1987 Transit 2.5 Di engine swap

[asquithman]

I have a 1987 Ford Transit swb with a 2.5Di engine fitted. The engine is now smoking a bit and obviously worn which may explain why it also seems a bit low on power. It is a 120 model with a four speed box.

I am thinking about changing it for either the same engine or perhaps ideally a later engine assuming the engine mounts and bellhousing etc. marry up. Hence I suppose the question is how easy would it be to fit a later 2.5di with five speed box and how late can I go before the engine mounts etc. and ancillary bits cause grief.

Would anyone be able to advise on the best option and point me in the direction of a dealer who they would recommend for a second hand engine?

Thanks. Ideally I would love to put a Mercedes 310D engine and driveline in it but such is life!!

[MrMPuk]

All of the Di blocks are the same upto 2000 but if you fit the MT75 box your gearstick hole and driveshaft will be incorrect.

[asquithman]

Is the MT75 the five speed box?Thanks for the information.Is any particular engine the best power output or just as late as possible eg. 1999?

[100ps_drw_hicube]

yep mt75 is a 5 speeder

[MrMPuk]

76ps with the banana manifold is the way to go without messing around with turbos and ECUs. But to be honest the early Di's (ie the one you are taking out) are by far the better engines and are alot stronger.

The MT75 is the later box from the sounds of it yours has the Type9 which was also avalable with overdrive.

[asquithman]

I have been offered a Transit engine with five speed box. Is there any way to determine the age of it? 904F6582AA is stamped on the block and then TO33A.

Sounds nice but have no way of telling age? Appreciate some guidance.

[100ps_drw_hicube]

some have the date stamped on the block by the dipstick hole to the left nearer the starter well mine has 21-09-95 and have seen others with it there

[Gunslinger]

the date is also stamped on the cylinder head (thermostat end) but that is not to say its not a new head, other than that, best to get the engine number (side of the block near the lift pump ?? or was it the otherside .... i forget now)


as for the older blocks being stronger, anyone used an older engine as a base and rebuilt it with banana manifold etc ... obviously forgetting to fit the EGR ?

[asquithman]

Thanks for the help. A friend brought over a 1990 transit 2.5di with five speed box and power steering. Luton body with tail-lift. The chassis has gone so good deal. I think though that I am better getting rid of that and trying to purchase something like a late 1990's - maybe 1997/1998 transit and using that as a donor?

The Asquith is now pictured.

Thanks for everyone who has helped with the quest so promptly.

[100ps_drw_hicube]

bear in mind after late 97 the g/box will have an electric speedo maybe get a 95/96 g/box

[asquithman]

Help!

In an ideal world......what transit should I be seeking then to give me the best combination of power and five speed box? It would seem that maybe 1995/1996 is best and is there a way of identifying it as being the right model!

Appreciate the fountain of knowledge. I wrote to Ford technical and asked them about the problem. The vehicle having been a transit varient from new. They replied that as it was not a Ford they would not help! How to endear themselves.

[MrMPuk]

bear in mind after late 97 the g/box will have an electric speedo maybe get a 95/96 g/box

The speedo pickup can easly be changed!