New Member - Ford Escort 2.0 Diesel

[1986RFDiesel]

Hey all,
New to the forum, figured I'd introduce myself. I'm the second owner of a 4-door, '86 Diesel Escort, which is in great shape. I have been a member of DieselEscortOwners forum on yahoo for a bit too. I'm a Marine Diesel Mechanic, and love my little car, but I think there's room for improvement. The tires on it are small "sport" sized 165/80R13s, so I'm clocking in at about 42mpg consistently. I'd like to get it up over 50.

I consider swapping Ernie's engine into a Tempo because I hear that it has a lower CD, but that's a ways out at this point.

Also, I'd be curious to hear about any ecomods people've made to these 1st Gen Escorts.

Thanks for being here!

[Christ]

:O

I'm jealous. I've been looking around for a 2.0 diesel to swap into a newer chassis Escort Wagon.

Of course, if I never find one, I'll probably end up doing a 3.0 or 3.2 swap into it.

Some pics of your car would help greatly, but going from memory, smoothing the area between the chrome front bumper and the hood's tip should help out some, while also creating a grille block for you. After that, add a chin scoop to pick up air from under the bumper for the radiator.

I'm not positive about the angle of the rear windows/hatch, so I can't comment there until I look into it more.

A belly pan is an obvious one, as well.

Dunno how you feel about overinflation, but max-sidewall is always an option, and will help out greatly if the max spec is much different from your current practice.

Of course, there is always the option to lower the Escort, as well.

Not that it would help much, but 155 R13's are slightly smaller tread width than your current tires. (10mm, about 3/8")

[1986RFDiesel]

I'm traveling now, but I do need to get some pictures of the car. I'll do it when I get home. I'm definitely open to modding/suggestions.

I saw a 2.0 diesel engine on ebay... item number 400080616177

It's rusty (upstate new york), but price could be right, for the right project.

[Christ]

Unfortunately, I don't have a ranger to drop it in. If I did, I'd be all over it.

That's the end goal I have, finding a mid-size truck (preferably a Dakota) and dropping a decent diesel engine in it, using it for a hauler to supplement (or become) my cash flow. Ideally, it'd be a 97+ Extended cab Dakota with a Cummins 4BT... it'll likely be my minivan converted to RWD using the 240D's OM616 I have laying in the barn. Dern it all.

I hope your trip is safe, and maybe we can help more once you get home! Well Travels!