Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Contour/Mondeo Zetec engines different?

You're right that there are ECU change options with custom burned programs and high compression pistons available in the real world of engine tuning over there in the UK or the states. Down here in Chile the Zetec is still rare and tuning parts have to be specially imported on a 1 by 1 airfreight basis which, with the cost of freight and import duties, makes them really expensive and slow. So I'm looking first at what we can do with the parts we already have here - hence the head swap or skimming options.
So I just wanted to check that your information is that the lower compression ratio of the Contour was acheived in the original spec engine by increasing the volume in the cylinder head. I mean, are you pretty sure that the original Contour and Mondeo pistons are the same? Mr Ford didn't take the pistons option to reduce the compression ratio?
I really don't want to be a pain in the neck here, but you know there's quite a lot of work involved here and I just wanted to sort of check before breaking open the Contour engine. Also I'd be more than happy if the only change we need to do is to the cylinder head because it involves less work than messing with the pistons.
Once again, your further help much appreciated.

Yup the mondeo produces 136PS this works out to 134 BHP.

Just in case you were intrested!

If you want to be totally sure, PM Terry Haines he will be the one to give the most definitive, be-all-end-all answer. Although I am pretty sure I am right.

I would recommend shaving the head, for the simple reason that in the case of my engine, the surface was not machined to a decent smoothness at the factory, so it wants a bit of shaving anyway. For that matter, the top of the block may be more of a problem surface than the bottom of the head is. The thickness calculation should be valid; if you shave off so much that the area of the combustion chamber is significantly less than the cross section of the cylinder, then you're shaving way too much and shouldn't use the result.

Thanks guys. Good information.
Paul, I see your point about not shaving off too much. Shouldn't get near reducing the area.
Will probably see if we can fit the head off the Mondeo engine on the Contour block.
Studly, thanks for the conversion - so what are PS and where did they come from?
OhSigmaChi, how do I contact Terry Haines?

just go to search and type in Terry Haines, then click the link in one of his posts to PM him.

Aha! I see. Thanks

I believe it originated in Germany, most European Motors use PS instead of BHP, the difference is small, but it does make the power figures appear larger than they really are, a bonus if you are trying to sell a car!

So what IS a "PS"?? Anybody know what the letters stand for?

Maybe the P is for "Pferd" (horse)...

I sent a PM to Terry Haines a few days ago but it still shows up as unread. I also posted a message to try to catch his eye on one of the topics in the problem forum but no joy.
So we're going ahead with the head swap.
I'll let you know what happens.
Ever heard of the saying "Advise is free, experience you pay for"? Just hope we don't have to pay too much!