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

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!

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.

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

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!