Mk3 spitfire build with focus engine

[phillip ridley]

Hello everyone I’ve been offered a complete Ford Focus to use for the engine for my mk3 has anyone already done this and how difficult is it please 

[Velocita Rosso]

I know someone who fitted a Ford engine to his 1500.....easy enough, but just be aware of the paperwork involved, eg log book /MOt etc

Ford Spitfire doesn`t ring well though.... 

[phillip ridley]

Quoted from Velocita Rosso-

I know someone who fitted a Ford engine to his 1500.....easy enough, but just be aware of the paperwork involved, eg log book /MOt etc

Ford Spitfire doesn`t ring well though.... 

Thanks forgot to mention it’s a st170 but very cheep one thanks

[TimW]

2.0l Zetec has been fitted into a MK4 by bobbyspit. he did a thread on the build on the old site. it did involve some big chassis modifications and a 5 speed Type 9 gearbox with suitable propshaft. Then there is the EFI to sort out but i suppose you could use the Focus EFI with ECU and butcher the engine loom to get it to run.  You'll need the EFI fuel pump and probably a  fuel swirl pot.   Don't forget you'll need to stop it so a vented disc upgrade maybe an idea.

[phillip ridley]

Quoted from MallardRBRR-

2.0l Zetec has been fitted into a MK4 by bobbyspit. he did a thread on the build on the old site. it did involve some big chassis modifications and a 5 speed Type 9 gearbox with suitable propshaft. Then there is the EFI to sort out but i suppose you could use the Focus EFI with ECU and butcher the engine loom to get it to run.  You'll need the EFI fuel pump and probably a  fuel swirl pot.   Don't forget you'll need to stop it so a vented disc upgrade maybe an idea.

Thanks Tim I will have a look but didn’t fancy altering the chassis as I thinks you loose the free road tax status maybe not a good idea to do it to the mk3 thanks Tim 

[Clive]

I have an ST170 in my spitfire. (mkIV)

Be aware the engine is the cheap bit....

You will need: 

Suitable sump or the existing one heavily modified

A solid flywheel/clutch (focus 1800 zetec is probably best cheap option, or there are new light flywheels)

Type 9 gearbox

Make engine mounts plus a few tweeks to the chassis. I made some serious mods to teh bulkhead to get the engine in, plus the VVT solenoid is VERY close on a mkIV bonnet, I think mk3 is even lower? You could delete VVT  and that will make injection easier (more of that later)

New propshaft to suit type 9

Then the expensive bits.

Injection/induction. The std ST170 stuff just won't fit, you will need aftermarket ECU and throttle bodies or bike carbs or webers. Bike carbs can work very well, and probably the cheapest way forward. Then you will still need a megajolt or similar to provide ignition.

Exhaust manifold/system. Again space is tight, easy but sapping power is the std zetec focus manifold, anything else is tricky, with nothing available off the shelf (put it this way, I spent ages sorting mine, and still think I will end up taking it for a bespoke manifold to be made, £££££)

Brakes. You WILL need gt6 sized brakes and vented discs. 

Other issues. Your diff will likely be short-lived if you use anything like the power available. You need to think of alternatives (subaru conversion works well)

No point of starting this sort of thing if you think it will be easy. You are more than welcome to see my car (currently in bits doing some accident repairs, somebody drove into the back on us when we were sat stationary in traffic)

If you want a simpler conversion in terms of engine fitting, the focus 1600 zetec engine (all alloy, very light) goes in rather easier and still produce very good power, but still it is all the ancillaries that will cost.

 

[Clive]

At present you won't lose historic road tax, and no problem with MoT, DVLA etc.

Only thing is you won't be eligibale for MoT exempt. Not that anybody in their right mind would not MoT their car.

[phillip ridley]

Quoted from cliftyhanger-

I have an ST170 in my spitfire. (mkIV)

Be aware the engine is the cheap bit....

You will need: 

Suitable sump or the existing one heavily modified

A solid flywheel/clutch (focus 1800 zetec is probably best cheap option, or there are new light flywheels)

Type 9 gearbox

Make engine mounts plus a few tweeks to the chassis. I made some serious mods to teh bulkhead to get the engine in, plus the VVT solenoid is VERY close on a mkIV bonnet, I think mk3 is even lower? You could delete VVT  and that will make injection easier (more of that later)

New propshaft to suit type 9

Then the expensive bits.

Injection/induction. The std ST170 stuff just won't fit, you will need aftermarket ECU and throttle bodies or bike carbs or webers. Bike carbs can work very well, and probably the cheapest way forward. Then you will still need a megajolt or similar to provide ignition.

Exhaust manifold/system. Again space is tight, easy but sapping power is the std zetec focus manifold, anything else is tricky, with nothing available off the shelf (put it this way, I spent ages sorting mine, and still think I will end up taking it for a bespoke manifold to be made, £££££)

Brakes. You WILL need gt6 sized brakes and vented discs. 

Other issues. Your diff will likely be short-lived if you use anything like the power available. You need to think of alternatives (subaru conversion works well)

No point of starting this sort of thing if you think it will be easy. You are more than welcome to see my car (currently in bits doing some accident repairs, somebody drove into the back on us when we were sat stationary in traffic)

If you want a simpler conversion in terms of engine fitting, the focus 1600 zetec engine (all alloy, very light) goes in rather easier and still produce very good power, but still it is all the ancillaries that will cost.

 

Thanks Clive for the detailed information much appreciated I’m bigining to think it’s going to be to much work for me and too technical to be honest and don’t know much about fuel injection systems so the st170 is still available a complete car not mine but a friends if anyone is interested I can pass his number on thanks for the help Clive 

[Clive]

I didn't really know a lot about EFI, but built up a set of throttle bodies onto a manifold, found correct injectors, worked out fuel lines and bought an ECU. Used a map from somebody else to get me to a rolling road, and have been "improving" it ever since. It is actually OK to work with once you start. Honest.

[phillip ridley]

Quoted from cliftyhanger-

I didn't really know a lot about EFI, but built up a set of throttle bodies onto a manifold, found correct injectors, worked out fuel lines and bought an ECU. Used a map from somebody else to get me to a rolling road, and have been "improving" it ever since. It is actually OK to work with once you start. Honest.

Thanks Clive I’m keeping an open mind about the engine I need to have a look at one done I think many thanks . Phill