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Mach1 · 06-13-2003, 04:03

What numbers and letters are on the block of a 1600cc kent engine, how can you tell the difference between a 1600, 1300, and 1100. Also ive heard all the people tuning the 2litre why not the the kent 1600, ive heard some good things about the kent eg lighter, i know the end power for an 1600 will not be as high as a 2 ilitre but they must be fairly good as they use them in formula fords.

Anyone with escort experience can you please give me some info and if working a 1600 pushrod engine not the 1600 pinto what would be the best way to go.

Also if anyone has the power figures and characteristics of the 1600cc kent it would be great to see. I can not find any around.

Cheers

shaft · 06-13-2003, 04:58

I have no technical info for you, however my old mk2 had a 1600, i do know the cam had been done, full zorst incl headers, and a large single carb. I suspect that it may have had some head work done as well as it would have no trouble showing all the local 2.0 eskys up.

I Churned thru 2 diff's, 3 gearboxes and many many sets of rear tyres

Damn i miss that car.

/me turns the clock back 10 years!

Mach1 · 06-13-2003, 05:06

Yeah everyones obsessed with the 2 litre and because i have a mk 1 i would rather keep it as original as possible. Thats why i want to know what i can do to the 1600 kent engine.

I used to have a mk2 2litre it was fun but only had it on my L's then sold it before i got my p's, i guess i never really got to drive it like it couldve been. Dammit i wish i had never sold it, but i like the mk1s better thats why i got one, i have two mk1 2doors kinda trying to build up a good road/track car eventually

rsgerry · 06-13-2003, 05:57

well, i am no mechanic, but the main problem for the 1600 vs the 2000 is that the 1600 puts out approx 70hp. the two litre is closer to 100hp. you then have to spend some mony on the kent to get the same power for less $$$ than the pinto. dont even consider the 1300. not heavy enough to be a boat anchor, too heavy to be a paperweight.

i dont think we got the 1100 here in mk2 escort form, but i have an 1100 valencia engine in my fiesta and let me tell you, it doesnt exactly cause traction problems, in any gear or in any road condition.

however, the mk1 escort is a bit lighter than the mk2 (i dont know the weights) and the 1600 works nicely in it. however, i drove a friends mk1 rs2000 (worked) and could not stop grinning. it is the closest thing to a go kart i have ever experienced...instant throttle response (two webers do that every time), super stiff suspension and razor sharp steering. and then there was the noise...sensational. new cars are great, but every now and again, it is worth taking an old car out just to remember what it is like to be completely in charge of the car (abs, traction control...and the adrenelin rush that 'no air bag' provides

Prud · 06-13-2003, 22:27

Hey,

The deck height is about an inch different between 1300 and 1600. Compare near the water outlet (top radiator hose) and you'll see what I mean. The only number I know anything about is the T number on the side of the block - down near the back, passenger side from memory. The T number is a casting number. The higher the T, the later in the casting. If I get it right, the higher the T the more you can overbore, but I'm not 100% sure about that.

For good info on these motors, go and see http://www.spannerfodder.com/the_works_escorts.php
Its the re-located www.osella.com.au Escort site. Tuns of info, and a heap of Escort racers on the webboard.

L8a,
Prud

XR6 VCT UTE · 06-13-2003, 23:23

yeh as prud mentioned the deck height is different,1600 is higher from memory and the 1600 engine is quite the performer ,obviously cant produce the torque the 2 ltr can in tuned form,If your going for outright power and driveability I would go for the 2 ltr ,not a huge job to fit to the mk1.

460cixy · 06-14-2003, 05:24

from all reports off a mate that loves mk1 eskys the kent is realy where its at un less u go cosworth :) mmmm yum cosworth

Prud · 06-14-2003, 17:18

Hey,

I'm trying to find the links, but a guy off Osella years ago named Jif (from South Africa) actually figured out a way to make a 1600 Kent weigh in at 2000cc+. Used Alfa bits, Saab bits(? maybe BMW), and a slight overbore/stroke. It was all done through a wrecking yard and an understanding engine builder. Was a comprehensive article, but I haven't found it since Osella moved to SpannerFolder.

I'll keep looking - But it might be quicker to have a really close read through the 1600 part of the webboard, or ask the experts on Osella/Spannerfolder.

Sorry, 1600s just aren't quick enough in a MkII Corty. They were fine when I ran around in a MkI Escort, but the 2L Pinto is just a large amount faster. Buy a 2L, find sideways heaven.

L8a,
Prud

carazy · 06-15-2003, 04:25

I agree the neva say die 1600's are good but the 2lt pinto's are hard to beat.
One of those with good bottom end a little head work, nice cam and a phat carby setup and you have a total weapon!

Mach1 · 06-15-2003, 06:07

yeah i could get a 2 litre off a mate maybe i should just do that and sell the other engines, it seems as though the 2 litres the way to go.

Anyone want to buy any mk1 escort parts?? Hehe