I am wanting to swap a 1.8 DOHC BP Engine from a Protege/Escort GT into my '91 323 (stock is 1.6 SOHC) and wanted to know if swapping the transmission from a Protege/Escort GT is also needed. If not totally necessary, what are the benefits of the transmission swap and if I don't, am I going to have trouble with the transmission later. Any comments, advice or pointers in regards to this type of swap would be greatly appreciated.


Nathan
1991 323

 

I'm gonna reply cuz I haven't seen ManuelGz reply yet. He has done the swap and may be able to help out. Search the 1st gen forum for his name and his posts can help you out.
The G series tranny will be a better choice in the end and since you are down there swapping the engine, you might as well prep the tranny for more power later. But if you are doing it on a very tight budget, the F stock tranny will suffice. I worry about the clutch though.
Another factor is the suspension as Manuel found out, the springs are a bit different because of the extra weight but that's nothing a set of Eibachs and ZX2 struts wont be able to solve. I am still uncertain of the effect of springs designed for a slightly heavier car but I think the overall difference is beneficial. Do search on Ford Escort ZX2 struts on the suspension forum to find out more.
Also, you are lucky you have the 9" drums on the rear of the 323. As far as braking power, they are more than enough for a 2200lb car. Rear disc brake conv will be more of vanity & lots of work unless you want to go autocross and want better modulation and heat dissipation. Good luck.

OT: Hey Wil, nice project car. What junkyard you go to, I need a few things for the 323. Thanks.

 

I would just like to add a note on how to decide what gearbox you'll choose.

If you're going to race your car and do a lot of red light racing, then the F gearbox will eventually crap out on ya.

If you merely use your car to go buy groceries, get to work and back, or anything similar in nature (just easy driving), then the F gearbox will do just fine. Plus, you'll save gas with the F gearbox.


I would recommend putting in either Royal Purple or Redline MT90 into the gearbox, whichever way you go.