Board logo

Prepping an XE for RWD
2b_pablo - 23/10/07 at 07:42 AM

Hey all, since my robinhood is a bit lardy for a bike engine Ive been thinking about car engines again to replace the pinto.

The zetec and xe are obvious choices but while Ive searched around a lot Ive not really had much luck finding out what I need to know.

1. are solid lifters needed?
2. do any bolts need uprated (ARP etc)?
3. can I reuse the std fly/clutch from my pinto?
4. is a manta sump the best solution? Does it need modded?
5. Can it run off its own ignition system? Would save messing about with carbs etc for the time being.
6. Any other things I havent thought of?

I know there will be misc stuff like engine mounts and exhaust manifold etc so Im prepared for that.

Sorry for all the Qs but would be a good winter project.

mitch2b - 23/10/07 at 07:44 AM

all the info for the xe into a robinhood is here

http://nw.rhocar.org/engineswop.htm

Mitch

2b_pablo - 23/10/07 at 08:03 AM

wow thats fantastic mate, didnt expect the pedal box issues tho, could be a fly in the ointment!

Any info on the lifters/clutch etc would be great too.

mitch2b - 23/10/07 at 08:07 AM

lifters standard,
clutch (plate)i think is a either a 2,3 v6 or diesel ford, same dia as the vx one but splines to fit type 9.

if you goto the main page it could be under part numbers

[Edited on 23/10/07 by mitch2b]

MikeRJ - 23/10/07 at 09:04 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 2b_pablo
wow thats fantastic mate, didnt expect the pedal box issues tho, could be a fly in the ointment!

Any info on the lifters/clutch etc would be great too.


Solid lifters are only needed if you are going to fit fairly radical cams. The standard cams are good for around 200bhp and it starts getting fairly expensive much past that anyway.

ARP bolts for the big ends are a very wise investment.

Yukspeed or SBD should be able to supply you with everything required.

2b_pablo - 23/10/07 at 09:08 AM

any thoughts on the standard ignition/injection?

can buy a whole cavilier with redtop in it for £500 so its not like it will cost any more

thanks for the info on the lifters tho, thats a fair bit of wedge saved

chriscook - 23/10/07 at 09:19 AM

The standard injection & ignition will get you around about 150-155bhp. Standard internals and carbs with 3d igniton or full ITB injection will get you 180bhp or perhaps more.

Break the rest of the cavalier and buy some carbs or thottle bodies. (As it happens I've got a pair of Dellortos jetted for an XE looking for someone to buy them)

I went with a cable clutch but if i was doing it again I'd probably go with hydraulic one for packaging reasons.

Chris

2b_pablo - 23/10/07 at 09:37 AM

out of interest how much for the carbs? 45s I presume?

Ive 40s on the pinto but I suspect they arent big enough.

Id be happy to get 150ish to start with as long as it was in and running then build it up later. keeping the cost down for now anyway