I've 'heard' that the ford 1600 was also used in the english ford cortina. That should be the 'kent' 1600. Lots of racing parts available. So should be able to rebuild. I was missing lots of parts from the Wisconsin engine so the repower kit was actually cheaper.
I know this is an old thread, but I have some relevant information that would benefit anyone with a Bobcat 720 or 722.
I bought my 720, 40 years ago, with a blown Wisconson, most probably because the governor failed and it over revved. (I know this, because the governor had also grenaded).
When I looked at the unbelievably high cost of redoing the Wisconson, I decided on swapping in a Ford Cortina engine because of the parts simularity with the 722. I stuck with the stock downdraft, built an exhaust, using the manifold from the car, made a rear mounted radiator, and adapted an electric fan. and machined the Ford flywheel to accept the U joint to the pumps.
If I remember correctly, the battery was located in the main frame, on the opposite side of the alternator. I didn't like the location, so I moved it to the left hand side of the engine mount plate. I have been happy with the location.
I adapted a governor of unknown origin to control the engine, and with the exception of the last few years,
I have put enough time on the machine to have required an overhaul on all my cylinders. (Right now it is disabled, because it needs axle seals, and I have been unable to find a source for the bearings and seals).
I used the existing door, but because of the increased length of the engine, I needed to cut out the original latch. To secure the door, I drilled through the door to the location of the slot of the original latch on the body, and made a pin to secure the door from the outside.
BTW, the engine rotation, is opposite that of the Wisconson, so the direction of the vane pump has to be turned 180 degrees. No parts required.
This also changes the direction of the machine motion controls. The easy solution, if they are still available, would be to buy the pipes for the 722, but it would be no problem to re position the pipes from the hydraulic pump to the motor pumps, or have flexible hoses made up. I had never driven a Bobcat before, and I just got used to pulling on the levers to go forward. ( This, of course, makes it impossible to drive any other Bobcat or skidsteer, but I can handle mine just fine).
Power:
The Bobcat 1600 engine is rated at 37 hp @2800 rpm.
The car engine is rated at 76 at 5000 rpm, but I set the governor at 2800 rpm, and I have plenty of power and torque.
I have the soft seated heads, so 15 years ago, I thought I needed to do the valves. Because I was running synthetic oil, the engine was so clean that I was very pleasantly surprised. I pulled all the valves, to check them, and reface them if necessary, but they all looked great. I lapped the valves, installed new seals, and re-assembled the head.
I have absolutely no regrets about having done this swap.
I can't think of anything else.
I hope this is helpful to someone.
Bob
