Ford Cortina ForumForum for discussion of the Ford Cortina.
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hi all, i have been thinking of doing a conversion in my MK1 but i am unsure of
what engine to use. I was thinking something with turbo and efi. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to use, also one that involves the least amount of work and money. Cheers
Mark 1 Cortina has a "Kent" crossflow engine (ie intake and exhaust on different sides of the engine). It could be either 1200-1500cc standard. There are heaps of options you can do, turbos are never easy and for all the engines commonly used in Cortinas and Escorts there was no factory efi setup so you will need to be creative there as well.
The cheapest and easiest thing would be to build a crossflow engine with a bit more capacity, cam, extractors, some head work and twin webers (or a single weber). Next would be to drop in a Pinto ohc 2L engine with the same.
The 2.0 litre pinto engine from the escort or TC thru to TF cortinas is a popular conversion, the only hassle being the sump. I have seen a toyota 4AGE 1.6 DOHC engine fitted to one, and these really scream!
Personally I prefer the 250 x flow Falcon donk that is fitted to my MK1, but you have to substantially modify the firewall to squeeze on of these in.
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Four cylinder engines such as the Nissan FJ20, FJ20T (turbo), SR20DE, SR20DET (turbo), CA18DE and CA18DET (turbo), and Toyota 4AGTE (turbo version), amongst others have been fitted into MK1 and MK2 Cortina's. Basically, almost any late model four cylinder RWD engine with a rearwards sump "hump". All of these conversions will require the transmission tunnel enlarged/modified as the geabox's that mate with the engines are larger than the stock Ford item.
Click on the link below for a informative CA18DET/SR20DET conversion/s on a MK1.
Basically, almost any late model four cylinder RWD engine with a rearwards sump "hump".
Oops, made a boo boo. What I meant was any late model four with the hump at the front of the engine. It's easier to fit these engines into MK1 (and 2) Cortina's than the MK1 and MK2 Escorts because of this. The Escorts had the hump on the rear.
I would go for the sr20det if money were of no concern. But if on a budget, I'd probably be thinking of something like the aforementioned 2.0 pinto, but with turbo and straight LPG. That'd be a nice little bang for buck scenario I would think.
whatever you do, good luck, and make sure to report back!
If you want to Stay Ford think about either a 2L Escort (Pinto) Motor as a turbo (common coversion). You can also get Factory EFI for this motor. Or even look at a Cosworth Motor either N/A or Turbo (as seen on RS500 Sierras).
If you want something a little more modern then the Zetec (as found in Mondeo etc) is a common conversion in the UK. If you are interested in these types of things get hold of the Classic Ford Mag (from UK). Can normally find it in most good Newsagents.
hi all, i have been thinking of doing a conversion in my MK1 but i am unsure of
what engine to use. I was thinking something with turbo and efi. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to use, also one that involves the least amount of work and money. Cheers
bud have a look around for what u can do 2 ur standard engine first. for every ltr u should make 100bhp so have a look get somebody that can work a head and u`ll have it made. lindsaysturgeon@hotmail.com
Supremo Grandpa Car Owner 
Re: what engine in a MK1
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