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2009/09/15 14:40:40
cjdeane10

79 MK2 excort granny's car... for now...

Hi - i am new to this forum

picked up this stock mk2 from an ol' granny for 1600 bucks - already had the exhaust and unleaded head fitted and road-worthy (12 mths) sorted...








Stuff done;

All new brakes
re-conditioned steering column
new steering and suspension bushes

Stuff to do soon;

45 DHLA side draft (jetted to god knows what)
side draft lynx manifold
wire up the lights

plans;

wheels (15" and maybe 205's... anyone got any in WA?)
cam (to suit above?)
elec ignition (anyone know good type / brand?)
63 comments Leave a comment
Avon
Go the baby seat! Have 2 in the back of my Escort. Always like to see our cars earning their keep.

Well the first and most important thing is I can't see any rust. And you've sorted the steering / suspension / brakes first.

You won't see much/any improvement from just bolting on the 45 without extractors and upping the cam. Except for using more fuel.

What year is it? Looks 1977 or younger based on the highback seats and side tank filler blanking plate. It probably will have low compression engine with single throat carby. If so, a higher lift cam and carby won't be as an effective upgrade compared with a high compression engine. If you're after cheap performance you might be better off chucking a 2L into it or chasing down a high comp 1600 with 32/36 weber in the Quokka/ebay. Or turbo existing engine.

Pop into Pitstop bookshop in King St and grab a copy of "Ford Escort Downunder" for $15 and you'll learn a lot about what you've got as it explains the codes on the VIN plates - including LC or HC engine.

All up, good buy. Looks tidy and tight. Easy to burn a pile of $ getting a dodgey car up to rego status.



2009/09/15 19:14:31
mud
Welcome to the forum, looks like a tidy more door.

Lots of good advice there from Avon.
2009/09/15 22:08:38
cjdeane10
yeah - its got extractors (old and dont know what type) and is a 79 model.

there is a very small amount of rust - just on the back pillars for the rear screen (can hardly see it in the 1st photo). looks like some rust (20c piece) under the passenger side floor, but it isnt through yet. sills, doors and rails are immaculate - which was where my last mk2 finally died from

baby seat - yeah, she is a daily driver ATM
2009/09/16 14:45:21
cjdeane10
thanks avon - yes, single throat carby and not sure of compression.

I already have a 45 DHLA on a manifold at the moment and was hoping to use it. what do you recommend would be best to suit it?

I was saving some pennies for a cam, and up the compression (is this difficult with this model of motor?)

note; at the moment i am after mild road / sport spec, not rally or racing...
2009/09/16 14:49:33
Sterling
if ur keen on using what you have, theres nothing wrong with staying kent, just get a High Compression (HC) 1600.

i wouldn't bother doign anything to a low comp motor.
2009/09/16 17:40:36
cjdeane10
ford escort downunder is on the to-get list...

I already have 2 x haynes manuals, 1 x workshop manual, a dave vizard book on the ford motors, and one on how to tune weber and dellorto side-drafts...

yes - i am keen on using what i have already - as it has been sitting around in my shed for a while and i am anxious to see how it goes!

next couple of weeks i will be stripping the interior, and getting some door blanks made up out of MDF, re-wiring the dash lights (dont work) and hunting for tyres.

got the radiator flushed and flow-checked the other day, and she isnt good... needs a re-core... what should i expect to pay, and is it worth the extra money going to a aluminuim radiator?
2009/09/17 12:24:28
Avon
I've got some Performace Delta rims 13" with heaps of tread 185/70x13 Sava tyres. $150.
2009/09/17 17:55:30
cjdeane10










some pics - the chrome filter is 83mm tall, and makes the whole setup about 20mm too long... so i have taken it off, and put on the ramflo in the first picture...

Avon - thanks, but i have those same size tyres at the moment... i think i will stay with these ones for a short while, until i go to 15" or wider... or both
2009/09/20 15:15:34
Timmeh
Awesome, looks nice!
2009/09/20 19:16:31
cjdeane10
got my Escorts downunder book, and it looks like i have the post-ADR low compression model.

there are somethings a bit strange tho, like the dash (with tacho) and worn-out steering wheel are RS spec (or could be one of the additional 'sports' options from the book) - and the wheels are the 'locally made volante option wheels'... 13 x 6 - and in dire need of a clean-up!

plan is to put the kit thru the weber, but will need to up-compression (or new motor?) and cam before jetting it...

2009/09/21 11:00:50
Avon
Steering wheel looks aftermarket in the last photo but its a bit hard to tell.

Tacho dash is unsual if its original. Photo?

Might be worth a check under the air filter to see if you have a 32/36 dual throat weber or the single throat motorcraft carby.

See if you can find the engine number. Should be 711M....... or 681F.... or something like that. It may have already been replaced.
2009/09/21 11:23:22
cjdeane10
Avon - yes, it is a 711m motor...

And yes i put an aftermarket steering wheel on, because the RS one was crumbling away...

i can take more pics later...

dash is the taco on LHS, water temp and fuel in middle, and speedo on RHS. it was one of the options (according to Escorts downunder book)...

strange, coz it didn't look like the old granny i bought it off was after performance... [:I]
2009/09/21 16:34:47
cjdeane10
carby is single throat - and about 60mm accross?

i am planning on just running it as is, until i can afford the rest of the work!
2009/09/21 16:47:40
Avon
Lifted from Quokka: Not sure what wheels look like but could be good value.

MAGS (4) BWA racing, 15" x 7", suit Ford Escort/Cortina, c/w near new 195/45/15" directional rotation tyres $500 the lot ono. Cngtn. 9451-5410
2009/09/21 18:56:54
krt10
quote:
Originally posted by cjdeane10

Avon - yes, it is a 711m motor...

And yes i put an aftermarket steering wheel on, because the RS one was crumbling away...

i can take more pics later...

dash is the taco on LHS, water temp and fuel in middle, and speedo on RHS. it was one of the options (according to Escorts downunder book)...

strange, coz it didn't look like the old granny i bought it off was after performance... [:I]


good that you got a 711M.
im not sure if they came in LC and HC. i thought it was just the previous kent motor that did ( may be wrong. wouldn't be the first time)
2009/09/21 21:48:05
cjdeane10
some more pics...







I was browsing for cams, and a bit of a toss up between getting one machined up or buying a KC224K or a BCF2K... want low-mid range...

Master plan would be KC224K, single 45, new extractors...

already have some parts coming...

but i will need to stay content with putting the kit through the carby, and stripping the interior...

Avon - those rims look ok, and about the right price (tyres are approx 100 each new)... will give him a call to see if he still has them...
2009/09/22 18:10:53
RoughGhia
quote:
Originally posted by cjdeane10

what should i expect to pay, and is it worth the extra money going to a aluminuim radiator?


Got 3 quotes the other day here in Newcastle. $231-$310 for a standard recore. $400 for an off the shelf replacement.

I paid for a recore but I have no idea what they actually did to it. When it came back the sides were not the ones I had provided and it now sits too low. I can only just get the radiator cap on without it fouling the support panel.
2009/09/24 14:53:43
grant
Sounds like they gave you a 2L setup. The 1600 and the 2L are the same core but the brackets are different.
2009/09/24 15:35:27
cjdeane10
have been fiddling with the wires behind the dash for 2 evenings now trying to get the dimmer lights to work... have traced the wires, tested the switches, dismantled the dash, and put it back together, and cant seem to find anything... everything i test is ok, and no shorts / earth probs...

I am thinking i just get around the whole thing by wiring up another globe under (or directed at) the dash via the current light switch... has anyone else seen this?

normal lights (and high beams) are ok, just the dash lights!
2009/09/25 10:17:50
grant
is the dimmer switch ok?

on the back of the dash you will have the contacts where the blue light cups slot in, from memory you need to have all these working with clean contacts or the lot wont work. Those circuit boards are usually stuffed.

2009/09/25 11:35:17
cjdeane10
fixed a dodgy connection on one of the wires to the dimmer switch... and also used some 20th century technology by putting a couple of single LED's in to help everything out... so all sweet now!

2009/09/28 23:43:51
cjdeane10
signed my life away today to burton for the following parts (should be here in 2 wks!)

- Kent 224 cam kit (high torque 1000 - 6500 rpm)
- double chain sprocket set
- steel crank pulley
- high pressure oil pump
- bling rocker cover
- assorted gaskets / bolts

should suit the single 45 DHLA... for now
2009/05/10 11:18:07
cjdeane10
anyone know where i can get window rubbers for these?



channel in side the window frame




rubber wiper on the outside of the window
2009/06/10 17:50:43
Puzzlescort
Bill Thompson Auto rubbers have them all - even though they are in Melbourne (Ringwood to be exact), they do have mail order if you get stuck over there....

www.autorubbers.com.au
2009/07/10 15:05:15
cjdeane10
thanks puzzle - email sent to auto rubber... should have everything i need...

got a part-order from burton yesterday... apparently some hold up with the duplex chain drive... can post pics later of what arrived...

now i just got to get around to fitting it all when it comes! :)
2009/08/10 13:38:32
cjdeane10
Burton Delivery Part One



2009/10/10 16:14:01
Timmeh
Looks niiice, good one.
2009/11/10 19:55:13
cjdeane10
quote:
Originally posted by Avon

Lifted from Quokka: Not sure what wheels look like but could be good value.

MAGS (4) BWA racing, 15" x 7", suit Ford Escort/Cortina, c/w near new 195/45/15" directional rotation tyres $500 the lot ono. Cngtn. 9451-5410


these were gone when i rang...

there is some others in the quokka (ronal) 15 x 6's which may be worth a look... all depends on what sort of condition they are in...
2009/10/13 15:24:28
cjdeane10
confirmed second part of burton delivery has been sent today...

still saving pennies for more rubber...



2009/10/19 14:01:08
cjdeane10
Look what was waiting for me when i got home last nite...



KC224 high torque cam kit - 1000 - 6500 rpm



adjustable cam gear (double chain)



all together... *evil grin*
2009/10/20 11:21:03
cjdeane10
got a bit of a bonus from work - so need to get the last few bits to the puzzle..

- linkage for the single 45 dhla...
- she's running a bit rich at the moment, and fiddling about i find i need more spark, so a proquip ignitor module is on the cards...
- still on the market for some 2nd hand 15"s and new tyres...
- need some odd's and sodds (needles / chokes etc) for refit of the carb...

then (for now) should have all i need to move the granny mobile a little faster... :)
2009/10/23 11:29:24
maxrs
quote:
Originally posted by cjdeane10

got a bit of a bonus from work - so need to get the last few bits to the puzzle..

- linkage for the single 45 dhla...
- she's running a bit rich at the moment, and fiddling about i find i need more spark, so a proquip ignitor module is on the cards...
- still on the market for some 2nd hand 15"s and new tyres...
- need some odd's and sodds (needles / chokes etc) for refit of the carb...

then (for now) should have all i need to move the granny mobile a little faster... :)

Try the wanted section if your looking for parts.

The fun starts now. Good luck with it.
2009/10/23 17:43:23
cjdeane10
got these Today!







Tyres are brand new 195/ 50 / r15 and are correct 4 x 108 stud pattern...

fit fine, only drama is that the current original studs are too short... and need some tapered nuts to fit...

Not bad for $350 tho! [88]
2009/10/27 01:12:51
cjdeane10
[(#)]Ordered some longer studs for the new rims...

14mm spline, and 65mm for the front.
13mm spline, and 65mm for the back.

once they arrive, i will head to repco to get some nuts to suit.

i was going to take them to my mechanic mate and use the hydraulic press to seat them.

Any guideance on how to fit these on the Mk2? or should i take it to a 'professional' and have them fit them?

also ordered all the other bits of jets, linkages, etc to finish off the carby re-build...

taking my time to make sure everything is sorted - but when i look in the shed at all the bits it makes me anxious to chuck them on! [:x)]
2009/10/30 15:17:44
cjdeane10
still waiting on some bits to arrive - so no news...

i did get my linkage kit from Eurocarb for my single DHLA and it has two cables... anyone used this sort of linkage before?

2009/04/11 14:12:59
cjdeane10
LOL - was given a scoop... low, hornet style...





not quite sold on fitting it yet, but may fit it when i get her painted...

p.s. also got the wheel studs today - will hopefully fit it ths week..
2009/08/11 23:02:05
cjdeane10
Ok,

2L radiator fitted yesterday, as well as longer wheel studs (SMCKA) and nuts (NICE from coventry's). Reverse switch is in, and reverse lights work again!

Studs were a little tight to press in, but used the hydraulic press on all of them, and went in ok.

Putting some more air in the tyres, and then will fit them after work today - pics coming soon.
2009/11/11 15:10:39
fordsy
Looking good. Should be nice when it's all bolted together.
2009/11/11 15:45:44
JordyCharlieBoz
DO NOT PUT THAT SCOOP ON! please =P
Im sorry but a guy around my area has a red Mk2 with a hornet scoop and he pulled up next to me one morning. I took one look at it and piss myself laughing and missing the green light =P Unless you need it (top mount inter cooler its stupid) just my opinion tho.
2009/11/11 16:59:19
cjdeane10
phew - got the wheels on late last night...

ended up with 1/2 inch spacers on the front, and was going to put them on the back aswell, except they were a bugger to put on... didn't want to bash them on, as the spacers for the back hub needed to be machined back by a couple of mm...
so no spacers on the back, but all the clearances are ok...


and Yes, i think the scoop is quite corny... [(#)]
it was given to me when i was helping a mate clear out his shed... i am a long while off paint, so dont need to make a decision anytime soon... [;^)]
2009/12/11 13:34:20
cjdeane10






pics of new wheels - new 195/50 r 15 on Ford racing rims (capri ET35 offset)
2009/11/13 14:54:30
cjdeane10
Linkage and assorted additional jets arrived Friday.

Now there is the task of stripping the carb down, and re conditioning it all...

hopefully get this done in the next week or so (as long as i dont find anything sinister along the way).
2009/11/16 18:53:29
Sterling
those rims look good man, just drop it a few inches now [:x)]
2009/11/16 20:05:17
cjdeane10
fixed the fog lights on the weekend...

the halogen globes say 55watt, but they are brighter than the high beams... hmmm...

Still deep in the general malaise that goes with rebuilding carbs... just need to keep everything in order (sequence) so i remember to put it all back the way it came off...



2009/11/24 13:13:12
cjdeane10



ignitor to go on...




[^]

2009/11/28 20:32:09
digginganddirt
hey mate how much did that set ya back if ya dont mind me asking cheers luke

2009/11/28 21:32:49
Timmeh
Will be a great addition!
2009/11/29 10:53:02
cjdeane10
quote:
Originally posted by digginganddirt

hey mate how much did that set ya back if ya dont mind me asking cheers luke




PM sent
2009/04/12 10:37:55
cjdeane10
same old chestnut - i need the esky to get to work and back, but i want to install all the bits aswell...

i have a week off over xmas, and was hoping to (between the festivities) get all the bits on...

it might be too ambitious to have all the bits, including tune-ing done within a week?

I would like to do it all in one hit, but if its too hard, may end up doing it bit by bit...

to do (in order of 'easiest to acheive');

- fit elec ignition, set ign timing
- fit new oil pump
- fit new rocker cover
- remove head and grind to fit double springs
- fit cam, cam gear, set cam timing
- fit webber, manifold and hook up linkage
- tune
2009/12/15 19:03:54
cjdeane10
Finished off the weber rebuild... one of the float posts is cracked, and the aux venturi was very badly bent... so need a new one, but besides that its ok.

had the choke cable break (at the sleeve join at the dash end)- so magyvered that back together and everything ok.

as expected, didn't get nearly as much of the list done... but i can see where my next few weekends will be... in the shed...
2010/03/01 13:35:54
cjdeane10
update on rebuild of the carb.

both the aux venturis and the chokes were well stuck.

when i got the venturis out, one had marks on the stem (which looks like where someone has 'bashed' it in with)...

so before its all sexy - need to get new aux venturi (8011.1 p/n) but they are 35 pounds each from dellorto.com... anyone know an aussie distributor i can get a quote from?
2010/08/01 17:40:34
cjdeane10
Stuff i have done lately;

1. got a rocker shaft second hand. will post pics later

2. Also pulled all the door trims off. got some MDF to make some blanks, hopefully this weekend.

3. got new aux venturis and other bling linkage bits and put them on the carb.

Within the next month or so should get around to the fitting of everything.

when the head is off, i will need to do some work to make sure that the extra travel of the valves is accomodated.
which leads me to another question - should i try and fit non-standard valves, or will the std ones be ok for a while?



2010/02/19 14:30:04
cjdeane10

MDF door cards


Re-Kit Carb... new everything. even a new double-cable linkage kit.


Ford rocker bar

Saving pennies for a re-spray... nothing fancy, just a freshen up...

Work is picking up, so its looking like i will be paying for someone to fit all this stuff, coz time is getting away from me...


2010/01/03 22:55:46
cjdeane10
presents arrived today...





2" lower springs and 2" lowering blocks...
2010/03/03 01:41:10
Sterling
haha nice, should look good with that height
2010/03/03 08:53:30
cjdeane10
long time - no report...

finished the 'blanks' for the door cards - going to figure out the speaker setup this weekend - will post pics later...

things have halted on the engine side - car is a DD, so to keep things moving, i will be looking at getting a hold of a 2nd hand 1600 and getting it re-built. anyone got an unadulterated 1600 xflow block in WA?

still some body work to do - got some POR15, so that means this weekend things are gunna get messy

so order has changed a bit;

- body work (POR, Bog, Weld)
- speaker setup / door cards
- suspension bits (roll guards and put springs / blocks in)

much later;
- rebuild engine
- paint
2010/09/04 16:29:14
cjdeane10
speakers arrived just gotta hook em up to the amp...

also - anyone know anyone who can roll guards in Perth?
gotta roll mine before i can drop her 2"
2010/04/15 23:50:17
cjdeane10
update;

rolled the guards
speakers are in - door cards look a little naked - need to line with carpet

new presents in the mail







new GT spec valves and strut brace. [;^)]


more urgently;
1. service - including re-doing the timing once the ignition kit is in.
2. weekend job on the suspension (fit new springs and blocks)
3. tidy up the body work
2010/05/14 10:11:16
cjdeane10
time for an update;

elec ingnition is in, door cards are lined with black hard-wearing canvas, wheels painted black (no longer brake dusty white) and some of the door rubbers have been replaced.

Just driving it to get around - but as an early xmas present i have approached my mechanic for the rebuild. got a budget, and have made the decision to just get it done (rather than gin around any longer).

the plan
head work - not much, just fit the cam, fit the valves, not too much else
bottom end - rebuild, up compression, get the right pistons with enough fly cut (224 cam needs deeper grooves outta pistons).
intake - fit (and tune) the dellorto

bobs your fathers brother!
hope to have this done early in the New yr.
2010/12/20 12:49:11
cjdeane10
met with the engine builder... all going ahead next week with the motor build...

224 cam (hi torque)
GT valves
bottom end rebuild inc;
rebore & new pistons / rings
balanced crank

when it is finally done it will be a huge relief. been waiting for this for ages.
2011/01/24 00:21:22
ratta tat tat
Sounds good, it will be screaming in no time

Those front springs look really good. Do you have a part number for them? Or any info that might be handy? Cheers
2011/01/28 00:39:48
cjdeane10
the springs were from burton - i got the 145 lb/in and these are part number RD270... there is a stiffer 175 lb/in set (same price) and they are CS435...

seems that with the mining boom anyone doing machining (and willing to touch old motors) wants / can charge like a wounded bull...

rebuild delayed - but only coz i have asked for a requote on a couple of things... should have a revised quote on Monday...
2011/01/29 18:56:01
ratta tat tat
At least you were smart enough to ask for one. I stupidly left my 711M at a reconditioner and the $350 verbal quote became a $560 invoice [:(!]

PERRY ENGINE RECONDITIONING. Petrie, Qld.
2011/01/29 20:41:18

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