Engine
swaps
This will be
the more common route for virtually every 100E dictating the 107E pattern bulkhead
and gearbox tunnel. Kits to enlarge these are available from both OFAS and Alachi.
Once this is done — and usually in conjunction with a complete front suspension
swap to rack and pinion, virtually any engine can be dropped in. We’ve seen the
lot from Kent to Cosworth, even V8 power. The traditional route still involves
a bulkhead pattern swap but once done, a Kent of either type can be bolted to a
107E cross member, which retains the steering box — you’ll need to couple this
with a Cortina Mk2 front-bowl sump.
Wheels
and tyres
That 5.5 inch
PCD is a very strong reason for swapping to anything other than 100E struts
simply because it seriously limits the wheel choice to basically standard rims
— although you could get them banded!
Traditional
rack-and-pinion swaps tend to have a fairly wide track — and some of the early
kits pushed them out too, meaning FWD offset wheels were the best option.
Fiesta Super sport rims were once pretty popular.
OFAS have
addressed this with a new revised kit meaning you can now get 5.5 inch Lotus
rims under standard arches — which also means you have a wider range of similar
offset alloys available too. You will still need to restrict the width to
around 6 inches at a push on the front, but you’ll get wider with a 105E axle
on the back.
A
Blue Ford Anglia 100E
Interior
The
traditional route really suits the 100E - enhancing what you’ve got or
reworking the theme, as in swapping the front seats to something more up-to-date.
And the tried and tested route that works here is recovered Recaros in period
vinyl to match the back seats but leaving out the headrests - unless of course you’re
massively safety conscious. They’re there for a reason after all.
There are
also five types of dash — the three common ones, early wraparound the steering
column pod, full flat dash type and later twin binnacles also around the
steering column. Cleaned up, these look great, garnished with period race-look
stuff. But 100Es are basic in other areas - like the wipers need switching to
electric power using Mini-type rack and pinion arrangement.
Ford
Popular Anglia 100E
Gearbox
This area
really shows up the 100E’s vintage car roots — the ’box is only three-speed
with a crash first gear. Swapping even the most basic ’box in will mean tunnel
mods — again Alachior OFAS can help. But once sorted, there’s plenty of room for
a five speed, even a T5 behind a Cosworth.
Next bit on
the list though is a cross member, which varies in pattern according to the
year of the car — but the more common practice is to either make your own, or
use a purpose-made unit. Additionally, Retro Ford Limited makes a rather neat
universal piece which can be used. The back axle will also need attention —
most cars have a side-loading banjo unit that won’t stand up to more than a side
valve. The common route’s to swap it to 105E Anglia or the slightly wider 300E
van at 50 inches, or Mk1 Cortina. Either will allow a greater inventory of axle
ratios.
1960
Ford Anglia 100E “The gearbox area really shows up the 100e’s vintage car
roots”
