Struggling with trying to fit a 2.0 DOHC efi with MT 75 Gearbox (from a Nov 1992 Sierra with disc brakes all round, ABS and PAS and large differential) into my Haynes roadster. Just as I completed the modified transmission tunnel for the MT 75, I have found another donor car locally. It is a Jan 1992 sierra with a 1.8 ltr CVH engine with carburettors, type 9 gearbox and standard size differential, non power steering and standard master cylinder with servo.

Is the 1.8 CVH a good donor engine? or should I stick with the DOHC?

Should I cut my losses and use this donor car, as the other parts all fit the spec?

Grateful to hear your collective advice.
Thanks

It's an excellent setup to get through IVA, the 1.8 is a good engine, but few mods are available. it has 90bhp, is reliable and economical, before you write off 90bhp, it is a good power to learn how to drive these cars, you can upgrade it later for a zetec with mods if you feel the need.

I used a 1.8 CVH as my donor, more because I wanted the type 9 gearbox. Oddly enough I put a 16v DOHC engine into my kitcar, and it flew through the IVA with that.

I'd use the 1.8cvh. It's not as bad as you might hear in some reports; In fact if well maintained they were a good engine. The 2lt DOHC is heavy and under powered so not a better choice. The CVH will be easy to get through IVA and then you can always swap it out for a Zetec later.

Most problems with the CVH stem from poor oil. Common faults were blocked/sludged-up the hydralic tappets, worn cam/followers and hardened valve stem seals. If it runs and doesn't smoke or knock then an oil flush and change and you're probably good to go. If you intend to keep it in the car, a re-build of (at least) the head isn't that difficult.

I also SVAd with a 1.8 CVH. The build was dead easy and the CVH went well enough.

As the Zetec is based on the 1.8 CVH the later swap to a Zetec was easy. e.g the exhaust is a straight swap, engine mounts aren't too different.

Stu

I also have the 1.8CVH, agree with the above... Also note you can't use the PAS rack without power assistance from the DOHC sierra...

Surrey Dave also had(s) 1.8CVH one in his car...

The engine is not to bad to drive, quite a bit of torque but will red-lines at ~5500rpm..

The carbs on my 1.8CVH could probably do with a rebuild, not something I want to do yet.

If it starts and runs o.k would be tempted by the 1.8CVH.. Small amount of blue smoke at start up is probably valve stems (mine does this a little but not enough to worry, and only at startup).

My current engine might have a small head-gasket problem as the coolant keeps getting contaminated (rusty ;( ) (a proper coolant flush might might help).

Depends what you want the car for and how long you want to keep it. The 1.8CVH might put buyers off if you sell not an issue in my case ....

Dan