Engine Opinions Please

[pnwrs2000]

I'm going to swap the 1300 xflow in my mk2 escort for a 1600 xflow on twin 40's. No management system, just electronic ignition, probably Bestek from Ashton Mobile.

 

Would you: -

 

A..) find and buy a complete engine that's already been gone through etc

 

B..) buy a complete engine and have it stripped and rebuilt with new stuff as needed

 

I'm going to be using the car most days to get to and from work so the engine doesn't want to be an all singing and dancing screamer at its limit, just a nice strong responsive one with as much grunt as practically possible.

 

What do you think ?

[Vista]

Very budget related really. I always prefer to have something that I know the material condition and spec of so usually buy a cheap engine of unknown condition and spec and have it rebuilt according to my preferences...................but that can prove costly

[pnwrs2000]

Thats the conundrum init. Crap question I know but roughly how much would option A be and how much for option B ?

 

If option B ends up the preferred route, who would you get to do the engine done ?

[Vista]

For Option B, it really depends on your location but there are three good engine builders on here all with satisfied customers. Why not have a chat with them?

[pnwrs2000]

I'm ooop north in sunny Lancashire so am miles away from most engine OSF builders & suppliers etc.

 

Who are the 3, Ashton Mobile, HPE & Vulcan I assume ?

[Vista]

Oops, make that four, those three and Wayne at WPE

[welshmike]

Unless you're after a wild custom spec, and as long as you have a bit of mechanical sense, maybe you could rebuild one yourself? Maybe buy a fruity engine with some nice bits second-hand then strip it to check and freshen up for peace of mind? You could use your 1300 pistons in the 1600 block to raise the compression a bit, send the head off for some work, nice cam and carbs. Take it to get properly set up and you'd have a good grunty little lump. Do a bit of research, and price up what you want. I have nothing against any of the companys, i'm sure they all do superb work and their knowledge and experience could be invaluable but the potential money saving, the opportunity to learn and the final job satisfaction would see me doing it at home. The x-flow is a lovely little engine to work on.  Where abouts in Lancashire are you?

[pnwrs2000]

Mmm yeah I did think about doing an engine build myself but this would be the first engine build I'd do so am not sure if it's a good idea just yet...

[LUKE261]

Speak to colin at ashton mobile he will build u one mate top bloke who loves to talk old skool

[deadly456]

Were you going crossflow way or would you go pinto way ????

[pnwrs2000]

I do like pintos but have my heart set on a nice little throaty crossflow really