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Thread: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

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    zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Hi all!

    I have spent some time looking at the various guides but Im still a bit confused. There are so many differnet opinions floating about.

    At first I was going to source a 2.0l silvertop from a mondeo because they had a healthy 130bhp but then I saw that the rs1800 zetec also has 130 bhp. I just wondered why most people use the 2.0l?

    I realise this is an escort forum but has anyone here done the zetec conversion to a sierra? I have managed to piece some information together and it seems I can re-use my engine mounts and starter. Am I also right in saying I wont have to mod my sump because it wont foul on the sierra steering rack? Does anyone know if I will still have to use the retroford water rail or if there is enough room between the bulkhead and the engine in my situation.

    thanks for any light you can shed!

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    the rs1800 engine is pretty rare compaired to the 2.0 and the 2.0 should have a torque bonus so it makes it the better / more obvious common choice.

    i think you will still need a waterrail kit, but dont take that as a definate

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Water rail???
    What is that? A radiator???
    From Pintony

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    i was gonna do this. you need
    1.8 sierra cvh sump and pick up pipe
    water rail to relocate the thermostat as it hits the bulkhead. ( or you can cut a bit out of the bulkhead and use the original.) retro motorsport make one.
    type 9 gearbox bolts onto the zetec so you can use that. i cant remember what starter you have to use though.
    Last edited by TTommy; 24-06-2009 at 08:59.

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Cheers for the help guys. I was hoping there might be more room between the bulkhead in a sierra, I suppose I wont know untill I trial fit it.

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Quote Originally Posted by TTommy View Post
    water rail to relocate the thermostat as it hits the bulkhead. ( or you can cut a bit out of the bulkhead and use the original.) retro motorsport make one.
    Its RETRO FORD who make the water rails, along with Raceline.

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Quote Originally Posted by Pintony View Post
    Water rail???
    What is that? A radiator???
    From Pintony
    Basically on a Zetec the thermostat housing is at the back of the head, not a problem in a FWD application, but when mounted in a RWD format the thermostat housing hits the bulkhead, not usually a problem in kit cars but in old Fords it is so a couple of companies produce a 'rail' that moves the thermostat housing and makes the fitting at the back of the head much neater to clear bulkheads.

    It also brings the water to the front of the engine to mate to a radiator in the same way that a crossflow / pinto / lotus twin cam would

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Clearance may not be so much of an issue with a Sierra so you could maybe get away with keeping the standard thermostat box and using the cheaper water rails used on kit cars etc just to bring the pipes to the front.
    Zetec Mk 1 Escort
    Mk 2 X Pack Capri 3.0S (not a copy, the real thing)
    Mk 1 XR4i
    Mk 3a Fiesta Si

    www.zetecescorts.bravehost.com

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Quote Originally Posted by Zetec_Escorts View Post
    Clearance may not be so much of an issue with a Sierra so you could maybe get away with keeping the standard thermostat box and using the cheaper water rails used on kit cars etc just to bring the pipes to the front.
    Nice one mate.


    On another note, am I right in thinking if I use the standard Inlet manifold I can get away without moving the alternator?

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.


    Just to clarify we using sierra 1.8cvh engine mounts, Retro Ford sump and water rail. the original exhaust manifold with a Ferriday adapter plate (I know its not ideal) 6 bolts line up to the type 9. zetec (escort) flywheel redrilled to a pinto clutch

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    looks good do you know what starter and alternator your going to use?

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Quote Originally Posted by christhescott View Post
    looks good do you know what starter and alternator your going to use?
    Im going to try a 1.8 cvh starter or if not the dohc one
    As for the alternator the bracket from the 1.8 cvh fits. The alternator from said car above fits but does not line up. Honestly that's as far as I've got.

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Further than I've got mate I havent even started lol.

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    Quote Originally Posted by christhescott View Post
    Further than I've got mate I havent even started lol.
    Ill update as we progress.

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    How did you get on?

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    is it possible to use the 1.8 sierra flywheel??? rather than a redrilled zetec one?..
    ALL THIS AND THE OPEN ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    1.8 sierra flywheel wont have the drillings for the crank sensor because 1.8 sierra had the crank trigger on the front pulley

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    so i use a 1.8 zetec flywheel on my 2.0 blacktop engine and have it redrilled to take a pinto clutch?..
    ALL THIS AND THE OPEN ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Re: zetec into a 1.8 sierra.

    It will take pinto clutch, but i personally used a dohc one as it's bigger. Also my 1.6 cvh fly (this one's got a trigger wheel on it) had to be redrilled (the same pattern, but 1mm bigger diameter holes).
    You can get more info searching the forum or in my introduction thread.
    It rusts!

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