NMNA: 1980 Ford Fiesta Ghia $500

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2440354396214258/

That looks pretty rust free for $500, at least from my view from Wisconsin.

Build A: 2 weber DCOE, vintage-ish build.

Build B: Grab a Contour SVT engine and transaxle and put it in the boot!

In reply to RossD :

And easier SVT build would be from a Focus- the ZTEC powertrain supposedly drops into that hole.

In reply to alfadriver :

That would make a Fiesta pretty entertaining. 170 HP and 1800 lb.should work well. 

In reply to DeadSkunk (Warren) :

knowing what is in the calibration- there's a little more power left (170 was to make 100k miles without any stuff breaking).  Just like I'd wager there's some weight left.  My same era Alfa had 75lb worth of bumper on each end....

So maybe 170whp and 1700lb.  That would be a blast.

and add this cam cover- 

Forget the drivetrain, someone should paint it up like the General Lee, but call it the "Yee Ha Ghia".

Aaaahhh memories!

first car was an Orange 78 fiesta S

jfryjfry said:

Aaaahhh memories!

 

first car was an Orange 78 fiesta S

You had the sway bar!

alfadriver said:

In reply to RossD :

And easier SVT build would be from a Focus- the ZTEC powertrain supposedly drops into that hole.

This is the kind of information that could put a strain on my marriage. 

ultraclyde said:

alfadriver said:

In reply to RossD :

And easier SVT build would be from a Focus- the ZTEC powertrain supposedly drops into that hole.

This is the kind of information that could put a strain on my marriage. 

I believe a Zetec (normal and SVT) bolts to the transaxle. The starter moved positions but cut the 'wing' off of the aluminum oil pan and use the xflow position. I've heard there is an early Contour/Mystique that has the lower position starter just like the typical xflow position.

Dont know how strong the transaxle is, however.

In reply to ultraclyde :

It's not a bolt in affair, and I wouldn't trust the 4 speed or the axles with 170+hp. That said.... it does fit. I made custom mounts on frame side to use all stock Focus mounts, except for a custom lower mount. Did not use the Fiestas factory cradle/mount setup. The stock 1.6 50hp would commonly break those mounts, lol. Here's mine:

FWIW, in the late 70s, Ford tested these with BDAs to see if they could be a suitable replacement for the MkII Escort.

240hp in a Fiesta...  Apparently they could get them to go, or they could get them to turn, but with the tires and suspension of the time they could not get both with the same chassis/tire setup.

Seeing that article made me really miss the old C&D ....

Thanks for posting the old article; that is really cool.

alfadriver said:

In reply to RossD :

And easier SVT build would be from a Focus- the ZTEC powertrain supposedly drops into that hole.

I think that would be a lot more productive than trying anything on the original engine.  

I saw a shell for $500 and a wrecked Fiesta ST for sale in the same week once. Made me think about the possibilities.

pinchvalve said:

I saw a shell for $500 and a wrecked Fiesta ST for sale in the same week once. Made me think about the possibilities.

IF I were to do a swap it would be the the Fiesta ST drive train. I already have a '79 Fiesta that's pretty solid. I plan on rebuilding the stock 1.6L Kent this summer as I just like to see what I can do with it.  This is my 4th Fiesta but first one since 1995.