U shaped Crossmembers (can you still get them)

**escoort** · 10-12-2012, 21:36

would like to run a zetec engine in an escort with a standard mondeo alloy sump from the late nineties. (this is a rear bowl sump but the bowl takes up about two thirds the length of the engine. I know that this would obviously foul the standard crossmember. There used to be a couple fabrication companies that made u shaped crossmembers. These were i suppose to get round capri and cortina tin pinto sumps to save folk shelling out for the alloy sump. But now i figure those horse shoe shaped crossmembers could also work well with the zetec and the standard mondeo sump. Want to use the standard mondy sump as none of the aftermarket options seal quite as well and now that retro ford only do the ally one, you need deep pockets to consider the conversion. There used to be 2 companies doing these crossmembers that kept the rack in standard location but the main metal in the centre went forward of the rack. I think jems was one but there is no evidence on their site and i think the other was a fabricator on ebay but they arent on there anymore. My last escort had a home made modified option to clear a capri sumped pinto (it looked solid but would prefer to go down a pro fab route as its safer than cut and shut crossmembers.
anyone have a scooby what im on about?

**alladdin** · 10-12-2012, 21:44

nope

never seen one as described, tubular to reduce the xsection and give more room yes but as you say, the xmember is the limiting factor.

**Graham** · 10-12-2012, 23:01

http://www.turbosport.co.uk/showthre...highlight=jems

**escoort** · 11-12-2012, 22:17

fairly close to what ive seen but the ones i seen had the rack mounts in the standard place but no metal behind the rack itself. Think these were designed for the capri pinto sump though as it still had a reletively small bowl that wouldnt foul the rack in standard position. I think the best option is to get a sump modified or hunt out a cheaper modified zetec alloy sump.