Playing devil's advocate to a certain extent - is it feasible to mate the 4 speed escort box (type n I think?) to a 2 litre blacktop. I suspect it wouldn't last as long as the type 9, but if it's possible what would the effect be on drivability etc be?

Cheers

Mark

IIRC it will bolt straight on BUT i wouldnt if you want a reasonable cruising speed.

I would imagine it would get to top speed quickly though assuming the ratios are different to a type 9.

[Edited on 13/7/09 by Danozeman]

as far as i know, the 4 speed (type e?) is almost exactly the same as a type 9, and the type 9 used to be a common swap for people wanting the 5th gear.
don't think its any weaker, its just that someone was able to design and new box with the 5th gear.

the only difference i can remember is the gearbox mounting point is a bit further back. i think its all the same physical size and everything

I think you will find that the top gear ratio is the same (ie 1:1), it is that you have not got a further 4 lower gears to assist in performance.

The Type 9 has an overdrive 5th, 0.82:1.

The 4 speed Type E has a 1:1 top gear (same as 4th on the Type 9).

Hi

As usual lots of confusion over what gearbox is called what. If it's the Escort 4 speed box it's the ( TYPE 2 ). I wont go into all the ratios as theres an Accurate table with all the info in the LOCOST RACE REGULATIONS. The table is at the very bottom of the pages.

As regards reliability using it with a Zetec. There will not be any. The Syncroes are tiny the bearings are tiny and the general box is weak in desighn. It was put to it's limits with the 1600cc Escort road cars even in the GT format. The minimum spec box thats usable is the Type 3 or the ( as Mike RJ has suggested ) Type E. Or the genuine Ford ROCKET box. But you wouldent be daft enough to fit one of those given it's value on the historic / classic scene.

Cheers Matt

Linky to a good overview of boxes:

http://www.zetecinside.com/xr2/gearbox.shtml