Tracking a Puma...

[AB]

I've bought a Ford Puma for buttons. Immaculate condition except for a goosed engine - which was previously a 1.6.

A friend and I plan on stripping it out and making it into a bit of a track day car, we're very much beginners.

RS engine conversion was suggested but we don't know what will fit etc. has anyone done similar!?

What engines fit?

Where's best to look?

I thought the Puma was a good base as the handling is pretty good out of the box and when I say it was cheap, if it was much cheaper it would have been free.

[rb5er]

You have loads of options of engines that can be fitted in a puma as it is basically a fiesta with a different body.

1.6 cvh turbo
1.7 155bhp racing puma
1.8 zetec turbo or n/a
2.0 zetec turbo or n/a
2.0 st170 duratec (a zetec engine really badged as duratec)
2.0 focus rs turbo
2.3 zetec

And a few others.

[ohtari]

rb5er said:

You have loads of options of engines that can be fitted in a puma as it is basically a fiesta with a different body.

1.7 155bhp racing puma

And a few others.

This is the only one that would make any sense, well that or a standard 1.7L. the zetec range of engines are completely different to the sigma engine design of the 1.4/1.6/1.7

Bear in mind that the 1.7 has variable valve timing, and so you'd be best finding a complete engine and loom.

[Evil Monkey]

Get yourself onto www.projectpuma.com as there are always people on there selling parts. I think a few of the guys have done track cars too so there should be plenty of advice available.

Love my Puma!

[damci]

The 1.6 engine is the most tuneable of the standard Puma engines and will obviously bolt straight in. RS/ST conversions are lots of work to get them to fit. I'd personally strip it out, bolt a 1.7 lump in and fit some ST150 brakes and have some fun!

[EDLT]

I'd just put another 1.6 in and spend the rest on actually driving the thing.

[DrTre]

It's tricky because they're very secretive and usually sleep during the day. Territories are huge too.
You'll need to look out for evidence of their territorial markings, and how recent they are.
Binoculars, even night vision would be useful.
Good luck.

[rb5er]

ohtari said:

This is the only one that would make any sense, well that or a standard 1.7L. the zetec range of engines are completely different to the sigma engine design of the 1.4/1.6/1.7

Bear in mind that the 1.7 has variable valve timing, and so you'd be best finding a complete engine and loom.

Personally I`d much prefer one of the other engines that would provide more shove and mroe unlockable potential in future, but I guess its down to how much power the op fancies as its a blank canvas really.

[AB]

damci said:

The 1.6 engine is the most tuneable of the standard Puma engines and will obviously bolt straight in. RS/ST conversions are lots of work to get them to fit. I'd personally strip it out, bolt a 1.7 lump in and fit some ST150 brakes and have some fun!

That's the plan. Have found a 1.7 lump, will strip it out and start from there?

[balders118]

The things is a standard 1.7 isn't really fast enough to enjoy on a track IMO. It's an absaloute hoot on twisty country roads, but on a wide, open track I just think that it doesn't have enough umph to be that much fun - i.e. you'd get more enjoyment driving it on the road than on a track. The racing puma is a different kettle of fish, as the extra 25hp helps, but the handling is just in another leauge to the standard 1.7.

Edited by balders118 on Sunday 13th January 20:09

[ohtari]

rb5er said:

Personally I`d much prefer one of the other engines that would provide more shove and mroe unlockable potential in future, but I guess its down to how much power the op fancies as its a blank canvas really.

The intake/exhaust manifolds are on opposite sides, the axles are different, as is the front suspension geometry. To mention a few good reasons...

[damci]

AB said:

damci said:

The 1.6 engine is the most tuneable of the standard Puma engines and will obviously bolt straight in. RS/ST conversions are lots of work to get them to fit. I'd personally strip it out, bolt a 1.7 lump in and fit some ST150 brakes and have some fun!

That's the plan. Have found a 1.7 lump, will strip it out and start from there?

Make sure the cambelt has been changed before you fit it

I wouldn’t bother with big power personally I never thought it needed any more as it would ruin the handling and balance of the car.

[andym1603]

The sky is your limit if you are capable. Over on Pumapeople there is this thread
http://www.pumapeople.com/forum/index.php?showtopi...
It is basically a 4x4 Cosworth Puma build blog.

[TVR Sagaris]

DrTre said:

It's tricky because they're very secretive and usually sleep during the day. Territories are huge too.
You'll need to look out for evidence of their territorial markings, and how recent they are.
Binoculars, even night vision would be useful.
Good luck.

[rb5er]

ohtari said:

The intake/exhaust manifolds are on opposite sides, the axles are different, as is the front suspension geometry. To mention a few good reasons...

Manifolds on opposite sides, why is that a problem? The 1.6 zetec is an engine that was standard fit in a puma and focus and mounting points I believe are exactly the same as the 2.0zetec engine. No problem here.

Axles are different? Do you mean driveshafts? Custom ones are cheap.

Front suspension geometry? Different in what application? Why do you think this would change?

These are ALL things that have been overcome plenty of times before as ALL of these engines have been fitted to pumas many times. I don`t see why you think it is such a big deal on a project car. Its up to the op how far he wants to go.

[AB]

Would an s/c or turbo bolt on easy enough at a later date?

My bro is the mechanical know how and will be doing the engine swap etc, I'm more just chucking ideas around and seeing what people think.

[sparkythecat]

balders118 said:

The things is a standard 1.7 isn't really fast enough to enjoy on a track IMO. It's an absaloute hoot on twisty country roads, but on a wide, open track I just think that it doesn't have enough umph to be that much fun

I beg to differ sir.
Take a look at this man having bags of fun on a wide open track in a standard Puma.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3QuH7z1Z1o

[s p a c e m a n]

Erm, budget.. at least a clue?

[Fun Bus]

I assume this is a different Puma to the one your OH bought?

[AB]

Fun Bus said:

I assume this is a different Puma to the one your OH bought?

No, same one.

We just got her a new Golf so we went halves on the Puma.

I did originally put the Puma for sale but looks like the engine issue is worse than first thought so its going into storage unit to be worked on over time as and when time allows. Looking forward to it.