An Annoying 'Feature' On My Seven's Zetec SVT Engine

[rcollum]

This has annoyed me since I bought the car - in an apparent attempt to keep some module at the top front of the Zetec SVT from interfering with the hood, this portion of the spark plug cover was ground down, and covered in silver duct tape.  

 

My questions: 

 

1.)  Is this the variable valve timing module?

2.)  Is there a workable replacement for this electronic device, that would drop the high point by 1/4"?

3.)  Is there a way of modifying this device, to decrease its height?

 

In looking at this area at the front of the spark plug cover with the duct tape removed, it even appears that the prior owner shaved a small amount of plastic off the top of the electronic module, but it is still a tight fit of module/duct tape/aluminum engine lid.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

--Bob Collum

 

 

 

 

 

[MV8]

No need for duct tape or the plastic cover. It is just a cosmetic cover over the solenoid. I don't think there is a lower profile noid that would swap. If the bonnet touches the solenoid, a "performance blister" could be formed and the bonnet repainted or polished. It doesn't have to be symmetrical. The original hood scoops were offset too.

 

You could also lower the engine with mount bracket mods then shim the trans mount as needed for setting the ujoint angles.

 

 

Edited March 18, 2023 by MV8

[das76]

Does this help?

[rcollum]

1 hour ago, das76 said:

Does this help?

Does that cylinder contact the front underside of your engine cover?  That's my problem...

[MV8]

It could be the original, standard jaguar six mounts have been replaced with the heavy duty version that has a metal domed cap on top of the rubber. This cap makes the mount a little thicker which might be ok for a jag (installed @45 deg from vertical) but it does raise the engine a little in a cat with vertical mounts.

[Taber10]

There is a member here, I think "Turbofocus" that offers a Variable Valve Timing "delete" option.  That solenoid is very expensive to replace, and they do eventually "go bad."

 

On my car, I cut out the top of the cover, and did not add the duct tape mod.  It sometimes rubs the bonnet, but just barely, and I can live with that. I think there was one member here who shaved down the motor mounts or motor mount brackets by 1/4 inch to accommodate the solenoid's height.

Edited March 19, 2023 by Taber10
Add picture

[MV8]

Seems like a lot of work for a little clearance on an otherwise unmodded duratec. The hole could be plugged, but the variable cam gear assembly would need to be locked in some way or replaced with a fixed/solid gear, tuning reprogram to eliminate changes based on cam timing commands that won't occur, and eliminate the ecu setting a code/limp home mode due to no solenoid detected.

[Kitcat]

Mine was knocked off and destroyed in a track day incident. Josh, at Rocky Mountain Caterham, was unable to find a direct replacement so used the closest thing he could find. Unfortunately, it stuck up even further.

 

Focus-Power in North Carolina is a source of expertise on the SVT and may have a solution. 

[MV8]

Aftermarket companies like Dorman are filling the oem gap for replacement VVT solenoids, but they don't appear to have one as a direct fit for early duratecs.

[rcollum]

On 3/19/2023 at 8:23 AM, Taber10 said:

There is a member here, I think "Turbofocus" that offers a Variable Valve Timing "delete" option.  That solenoid is very expensive to replace, and they do eventually "go bad."

 

On my car, I cut out the top of the cover, and did not add the duct tape mod.  It sometimes rubs the bonnet, but just barely, and I can live with that. I think there was one member here who shaved down the motor mounts or motor mount brackets by 1/4 inch to accommodate the solenoid's height.

 

Your engine cover certainly looks a lot better than mine!  Thanks!

 

--Bob Collum

 

[Taber10]

3 hours ago, MV8 said:

....

On 3/19/2023 at 8:52 AM, MV8 said:

"..... an otherwise unmodded duratec."

 

"...direct fit for early duratecs."

MV8, I appreciate your knowledge and input on so many topics here, but I have a question:  Is "unmodded duratec" and "early duratec" some sort of alternate name for our Zetec SVTs?  Actually, a very knowledgable member here once told me that the SVT was so different from the "regular" Zetec that we shouldn't even use the Zetec name.

Thanks,

Taber

[CarlB]

It is my understanding that Ford called the SVT version of the Zetec a Duratec. The regular cars had stopped using the Zetec when the SVT version came out. Cosworth developed the SVT version of the engine. They changed a number of things, but it is still a Zetec.

[Taber10]

45 minutes ago, CarlB said:

"...Ford called the SVT version of the Zetec a Duratec."

 

CarlB,

Interesting.  I had not heard that before.  Thanks for posting.

 

From a contemporary (I think 2004) Ford document:  John Coletti's [chief engineer at Ford SVT Engineering] team for the 2002 SVT Focus powertrain included his SVT engineers and Cosworth Technology.  Document goes on to say: "The SVT Focus powertrain starts with a 2.0-liter Zetec Ford engine." In many places the document refers to the 'SVT Focus" engine, but it never says "SVT Zetec" throughout nor does it mention "duratec" anywhere.  

My "spare" engine was purchased in 2015 from Steeda who mostly prepped and raced the eight cylinder SVT in the Ford Cobra.  The Steeda invoice lists "SVT Ford zetec motor 2.0" but of course Steeda could call it anything they wanted to.

[Nick OTeen]

Here's how the plastic cover has been trimmed on mine (Look Ma, no duct tape!).

 

 

[MV8]

3 hours ago, Taber10 said:

MV8, I appreciate your knowledge and input on so many topics here, but I have a question:  Is "unmodded duratec" and "early duratec" some sort of alternate name for our Zetec SVTs?  Actually, a very knowledgable member here once told me that the SVT was so different from the "regular" Zetec that we shouldn't even use the Zetec name.

Thanks,

Taber

Imho, the naming has not been consistent. Not a duratec or zetec expert by any stretch but there was an early "duratec" 2.3l and later 2.5l vvt sol. The shorter production run may be why the aftermarket has not produced a vvt sol.

 

I just use whatever name I think will best convey.

[das76]

isn't the Duratec an aluminum block vs Zetec is cast iron? If so, then they definitely aren't the same

 

@Nick OTeen did you have your headers ceramic coated?

 

Edited March 21, 2023 by das76

[Nick OTeen]

Yes, the Duratec features an aluminum block whereas the Zetec's is cast iron. They are different engines. It's easy to spot a key difference without even removing the bonnet. The Zetec "family" of engines has the exhaust exiting to the driver's left while the Duratec's exhaust exits to the driver's right.

 

As for my the headers on my car, yes, they are ceramic coated and, I think, they look very nice.

 

 

Edited March 21, 2023 by Nick OTeen

[MV8]

The intake/exhaust side isn't consistent on the "duratec" either. Check out the late 2000's 2.3 in tributes and escapes. Smooth valve cover too and some with vvt (newer style solenoid) while some do not.  

Some "zetec" named engines in smaller displacements have vvt. Clear as mud. Doesn't really matter what it is called as long as you can get parts for what you have.

Edited March 21, 2023 by MV8

[fastg]

It looks like Ford used the Duratec on a lot of engines

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratec_engine

 

I think the one used in later cars was actually the Mazda MRZ.

 

Graham

[rcollum]

Someone sent me a message - which I promptly lost - asking for pics of the routing of my Seven's exhaust, which is routed down the left side, but has a rear exit.  Here are two pics.  (My car is LHD.)

 

BTW, related to this... I have a new but imperfect left-rear fender from Caterham available, in dark green.  Let me know if interested -