Following some excellent advice I was given here to my previous post, I have started dismantling my 1988 Mk2 Fiesta. I am keeping the wiring loom, heater, wiper mechanism, steering column complete with stalks, etc..

As previously mentioned, my plan is to build a Champion book Locost, based on a Ford Escort Mk1 running gear. This got me to think about the possibility of using the ohv engine, (1.0L), out of the Fiesta. Bear in mind that this is to be a road-use only car.

My reasons for using this engine is that:
I've had it as my daily runner from a very low mileage, so I know the condition,
it still runs very sweetly,
it runs on unleaded,
and with its own complete wiring loom, it would be up and running, relatively speaking, in no time at all, (famous last words).

I believe that the side engine mounting points are missing from the block on these engines. However, it seems that I may be able to fabricate, what would be the nsf mounting, to fit in between the alternator mounting bracket and the block. It is the other side, osf, that I am unsure of. The engine is still in the car and I cannot see very well what there is on that side, other than the external oil pump and filter.

Does anybody know if this is feasible?

Would the gearbox out of the Mk1 Escort be a straight bolt-on affair?

Regards,

Albert

Although the Valencia ohv engine was indeed functionally based on the Kent crossflow ohv engine from the Mark 1 / 2 rwd Escorts there are very few interchangeable parts between the two.

As you have mentioned there are no positions on the sides of this block for engine mounts. Although you could probably fabricate some wrap around metalwork to get round this it must be said this does sound rather a lot of work to deploy a 1 litre engine. You would also need to check that it would bolt up to a type 9 gearbox and that you could find a clutch which would work in this configuration.

You would find it significantly easier to build with a Kent engine from a rwd Escort, or a SOHC Pinto or a CVH from a Sierra to name but a few.

If this is your first car build it would be generally safest to stay with configuraions that other builders have used so that you know there is plenty of information and support. Building a car from the book and steel tube can be daunting enough so going off piste with engine choice could be that extra bit of hassle that consigns a car to becoming an unfinished project.

Thanks for your advice.

It's just that I feel so sad about throwing away a very good engine. But you are right. I do have a complete Escort Mk1, 1300cc to use as a donor: I might as well go with that package. It would need to have an unleaded conversion carried out, eventually, but that can wait until the car is completed.

I just wonder if it would be worth while using a type 9 gearbox, instead of the 4-speed Escort one. I do have a type 9 gearbox available, which is of unknown condition. But to use it, I would certainly need to source a bell housing for it, as the one it has, is broken.

You could always put the Fiesta engine on Ebay with a low reserve. Selling off unwanted parts from donor cars and putting the money towards the build is a time honoured Locost tradition.

I have to agree with the sentiments given by Not Anumber,

Building a book Locost steelwork was one part I avoided, as I know there is a fantastic amount of work involved (and I'm a crepe welder!).
To go through that and fit a one litre engine is going to end up with a car more than a little lacking in Zest.

Not Anumber also points out the perils of going 'off piste' as he aptly puts it. I agree wholeheartedly here - you don't want to go re-inventing the wheel - you will get plenty of help on here if you follow the basic path many others have already been down, if you try and fit a Fiesta engine there are probably no precedents, and the guidance of the collective brain on LCB would be minimal. If you are an inventive engineer with plenty of auto experience, this may not be such a problem, of course.

I had a 1.6 pinto with the donor, which I ebayed and got £70 for - I was very surprised at the level of interest! There are plenty of pallet couriers who will transport an engine for about £60 ish.

I think you need to think carefully about your engine choice - I have a Vauxhall redtop with a very nice standard output of 150bhp. It is set up with completely standard ignition and ecu, and it suits the car really well. It was, however, a very tight fit in my Luego chassis which is almost identical to the 'book' one. You might find even a 1.3 Escort disappointing.

I suppose what I am trying to say here is there are plenty of engines available, not only on ebay, but at breakers etc, and obtaining and transportation of these isn't as much of a problem as you may think.

Hope this helps a little, and I wish you all the best with your project - if you can, get your bum to Stoneleigh and get your chin wagging!

Sadly, shipping a 1 litre Fiesta engine from Malta will not make economic sense to anyone.

While I do appreciate all the wonderful machinery you guys put into your cars, I am trying to keep it as simple as possible. The very few breakers there are in Malta, do not have the wide choice you have over in the UK. During my 28 year stay in North London, (1971 - 1999), I did visit a few breakers in my time, so I know what you mean. I would also like to keep a low bonnet-line, so an engine, short in height, would be preferable.

Keep in mind that I am after a pure road car. Even if I wanted to, there are no tracks in Malta - as yet... One is currently proposed but I'm not holding my breath.

Having completed a shipwright apprenticeship on finishing school, and having spent time working for a Ford Main Dealer in North London in the bodyshop, in the eighties, I am not too worried about welding up the chassis. However, I am not taking it lightly, by any means.

As for Stoneleigh, I would like nothing better than to attend, but it is rather too far this time round. Perhaps on another time I might take one of the low-cost flights and attend.

Regards,

Albert

Apologies - I hadn't noticed your location! It does rather put a bit of a different slant on it...

No apologies needed. All advice is gratefully received.