Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance N/A Zetec

I have been contemplating a similar project for my girlfriends focus....I have a few comments.

First, why go through the expense of having custom cams ground? There are a wide variety of z-tech cams out there. In fairness, I'm not sure where the variable cam timing thing comes into play in terms of interchangability, but I don't see why you couldn't just put in a focus motor and computer if it becomes a problem, the sensors and wiring should be very close to identical.

Second, I don't know if stroking it is a good idea. Being a small displacement engine, you are looking for RPMS to get substantial horsepower gains...longer stroke plus higher rpms equals greater piston velocity. That will not increase engine durability. Also, I'm not sure how strong the stock crank is to begin with, a substantial increase in horsepower plus a decrease in journal diameters due to offset grinding could result in a big boom. Also, the displacement increase will probably be negligable on such a small engine, .2 liters would probably be the max. Also, does anyone make undersized rod bearings??? On a side note to this train of thought, I did see a forged z-tech crank for sale on line somewhere for $2400.

Third, don't shave the head, this will mess up your belt length for driving the cams. All compression changes should be done with pistons. Custom pistons aren't that expensive, and you seem willing to spend the money anyway.

Fourth, look into cylinder wall thickness before overboring. I am personally going to shy away from it because I'm planning on keeping the compression down in my project so I can turbo it later. I want some meat there if there will be boost involved.

Fifth, titanium rods. I also saw z-tech titanium rods for sale on the internet. They were also $2400. Half the weight and twice the strenght of steel rods. Less reciprocating weight results in more power to the wheels. Following this logic, an aluminum flywheel should also be considered.

Sixth, after re-camming the motor, and preparing for the inevitable higher RPM operation, you will probably want a new ring gear for the tranny. Something lower will get you out of the low RPMs (where you won't be making much power) quicker. The SVT focus six speed might be a nice idea because the motor could potentially be very "peaky" and more variety in gear selection would help stay in the power band.

Seventh, consider having the intakes acid dipped to increase the volume of air available in the intake at any given time. You may come out ahead with this approach in high RPM use since you will lose some port velocity (low end torque) but the greater volume will make more power available at high rpms. Also, look into SVT focus induction, it is revised considerably from the contour 4 cyl.

Eigth, I like the idea of titanium valne springs, but in fairness it probably isn't really necessary. I would opt for titanium wrist pins first to decrease reciprocating weight.

Let me know what you think.
-FD

What I think? hell you keep going, I'm liking this lol See as I stated before "I know I don't know enough about this to do it all right now" So this information you gave is very useful to me, As far as keeping the compression low, I am not adding a turbo to this engine, I know lower compression is ideal for turbo equipped engines, but for NA engines, higher compression = more power... The cams, I have checked out ZX2racing.com and I like the setups they have and good prices, so I will more than likely go through ZX2racing.com for cams and head... The lightweight flywheel is another thing I am going to do reguardless of what engine I have, that goes for the LSD and new clutch too...

This is the reason I posted this, to get everyones thoughts on it, and so far everyone has been very helpful... I thank you for your input, somethings I haven't really thought about, I did however think about putting a Focus Zetec in it, which is something that I might do, I know the mounting points are probably different, but I could take care of that... The 6 spd from the SVTF I didn't think about, is it better in anyway, other than having another gear, than the MTX75?

Another thing I was thinking of was after building up an NA motor for it, was taking the stock motor and building it with a turbo and N20, It would be nice to have both...

Anymore insight is welcomed by all, good or bad...

The Focus SVT engine is better with dual mode intake, 4-2-1 header, stronger rods, higher compression, and 6 speed, but at the same time can't handle more than the power than the MTX75.

I was thinking more about thins today.... Doesn't the Zetec in the SVT focus have a two stage intake very similar to the intake in the duratech contour? I believe so. That would probably be a good intake setup. The SVT focus headder would probably be inadequate for the motor I think we are talking about building. A full length headder and absent catalytic converter would be the way to go.

I suggested the SVT focus tranny simply for the increased variety of gear ratios. I think I need to put a qualifier on that idea though.... A LSD is more important than more gears. If there is no LSD available for the SVT focus tranny, then stick with the MTX75. I don't think there is an LSD available for the 6 speed currently, but I wouldn't be surprised to see one from somewhere sooner or later.

Unless ford comes out with a high performance zetec block, I would suggest rebuilding a low milage engine (30,000ish miles). That way, the block is "seasoned" the heat cycling has done pretty much all the warping that it will do at that point. You can then have a VERY GOOD ENGINE BUILDER (in my opinion this is key) do a minimal overbore, torque-plate hone the cylinder walls. Also an align hone of the mains is a good idea. All of these will decrease friction. That means more power and.

I was thinking about valve springs again.... I remember you said something about titanium. I think that decision should be reserved until cams are selected. Once you do this, you will basically know wht the redline will be, and can make an informed decision on the valve springs. I did read that titanium springs last 10 times as long as steel springs. Also, they do not "take a set" (tweek themselves to suit a specific installation) like steel springs which could be an advantage in a very high performance motor.

Okay, I'm all thought out on this subject. If only I had some money, I'd be all set.

-FD

FWIW (as I am not a zetecer) I think a (the) key problem with zetec is the small valves relative to cylinder displacement. The SVTF head is new with big valves and big ports...could maybe get SVTF big valves (with upgraded springs & retainers) installed with appropriate porting.. zetec intake manifold looks bad as well, the variable runner style SVTF intake looks nice (and NOT like the duratec). cams as hot as you want next.. Now you are cooking..Well the nodular iron crank may be an issue over 8-8.5K?? rods, pistons..thats alot of cash guys..

Originally posted by Dan Nixon:

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FWIW (as I am not a zetecer) I think a (the) key problem with zetec is the small valves relative to cylinder displacement. The SVTF head is new with big valves and big ports...could maybe get SVTF big valves (with upgraded springs & retainers) installed with appropriate porting.. zetec intake manifold looks bad as well, the variable runner style SVTF intake looks nice (and NOT like the duratec). cams as hot as you want next.. Now you are cooking..Well the nodular iron crank may be an issue over 8-8.5K?? rods, pistons..thats alot of cash guys..

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1 the valves... Esslinger makes much better oversized valves than the ones found on the SVTF
2 the crank.... it can handle upto 8000+rpm stock. higher yes I would replace it
3 what sucks is we have to replace the stock mainfold if we want better flow from it unlike the duratec we can't extrude hone it cause ford was nice enough to give us plastic that and the thing looks like a maze

Originally posted by ZetecRacing:

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the thing looks like a maze

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true, but it helps the car not be too loud or powerful for the old ladies.

Originally posted by ZetecRacing:

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Originally posted by Dan Nixon:

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FWIW (as I am not a zetecer) I think a (the) key problem with zetec is the small valves relative to cylinder displacement. The SVTF head is new with big valves and big ports...could maybe get SVTF big valves (with upgraded springs & retainers) installed with appropriate porting.. zetec intake manifold looks bad as well, the variable runner style SVTF intake looks nice (and NOT like the duratec). cams as hot as you want next.. Now you are cooking..Well the nodular iron crank may be an issue over 8-8.5K?? rods, pistons..thats alot of cash guys..

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1 the valves... Esslinger makes much better oversized valves than the ones found on the SVTF
2 the crank.... it can handle upto 8000+rpm stock. higher yes I would replace it
3 what sucks is we have to replace the stock mainfold if we want better flow from it unlike the duratec we can't extrude hone it cause ford was nice enough to give us plastic that and the thing looks like a maze

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Focus Central (www.focus-central.com) ports the Zetec intake manifold. Yes it is pricey ($250 plus $170 core) but it has shown gains of 10 hp on some cars.