Zetec installers HELP!!!??

[jasongray5]

I actualy got half an hour yesterday to work on the car!!!
I put my engine and box in the chassis and we have a slight problem...

It would appear that the thermostat housing hits one of the top rails when the gearlever is back far enough to clear the transmision tunnel rails???

Its all sat on the ground at the moment, but the gearbox being a little bit lower is only going to make the problem worse me thinks?

Has anyone else had this trouble? Or have I cocked something up here?

Cheers Guys

[Bonzo]

I think that is about parr for the Zetec engine.

The very same issues as when I trial fitted my Zetec 1.8 engine.

There are a couple of options open, both will be a matter of personal choice.

Buy an aftermarket water rail that will relocate the thermostat housing away from the bulkhead.

Bring the engine far enough forward to keep the original thermostat housing & alter the gear lever / Transmission tunnel to suit .

I have choose the second option but would be glad to hear from anyone who has a better solution before I fully weld the engine mounting arms & start chopping bits. ;)

[jasongray5]

On further investigation into this matter,
I found that an after market water rail would be around £200 when all was included.
Its been suggested to me, instead of modifying the transmission tunnel. That the top rail, (cant remember which number it is) could have a chunk cut out, then put in the back, thus giving 25mm more clearance?
Can anybody see any issues with doing this?

I will post a picture later if that would help explain??

CHeers Jason

[jasongray5]

Said rail is TR8
if anyone didnt have a clue what I was on about!

[deezee]

I doubt moving it back 1" will affect the car in the slightest. Although if your concerned you could always put a little bit of bracing the other side of the tranny tunnel.

Can't you just move it the whole lot forward a little? Then use a remote gear turret? I think they move the stick back 4". They only cost around £40, although I've seen some designs floating around the net, to make one for nothing.

edit: Found the link for a Gear Selector Extension (http://www.dwjenkins.plus.com/gear_extend.htm)

[jasongray5]

The problem is also the reverse light switch, hence why I just dont want to use one of those remote shifter thingys. I will probobly use one of those too though!