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RWD Fiesta
rpsmith - 7/9/06 at 01:54 PM

Does anyone know of any websites or forums for converting cars to RWD.

I really fancy converting a Fiesta XR2/i to RWD, my biggest concern is whether the engine will fit under the bonnet (planning on using 2.0 pinto)

nick205 - 7/9/06 at 02:32 PM

Check out www.mkengineering.co.uk where Martin has some photos of a Fiesta being converted to mide egined RWD, probably with a bike engine.

Also look at Z Cars website - I think they have done some similar conversions, possibly with minis.

On a more basic level, I know you already have the donor Sierra, but I'm not sure a Pinto is the right engine to use for your planned conversion. they are big heavy engines and will do no favours to the balance of a small, light hatchback. Having said that I have seen a RWD Pug 205 with a Cosworth engine and drive train, so it should be possible.

Thinking more laterally, if you are going to source a Fiesta for the conversion, whu not get an XR2 and simply mate what will either be a Crossflow or CVH engine to the Type 9 gearbox (direct fit) from the Sierra. Then all you have to do is concenrate on re-fitting it in RWD layout. This means all your electrics can stay the same and probably only minor mods to the cooling system.

just my thoughts...

[Edited on 7/9/06 by nick205]

rpsmith - 7/9/06 at 03:29 PM

Interesting idea Nick, so would that essentially involve rotating the engine through 90 degrees, apart from fitting back axle of course.

nick205 - 7/9/06 at 03:59 PM

That would be the long and short of it!

As mentioned MK1 & 2 Fiesta engines will bolt directly to yor Sierra type 9 gearbox and have also both been fitted in RWD cars (MK1/2 Escort and Sierra).

The engineering would come in mounting the engine and modifying the tunnel and rear end to take a propshaft, diff and rear suspension. Probably best to think in terms of a subframe bolted to the chassis on which to mount the diff and wishbones etc. You could do worse than to use MK Indy rear wishbones and uprights for this. You may also need to get the Sierra driveshafts shortened to achieve the correct track at the rear.

Also worth considering that the money it would cost to do this could almost certainly build you a Locost if you're prepared to make bits rather than buy them.

Nosey - 7/9/06 at 04:59 PM

We converted a Mk3 Fiesta to RWD for tarmac rallying with a 2ltr Zetec. We reckoned over 600 hours........

www.otoole-motorsport.com

We also rebuilt a RWD Mk1 for rallying, running a 1300 crossflow.

There was an article about a Mk2 converted with a 2ltr Duratec in Classic Ford magazine a few months back. Think it was in Wales somewhere, it was running a standard looking bonnet, but had a side exit exhaust to avoid going over the axle, well worth a look.

Lots of work whatever way you go about it, but if you have any specific questions just ask and I might know an answer

MikeRJ - 7/9/06 at 05:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by nick205
That would be the long and short of it!

As mentioned MK1 & 2 Fiesta engines will bolt directly to yor Sierra type 9 gearbox and have also both been fitted in RWD cars (MK1/2 Escort and Sierra).


They aren't the same engine! The main difference is the FWD Crossflow has a shorter crank. I guess the consequences of this would be that the gearbox input shaft will not engage fully (at all?) with the spigot bearing.

Not sure the Sierra ever had a Crossflow fitted to it?

I have to say that I don't really see the point of keeping the original engine. The extra effort involved in wiring/plumbing a different engine is minimal compared to the work involved in chopping and fabricating the transmission tunnel, and fitting a rear axle and suspension. You might as well start with a decent engine or the resulting vehicle will probably end up slower than the original. A 1.8L or 2.0L Zetec E can be picked up for peanuts, and even the legendary 20XE can be had quite inexpensively if you hunt around.

The Zetec and 20XE route is probably a good one to go with, as many are fitted into Mk1/Mk2 Escorts so there are a lot of RWD conversion bits around, from e.g. Yukspeed

froggy - 7/9/06 at 06:32 PM

have to agree its a shed load of work i have just finished a reliant kitten with a mid mounted bike engine and that has taken 3months doing at least 3 full days a week on it with access to cnc punch /press and a lathe

MkIndy7 - 7/9/06 at 07:16 PM

There is some sence in keeping the donor fiesta engine and associated parts, the best donor for that I would have thought would be a Fiesta RS1800 or an RST.

But with the amount of work you'll have to do anyway to make it RWD you might as well have your choice of engine!

If your gunna do it do it proper and right the 1st time!

nick205 - 8/9/06 at 08:52 AM

Mike RJ - I stand corrected on the FWD/RWD crossflow, I always assumed they were the same!

The reason I suggested using the existing engine was firstly either the Crossflow of CVH would probably be a better proposition than the Pinto option originally suggested and secondly the project has to be done on a tight budget, so using what's already there may be the only option.

see earlier thread HERE


I do agree that if the budget stretches then a Zetec or XE conversion would be preferrable.

I would also stand by my comment that for the cost and effort involved in the RWD Fiesta project you could make a pretty good job of building a Locost.

In short - go for it and build something otherwise you'll sit around wondering what might have been

[Edited on 8/9/06 by nick205]

MikeRJ - 8/9/06 at 11:37 AM

quote:
Originally posted by nick205
Mike RJ - I stand corrected on the FWD/RWD crossflow, I always assumed they were the same!


They are nearly the same, just enough differences like the crank and engine mounting bosses that make swapping between RWD and FWD installs awkward.

I have to admit I didn't read the other thread first so was unaware of bugetary contraints. I absolutely agree that it would be more worthwhile making a Locost with the running gear he has though.