Okay, straying some from the variable intake thing (it is talked about a little) here's a few reasons why the duratec is special:
http://users.chariot.net.au/~murcod/Duratec.htm
"..It is one of the world's smallest and lightest V6 engines and the first to use Cosworth's patented lightweight casting process. The Cosworth casting process was first developed for Ford alloy block racing engines and involves the pressurised casting of alloy. The resultant cast components are dense and solid allowing engineers to design lighter/ slimmer parts without compromising strength and durability. It was also one of the first engines to feature hollow lightweight fabricated camshafts.
Over 90%(over 198Nm) of the peak torque figure is available between the 2000-5800rpm range. A minimum of 170Nm of torque is available from idle through to the 6750rpm redline courtesy of the variable length induction system."
http://www.manufacturingcenter.com/qm/archives/0197/197fordengine.html "Why Ford's new V-6 is such a winner
Automation, maintenance, training, and vigorous SQM play major roles in their total quality management.
by Joseph C. Quinlan,
Contributing Editor
In the world of automobile engines, Ford Motor Co.'s new Duratec V-6 line is proving to be a huge success. Introduced on April 4, 1994, this 24-valve, overhead cam unit has already won impressive accolades.
For example, in March, 1996, the original 2.5-liter version came in second in a national customer satisfaction survey by J.D. Power & Associates, a California market research company. Duratec was topped by only a slight margin by Cadillac's established Northstar V-8 engine. Surprising many, Duratec edged even the best units offered by Saturn Corp., Toyota Motor Mfg. Co., and Honda of America Mfg. Co.
"Within Ford Motor Co., Duratec will soon surpass any engine we've ever built in warranty levels," says Chris Bolen. He's production manager at Ford's Cleveland Engine Plant No. 2 (CEP2), site of Duratec manufacturing. The 1017-employee, 1.2 million sq. ft. plant on Cleveland's southwest side now builds about 900 engines a day.
"Very significant, especially to us, is the fact that Ford Motor Co. has had zero claims against oil consumption in the 2.5-liter engine," Bolen continues. "In almost three years of history, that's remarkable. There have been no oil-use complaints about the newer 3.0-liter version, either." "
-oh yeah and how 'bout this-
http://www.autoworld.com/news/Ford/1999_Contour.htm Employing a system known as Extrude Hone Powerflow, the upper intake is polished by forcing a putty-like material containing a fine grit through the runner. The polishing action leaves a mirror-smooth surface and reduces friction, allowing air to flow more swiftly.
By improving the Duratec's breathing characteristics, engine output is boosted to 200 horsepower at 6,700 rpm (up from 195 hp at 6,625 rpm), and torque is increased from 165 foot-pounds at 5,625 rpm to 167 foot-pounds at 5,625 rpm. As a result, SVT Contour delivers one of the highest specific outputs of any six-cylinder engine available in North America. Producing 78.6 hp per liter, SVT Contour's specific output exceeds that of BMW's M3 sedan and is close to much more expensive sports cars, such as the Porsche Boxster. According to Ford's own testing, SVT Contour is capable of a 143-mph top speed
'nuff said?
