LocostUSA.com

Hi All:

I am ready to put my 2.3L Duratec Dry Sump Ranger into My Locost XV.

Since I swapped the C.I. stock Ranger flywheel for an AL 2.3L Focus one, I had
to change starters as the ring gear tooth count was different (2.3L Ford Escape
starter). Easy enough....

But now that it is off the dyno, I went to put the clutch/pressure plate back
together before putting the Quad4Rods bell housing back on.

Turns out, the AL flywheel is ~ 1/4" thicker than the Ranger one, causing the
pressure plate to interfere with the bellhousing. More importantly, the Ranger
pressure plate does not capture the clutch when used with the Focus 2.3L
Flywheel.

Short term, I am putting the stocker back in to get the car running. After a
year with a relatively stock engine to sort the suspension & learn to drive this
thing, I will pull the motor again to make some power mods, and will science it
all out then.

After 8+ years, I am at a make or break point on this project.

Later,

Mark, builder of "Invincible II"

Mark, are you reusing the slave cylinder? I ask because I had a similar experience this past week. The slave was partially extended from the previous use and the fluid, trapped in the slave, caused the pressure plate to disengage the clutch as the tranny was snugged up to the engine. The problem was solved by opening the bleeder valve. Brake fluid sprayed all over me, but the issue was put to rest. Even if the slave is new, it may be worth a try. I've heard that some of the slaves are pre-bled at the factory, meaning they have fluid in them. Maybe too much.


Bill

Well, congratulations on all the other progress over the last eight years! You deserve it.

Thank you for the encouragement Marcus. It was just one of those days....

Bill, good advice, but that wasn't it. I was fitting the bellhousing without the throw out or trans installed.
BTW, I am using a Howe donut style throw out slavem originally designed for a GM.

Upon reflection, and taking the time to measure some things, this is what I have found;

The Focus flywheel differs from the Ranger in more than just the ring gear dia, as the flywheels are different heights from the back of the ring gear to the mounting surface of the pressure plate. Also, the distance from the back of the ring gear to the friction surface of the flywheel is different. It would have been obvious if I was paying attention, but I was lulled by the fact that the pressure plate bolt pattern was the same.

It looks like I could machine the flywheel to the thickness of the C.I. one, then cut a pocket for the friction plate so it is level with the pressure plate mounting surface. In any case, this will wait until I have nothing to do this winter but stare at my finished car....

I'll post some pics soon

Thanks again,

Mark, builder of "Invincible II"

Mark,
I went with all MX5 parts for my Focus engine. Everything works well with the MX5 transmission, as you would expect. Everything is put together right now, or I'd take some measurements for you. Next time I pull them apart, I'll try to remember to do that.

Mark

I just pulled my engine this past weekend, let me know if you want any measurements from the MX5 AL flywheel or clutch/pressure plate.

Mark