Engine Sanity Check

[Cranky]

I recently bought a 2015 Caterham 280. I assumed that it came with a 1.6l Sigma engine. It looks like a Sigma engine, but I'm not an expert. Some paperwork says that it is a 1.6l Duratec (is there such a thing?)

 

 

The paperwork also says that it has a limited slip differential, but I don't think that it does. How can I tell?

 

 

 

 

[MV8]

Yes. Ford did not use that engine in vehicles sold here.

[theDreamer]

The Sigma engine was also known as the Zeta but for legal reasons Ford was forced to change the name. They chose Zetec then later they changed it again to Duratec. Ford built them in 1.2L up to 1.7L then jumped to 2.0L with aftermarket performance builders going as big as 2.3L. (At least I do not think Ford released a 2.3L version.)

As for the LSD, raise the rear wheels off the ground enough that you can spin them. Turn one and if the other rotates in the same direction and speed it’s a LSD. If the other wheel does not turn or rotates in the opposite direction it’s not a LSD.

Edited Monday at 02:08 PM by theDreamer
spell check

[slowdude]

Sigma!

[11Budlite]

On 5/10/2025 at 5:34 AM, MV8 said:

Yes. Ford did not use that engine in vehicles sold here.

 

I don't think that's true. I think it was used in the Ford Fiesta starting around the 2010-2011 time frame. It certainly looks like the same engine with Ti-VCT I have in my 310.