Any future problems, regarding clearance, I may run into using a Red Top in my GTS chassis?

Using a Pinto at the mo and always had the view to change to an XE much later down the line.
I could go either way here.....build with the pinto, get it on the road then change to the XE as a winter project sometime, OR follow the XE route now in order to avoid changes to bodywork (and everything else that goes with an engine change!) later on.

I could get it on the road sooner if I stick with the pinto for now but I'm thinking I may as well build it with the XE from the start...??

I am aware that ultimately it is my decision, I'm just interested to see people's opinions (I got bored of the search facility)

XE from the start, for a start youll have to cut a hole in the wrong side of the car for the exhaust. Presume plumbing will be different so your choice of rad may change depending where outlets are, and also, the senders for your dash will be different, so youll need to do abit of re wiring. Also its easier to weld up engine mounts now than in a finished car, though obviously not impossible. Just first few things i thought of, but im sure therell be other pros and cons.

By the time you get the bits from Darren, you could have saved up for a gold plated xe motor mate!

Personally I would go with the XE from scratch, simply because it will avoid problems with relocating the exhaust, coolant pipes and wiring later on.

You will almost certainly need a modified sump for the XE, they are quite tall engines. Steel "big wing" sunps are available for fitting the engines into rallying Escorts from e.g. Yukspeed that would probably be ok. Caterham and (I think) Westfield make low profile alloy sumps...for a price.

So we are saying it will fit ok?
I need to do some more research, but I thought that would be the general consensus. Easier to do XE now (not as cheap though?).

How about XE power through the Type 9?

oh and I have all the parts I need from GTS and have done for a long time thanks Nick.

If you know you will go XE in the end then do it now. i planned a similar swap at some point, decided to use Pinto for budget reasons. However you will be surprised what the true cost is to get a nice Pinto built car. True the XE 'could' be more up front but you will save loads in the long run.

The XE should go in the gts chassis no problem. Arent they slightly smaller than a zetec anyway? And I know they certainly fit.

Thanks chaps. It does make sense to build for the engine that would ultimately go in anyway.
It will prolong the build (not that much is happening at the mo due to a house move and a full garage!) but I can take my time and source parts as I go to hopefully keep it locost, much like I have done till now with Pinto stuff!

A friend of mine works in a garage where the boss is a good engine tuner, used to do a lot with Pinto's, and at the mo has 15 red tops.......yes, 15!
Although it's going to be cheaper to find a whole car and strip it I think, he would sell me "a good 'un" for £400.

As usual much appreciated.

£400 at mates rates? Not much of a mate

bear in mind most engines will have covered higher miles now and may need a rebuild but a complete car that you can driveaway (mot failure) and strip for bits then weigh in is a good cost option. engine wise: proven milage, lower the better and check for sludge in the oil. I've bought complete engines for as little as £150.

£400 seems a tad pricey unless it's had new bearings and gaskets throughout.

Ned.

I don't know the garage boss that well and my mate is away in America for a while so, no, not exactly mates rates!
I'd prefer to strip a whole car then weigh it in anyway, so not a problem.

Time for a bit of investigation/research me thinks....

My XE sits nice in my GTS chassi.
Using omega gearbox.

Excellent, thanks for that. Good photos Mark.
(I really should click the new post alert button, I've only just noticed!)

Good to know someone has done it, well more than one person, with no issues.
Thanks again.