escort.

 

[UnexplodedCow]

Yeah, I tend to float in and out still. 1st gens are a long-time favorite, quirks and all.

The 1.0L? Its power is slightly above the 1.6L CVH turbo, and even has an iron block with aluminum head. Aside from the woes of DI (intake valve coking), it would be an enjoyable little engine that would swap very well into an Escort for upgraded, but not high power levels. I wouldn't choose it, though, unless trying to keep similar power levels to a turbo CVH.

Of course, a ZX2 Zetec swap is possible, and the Zetec in general was capable of solid power with a turbo.

 

[manbearpig]

I think a hopped up NA Zetec would be great, like a Focus SVT motor. That's what I wanted to do with my '85.

1st gens are the only real escorts to me, rebadged Ford Lasers are not Escorts.

 

[Scotman2]

I really like the gen ones because they are so light and they have the fully independent suspension.

 

[SpeedMafia]

So you all are the experts, if you had my 100% stock 1985 Escort GT Turbo what would all of you so?

 

[UnexplodedCow]

If this were 15 years ago, I'd say build the CVH and aim for silly power (250+). Now, with even more part scarcity (among other issues): get a modern driveline in it, then upgrade the tires, brakes, and suspension.

 

[SpeedMafia]

If this were 15 years ago, I'd say build the CVH and aim for silly power (250+). Now, with even more part scarcity (among other issues): get a modern driveline in it, then upgrade the tires, brakes, and suspension.

Solid point

 

[SpeedMafia]

well for now i am thinking i need to really focus on what i truly want to do and its purpose.... if i keep for just running to get groceries and no racing i think the 1.6L stock motor will be fine. But if i do any mods i think it will need a full upgrade across the board.

 

[manbearpig]

I think you should just keep it 100% stock since it is a fairly rare vehicle nowadays and a special model.

 

[SpeedMafia]

Yeah some guy told me only 10k were made in this year for the usa

 

[canada1]

The hemi heads do flow very well, and make great power turbocharged.
There are a few UK Ford Escort turbo sites that are very good.
One guy has over 400 Hp - at high boost (24 lbs I recall).
The later heads had roller lifters/cam. The roller GT cam does work very, very well turbocharged.

 

[SpeedMafia]

I just need to get my hands on there powetrain lol

 

[TracerLTS/GT]

You should throw a civic motor in it lol. You’ll be making power for way cheaper. Just my 2cents btw I’m already way down the rabbit hole will my tracer 😅 so I know.

 

[SpeedMafia]

You should throw a civic motor in it lol. You’ll be making power for way cheaper. Just my 2cents btw I’m already way down the rabbit hole will my tracer 😅 so I know.

😆 🤣 😂

 

[SpeedMafia]

Are these books worth buying?