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Thread: Will a Koln Axle survive?

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    Question Will a Koln Axle survive?

    Hi all, newbie here.

    I've got a kit car thats running Mk2 Escort running gear. Currently it has a nice 137bhp 1.6 Crossflow in it but I'm looking to upgrade to Zetec power in the region of 200bhp.

    To my utter dismay when I though I was running an English rear axle that could probably cope with the power I find it's actually a Koln axle (4.11ratio)

    I know naff all about the Koln and from what I read it's a weak thing. But so far after 3 trackdays and some hard driving, it's fine (famous last words!!!)

    I'll be doing several trackdays a year and use sticky R888's tyres so would it survive the power and torque from a 200bhp Zetec? Or will it just lunch the gears? Am I best to look for an english?

    Is the English the same width as the Koln?

    Cheers

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    Mechanic sr412's Avatar

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    Doubt it will survive the zetec but I had one for 2years with a pinto on 45s and it was welded. It was a bit ruined when I removed the axle but wasn't as bad as some English diffs I've killed since having the xe fitted

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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    THanks for the reply.

    So if the Koln axle wont take the power, will the English take it or should I be looking for something else?

    Any ideas how much would a Koln axle be worth to sell on?

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    Mechanic sr412's Avatar

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    The English will be fine with that power. Since I've fitted a diff that's In good condition I've had no issues with my xe ruining them.

    As for value I don't think they are worth much I just scrapped mine. But I did keep the shafts they are skinnier than English ones but worth having as emergency spares as they will fit the English axle

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    Spanner Monkey Arieke's Avatar
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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    i had an koln axle, had a rs2000 16v engine, so 150hp. And it was welded. It lasted a long time. Only thing they cant handle is 5000rpm launches.

    Ford Taunus Going RS2300 16v with 48s!!!

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    Jordan you are a tit! mk2rs2's Avatar

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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    If u fancy a spare koln axle ive got one ere for not much money ???
    Needs unbolting from under car yet but i wont take two mins to unbolt......

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    Racer Decade Plus User RWD fords rule's Avatar

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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    With 200bhp forget about the koln and english axles, they are both piss weak, fit a std atlas and be done with it
    "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races" - Enzo Ferrari

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    Racer Decade Plus User Roadsport's Avatar
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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    Jason, Id say the english is strugling with 200bhp but I'd say It can cope with road tyres. I had an english with 220bhp race car pinto for several years with no real issues. Back then we raced road tyres. With stickier tires Id say youll need upgraded half shafts. Plus the tiny single row bearing is an issue. The Quaife upgrade could be an answer.
    "Failure is always an option." - Adam Savage

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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    I know this is a old Thread, but still going to replay. I Run my Taunus with a 195bhp and 177lb/ft on a koln axle. Its a welded koln axle with 3.78. We did 3 Hours off Spa Circuit and 6 or 7 hours on Circuit of Zolder. I run Full slicks 205/50r13 Tires. So I keep thinking why my koln axle keeps going with my setup. I made a brace plate like atlas axle have. Would that make the axle better?

    Ford Taunus Going RS2300 16v with 48s!!!

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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    Whilst the general consensus is that they are weak, everyone seems to overlook that Ford fitted them to cars destined for export markets with really tough roads (or no real roads at all)! They may not have the upgradability of an English but even those will likely struggle long term with 200hp / sticky tyres / std diff and / or halfshafts!

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    Spanner Monkey

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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    What ratios are available for the Koln axle used in an escort?
    I’m looking for something better than the 3.89 on long highway trips.
    James

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    Re: Will a Koln Axle survive?

    To my knowledge the only taller diff is the 3.54 fitted to RS Escorts which all came with English axles. Fitting a 5 speed T9 box will give you an 'overdrive' top gear which will help?
    Correction - a 3.77 ratio was also available, again for English axles.

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