Comical Engineer Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Got the cash, garage is cleared, want to start buliding within 6 weeks or so. Question is, for the first build, can anyone recommend best engine / box combination? Got an old stock 2l pinto + escort 4 speed sat in the garage which I was going to use, but looking through some of the threads, most of the new ones use Zetecs or Vaux engines with MT75 boxes. Bear in mind that it's a tight budget build....Your thoughts will be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Use a type 9, NOT the MT75. Vx's are generally more powerful as "standard" than a Zetec. Duratec's are the "next big thing" but aren't anywhere near fully developed yet, so I wouldn't fit one of those yet. So, Vx or Zetec. This battle has been done to death, so have a search of the forums by using the handy search button, top right of the page.... Oh, and Welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
predawson Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Personally I would say if you have a pinto then use it. They are heavier than all the other engine choices but they have a better torque curve than an equivalent Zetec with the same bhp. They are cheap to upgrade and when Duratecs are fully developed and a bit cheaper to obtain you can upgrade because the exhaust exits on the same side as the pinto. Depends how important weight is too you in the short term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilwillis Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 The question you should answer first is what is it going to be used for. True, the Type 9 is better for sprinting because it has alternative gear sets available when you want to change ratios. However, if you want a road car, I'd argue that the MT75 is a better proposition because it has a suitable bell housing to bolt straight to the Zetec, and will therefore cost less. It also has a good road going set of ratios when used with the off-the-shelf Sierra 3.62 ratio diff. Another factor is the fact that Westfields supply all the parts required for a Zetec/MT75 combo, whereas the VX lump will cost more to install. Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 As you live in my part of the country (County Durham according to your profile), why not come along and have a look at my build (SDV + pinto) and I'll talk you into buying second hand Send me a mail and we can arrange a meeting. Seriously though, the pinto is a well known and very capable engine and best of all if you break it you can get a replacement for about £50. Stevo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilwillis Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 OMG! I didn't even suggest joining the club would be a good move Best value for money you will get on any £25.00 spent during the build Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 AIUI, the type 9 bolts straight to the Zetec too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adhawkins Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Different propshaft, engine and gearbox mounts (probably) and other stuff I think. For a 'drop in' solution, I think Zetec -> MT75 is the route to go, type 9 needs a little more 'fiddling' (technical term there). I think. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Er, you have to buy the prop from Westfield no matter what 'box you have, so you spec a type 9 prop from the get go, and the same will apply for the engine and gearbox mounts too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adhawkins Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ok...I'll take your word for it. Just going from the mods Rob had to do when converting from MT75 to type 9. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Converting is one thing. Starting from scratch is quite another... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adhawkins Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Understood. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilwillis Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 You are of course correct Blatman, I ommited the bit about Type 9/VX. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Zetecs can be had for £250 ish at a scrappy. Shouldn't bother even opening it. Mine had done over 90k miles and is still good. For average road use I'd suggest very little to choose between std type 9 / MT75. However when upgradeistus sets in the type 9 is the one to have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markg Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 i bought an sd1 donor for my seight! cost £50 for engine and box ! well really i was about £200 in profit after shifting the unwanted sd1 bits on ebay! the tubular manifolds made £182 after reconditioning and some bulls*** it is an 04 reg seight, sounds and goes very well and cost under 10k to build Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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