OSF with modern running gear

[skeeter]

Rather than hijack another thread I thought I would start a new one.

 

I am mulling over a project whereby I keep the OSF body/interior but swap the running gear for something modern.

 

In my mind I would like to lift the body off a mk1/2 escort and drop onto something like a mx-5 or even an rx8 rolling chassis. Not set on these cars, but they have lightweight compact engines with modern gearbox running RWD so in theory at least the issues seem to me to be;

 

1) wheelbase - custom length prop shaft to solve

2) track width -shorten rear axel

3) gearbox tunnel mod

4) squeeze engine into bay

 

Saying it like that doesn't sound too hard

 

My mechanical knowledge is novice at best, so my question, any recommendations of people to talk to seriously about this?

 

Ken

[katana]

I certainly don't speak from experience but going that route may entail considerable modification of the chassis to fit to the body - seen a scooby chassis and gear fitted into a Mk1 escort by a very skilled bodyworker and was a massive job! I'd guess making a new spaceframe tube chassis to fit a body to and using the running gear may be easier and more 'traditional' for some racecar builders - circuit or drag based. Whole Escort bodies are available in GRP allowing all the mass to be kept low with a tube chassis could be a good solution? Colin Mcrae built his ultimate Mk2 using WRC high end strut front end and an independent rear suspension so retaining the family heritage - whole car was probably a £80 - 100k build though!

[qwerty]

If you're using the entire floor pan of the donor car it would be advisable to find something of similar wheelbase to the Escort.

 

Some threads that may help and you may find interesting:

 

Mk2 Escort on S2000: http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/162722#.U66phBakD_U

 

Renault Espace on Lexus LS400: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=47&t=1188309&mid=407809&i=0&nmt=Lexus+V8+with+NOS+in+a+Renault+Espace+%2D+yeah+lets+do+it+%21+&mid=407809

 

Ford Taunus eventually on BMW E36: http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/143880/1972-ford-taunus-progress

 

Mk5 Cortina on Impreza: http://www.buysellcortina.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/41007-any-other-4-wheel-drive-cortinas-out-there/

 

 

 

Can be cool but a lot of work!

[rallyesport04]

why not do it the other way round fit a mx5 engine or 2.0 duratec same lump with 6 speed mazda mx5 gearbox or the older 5 speed an fit it up to a escort it will fit its been done many times keeps everything looking correct from the outside and retain the chassis and floorpans etc  some tunnel mods are needed live axles are robust enough for mx5 power if you upgrade the suspention it will handle too you only issue will be if you want to modernise the escort with up to date items but im sure with enough time and enthusiasm you will get past it

[Rally Pack 2000]

why not do it the other way round fit a mx5 engine or 2.0 duratec same lump with 6 speed mazda mx5 gearbox or the older 5 speed an fit it up to a escort it will fit its been done many times keeps everything looking correct from the outside and retain the chassis and floorpans etc  some tunnel mods are needed live axles are robust enough for mx5 power if you upgrade the suspention it will handle too you only issue will be if you want to modernise the escort with up to date items but im sure with enough time and enthusiasm you will get past it

 

Thats what I would do as well, put the modern running gear in a Escort chassis. Its certainly stronger than most. Here in Australia I have seen Rotary engined Escorts for decades so its an easy slot in. In the UK it seems the Ztec or Duratec conversions are the go. I love that alloy cam cover that Burtons sell that make it look like an old BDA, its amazing what you can get. But I dont see any great advantage to cosmetically making the chassis of a modern car look like and old Escort.

[BigBubba]

If you're knowledge is novice at best, I certainly wouldn't be considering major chassis changes. As stated, an Escort body has been grafted onto an Impreza floor pan, but by professionally trained personnel. If not done 100% correct, you'd be driving a potential death trap.

If you want to go modern, stick a zetec or an XE in it. Been done loads of times, so most of the kit is off the shelf, and there's loads of tutorials and advice readily available. Unless you've got bottomless pockets, try to aim for modest power in the region of 150 - 170 horses, that way you can use the standard(ish) running gear. When you start looking at Atlas axles and Grp4 set ups, you'd better get the cheque book out!

 

Whatever you decide, choose something achievable. Otherwise, you'll be sitting in 5 years time, looking at a partially completed project, wishing you'd never started! However long you think It'll take, double it and add a year!! 

[banarama]

I agree with above

[Herr Doktor]

Whatever you decide, choose something achievable. Otherwise, you'll be sitting in 5 years time, looking at a partially completed project, wishing you'd never started! However long you think It'll take, double it and add a year!! 

 

ha ha ha ha. That is absolutely spot on!!

[over_head_cam]

I'll go along with that too!

[jamie956]

Good luck getting anything like that MOT'ed, its only going to get harder.

 

Has anyone registered a cc/engine change on there log book lately, friend of a friend did and lost his reg and got put on to a Q plate then had to pay car tax.

[mk2 mike]

<br /> <br />Has anyone registered a cc/engine change on there log book lately, friend of a friend did and lost his reg and got put on to a Q plate then had to pay car tax.<br /><br /><br />Been thinking of doing mine lately. Q plate doesn't bother me if that's what's going to happen

[texr2000]

Good luck getting anything like that MOT'ed, its only going to get harder.

 

Has anyone registered a cc/engine change on there log book lately, friend of a friend did and lost his reg and got put on to a Q plate then had to pay car tax.

 

I thought about doing the same next year once tax exempt, i dont see why would make it a Q plate. Even brad new cars could have a engine change under warranty, new GT3 911 is a example.....

 

Technically a restored classic would be a Q plate.... a mk1 with a Cossy engine, most the drive train and suspension would be changed and probs some body work, could have hardly any original components

[Danish]

You shouldn't get a Q-plate for just an engine change. They have a points system where you get points for original shell, brakes, suspension, engine, gearbox etc. 

[Herr Doktor]

Good luck getting anything like that MOT'ed, its only going to get harder.

 

Has anyone registered a cc/engine change on there log book lately, friend of a friend did and lost his reg and got put on to a Q plate then had to pay car tax.

 

I've very recently changed mine from a 3000 to a 3100 with no problems whatsoever

[eeb43]

if you put it on a different floorpan/chassis you will legally have to put the car through iva

[skeeter]

If you're knowledge is novice at best, I certainly wouldn't be considering major chassis changes. As stated, an Escort body has been grafted onto an Impreza floor pan, but by professionally trained personnel. If not done 100% correct, you'd be driving a potential death trap.

If you want to go modern, stick a zetec or an XE in it. Been done loads of times, so most of the kit is off the shelf, and there's loads of tutorials and advice readily available. Unless you've got bottomless pockets, try to aim for modest power in the region of 150 - 170 horses, that way you can use the standard(ish) running gear. When you start looking at Atlas axles and Grp4 set ups, you'd better get the cheque book out!

 

Whatever you decide, choose something achievable. Otherwise, you'll be sitting in 5 years time, looking at a partially completed project, wishing you'd never started! However long you think It'll take, double it and add a year!!

 

Thanks, very sound advice, however I would pay somebody to do it The point about my mechanical knowledge was more about whether my thinking was plain stupid.

 

S

[skeeter]

Thats what I would do as well, put the modern running gear in a Escort chassis. Its certainly stronger than most. Here in Australia I have seen Rotary engined Escorts for decades so its an easy slot in. In the UK it seems the Ztec or Duratec conversions are the go. I love that alloy cam cover that Burtons sell that make it look like an old BDA, its amazing what you can get. But I dont see any great advantage to cosmetically making the chassis of a modern car look like and old Escort.

That is now what I am looking at, and I think it was what was I meant but rather inelegantly tried to describe.

 

S