hello, does anyone know whether a 771m (XR2 engine) can be used as a direct replacement for my 711m RWD installation, and will my current head and sump cover fit a 771m block? if not whats the difference between the two block types. thanks

I think there is a difference to the engine mounts, so probably not suitable, that's what I was told anyway, sorry

Jason

The FWD crossflow block is missing one set of engine mounting bosses, and the crank is shorter at both ends compared to a RWD engine. Also the water pump outlet faces in the opposite direction with a 90 degree bend to point the outlet towards the back of the engine, and unfortunately the drillings for the water pump are different so you can't fit and Escort pump. The timing cover is different (thinner) which is why you can't easily put vernier sprockets into a Fiesta engine.

The heads are interchangeable, though the Fiesta head has a slightly different casting with a few extra drillings at one end that don't appear to be used, even on the Fiesta, but they can be ignored.

You can actualy bodge a RWD engine into a FWD car using about 5 sandwich plates to space the gearbox out, but not the other way around.

thanks , very informative.
cheers