Engine conversion advice for mk3 Cortina

[jumpinjacks]

Right, I was planning a 24v v6 cosworth engine conversion in my mk3 which currently has a 2 litre pinto with type 9 box. But after speaking to my mechanic mate, he's recommending the zetec or duratec as it's lighter and will rev harder.
I was a bit worried that the v6 might throw out the handling ( especially considering the mk3 doesn't have the best handling to start with ) and be heavy on the steering ( with no power steering and a smaller sports wheel ) due to it being so heavy on the front end.
Could anyone share any experience with either engines, and also what's involved for a zetec or duratec conversion?
I'm in the middle of sorting my suspension out. And need to 100% decide on the engine to see what front springs to use.
Thanks in advance
Adam.

[grumpy]

Why not buy a cheap 205 injection pinto from ebay and turn it into a beast ? Easier and simpeler and goes with the old skool theme ?
Nice head , rl32 cam cossy crank , rods , twin 45's/48's . 180 BHP all day long , probably more .

[DWDarkWheels]

I've no direct experience of either 24v Cosworth or Duratec, but it depends what you want yourself. 24v Cosworth will be harder to source, but has the oomph straight away without any modifications, and lazy V6 torque.
Duratec will be easier to find, more conversions have been done, so whatever conversion parts you need might be easier to source. But then to match the oomph of the Cosworth, you'll probably start looking at throttle bodies and other expensive non-standard gear.

Changing springs at some point in the future is the least of your worries

[mk2cossie]

Zetec has the same bellhousing as the pinto so the current box could bolt up to that

The duratec will be lighter than the zetec, but is more trouble to fit as it uses a Mazda bellhousing pattern. So either a bellhousing swap or a mx-5 gearbox would be needed

[jumpinjacks]

What bits would I need to convert to zetec.
I've read a few bits online, that say a rwd flywheel, but what spigot bearing and clutch kit is to be used to mate to a type 9?

[carat 3.6]

Take your mechanics advice and fit a zetec in there, that 24v cossie is over-rated.

Been there, done that.....

[jumpinjacks]

Very very tempted by the zetec, I've heard it can get expensive to convert to rwd though

[grumpy]

Mar 26, 2014 18:36:27 GMT DWDarkWheels said:

I've no direct experience of either 24v Cosworth or Duratec, but it depends what you want yourself. 24v Cosworth will be harder to source, but has the oomph straight away without any modifications, and lazy V6 torque.
Duratec will be easier to find, more conversions have been done, so whatever conversion parts you need might be easier to source. But then to match the oomph of the Cosworth, you'll probably start looking at throttle bodies and other expensive non-standard gear.

Changing springs at some point in the future is the least of your worries

Theres tons of cosworth BOA's on ebay for less than £6oo . A duratec will be quite expensive to source .A zetec or duratewc will need a lot of work , the gearbox will fit it but wont be up to the job really , you will need at least a type 9 5 speed . Not sure what you will need for a zetec but if its like a escort you will need new induction , either carbs or throttles , ecu ignition , a nd maybe some of the water rail kits .

[retrowrongun]

Don't stick a bob or boa in it mate they alone weigh more than the whole car haha so any gain from hp or torque would be lost with the weight ,and also handling will be abysmal

Why not fit a zetec as IMHO they are 130bhp std if you get a xr3i or similar engine plenty of parts and availability and lots of people tuning them too

Have seen a zetec make 170bhp with a set of 40,s and cams and a standalone ecu along with exh manifold ....
Could also later on go down the zetec turbo route should you wish , and depending on spec anything from 200-650bhp can be made

Your mechanic is right IMHO

[composimmonite]

I'm a Luddite. I'd make a Jeff Uren Savage copy with a V6. What about the 4.0 V6 from the Explorer - it's a big bore Cologne lump.

Paul H

[grumpy]

Mar 28, 2014 10:14:56 GMT composimmonite said:

I'm a Luddite. I'd make a Jeff Uren Savage copy with a V6. What about the 4.0 V6 from the Explorer - it's a big bore Cologne lump.

Paul H

Ha ha , I'm a luddite to Paul . A lovely old grunty 3.0 Essex , yes please , sounds great .

[Stu_B]

I know of a couple of crate V6's from a Ford Explorer in Somerset. I think he wanted £500...

[Deleted]

You can use the zetec to any ford box with a sierra CVH spigot bearing you could even go to ford auto box, you may have a problem with the thermostat housing because it is at the back of the engine, but there are remote kits avaliable and you can build your own exhaust manifold from a ebay kit.
Mondoes/escorts are very cheap and you can swop the whole lot over with the ecu loom and leave it injected.

[ettorebugatti]

Keep in mind that a V6 can be mounted further than a in-line 4 and that will help turn-in and handling.

But why don't go v8?

[gavmk3tina]

Ive got a 24v cossie lump in my mk3 and don't have any problems with the handling, ive part polly bushed the front used lower stiffer springs and gas shocks, also used 2.8i front discs and mk2 Granada callipers so it stops too. 200+ bhp as standard and makes all the right noises with the twin exhaust pipes, gives good mpg if your boring and want to drive it properly and keeps up with modern day curse word, mine happy cruses at 100 mph with plenty more on tap,