Folk have been fitting different engines to Fords since time began — well that’s how it feels, anyway. In fact, Ford were at it long before any of us, and they’re probably doing it today — performing cheeky swaps in prototype departments hidden deep in the company’s various engineering centres across the world.
So over the next 10 pages, you’ll find our guide to dropping in a different engine to your classic Ford; whether it’s substituting a Pinto for a Crossflow, or even going for some more modern with 16-valves like a Duratec — it’s all here.
As with most aspects of modifying classic Fords, there are many different ways to get these engines into your cars, but we’ve tried to highlight the easiest, most cost-effective, or most use of bolt-on parts, so that your classic Ford is off the road for as short a time as possible.
Pinto into Popular and Anglia 100E
Bulkhead
Way too short for anything except a sidevalve, the only practical option is to fabricate a new one from sheet steel — this way the engine can be set back in the car for better weight distribution. You can make your own as you go but Old Ford Auto Services (OFAS) can provide plans, making the job easier.
Gearbox
The tunnel is too small for anything except the minuscule three-speed the 100E came with. A new tunnel needs fabricating if you want to fit any sort of four or five-speed. Plans from Old Ford Auto Services are available.
Bellhousing
The best to use is the alloy RS2000 type, which has two starter motor positions to choose from, providing the best compromise using standard parts. If you combine this with an alloy sump from the same car, clearance won’t be an issue around an Escort crossmember either, plus the clutch cable is sorted.
Sump
The Pinto uses a rear-bowl sump so it makes even more sense to set the engine back in the car and use it in conjunction with an Escort-based front suspension kit. RS2000 sumps are alloy and ideal.
Clutch cable
The clutch pedal requires adapting to take a cable, while you’ll need an exit fitting for the cable, through the bulkhead. At the other end, if you use an RS2000 bellhousing and sump, the cable brackets are already there.
Brake master cylinder
If you’re using Escort-based brakes then you need to upgrade the standard master cylinder to 0.75 inch and if you’re fitting larger
