CVH to Zetec conversion in a Westfield SEI wide

[stantman]

Preparing for conversion of CVH to 2.0l zetec at moment on my SEIW Westfield with type 9 box. Was told yesterday that gear box needs a chop and a shotened prop to fit in same location as current engine.

factory advised new chassis plates to mount engine required as tunnel to narrow to push geabox back.

I dont fancy the chopping of the gear box and assume a new mount for the box would be required anyway along with the shortened drive shaft.

With the exclusion of the forward weight shift of the engines new position, does anyone know of any issues o the new engine mount plate option.

Or any other advice with the converson process.


Cheers

[Mojocvh]

Can I ask WHY?

[Mr2Mike]

I don't quite understand what gearbox you currently have? I'm guessing a 4 speed?

[Justin S]

What a load a crap. I had a Westie SEi that had a CVH with a type nine and was converted to a black top zetec. The box and prop is the same. The engine block is basically the same on a zetec as a CVH. It will bolt to the same place using the same engine mounts. You will need an inline sump, different flywheel and you should be able to use the same clutch. The bellhousing is the same and is the starter motor.Get that lot in and mail me for any thing else you need to know.

[CorseChris]

Wot he said! If you already have the type 9, then it's a pretty straighforward job. Converting from a 4 speed to 5 speed, now that's a different matter, but still not that bad. I originally built our '91 SEiW with a 4 speed & Xflow, but put a Zetec and type 9 in it a few years back. Indeed, the tunnel is too narrow on the earlier cars to push the box back, which means with a Xflow to Zetec conversion you end up having to do some new engine mouting plates on the chassis, and the 4 speed to type 9 means moving the gearbox mounting plate (but the prop at least stays the same). I also had issues with the exhaust manifold and NS front wheel, so ended up fitting longer wishbones to recover some of the lost steering lock...and I also had to fit a remote oil filter since I couldn't get clearance between the steering and filter otherwise. Also had touble with the Westfield silencer, as since the engine was futher forward than intended, the bend in the silencer pipe pushed the 'box too close to the body, too soon IYSWIM. Had to have it modifed by a local exhaust place, but not a big deal.

I used Westfield engine mount plates & exhaust manifold, Raceline water rail and short inlet manifold (to suit the weber pattern bike TBs), sump was a modified one from I can't recall who at the moment... 1800 flywheel, Eascort water pump, DIY alternator bracket. Other bits like new chassis mounts for 'box and engine where DIY as well. Good old electric glue

All in all, some of the elements where a bit of a faff, but it was well worth the effort and expense. Gave the old girl a new lease of life.

[Kevp]

I did the same swap. Had a T9 box already in.

Just fitted the Zetec in place of the CVH.
1 new engine support.
Zetec Flywheel (lightened) onto existing clutch.
A bit of replumbing, alternator bracket, exhaust system
Shorten sump,
Engine management & fueling.

I fitted the zetec into a Westfield 10y + ago. Refitted in current car.
The water pump still runs backwards & no problems overheating.