RV8 into P reg Escort 2 door??

stu8 · Post by **stu8** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 3:47 pm

My Focus V8 uses swopped hubs.

I hope you realise you can't use the original rack, unless you want turning left and right to be opposite to what you actually want!!

You need a rack originally mounted forward of the axle line, Sierra is a useful source, there are quite a few variations.
Don't weld the column, Senna would confirm it's a bad idea.
There a plenty of joints to give variations.
V8 Headers and steering always clash.

Mine uses adapter blocks to move the track rod end swivel point back into the true line and correct for bump steer.

Everyone quotes Ackerman and the diff centreline but it's not as simple as that, but it's a starting point.

.

ian.stewart · Post by **ian.stewart** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 4:03 pm

Gartrac were the people who did the RWD conversions,

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Mon Jul 12, 2010 12:29 pm

Why are you moving the steering, because the engine gets in the way? Have you though about moving the engine further back into the car? That would help weight distribution, save faffing with the steering etc. From what I remember of Mk5/6 'Scorts there's a fair amount of space where the dash is.

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Mon Jul 12, 2010 4:55 pm

The Escort rack runs in front of the firewall smack in the middle of where I want a gearbox.
Its baby steps at this time. I have an MGB rack assembly to play with as well. The reversed hubs put the steering arm in front where I want it. I'm doing some research into steering technology as the thing is being cut up to accept the engine and box, so I have plenty of time.

All suggestions and pointers will be greatly appreciated. As the lad cant afford much I can at least lend him a fully working drive train when its ready for driving tests next year

kevcon · Post by **kevcon** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:41 pm

Know this is a bit late as you have already, but was always interested in V6 2.8 front wheel driving my mk3 escort (transverse) or V8 mid engining it.

Was lead to believe that the mounting of the engine behind the front seats onto a Renault 21 gearbox would be quite straight forward.
Gartac if I remember rightly used mk2 escort and then sierra cross members, steering racks and suspension.

A good book for reference is ESCORTS MK1,2,3,4 DEVELOPMENT AND COMPETITION HISTORY has a complete section on the RS1700T and will be able answer most of your questions.

hope this helps kev

here a like to one on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ESCORTS-MK1-2-3-4 ... 500wt_1154

P.S try OLD copys of fast car around 1990 they featured a few rover v8 power escorts

Flying Phil · Post by **Flying Phil** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 1:36 pm

mgbv8 wrote:The Escort rack runs in front of the firewall smack in the middle of where I want a gearbox.
Its baby steps at this time. I have an MGB rack assembly to play with as well. The reversed hubs put the steering arm in front where I want it. I'm doing some research into steering technology as the thing is being cut up to accept the engine and box, so I have plenty of time.

All suggestions and pointers will be greatly appreciated. As the lad cant afford much I can at least lend him a fully working drive train when its ready for driving tests next year

Hi Perry
Another alternative could be to use the front cross member plus steering rack, springs, shocks , hubs and brakes from a MG Midget/AH Sprite. That gives a narrower track than an MGB. (I used that for my old Pro Rover BGT to give a lower narrower front end)