Hi,
I'm new to the forum and also kit cars. Just bought a Locost which is about 75% complete - will add photos soonas I need some information on it from the experts!

It has a 1.8 zetec with a 2.0l head fitted but as of yet it needs finishing off with manifold etc. Its had a full refurb with quite a bit of money spent on it.

Question is: I've been told it has to have the sump cut to lessen the depth. Is this needed? If so, why and is it easy to do?

Other question is: Exhaust manifold - will a standard zetec manifold do the job or do I need anything special for the exiting of the exhaust?

Thanks in advance...
John

Hi
If it sits too low in the chassis and the bottom of the sump is close to the ground then it would be best to chop it, how easy it is depends on what version of zetec it is i.e. is it an alloy cast sump (early silvertop) or part ally part steel (later blacktop).
You could probably make something up using the standard manifold if required, although it is a pretty restrictive thing and therefore not the best power option.

Hope that helps

Cheers
Alex

Welcome!

As far as I know the Zetec sump needs reducing to improve ground clearance and to allow it to fit under the bonnet. westfieldsportscars.co.uk supply a modified sump in their parts section.

Not sure about the manifold at this stage though.

HTH

Yes, you can use the standard manifold - I did it in a Sylva many years ago, but it's a cheap way of doing it, not a proud way of doing it.

A sump from an Escort with a Zetec engine is shallower than one from a Mondeo, and in my experience, has not come into contact with the road or speed bumps. If you are trying to get the car on the road I would save the expense, use an Escort, one and delay changing it until later, if necessary.

Cheers Guys....

I am intending to use only as a track car so I will see what sump is actually fitted and if necessary source an escort sump.

Thanks again, much appreciated...

John

Escort 1800 sump clearance.

I have seen a couple of luego's with the engine jacked up higher and the sump looked ok, i pretty much have the engine gearbox prop level into the diff and i have 72mm clearance at the lowest point of the escort sump.

I think a chop to the same level as the bellhouse is in order.
Rescued attachment sump 72mm clearance.jpg

A budget Sump is the 1.8 Sierra cvh sump, if you find one

Theres some pictures in my archive of my 1.8 in book chassis.

Escort sump is your best bet. The best way is to see what clearance u have with the engine in place and the ride height set. You can easily change it with the engine in. If i still had the mondeo sump on mine it would be about 10mm from the floor.

You can use standard zetec manifold but wont look that good. For track use i dont think itl release much power. I used a fisher sportscars manifold but the westfiled one look much better quality. Just depends where u want it to exit the body. Mines out the bonnet westy is side of the body. The MK ones are very good quality aswell.

Why have you fitted a 2.0 head to a 1.8 bottom end, this will lower the CR below standard when you need it increased slightly if anything. You can chop the bottom off the ally sump and reweld it flatbottommed with ally plate, you will need to alter the pickup pipe to suit.
HTH
Ian

it was like this when i bought it and it came from Ford All in Sheffield from the guys own car.

I just assumed it would be ok - I am now pondering!

As has been said, don,t use a 2.0 head on a 1.8 as they are different. I have had them side by side and the chambers are much bigger on the 2.0 head although valves are the same size.

You need to find a 1.8 head or have the 2.0 head skimmed down to recover your compression ratio.

Ive had confirmation that the engine is all 1.8.....

I am running the 1.8, I have had my sumpcut down and welded so it is level with the gearbox, yo also need to consider fitting baffles in the sum as the engine is oriented a different way and on cornering braking etc the oil surge will be affected especially if your using it on the track. Another thing to consider is the steering column as it comes into cotact with the oil filter (see other threads) and that you use the 1600 escort water pump as the 1800 and 2000 items turn the wrong way. Increasing the height of the engine to give greater clearance defeats the object as you will affect the centre of gravity (the lower the better).

I hae used the standard cast manifold and had a stainless pipe and silencer made to offer up to the downpipe.

Depending on the inlet system you use you will also need to consider where you locate the alternator and which type to use. I have twin 40's and an alternator from a sierra fitted below my inlet.

My Brother in law has bike carbs and has had to fit his altenator on the opposite side of the engine his is fromn a Dhaihatsu I think