Hello all, I have just joined and hoped that someone can assit with some info I am after?
- 5spd gearbox conversion: T9, T50 or W50. I like the idea of keeping all Ford, but don't like the mods req'd to the body to fit it. The ratios in the W50 look good, but I don't know how hard it is to source and fit, and what other components are needed to integrate it to the Escort systems? I'd prefer to keep the cable clutch.
- Rubbers and Seals: Where is a good place to source all the trims/seals/rubbers as a good quality reproduction? Nowhere I have found has all in one place and I am not sure of different sellers quality and fit.
- Same goes for Interior trim. I want to convert from the Chamois colour to black so need everthing, including a 6dial crash pad.
- Roll cages: For 70% weekend blasts and Hillclimbs/Sprints and possible Historics when late mdl MK1's are allowed, or even Tarmac Rallies, I would like to retain the use of the back seat though. Which is a good company, and how much would they cost?
- Front brakes: I am looking for the biggest kit that will fit in 13 x 7 deep dish minilites/superlites, any ideas? Hispec in the UK have a good looking kit.
- Pedal boxes: How hard are they to fit and what is required? I'd prefer to keep with a cable clutch.
- Glass: I need a new Windscreen and the door glass due to the typical scratches over the years, any ideas as to where to source these from?
 
That's a start anyway, thanks for any help offered. I am located in Gippsland, East Victoria.

Hi.
 
What engine/ spec are you going to be running?
 
The Type 9 is probably the easiest conversion and will be fine for up to 180 odd hp I believe. It is just a case of removing the original gearbox mounts, moving them 50mm further back and moving the shifter hole in the floor. You bolt up the 2L bell housing and can use the same speedo cable, standard length single piece tail shaft etc The ratios are the same as the standard 2L 4 speed, but there are kits you can get with a taller first gear from the uk and SMCKA Performance I believe.
 
I personally wouldn't waste your time with a W50 box, I run one in my car and I have never liked it.. mine is a nasty shifting box and I am always damaging syncros. It will take a lot more punishment than the T9 though. If you are thinking about using a toyota box get a hold of one of the later alloy cased W series boxes, they are much nicer.
 
I would look to the UK for rubbers, there are quite a few companies that sell them over there.
 
Roll cages, hopefully someone from your area can recommend a good fabricator.
 
I use Volvo four pots and bmw E30 discs on my car (very common conversion), they probably aren't the best, but they are good for a budget set up.
 
Pedal boxes, lots of kinds out there.. easy to get off the shelf ones suitable for both cable and hydraulic clutches. Try to get one that is based around the original pedal box. I have a Gartrac pedal box in my car, it is fine.. but was pretty pricey. Some of the cheaper pedal boxes out there flex way too much. They are pretty easy to fit, just a case of bolting it in and plumbing it up. In my Mk2 I had to build a brace for the firewall as it was flexing too much, as the factory booster bracket is braces the firewall. Lots of people seems to get away without bracing the firewall, so I am not sure what I am missing.
 
You should be able to get a front screen from your local windscreen mob, give them a call you might be surprised.  
 
Hope this helps somewhat.
 
Cheers,
 
Damion

Thanks Damion, I spoke to Geoff at Eurospeed yesterday about a C/R T9 and quick shift, just a bit pricey really, but would be a great conversion. I just don't like the idea of knocking around my little Esky, I've owned it for 15 years in it's mostly matching numbers state.
When you fit a pedal box you loose the booster don't you? What is the brake feel like after that?
Cheers for the info.
Al.

Hi Al,
 
Yeah, you do. The brake feel is definitely firmer. You can fit it VH44 booster in the front circuit to help if it is too firm.
 
If you have no need change the pedal box and remove the booster, I would keep it as it is.
 
Cheers.