BA engines in older fords - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

HO HO HO! · 09-26-2002, 00:01

I'm not sure if this thread should be in the garage, but I'll post it anyway. The engines of the Ba range are fantastic, but there's also no doubt that they're being blunted by the BA's weight. what dreamers like me want to know is how easy it would be to transplant a BA engine into an older, lighter ford. For example, the Barra 182 would be great in the likes of an EL XR6. Only weigh 1550kg (apx) and with a short diff would be a great package. Turbo would be better still of course, maybe in a lowered GLi for the ultimate sleeper. Or into a TF cortina for a total pocket rocket (Mod the suspension and brakes though). I'm sure there'd be enough under bonnet real estate for those engines to fit. Would you need the whole engine or could you just swap the heads? What block/bottom end alterations has the BA introduced.

Also, what about the V8s? Can the 5.4 be made to fit e-series or AU falcons? I'm sure space would be tight, but would it be possible, maybe with custom headers? I'm guessing the BOSS engine would be to hard to fit in those fords. However, as XA-XE's seem to have no problems swallowing a big block, you'd ahve to say a 5.4 conversion would be a snap. Now that would make a great street machine, an arrow straight wild violet XD with 17in Simmonds OM mags and packing a 5-speed 5.4 32 valve V-8. Brilliant performance and good fuel economy. You could cruise in it, take it to the drags or be very competitive in club circuit racing. What do people think?

FordXR8 · 09-26-2002, 00:06

i would love a turbo barra i6 in an EF XR6, and worked to at least 15psi

EAFGhia · 09-26-2002, 00:50

hmm DOHC I6 turbo in the EA, sounds like a damn good idea if you ask me

09-26-2002, 01:13

I dont see why the I6 Turbo wouldnt fit in an E series car. i would even bet it would bot straight up. but the electronics would be the problem. there. totaly different computers etc,etc. Fly-by-wire. etc

ChuBBz · 09-26-2002, 01:47

Didnt the early FEUs have AU bodies with the BA engines?
These engines are pretty tall (5.4s) - i doubt they would fit into E-series vehicles (Not sure about others) But it terms of 'bolting straight up', well, i really doubt that. Its very premature to say so.
I hope I'm wrong though.

T3man · 09-26-2002, 01:49

The engine block is the same - there are mods to the pistons, rings, gudgeon pin but apparently the cranks and conrods are the same.

Cobra · 09-26-2002, 03:15

Like what svoghia said, The elctrics would be the problem. Mechancially it would fit in pretty easily to an E-series car Id reckon, but all those bloody electonic bullshit, and youd have to find a loom to plug it all upto.

discokin6 · 09-26-2002, 03:39

You'd have to have an AU-onwards car for a Barra I6. The AU onwards cars have a cast sump, compared with the pressed steel sump earlier. The cast sump will cause clearance issues with the front crossmember on XA-EL Falcons, But if you are good at MIG welding, the crossmember can be relocated.

Have a look at this article to get more of an idea:

http://www.trueblueford.com/LeesEA.html

The Fonz · 09-26-2002, 03:49

Id just be happy with a std Barra 182 donk in my 88 EA GL. With that in my car and its much lower weight compared to a BA it would go like the proverbial .Though as someone said before fitting the motor/tranny/D-T may not be so hard, making computer workarounds for security,sensors and the engine management system would be a mongrel. It may be better wiring a aftermarket system such as a MOTEC but they cost a packet.

I can only imagine what a BOSS 260 V8 donk in my car , well it would be caught in permanent wheelspin !-lol

Cobra · 09-26-2002, 03:52

Quote:

Originally posted by discokin6
You'd have to have an AU-onwards car for a Barra I6. The AU onwards cars have a cast sump, compared with the pressed steel sump earlier. The cast sump will cause clearance issues with the front crossmember on XA-EL Falcons, But if you are good at MIG welding, the crossmember can be relocated.

Have a look at this article to get more of an idea:

http://www.trueblueford.com/LeesEA.html

Thanks mate, youve ruined it for everyone!

:MUha: