Zetec thermostat housing !!

[Bonzo]

I thought it would be best to start a new thread here rather than totally high-jacking another thread :o

Besides, it may be useful for someone else at a later date.

Thanks for the input Jas :)

Here's my current situation !!

I am about to embark on the marathon task of cleaning up all of the donor parts, wishbones, uprights & fabricated engine mounting arms

I'll be using the Zetec engine & trying to decide on the best way forward with the issue of the Zetecs bulky, thermostat housing :confused:

3 options spring to mind

Move the engine forward to accomodate the standard thermostat housing ..... How much will the slightly more forward engine position affect the Roadsters handling ??

Buy an aftermarket water rail & remote thermostat housing .... Quite costly !!

Alter the Bulkhead Rail ??

All views most welcome :)

On a final note, the engine & box was test fitted with the engine far enough forward to retain the stock thermostat housing & apart from needing alteration of the gearstick or transmition tunnel rail it did not seem ... THat far forward to me !!?? ( May have a photo somewhere )

[flyerncle]

Use the Redtop !!!!!! or make a stat housing. :D

[AshG]

make a remote water rail that you can bolt the thermostat to. should be a piece of piddle for a fabricator of your calibre ronnie

[flyerncle]

A remote thermostat and rail as Ash suggests.Question for Ash,What digi dash are you using ?

BMW 3 series thermostat.

[Bonzo]

Valid point there Ash & no excuse now I have some more Argon :o

Paul ..... Saving that Redtop for later on .... It would be silly not to use the Zetec for starters being as I have allready laid out for a full gasket set, full T belt kit & new water pump :eek:
Probably an easier ride at IVA & the dreaded local DVLA inspection ;)

OOH Beamer stat, now there's a thought :)

[les g]

Ronnie.........
100% agree with make your own version of a raceline water rail
that for a man of your skills should be an absolute doddle..
cheers les g
and then when you have it sussed can you make me one please .......
i was looking on the raceline site today actually approx £170 all in.
so mates rates and all you should be able to do em for £30 :o :D

[mark]

I will take one aswell once you suss it out :D

Just so im ready for the zetec when my cvh falls out after iva :D

[Bonzo]

Ronnie.........
100% agree with make your own version of a raceline water rail
that for a man of your slills should be an absolute doddle..
cheers les g
and then when have it sussed can you make me one please .......
i was looking on the raceline site today actually approx £170 all in.
so mates rates and all you should be able to do em for £30 :o :D

Where can I get a viewing of a raceline one Les ....... Purely for reference purposes, of course ;)

who knows what those pesky pixies will come up with :)

[alga]

and then when you have it sussed can you make me one please .......
i was looking on the raceline site today actually approx £170 all in.
so mates rates and all you should be able to do em for £30 :o :D

Me too! :D

Here's the Raceline rail: http://www.racelineonline.co.uk/products/part_section.asp?SectionID=54&CategoryID=4

And here's the RetroFord option: http://retroford.co.uk/shop2/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=86
More RetroFord piccies: http://www.turbosport.co.uk/showthread.php?132691-mk2-escort-zetec-project&p=1493354&viewfull=1#post1493354

[frankie boy]

I thought it would be best to start a new thread here rather than totally high-jacking another thread :o

Besides, it may be useful for someone else at a later date.

Thanks for the input Jas :)

Here's my current situation !!

I am about to embark on the marathon task of cleaning up all of the donor parts, wishbones, uprights & fabricated engine mounting arms

I'll be using the Zetec engine & trying to decide on the best way forward with the issue of the Zetecs bulky, thermostat housing :confused:

3 options spring to mind

Move the engine forward to accomodate the standard thermostat housing ..... How much will the slightly more forward engine position affect the Roadsters handling ??

Buy an aftermarket water rail & remote thermostat housing .... Quite costly !!

Alter the Bulkhead Rail ??

All views most welcome :)

On a final note, the engine & box was test fitted with the engine far enough forward to retain the stock thermostat housing & apart from needing alteration of the gearstick or transmition tunnel rail it did not seem ... THat far forward to me !!?? ( May have a photo somewhere )

HI Ronnie
I went for option three on my new build. Cut the 25mm rail and added a new rail to the back. Gives me 20mm clearace with the gear lever in the same place as my car.

[flyerncle]

Man of your calibre will sort it Ronnie ! Was joking about Redtop.

[jasongray5]

Ive heard people have problems with remote thermostats. Over heating due to the stat not opening due to not heating up as quick as the head, due to it being so far away...?
Just a thought

[flyerncle]

Interesting point Jason,depends where you put it I would think.

[Bonzo]

Go on Paul ..... Admit it ..... You love Vauxhall engines :D :D

Yes Mate .... Those aftermarket water rails are a lot of money for " Not a lot "

Methinks a couple of hundred quid would be better spent on some GRP or better still .... A flying lesson/taster :cool:

[AshG]

thats not the problem the raceline is a poor design prone to air locks which cause he over heating problems. the retro ford one is known to be less problematic

remember both of them are made for spanner monkeys doing retro conversions, we the elite are fabricators that can make out own :D

[Bonzo]

Ive heard people have problems with remote thermostats. Over heating due to the stat not opening due to not heating up as quick as the head, due to it being so far away...?
Just a thought

Me too Jas ;)

A while back, I managed to find a compact housing that possibly could be made to fit on the head.
The thermostat would remain in the housing with a little assistance of a small sandwich plate.
Add a 90 deg bend to a fabricated rail containing any sensors & swithches needed.

I will have a look at that possibility in a little more detail when I get some time :)

[alga]

As for the remote thermostat, making a small hole in it should help to ensure that it opens when the water in the head heats up.

[flyerncle]

I will admit to nothing untill I have spoken to my solicitor,he should get released next year !

Any malice toward Vauhall/Renault power units is not unfounded as I have had many hours of headaches with both and I know you understand why.

[adrianreeve]

I've just gone for the standard housing, and left the chassis as per book. Tiger and Westfield both do it this way,a nd having been out in both, I can say I didn't feel there was any issue with chassis balance! You only gain about 25mm by ditching the housing, and for me, it just wasn't worth the effort!

Cheers

Adrian

[jasongray5]

The other problem is that the reverse switch will foul part of the tranny tunnel if you dont mount it far enough back, or forward?

[adrianreeve]

Mine worked out just right - enough room for the switch and thermostat.

Cheers

Adrian