Mike Rohaley Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 What sort of benefits can be achieved by optimizing the internals of a Zetec engine? If I were to put together an engine using a balanced and lightened crank along with similar top shelf items for con-rods and pistons, flowing the head and re-camming for mainly street use, what would I have in the end? I do not want to go the force-fed route and do not want to bore it out to more than the present 2 liters. Insight from any of you motor heads out there would be greatly appreciated. I would not want to throw 3-5 grand (price ?) into an engine and be unhappy with my decision. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevet Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 Mike, there's a zetec yahoo group that might have some of the info you seek (I came across it while searching for cam info). Google should get you there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Rohaley Posted September 12, 2006 Author Share Posted September 12, 2006 Thanks, I will track it down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxologist Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 i think the duratec in stock form woul be a better choice and if u wanter better internals, teh cossie worked block/heads would be money well spent/time saved. the only item i would want for my zetec is an intake tube that goes to the front of the car so an air box can be made for it, not the stock piece that sits behind the engine and all the heat build up.Boxologist2006-09-12 11:06:53 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 Mike, The claimed output numbers I have seen for built Zetecs (cams, head work, individual throttle bodies, programmable ECU, etc) are in the 200-220hp range depending on the aggressiveness of the cams and the amount of head work. I've had a couple of rides in a Zetec-powered Caterham with a claimed output of 210hp and it seemed to be very streetable with good low rpm torque. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Rohaley Posted September 12, 2006 Author Share Posted September 12, 2006 Thanks for the responses, 200ish would be plenty for me. I do agree that the Duratech is a superior choice but since I already am set up with the Zetec I do not want to toss out my Raceline parts and cut new holes in the right side of the car leaving empty ones on the left. New exhaust system and...............It adds up real fast to go real fast I suppose. Thats it, I am getting one of those CSR260's! Wheres my checkbook? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 always a good idea to keep the checkbook FAR away from the keyboard http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catie Posted September 13, 2006 Share Posted September 13, 2006 Is the motor from a Contour/Mystique, ZX2, or a Focus? The differences have much to do with availability of a programmable ECU. One for a ZX2 is readily available, not sure on the Focus but would think it too is readily available, for a Contour/Mystique it's a challenge to put it mildly. As my application requires the 1998/1999 Contour/Mystique (VCT, same as the ZX2), my answers are specific to this model of Zetec 2.0L motor. There is only one US source for the programmable ECU, as it was specially sourced and designed for this motor. It isn't cheap - cost is well over $10K for 5, which is the minimum order. This is NOT in the case, and it takes about 1-1/2 days to modify a stock housing to put this in. An ECU is absolutely necessary if you are putting in heavily modified cams and/or heads. A ZX2 ECU will NOT work in the Contour/Mystique. One has a return fuel rail to the tank, the other does not. There are additional differences as well. Cams are available that will work on the non-modified head and ECU. With a well designed header, the output will be in the range of 150-155 HP on a chassis dyno. Note this is cams and headers only, no mods to the head or other internals, so not all that expensive. Contact me if interested in these cams. We have several that were dyno tested, none used more than 2 race weekends at most. Additional power can be derived from cam designs, cylinder head work, and internal changes, but they require a programmable ECU and dyno work. Either you have to mix and match, then test and tune, on your own, or you need to contact companies like Essingler and buy a total package. Most of these are designed for the Focus based motors, not the VCT motors. Hope this helps.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxologist Posted September 13, 2006 Share Posted September 13, 2006 ^^^ excellent info i was unaware of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevet Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Very useful to know as I'm about to attempt to put an Essingler cam in a 99 Contour derived Zetec... Nurse, the screens! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted September 16, 2006 Share Posted September 16, 2006 Do NOT get a ZX2 engine. It was a very poor attempt at a cost saving program that Ford put into place. Get either a ZX1 (preferable) or a ZX3. The Emerald ECU is an excellent choice, and there is even a US dealer for them. tom Is the motor from a Contour/Mystique, ZX2, or a Focus? The differences have much to do with availability of a programmable ECU. One for a ZX2 is readily available, not sure on the Focus but would think it too is readily available, for a Contour/Mystique it's a challenge to put it mildly. As my application requires the 1998/1999 Contour/Mystique (VCT, same as the ZX2), my answers are specific to this model of Zetec 2.0L motor. There is only one US source for the programmable ECU, as it was specially sourced and designed for this motor. It isn't cheap - cost is well over $10K for 5, which is the minimum order. This is NOT in the case, and it takes about 1-1/2 days to modify a stock housing to put this in. An ECU is absolutely necessary if you are putting in heavily modified cams and/or heads. A ZX2 ECU will NOT work in the Contour/Mystique. One has a return fuel rail to the tank, the other does not. There are additional differences as well. Cams are available that will work on the non-modified head and ECU. With a well designed header, the output will be in the range of 150-155 HP on a chassis dyno. Note this is cams and headers only, no mods to the head or other internals, so not all that expensive. Contact me if interested in these cams. We have several that were dyno tested, none used more than 2 race weekends at most. Additional power can be derived from cam designs, cylinder head work, and internal changes, but they require a programmable ECU and dyno work. Either you have to mix and match, then test and tune, on your own, or you need to contact companies like Essingler and buy a total package. Most of these are designed for the Focus based motors, not the VCT motors. Hope this helps.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevet Posted September 16, 2006 Share Posted September 16, 2006 Was the ZX1 motor in the 98/99 Contour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted September 16, 2006 Share Posted September 16, 2006 Was the ZX1 motor in the 98/99 Contour? 1995-1997. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted September 16, 2006 Share Posted September 16, 2006 Nowadays it is probably easier to upgrade a ZX3 with all the aftermarket stuff for the older Focus. For the ZX1 there are some slight differences between the US spec Contour version and the EU spec Ford Mondeo version (most upgrade material must anyway be ordered from the UK).The US model has stronger crank bearing bolts, which is nice, but for my upgrade with Kentcam FZ2002 the valve shafts had to be re-grooved to accommodate the stronger springs. Also some aluminum to be removed for the taller cam lobes. AFAIK the FZ2002 are a drop in fit with the EU engine, but they are rare in the US. Gertslomove2006-09-16 09:32:18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catie Posted September 16, 2006 Share Posted September 16, 2006 The 98/99 Contour is somewhat unique in that it had the return style fuel rail and some sensors are positive going instead of negative going (or vice-versa, can never remember which one), so the ECU from the other Zetecs won't work. Translation, if you can even manage to start the thing, you hydraulic your injectors and they don't appreciate being treated that way. The VCT and 98/99 Contour are both VCT on the exhaust side, and share the same head, but not the same block, throttle body (although probably both are interchangable), and fuel rail (definately not interchangable). I agree with manik, if you have a choice the ZX3 and Emerald ECU would be the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxologist Posted September 16, 2006 Share Posted September 16, 2006 more than solidifies my desire to get the cosworth built duratec setup if my zetec ever acts up. I beleive i have a '98 contour unit still plenty of se7en for me now.Boxologist2006-09-16 12:50:49 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 There is also the option of getting a ZX1 Zetec and then using the Dunnell Engines bolt-on items and custom ECU. Right at 170HP out of the box with no block or head modifications. I'll have more details shortly if you want them. tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevet Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Tom, go ahead and post the details, please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 From what I heard, Dunnell has high quality stuff, but they are not exactly cheap and communication is at times difficult. I used to have a Dunnell ECU with my previous Weber setup, and while working fine and nicely compact, it ticked me off that I could not change any settings without sending in and paying money. So I sold the Dunnell ECU and bought an Emerald (almost cost neutral). But if you just want an out-of-the-box working quality setup, have no desire for tweaks and a bundle of cash, way to go. Gert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roll a 7 Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 The Focus zetec has a lighter crankshaft than the Contour/Mystique version. I'd be trying to get that Focus motor if I had a choice. Then again, if I really had a choice it would be the Cosworth Duratec and damn the cost..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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