Zetec Engine Question

[96BlackSE]

I have a 1996 zetec with a blown engine and was wondering if its possible to swap a post98 engine? I know there is something with the VCT and what not but I am not completely sure...

The reason that I want a post98 engine is that I can't find low milege 96 engines anywhere

If its possible to swap engines whats needed? Do I need the entire wiring + ECU to go along with it?

Thanks in advance!

[pre98zetec]

You technically could with extensive work but in the end its pretty much pointless.. the Post 98 zetec (is still a good motor) but VCT is JUNK. pre-98 zetec is the better, simpler.. more reliable zetec.. IMO

[BrApple]

sure you should be able to swap the enigne but I would use the pre98 head so you don't have to deal with the VCT and of course us all of the sensors from the original engine .... sounds alot like a 3L hybrid swap to me ...

[striker2]

dont forget you can also go with a 95 or 97 engine. the 97 engine should litterally drop in and go. the 95 you would have to change some sensors but otherwise its the same.

btw im rebuilding a 95 engine to put into my 97 'tour

[mcgarvey]

There were basically four different zetec configurations. 1995 had the OBD-I sensors. 1996 and 1997 are the normal OBD-II silvertops, without VCT. 1998 and up have the black tops with VCT. Around late 1999 they switched over to returnless fuel system, which would require swapping the fuel rail.

[striker2]

correct
a 95 engine will work in a 96 or 97 car as long as you switch the sensors.

[ButtonPuncher]

All that you have to do to put a 98+ motor in a pre-98 is to bolt all of the EGR stuff back on from your 96. Leave the VCT solenoid and cam position sensors disconnected on the 98+ head.

In other words, put everything from the 96 on your new 98 motor. Intake, exhaust, accessory drive mounts, alternator, fuel rail, everything.

HTH,
BP

[Hydramatic]

'97 silvertop ftw! The BESTEST Zetec. If it makes any difference, my old, 100K+ mile silvertop was running faster than most post-98's at the strip. Food for thought maybe?

[striker2]

mine was too, till the clutch finally gave up after 241K miles

pre-98 zetec FTMFW

[Hydramatic]

mine was too, till the clutch finally gave up after 241K miles

pre-98 zetec FTMFW

I'm surprised that my clutch packs hadn't grenaded on me after all the burnouts I did in it.lol




(and the newbies are like, "WTF!?! How on earth did he do burnouts in a Zetec ATX?lol)