Hi, wondering if anyone knows if a 1.6L or 2.0L laser or telstar motor would bolt up to a Mark1 / mark2 escort manual gearbox?

I believe not,as the Laser is east-west and the Escort is north- south.

only engines that bolt up to the escort box are of course escort/cortina 4 cyl motors, sierra/scorpio/granada motors, mondeo and focus motors (up to 2004) and ford KA endura motors.

yes they are east west, but same make of motors used in 121, 323, 626, 929 mazda's (different CC on each of course between them) as laser / telstar 1.1, 1.3, 1.6, 2L. Early mazda's (till 84/85) came out as rear wheel with same motors as their early east/west. But, was hoping not to use mazda box. I have a 323 ("laser") here, but was hoping someone may of tried it and save me taking out a motor to give it a go. Oh well, looks like the hard way.