BDA/BDG 16v Originally conceived by Mike Hall (Cosworth Engineering) as a belt driven version of Cosworth’s FVA power plant, this engine is based on the Ford 1600 X/Flow bottom end. It made its first appearance in the Mk1 Escort in 1970 and replaced the Lotus twin cam engine as the new high performance engine for the Ford Rally Sport models. During the early seventies Brian Hart (amongst many others) developed this engine further and his 87mm big bore alloy block version, giving an increased capacity to 1840cc, was eventually adopted by Ford and used to power the later RS1800 Escort.

Ford’s Lotus Twin Cam 8 Valve Engine This is another classic engine that needs no introduction. Based on the Ford OHV bottom end, the early Mk1 engines (1963-66) are not as good or strong as the later Mk2s. The main features for improvement on the Mk2 were a better cylinder head with fully sleeved tappet bores, and a stronger crankshaft and con rods (125E ‘C’ type). A few other more subtle changes included replacing the 4 bolt flywheel fixing with a 6 bolt type, changing the old crankshaft rope seal design to suit an integral oil seal or lip seal type and the introduction of alternative cam profiles, in particular the Sprint and the SE (Special Equipment).

Kent Crossflow & Pre-Crossflow The pre-Crossflow engine replaced the side-valve engines in the late 1950s and was the forerunner to the later Crossflow engines. They were produced in capacities of 997cc, 1198cc, 1340cc and 1498cc. They were introduced in the last of the 100E Anglias and powered models such as 105E Anglias, Mk1 Cortinas, Corsairs and Classics. The 1.5 engine had a five bearing crank, whilst the others a three bearing crank.