1987 Cabby Shell

[escortnutwoody]

hi i have just been given a 1987 1.1 d reg escort cabby Shell checked via dvla vechicle enquiry service. The Shell has rust where the battery tray is and needs changing also has a hole on rear n/s sill but as far as i can tell that is it. I will be trying to get the car Shell chemically dipped if possible. I am thinking about putting a 1.7 ford puma engine in it if i can but don't really know where to start. I will be looking at buying a complete puma in and ripping it a part for all the running gear but is this a good idea or keep it with a 1.1. any advice is welcome

[FOCA]

You might be better getting an Escort of a similar vintage to use as a donor car, like a 1.6/xr3i/ rs-turbo (CVH 1.6L ) more of the parts will fit on, including running gear/ trim etc you could also fit the xr/rs trim/ bodywork etc to the cabby

Apparently there are more rs turbos left than xr3is - even though there were a lot more xr3is made (they used to fil our high streets/ car parks on sat nights!)

It would be a lot of hassle to go to to just have a 1.1L, i would fit at least a 1.6L and probably looking for an rs-turbo (Escort mk3 1.6 CVH RS turbo ) if it was me - the Focus ST225 motor might fit (Volvo 5-pot) that would be interesting!

[L666JER]

Apparently there are more rs turbos left than xr3is - even though there were a lot more xr3is made (they used to fil our high streets/ car parks on sat nights!)    

That's because they were all bought by boy racers as they were cheaper, and they ended up crashed in hedges.

[btmaldon]

That's because they were all bought by boy racers as they were cheaper, and they ended up crashed in hedges.

Didn't crash mine! :P

[AdeMk1]

A 1.1 cabby?

Must have been changed to that possibly for insurance purposes, but they certainly didn't come from factory like that!

Would have had a 1.6 Carb or 1.6i version originally.

As said if you use another escort as a donor you will have far less issues and most parts will just bolt straight over, although the loom will be a little different with yours being a Cabby.

I'd go for either a scrap or abandoned project RS Turbo or XR3i, should get a runner for £500-800.

Possibly go Zetec or Zetec Turbo at a later date.

Good luck with it & get some pics up!