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Yep, I have this conversion and jolly good it is indeed, the Vauxhall Ecotec VVTi engine is powerful (165bhp with an MBE ECU), light, compact and perfectly suited to installation in a 4/4. You can get all the important bits from SBD Motorsport.

But: it's comparatively old tech, my conversion was done in 2008. I think these days I'd be looking to bung an MX5 motor in if I were going to change the engine.

To some extent it depends what you're trying to do.

If you're trying to keep it roughly in period then the crossflow would be the way to go and the T9 Ford gearbox will bolt straight on with the right bell housing, clutch and flywheel. That engine is very tuneable ( I played with MK1 escorts back in my youth) and adding the T9 5 speed box will give you more versatility.

If you're looking to go more for performance, I would go for a 2L (or 1.8L) Zetec with the T9 gearbox. Relatively straight forward and you only need a basic ECU to drive the injection and ignition.

I did install the 2L Zetec in my much later car and it's great fun with almost 160BHP.

You could run the Zetec with twin Webers and just use a simple ignition only controller such as Omex 200 series. Add a BDA style cam cover and you would have a wonderful period looking engine bay.(as in Ford Escort RS1600). If I had a 4/4 from that era, I would love to do that conversion.

However you already have a crossflow engine so T9 gearbox and then go for the twin Webers etc.

Welcome to TM.
Look forward to seeing the build as it progresses. As others have said the Ford T9 is the box to match your X-flow motor.

Looks like a project and a lot of time to play!

Looking forward to read something regulary.

René

Intersting project.
I am very excited to see photos!

Well what can i say other than thank you all for your responses ,i am formulating a plan based on your knowledge and it looks like sticking with the crossflow i already have. and as most suggest the 5 speed J9 gearbox . The Mazda MX5 engine and gearbox sitting in the corner of my barn , would have been a challenge to fit , cutting away part of the chassis and trying to match up the wiring .not impossible erm might sleep on it .My head is still full of Questions . But again thank you, I will be back !!!! Looking Forward to meeting up with you all sometime . Stay safe

Good luck - keep us posted!

I love the simplicity of my old crossflow - makes maintenance very easy, and enough power to keep me amused. Try and find out what model you have - as far as I can tell, the 711M 1600GT is the optimum 'standard' configuration with the 32/36DGV carb.

I've gone for mild tweeks - larger bore manifold and exhaust, iridium plugs, silicon leads, electronic ignition, electric fan - relatively cheap and don't involve major engine work - may be squeezed a couple of extra horses out of her. Burton Power do a good gude for tuning the crossflow with 150bhp easily available (at a cost!).

Welcome Mick

A couple of observations:

As others have suggested the 711M block is the optimum one to go for. That is not to say the 2737 block is a weak engine , however its not as tunable with its chambered cylinder head and weaker big end caps

Changing the engine to Vauxhall, Mazda etc will mean that the car will no longer qualify as a historic vehicle by my reading of the regulations as its a substantial change so you will need an MoT each year. I don't think will affect the ' free' road tax provision though.

Arwyn

That's an interesting thought Arwyn.

So if one upgraded to an engine from the same era, say for example the Lotus Cortina Twin Cam or (lottery win allowing) a Ford BDA would that also need an MOT or is it only if one used a "modern engine" ?

List of 'acceptable' changes are here:

MOT Exemption Criteria