zetec cam question

[Giltgy]

I have a '97 zetec head(silvertop), prepped, and the journal behind the

cam gear on the exhaust cam is oversized. Also, not any obvious

choices for performance cams for this motor. I am wondering if the

apparent "pre-R" head has a different cam requirement, and a

possible reprofile of stock cams is required, as opposed to some

off the shelf option. Since the head has been ported, and fresh valve job

I would like to use it. I do have an unprepped R head. I am not sure

if the lower end is silvertop(97) or R, but it is fresh. If anyone can clarify

what changed on the 97 to 98 motors, that would be great!:bigear:

 

Best Regards,

Guil

 

Caterham Project

[Giltgy]

I should be more specific in my questions. I know the

head is a VCT type with the variable actuator on the

exhaust side. I have found only Crane to offer a set of

cams for this 95-97 version of the zetec. Does anyone know

of any other aftermarket source for cams for this motor? Do I

have to run the hydraulic tappets(???), or can I substitute solid

followers from the R version? Since this is an overhead cam motor,

why there was mention of hydraulic "lifters" has me baffled. This

must have been an error?......

[11Budlite]

Check out this thread for the different Zetec models: [/url]http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5096&highlight=zetec

 

If you have a Zx1 with hydraulic lifters, Kent cams has a couple different cam grinds available: http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-fitment-type/parts-by-engine-ford/ford-zetec-e.html?p=2&product_area=745&product_group=155

 

I'm not sure what's available with the ZX2, but I think you can swap a ZX3 head on it and use the more commonly available Focus cams.

[slomove]

I believe the cutoff for the Ford Contour was March '98.

Before that they used a slightly modified European Mondeo Zetec (often referred to as Zx1) that I have. Aluminum silvertop valve cover, no VCT, hydraulic tappets. You can buy Kent Cam FZ2001, FZ2002, or FZ2003 from Burton Power in the UK. I have the FZ2002 and with some 1:10.7 head skim. porting and ITB the engine makes 170+ hp measured on a chassis dyno at the wheels. This is about same level as an SVT engine with ITB was measured the same day. You can recognize the engine block by the dead centered water pump pulley.

 

After March 98 Ford used the ZX2 with VCT for short time and later the Focus engine ZX3 but I have no idea what performance options are available there.

[James A]

A number of people use a VCT eliminator on the cam and go to a more configurable set up. Tom Lesperance at Focus Power has the VCT eliminator part that will allow you to use a standard cam and update grind.