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In my 1998 Contour SE I have the zetec motor. Engine code "3" which I know is the stanard fuel engine. Then there is the engine code "Z" which i know is the flex fuel engine. The question I have is what is so different between the 2 engines? Besides what fuel it can run. Im figuring the "Z" engine can run 85% ethanol and the engine code "3" cant. I have done searches in here and cant find anything. Considering that 85% ethanol is cheaper is there a way I can convert my engine to run the same fuels as the "Z"? Considering I am running at least 100 miles a day to work and back. Thanx for the help in advance.
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Originally posted by hightechredneck:
In my 1998 Contour SE I have the zetec motor. Engine code "3" which I know is the stanard fuel engine. Then there is the engine code "Z" which i know is the flex fuel engine. The question I have is what is so different between the 2 engines? Besides what fuel it can run. Im figuring the "Z" engine can run 85% ethanol and the engine code "3" cant. I have done searches in here and cant find anything. Considering that 85% ethanol is cheaper is there a way I can convert my engine to run the same fuels as the "Z"? Considering I am running at least 100 miles a day to work and back. Thanx for the help in advance.
The Ethanol kills gas mileage. if you had a CNG tour like you can fairly often find on Ebay... It uses an alternate fuel system which allows conversion between the two different types of fuel. Basically the engine's fuel system is preped for the ethanol based gas. The great thing about this gas is that its CHEAP! BUT!!! it kills performance and gas mileage at the same time. You may get abotu 32 freeway on your zetec contour... with the CNG ethanol tour running Ethanol gas might rank your mileage down to about 25 or 26 mpg on the freeway. So really, its not worth your while to go out of your way to "convert" your tour to use Ethanol.
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The Z engine is for the 2.3L Zetec which is not the Contour. I think we can run 10% ethanol/90% gasoline safely. I think converting to run 85% enthanol would mean a "new" 2.3 L engine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ford_VIN_codes
Last edited by Tony2005; 11/02/05 03:00 AM.
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1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Thanks for getting back to me so quick. I didnt know that it would kill me that much. I drive mainly highway all day so that would be a huge no no for me. I have also seen many taurus' that are FFV's. That is why I asked but there is probaly a world of difference between my tour and a taurus. Thanx for the help.
Price of body kit so far...$3
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Feeling that everyone is staring at your contour...PRICELESS
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Originally posted by hightechredneck:
..I have also seen many taurus' that are FFV's. That is why I asked but there is probaly a world of difference between my tour and a taurus. Thanx for the help.
The Taurus FFVs are the 12 valve Vulcan engines IIRC. And they run the 85% ethanol blend. The 24 valve Duratec Taurus engines are not FFV at all. Note that the Contour Zetec bifuel engines are the ones with the natural gas option.
Last edited by Tony2005; 11/02/05 03:16 AM.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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I always figured the Z code was for CNG engines and the 3 code was for regular gasoline.
My advice... spend the money and do a good tune-up. You will save more money that way. Also do things like not accelerating fast and checking your tire pressure a lot.
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Im getting real good gas milage. Im getting about 26 city and 30 highway. I check my tire pressure all the time and do a tune up every 3000 miles. Im somewhat a mechanic at where I work I just wanted to know how to save a little cash at the pump. That is why I brought up the engine code "Z" in the first place. But since you all helped me im not considering it anymore. I just need to do a plug wire change I still have the original wires with 117xxx miles. I bought the car with 64xxx miles last january and have had to replace the upper o2 sensor mass air flow sensor. Still have the original trans and never flushed it I need to do that soon. But I installed a trans cooler that I stole out of my old k5 blazer. So im just gonna do a plug wire swap and flush the trans and hope my milage goes up more. I beat the hell out this car. I like the way it performs just want more accleration. Thanx to everyone and there help in advance.
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Originally posted by Matt R:
I always figured the Z code was for CNG engines and the 3 code was for regular gasoline.
You figured right.
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