642 - engine replacement

[LittleMontana]

So, I picked up a 642 bad engine. When I got it the engine has been tore down and is in boxes. The mechanic I purchased from says the engine is not rebuildable.
I have found a Ford Fiesta engine for a few hundred dollars. I have not looked at it yet and once I do it may make this decision easier.
I have read on this forum and others about using a 1.6L fiesta in the 642. It seems there is a wide variation in the ease of doing this. Some have said a simple drop-in, Others have said, swap tins, swap bell housing, machine down output shaft, modify mounts, and many other items. With other posts it seems to range somewhere in between.
My questions is, does anyone know what engine I should look for that would allow the process to be as easy as possible?
My other option is to go to repower specialist and simply get a repower. The cost differential is substantial and I was hoping to get a little life out the ol' girl on the cheap (relatively speaking).
Any suggestions, comments, guidance, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
LM

 

[flyerdan]

Since you have all of the original engine parts, I'd make cardboard templets of any critical bolt patterns, like bell housing bolts or flywheel pattern. Compare with the other engine; chances are the differences will be in bolt on items and you should be able to make it work with a bit of mix and match.
It should be fairly easy and a lot cheaper than one of the retro kits.

 

[Hotrod1830]

I installed a fiesta 1.6 in my 632 a few years ago. NOT a direct swap. The engine is shorter than the original engine. I had to make a spacer for the flywheel. Somewhere in this site I mentioned what all I had to do. all I remember is the spacer. The engine oil dipstick is a challenge as well, as the block is slightly different. I dont think the oil pans will interchange. I also used the original bobcat camshaft as I didnt figure the fiesta cam was designed for a 2600 rpm limit. the intake from the original will fit. It is a bit of work and takes some modification, but can be done.
If you can find a early 70's pinto 1.6, it is a direct swap.
If I had to do it again, I probably would have swapped in a kubota diesel. But that would be a little more cash and you mentioned budget.

 

[LittleMontana]

I installed a fiesta 1.6 in my 632 a few years ago. NOT a direct swap. The engine is shorter than the original engine. I had to make a spacer for the flywheel. Somewhere in this site I mentioned what all I had to do. all I remember is the spacer. The engine oil dipstick is a challenge as well, as the block is slightly different. I dont think the oil pans will interchange. I also used the original bobcat camshaft as I didnt figure the fiesta cam was designed for a 2600 rpm limit. the intake from the original will fit. It is a bit of work and takes some modification, but can be done.
If you can find a early 70's pinto 1.6, it is a direct swap.
If I had to do it again, I probably would have swapped in a kubota diesel. But that would be a little more cash and you mentioned budget.

Thanks for the input. After having seen the condition of the engine and estimating the rebuild costs. I think the plan is to go with a repower.
I will let you all know how it works out.
BTW, I know that some of the Bob Cats had CW and some had CCW engines. Would you happen to know if the Kent engine was CW or CCW?

Thanks much,
LM