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Zetec!

B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
This past winter, I made a commitment that when it got too hot to work outdoors, to investigate the possibilities of installing a Zetec into Rusty, my parts car. Well, it is now 100 degrees in the shade. That not only is too hot, it is too damned hot!

The plan was too look at two transmission option. The Ford Type 9 and Ford Ranger M5R1. The Type 9 should install into the Alpine without tunnel modification. Not so the M5. Both locate the shifter in the wrong place, but can be relocated without huge problems. The Type 9 is from a Merkur, which means it has the same bell housing bolt pattern as the M5. That is an issue.

Here is photo of the Zetec bell housing pattern laid on the Type 9.
IMG_3050.jpg

As you can see, only 3 bolt holes align. Once again, an addressable problem. But not at this time.

Another problem. Starter location.

IMG_3051.jpg


This is an issue that needs to be addressed as starter interference is a major issue when swapping engines into the Alpine. I'm pretty sure that a Ford 2.3 starter would fit, but the engine block would have to be trimmed. Unfortunately, the M5 transmission locates the starter in the same location.

Bill
 
B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
This is a Ranger starter and should work in this application. As you can see, it could be trimmed to lessen block carving.
IMG_3053.jpg


But I've decided to proceed on. That starter was used in the Pinto installation (with the same block location) so there is no particular need to go that route at this time. Much more important things to determine. Like what other obstacles are encountered.

So, the Type 9 was bolted to the Zetec and hoisted up for a trial fit. This not not enough of an angle for easy installation. I got it in, but needed a little "corkscrew" action.
IMG_3055.jpg


Things learned:
The Type 9 shifter location will have to be moved forward in order for it to fit into the Alpine tunnel. The shifter box is too tall. Not sure that will be sufficient, depending on exact engine location. At this point its a no-go.

Good news on the exhaust side. Actually got the engine installed with stock manifold in place. That was way more than I could do with the Duratec. I see no reason the exhaust manifold would not work.

The serpentine belt tightener will have to go.

The alternator will have to be relocated.

The intake manifold is a nonstarter. Way to wide. It is about 9" wide, there is only about 6" of clearance between the block and the inner fender. The board in this photo is a 2 X 6 (5 1/2" wide). The intake manifold extends downward about a foot!
IMG_3056.jpg


Where to proceed from here? I see no way the stock intake can be used. A log manifold with short runners would work, as would over the top, long runners. Webers?

Bill
 
socorob

socorob

Donation Time
They use bike carbs or ITBs' on the zetecs over the pond. Wouldn't that be easier to deal with?
 
sunbby

sunbby

Past SAOCA President
Donation Time
socorob said:
They use bike carbs or ITBs' on the zetecs over the pond. Wouldn't that be easier to deal with?
Click to expand...

Yes, when I was originally thinking about it that was my original plan, to use motorcycle throttle bodies. There are many examples of people doing this on the net.

Bill, I was surprised it fit with the oil filter in place. I was sure a remote adapter would be needed!
 
B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
Well, the oil filter fits, I'm not so sure it could be replaced! It definitely would be a no go with the stock engine mounts in place. A lifetime filter for sure.

I cannot get the engine to sit correctly with the Type 9 tranny. I'm going to proceed with the M5, as it is a better fit since the tunnel has been widened on this car.

Whatever you decide on for carburetion, you have about 9 1/2" from the block to the inner fender. That is measured at the bottom of the intake port.

Anybody have a crossmember with engine mounts intact that we could borrow? I cut mine off while installing the Duratec.

Bill
 
B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
Jim Stone said:
Can you come to St. Louis to pick it up?
Click to expand...

Hmmm. Probably. We have a scheduled trip to Marceline in mid July. Only problem, we were planning on taking the Alpine. I'm pretty sure the trunk is not that big.

Gotta talk this over with the power that is. She considers ditching the Alpine for the Focus a (in the words of Joe Biden) "Big Fuc*ing Deal"

Bill
 
Alpine 1789

Alpine 1789

SAOCA President
Diamond Level Sponsor
No problem. Keep me posted. I am more than happy to loan you the front suspension from my 67 rust bucket/parts car. I will want it back some day, but no hurry.
 
empireweld

empireweld

Donation Time
I picked up a pinto bellhousing for my zetec, here is a pic. Dowel sleeves line up
and the top 5 bolts.
 

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empireweld

empireweld

Donation Time
That is my understanding, that a type 9 or a rocket 4 speed. As to the starter it is setup to mount lower. I will take more pics in the am. I do not how that will work. I don't have a cherry picker, and I need to shuffle the shop to get my gantry crane or forklift near the Alpine.
 

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B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
empireweld said:
That is my understanding, that a type 9 or a rocket 4 speed. As to the starter it is setup to mount lower. I will take more pics in the am. I do not how that will work. I don't have a cherry picker, and I need to shuffle the shop to get my gantry crane or forklift near the Alpine.
Click to expand...

Looks familiar. My guess is the block will no longer be acceptable as a core after you get the starter mounted. Not that that is particularly bad, just means there is some carving ahead of you.

Located any good motor mount locating bosses? I haven't. Some stuff that can be used, but not particularly good or convenient.

Bill
 
B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
While you are scoping out the Zetec bell, could you scope out the possibility of mating it to the Type 9 or a T5? Also, it is not necessary to use a Zetec bell. Almost any Escort bell from the past 20 years or so will work. The Zetec is a CVH block with different head.

I can see no reason the stock starter location will not work. The usual starter interference point is a steering arm. The Zetec location places the starter above the arm.

Bill
 
Alpine 1789

Alpine 1789

SAOCA President
Diamond Level Sponsor
Jim Stone said:
I am more than happy to loan you the front suspension from my 67 rust bucket/parts car. I will want it back some day, but no hurry.
Click to expand...

Bill: I am afraid I am going to have to withdraw my offer. I just came back from having my SV inspected. It passed, but the mechanic showed me how badly the front end bushings have worn. That is not at all surprising, as they have not been touched in the 35 years I have had the car and are likely original. Since I have very little experience with such things, I think my best option is to work on the spare one, get that completely rebuilt and then swap it into the SV. At the rate I work these days, I will be lucky to have it on the car by the time of the next inspection.

Sorry.
 
Ken Ellis

Ken Ellis

Donation Time
Bill, how well does it have to work? I have two available, that are rusty. Rusty wheels to match. Let me know. Available for indefinite loan.

Ken
 
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