Replacing '97 Escort 2.0L Engine

Recently, my poor little '97 Escort seems to have come unglued at highway speeds. It was just running along one minute, and the next NOT. After coasting to safety, it was obviously very HOT, and overflowing the coolant tank, etc. It doesn't sound like it has any compression whatsoever. Not only that, but since I towed it home and parked it in front of the house, it's developed a real bad oil spill near the driver's side front tire. I've yet to begin diagnosis, but I expect that the engine is toast, based on the above signs.

My question is; is there any other year that I can keep a look out for a used engine? It's a 1997 2.0L Split Port Induction, automatic transmission, in a station wagon. I see DOHC motors all over the place, but the SPI doesn't seem to be as common. Any advice from someone who knows?

Thanks for the help.

Recently, my poor little '97 Escort seems to have come unglued at highway speeds. It was just running along one minute, and the next NOT. After coasting to safety, it was obviously very HOT, and overflowing the coolant tank, etc. It doesn't sound like it has any compression whatsoever. Not only that, but since I towed it home and parked it in front of the house, it's developed a real bad oil spill near the driver's side front tire. I've yet to begin diagnosis, but I expect that the engine is toast, based on the above signs.

My question is; is there any other year that I can keep a look out for a used engine? It's a 1997 2.0L Split Port Induction, automatic transmission, in a station wagon. I see DOHC motors all over the place, but the SPI doesn't seem to be as common. Any advice from someone who knows?

Thanks for the help.
You can use 98-04 SOHC from the 4 door modles. But since they have a non-return fuel system you'll have to reuse your old fuel rail.

So I can use the 98-04 SOHC Four Door engine. Obviously, I can use the same year (97) from a station wagon. Does this mean I can only use 97-04 four doors or station wagons as donors? Thanks

So I can use the 98-04 SOHC Four Door engine. Obviously, I can use the same year (97) from a station wagon. Does this mean I can only use 97-04 four doors or station wagons as donors? Thanks

Oh, and does it have to be an automatic transmission car also?

Oh, and does it have to be an automatic transmission car also?

So I can use the 98-04 SOHC Four Door engine. Obviously, I can use the same year (97) from a station wagon. Does this mean I can only use 97-04 four doors or station wagons as donors? Thanks

Yes. Another way to tell an engine that will fit is the 5th digit of the VIN. It will be "P".

The 4 doors are SOHC. The 2 door is a Zx2 with the DOHC Zetec engine, not a fun swap.

Hey! I had the same problem, got the car fixed, (changed the head gasket + head) but now the engine is burning oil, so I was thinking about maybe changing the whole engine next summer.. Why is the DOHC (zetec engine from a zx2) a bad choice.. Is it that more complicated to swap for that engine? I wouldn't mind the extra 20 hp... or maybe there is an easier, more profitable choice out there ?

Thank you for any help!

The DOHC engine won't bolt up to the 97's tranny. All diagnostics and electrical connectiions are different. All the motor mounts are in a different position. Your best bet is to stick with the 2.0L SPI.

I agree with Davescort97, unless you're looking for a huge engineering challence involving the on-board computer controls ...as well as mechanical hookup, stick with the same engine.

I've rebuilt this model engine after the infamous #4 cyl valve insert fell and locked it up. So rebuilding is certainly doable.

Another option is to get a well-warrantied engine from Ford ... 3yrs or 75 kmiles. They accept cores in any condition they claim. There may be a current $250 discount in your region.

what about the late mod 1.9's

Are they interchangable with the 2.0 SPI? No I don't believe so.

The DOHC engine won't bolt up to the 97's tranny. All diagnostics and electrical connectiions are different. All the motor mounts are in a different position. Your best bet is to stick with the 2.0L SPI.

Actully the Zx2 Zetec will bolt up to a SPI tranny, and the Zx2 does have the same motor mounts as the 4 door SPI Escort. Only difference is all of the electrical and style of fuel sytem.

Yes. Another way to tell an engine that will fit is the 5th digit of the VIN. It will be "P".
I just did this on my 99 auto and the replacement engine came from a stick all I had to do was change oil pans and fuel rails. but I think the rails were do to different year.