Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications 3.0L Duratec which 3.0 u guys using?

"Terry, all of the information that I have shows the exact same block, crank, and pistons going in the 1999 Taurus, Lincoln LS, and Jag S Type."


Do they share rods as well? My understanding is 3L Taurus Duratec shares rods with 2.5L. Wondering if Jag rods are same or an upgrade (that may work for us). What is your infomation source?? Thanks.

And thanks Terry.

Terry, why aren't you going the route of a wrecked S-type? Better performance figures than the LS or the X-type? Just wondering.
Eric

LS Heads and block have two water outlets where the motor mount bracket is,none at the rear of the heads,no return in the 'valley' at the rear of block,its at the front,hence m/c is req...The blocks re the same casting but m/c differient...the heads are 'unique' castings....

I read an article yesterday in Sport Compact Car that says how BMW has accomplished infinitely variable valve lift. Such a sweet and simple system. Now they can vary the valve lift from .2mm to 9.7mm mechanically. Its used in conjunction with the double VANOS timing system (varies camshaft phasing) so that the engine can maximize efficiency everywhere and minimize pumping losses.

If you haven't seen it, then you need to buy the magazine, or research the system.
It seems that this type of system no longer requires a throttle blade anymore in the throttle body. Airflow is just controlled by the lift of the valves.

This valve timing system is going to make all other styles obsolete.

Those guys(BMW engineers)did it again, they are awesome!

warmonger

yes the LS and X-type heads are unique castings...I know, I work in the plant that makes them. Used to be Ford, now is a third party. We make them using the 'Low Pressure' casting process (metal is injected with air into the bottom of a semi-permanent mold).

The Duratec 2.5L and 3.0L heads are made by I believe some company in the US called Tekshead.

The heads DO look alike but there are a few casting differences and definitly a bunch of machining differences.

For anyone seriously building an engine, why not just port and polish your stock heads... you'de get better results.

Stoc 2.5 and 3.0 Taurus heads still retain the finger follower camshaft set up...not a plus for tuning.......

What are the best heads after valve job, porting, etc.. for performance for the 2.5 or 3.0. Just curious.

I hadn't looked at the LS specs recently - 2002 model year claims 221/215 HP/TQ - is that new to the 2002 model year, and if so what have they done relative to 2001 when I think it was 210/205?

This is starting to make things look more attractive - frankly I've been having a hard time justifying the time/effort/cost to do a swap if I'd just be getting to the 200/200 numbers of a Taurus, for example.

Terry, to peak my interest further, what do you think is achievable with doing a few extra things to the LS engine, but not to the extent of going to different heads/cams, for example? Can't break the bank - base engine from a wrecked late model LS is going to run something like 2k minimum I'd think, plus need cash for tuning the electronics, new gaskets for timing cover & oil pan, etc. - would be nice to keep the total parts cost at 3k or less.

I'm hoping you'll whet my appetite enough that I can look forward to jumping off this particular cliff in the coming summer!

Eric

So if givin your choice of complete longblocks of these three:

01 Tuarus
01 Escape
01 LS

Which do you pick and why?

01 LS...better valvetrain/more potential for camshaft upgrades/forms the base of the Jag X type motor and should have more 'aftermaket' development on the Jag than the rest.........