Mid engine kit car

[thecarbuilder246]

Hi all
New to posting as I can't find in the topic's anything relevant to my build.
I'm building a ferrari dino replica and I'm using a brand new crate cosworth V6
engine.This was from the later granada.
I want to know what front wheel drive gearbox would mate to this engine to sit transversely
in the engine bay. It was using a ford escort rs2000 box with lsd via an adaptor plate but
the gear linkage was crap and I don't think it will handle the power I intend to put through.
Not too bothered about 5 or 6 speed either. Was looking at ford focus st225 and mondeo st220
gearboxes.
Anybody out there done anything like this?
thanks in advance
Ian

[thecarbuilder246]

Thanks for the input guys. I want use the cossie unit as I have everything for it-aftermarket ecu / stainless manifolds and full stainless exhaust and at the moment it is fitted in the car. As I said earlier it's mounted to an RS200 escort box with limited slip diff but 1, I don't think the box is going to handle the power for to long 2, being a mid engine the gear shift pattern is reversed (1st gear now 5th gear) 3, Changing gear is a bit hit and miss.
I know I will need an adaptor plate and have looked in to these (there is one fitted at the moment). The noble uses a mondeo box ( I think ) which bolts to the v6 duratec which I believe is a mazda unit, the focus being different to the mondeo box as that bolts to a volvo engine.
What I was really trying to find out was which was the stronger box the mondeo unit or the focus unit? I have been advised to go for a diesel gearbox as these handle the torque better but the downside being they have longer gear ratios.
confused!!
ian

[thecarbuilder246]

Does the focus mk2 rs gearbox comes with a limited slip diff fitted as standard? My local ford dealer says it does although the part numbers for the casings aren't the same as the st gearbox which doesn't have it. He says a ltd slip can be fitted to the st box but it ain't £heap. He tell's me the mondeo box has plastic selectors to.

[thecarbuilder246]

I doubt it would be a new box. Local ford dealer is quoting 2.5k for a new rs box and a ford reconditioned one at 1.5k. But I have a gearbox guru who can rebuild virtually any gearbox so I'll most likely source a good second hand one.Might even go for focus st225 as a ford rebuild comes in a £500 ish on an exchange basis.
Looking for about 250/300bhp to start with but with scope to increase as funds become available.
I have a spare cossie block but really need a shot gearbox to see how thing fit together before spending big money.

[thecarbuilder246]

I have managed to source a "spares or repairs" focus st gearbox for 65 quid delivered! Looking at LSD's they are listed at around £700 ish new but they fit both the mondeo st220 box and the focus st box. Are these the same box or same outer casing with different internals? And if the casing is the same to both models are they the same casing on the focus rs? I have seen focus rs gearboxes with a warranty for £800.
My thinking is get the st box to work then source a focus rs box as these come with a lsd as standard.
I believe the rs uses bigger drive shafts?

how much for your LSD?

[thecarbuilder246]

HI.
Not sure-the guy said it was from a focus mk 2 st and the manufacture date on the box is 06/06/06.

[thecarbuilder246]

is there anything else on the casing / code etc, or on the sticker where the manufacture date is to correctly identify it? there is a bar code on it too

[thecarbuilder246]

Hi All
Well I've got the gearbox sitting on the engine and everything looks like it's going to work. I have the cosworth bellhousing spec's but can't seem to find the volvo/ford M66 gearbox bellhousing bolt pattern. Anyone know where I could find this. Then I can get my adaptor plate cnc'd and sort a flywheel and clutch.
ian

[thecarbuilder246]

Hi all

I've managed to fit the m66 box to the v6 but have come across another box that may be useful. That is the vw/audi group's 02m 6 speed box. Same sort of dimensions to the m66 box but if I'm honest looks better made!!
I've sourced one from a seat cupra cup but the problem seems to be it comes with drive cups attached to the output from the box.
What I'd like to know is if these can be removed and a splined type intermediate shaft (similar to the ford) be use instead? According to the forums they are a robust box and also the starter bolts to the box too so removes that problem. A bit lighter as well.

ian

[thecarbuilder246]

Hi all

I've completely changed my mind on this one. Out go the ford focus box and the seat/vw 02m box.
In comes the toyota Mr2 Turbo box. MId Engined to start with. Cable change and able to take upwards of 300bhp.
And LSD as standard. I've picked up a low milage car (89,000 KM) that had failed it's mot on rust and that has
supplied me with the box/clutch flywheel/starter/drive shafts/cable linkage and gearshifter. Now I know a lot of this
will only be used for measurements or mocking up but it's a good start.
Now my question is does anyone know of a company doing custom Flywheels. I need a flywheel for a toyota mr2
that can fit to a ford cosworth V6 and take in to account the 10mm adaptor plate. I plan on using the standard type
Mr2 clutch pattern and flywheel so I can retain the mr2 starter. A mildly uprated clutch will be used.

ian

[thecarbuilder246]

HI

Thanks. I did have a quick look a ttr but I thought they did just stock flywheels.
I'm going to stick with the mr2 starter as it bolts to the gearbox.
Anybody know of someone doing custom adaptor plates?

ian

[thecarbuilder246]

Fastdruid said:

Around £300 I believe. I've not used them personally though, I just seem to recall someone paid about that for one. Was a few years ago though.

That doesn't seem to bad. I've seen off the shelf standard flywheels for £600 upwards!!

[thecarbuilder246]

Hi All

Just in the process of getting an adaptor plate made. I've had the mr2 turbo box measured and a test plate done but a couple of the holes are not quite spot on. My question is would anyone have the dimensions or bolt pattern for the toyota mr2 turbo box? What I need really is the dowel locations. The ford part is spot on.
Ian