Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance 2.0 zetec project

Alas, the time has come to sell the SVT. I was planning on getting a miata and making a project car out of it. There are loads of engines to fit, but I was thinking about a 2.0l zetec. I just wanted to get some facts straight, and I know there's no better place than here! I keep hearing the zetec can take an insane amount of compression, as well as operate in the 13k rpm range with upgraded valve springs. is this true? I basically want to take it, modify the bellhousing a little so it can take a T5 and change the rear around on the car a little, then mate the engine with a t3/t4 (something like this but a little less costly). could I actually get a zetec to produce +300hp?? if so, what else am I missing here? thanks guys!

NO! Don't put a zetec into a miata. The zetec is great, and can get 300hp fairly easy with a turbo setup BUT, it's not worth dropping into a miata. The miata engine can take boost easier than a zetec can. Or you can drop a 302 in or a couple of other engines. I've seen a supercharged miata at the drag strip and no way would I waste the time putting a zetec in after seeing that thing fly down the strip.
Heck, even a 3L duratec has been put in a miata, I'm sure you could do that if you want, but it wouldn't leave a lot of room for a turbo or anything else.

Also, not sure about revving to 13k rpm maybe in a strict race engine in a lightweight race car, like a formula ford not a miata.

Anyways, to sum it up, don't use a zetec in a miata, it would be a waste of time when the miata has a perfectly good engine in it already.

I agree with Kremi. The 302 would be my choice. Although a 351W is the same size, with more displacement....
Or mabye a 347 stroker... Then turbo that.

BTW, revving to 13K is cool, but higher revving engines like that have very little to NO torque on the low end. I bet it wouldnt be very drivable, if thats what you wanted to do with it.

I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do though. And be sure to post pics when its done

man, zetec guys tellin me not to use a zetec. no wonder there aren't any posts in here well, I don't want to put in a duratec because me and the duratec have a not-so-happy history (remember, I have an SVT) and it's a bit of a squeeze. the 302 is way too big, and I'm pretty sure it's gonna throw the balance off quite a bit. I was wanting to use the 2.0 cause it was lighter. I'm tryin to keep the balance as close to 50/50 as I can. also if I'm correct, the 1.6 & 1.8s can't handle near the boost a zetec can. oh yea, and I wasn't planning on creating a 13k rpm engine which produces no torque, just wanting to confirm that fact. I'll keep after the miata forum too and see what they have to say. thanks!

I'm pretty sure you could do a 302 conversion and have a good balance, you can do it in a focus, so probably can in a miata. The miata engines STOCK were made for small amounts of boost. A friend of mine ran ~10psi daily on a stock miata engine and ran 14psi for a while until he totalled it. They can handle more power than you think. Hit up the miata forums and you'll see.

oh yea, and supercharging is definately not out of the question. if it's feasible to super a zetec to 300~350ish, I'd do it, cause the super'd miata engines are only pulling 190 @ the wheel. not to mention I'm tryin to pull originality points here.

they may be putting 190 to the wheels, but at what psi? I promise you the one I saw at the strip was a miata 4cyl engine with jackson racing supercharger pushing a lotta boost and it was flying, more than 190hp flying. Though they brought it in on a trailer, it was a street/strip car judging by interior and what was in the trunk. I mean they built it to be fast and not drive it every single day, but still drive it on street sometimes.

if you're gonna go FI I don't see why a zetec wouldn't be an option.

But I don't know if the zetec can handle 300HP on stock internals...now if you were shooting for 200HP then go for it.

But I thought the stock miata engines were good on their own?