Ford Escort block - 1760 Kent Engine

[Mk2EscortSport!]

Hey Guys,

I am currently building a 1760 Ford Escort with steel Datsun crank and flat top pistions. However I know that this is pretty much pushing the limits of the block. Im sure i read somewhere that there was an escort block that was released in another country that had thicker walls?? I was looking at this one for sale on trade me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 786366.htm), could this be what im lloking for?? If I cant find one I will not bore it out so much (but that would suck because i have all the parts for a very powerful engine.. If anyone knows the type of block with thick walls or if one even exists any info would be great! Cheers

[Raizer]

I can't remember the engine code, but your looking for a rare south African Xflow block, from all i have read they were made as a base for a Xflow diesel that never went into production and ended up being sold in late mk2 escorts as a standard 711M

*Another story is they were made with thick walls to cope with SA's crap fuels

Basically i would be VERY surprised if you find one!

That one on TM is just your standard 711 block, being from a Mexico doesnt really make it anything special. I don't know where he's getting this "offset crank" idea from either

http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/car_info/esc1rs16mex.htm

[Mk2EscortSport!]

Thanks for the info! I have found out it is called the AX Block. Does anyone know where i can get one of these from??

[sholdowa]

This is the block the works mexicos used, and was bored out to 1840cc. You might try hitting up Darth Vader over on the turbosport.co.uk forum. Postage won't be cheap though.

[Mk2EscortSport!]

Im travelling around the UK at the moment so hopefully I can find one over here and arrange cheap shipping but i have spent about an hour on he net and not found anything

[Mk2EscortSport!]

I have talked to darth Vader from turbosport, he is willing to find a couple in South Africa for me. Cost is around $900 incl shipping. Would anyone else be interested in one of these?? (helps bring the shipping costs down)

[Unclejake]

What bore size are you looking to go to?

Your crank etc. will not stress the block enough to cause you a problem in most cases. It is the bore size or bad balancing that promotes failure.

Spend the money crack testing and ultrasounding existing blocks that are available relatively cheaply.

T numbers and so forth are no longer as relevant with these blocks as corrosion from the water galleries has eaten most of them away if antifreeze has not been used.

Each block must be inspected individually. A 711M T1 could well be stuffed, coroded and cracked where a cooking model block that was well looked after could be mint.

True words.

[eke_zetec_RWD]

buy mine, datto crank 85mm pistons etc. ur dream bottom end!

[Mk2EscortSport!]

I would but I already have the Datto crank and pistons ready to be fitted. Just need a block. But really want a built-proof engine which is why im considering getting this XA Block from South Africa.

[peteretep]

Just get a couple of nz ones crack tested for alot cheaper and you'll know its good

[eke_zetec_RWD]

a huge amount of machining is needed, cost around 1500 ta 2000. hope u are a machinest lol

[Mk2EscortSport!]

Hey, got crank and pistons from Aussie, from a machining firm. All done and ready to install,..... cant wait to get this beast made!!!

[Gaz]

Dont ya machine the block?>

[two_days_late]

I thought so too, but apparently not:

http://www.rsmotorsport.com.au/technical/files/TC_Datsun_Crank.pdf

Cheers,

Matt

[Unclejake]

With the pre-crossflow the blocks need to be relieved around the rear journal to fit an L16 crank - I assume the crossflow block would also need to be relieved to fit an L18 crank.

Whatever.

[eke_zetec_RWD]

my block has heeps takn out of it. . . . .

[Mk2EscortSport!]

Well,.... hopwfully i wont need to machine the block.

This is the description from the guy I bought it from:

STEEL CRANKSHAFT TO SUIT 1600 CROSSFLOW AND LOTUS COSWORTH AND BDA ENGINES ETC.MADE FROM DATSUN L18 FORGED STEEL CRANKSHAFT ALL MACHINED FOR STD JOURNAL SIZES AND HAS NOT BEEN USED SINCE MODIFYING.STEEL FLYWHEEL IS AVAILABLE TO SUIT AT ADDITIONAL COST.

So I pressume it would just slot on in??

[Unclejake]

No.

The block needs to be relieved.

What bore size are you looking to go to?

Your crank etc. will not stress the block enough to cause you a problem in most cases. It is the bore size or bad balancing that promotes failure.

Spend the money crack testing and ultrasounding existing blocks that are available relatively cheaply.

T numbers and so forth are no longer as relevant with these blocks as corrosion from the water galleries has eaten most of them away if antifreeze has not been used.

Each block must be inspected individually. A 711M T1 could well be stuffed, coroded and cracked where a cooking model block that was well looked after could be mint.

True words.