Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Forced Induction Zetec Turbo @ 300BHP Kit

what about a Zetec Escape? :p

lots of Zetec owners over at escape-central.com looking for stuff for their tribby and escape.

"i'm sure it's possible, but would it be worth the work?"

Only advantages for Zetec that I see are lower CR & packaging. Both should be addressed in Chris Hightowers or other turbo kits for Duratec. Otherwise, the Zetec lacks several SVT features that are turbo desirable like a forged crank, ported/polished heads & intake, aggressive cams, upgraded cooling, 0.5L and is less smooth & refined & sounds like a 4-pot. With at least 3 non-intercooled S/C Duratecs making 350 HP on stock internals, the turbo Dutatec has enourmous potential IMHO. Best though to do it right with trimetal bearings, billet rods and forged/low CR pistons (assembled by terry or other expert). This combo & & almost no other mods was worth 450 HP to Ken Dutweiller's 2.5Turbo Focus. With good A/F, spark management (ie Apexi etc.) and intercooler should be fairly reliable at 350-400+ HP. If you SVT guys really want a turbo, I would wait for Chris...

This discussion has come up over at NECO Forums and here are my thoughts. V6 vs. I4 turbo buildup:

V6 Pros:
potential for more power and more intial power/torque

V6 Cons:
1 more head
2 more cams
8 more of every valve component
2 more pistons
2 more rods
2 more sets of rings
2 more sets of bearings
1 more head gasket

All the components listed above are those that would most likely need to be replaced in preperation for a turbo application.

V6 summary: More parts to replace with aftermarket parts. Cost of doing so would be enough for an I4 buildup + turbo kit. Anyway you look at it, the I4 is much easier to work on and less expensive as well!

But FastCougar,
On the SVT, you would not need aftermarket head, valve, cam mods - factory is fine for turbo at least up to 450 HP levels (probably want to do some heat resistant coatings in chambers & valves though). True, you need a few more pistons, rods, bearings (all more expensive for the Duratec because they would be custom), but the stock forged crank may be OK. In contrast, the nodular iron Zetec crank would be suspect in my book if going for big power. So, I do think the build up cost would be more for the Duratec but not that much more. I think on a HP/Dollar basis, if you are starting with a Duratec you will be better to stay. Staring with a Zetec, better to stay Zetec, cost wise.

True, good point ... no sense in switching one for the other ... build whacha got

and that is what I plan on doing...

But I have a question. Has anyone volunteered yet? I mean I have a 4 bangin cougar, but prolly won;t have the money in time with christmas and all.

No,not one from either CEG/Club Focus or Fastcougar...must Christmas present buying time...maybe next year!

Terry have you posted over on Focaljet ? I know there are some people interested in it over there.
-Mark