Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance head swap.

Is a focus (ZX3) head a direct bolt on to the contour(ZX1) block?
If so, is there a loss or gain in comp ratio? Would Piston crown Mod or replacement be necessary?, ie,piston to valve clearance issues?

Reason for the enquiry is the lack of ZX1 tuner parts(import at high cost) compared to ZX3 that has local tuner supprot and lower prices.
m.

I don't think anyone here has tried a zx3 head package

but you could be the first

A focus head should work. I am planning on using the FRPP Focus head. The only problem is the timing belt tensioner. The Contour uses a larger tensioner that sits in the center of the head. The Focus uses two smaller tensioners that sit below the cam gears.

I'm guessing that you may need to drill and tap new holes in the Focus/Escort head to get the Contour timing belt tensioner to work.

HTH,
BP

thanks for the replies. It might be easier to use the Focus tensioners.
Let the project begin...

Edit: forgot about the waterpumps. Maybe the whole ZX3.
m.

From what I've read around here a head from a ZX2 will work but not one from a focus. That is if you have a 98 plus car. I thought the issue was that both contours and ZX2s have the VCT. I am mis-understanding this?

Only 98+ Contours have VCT. I think that only the SVT Foci have VCT. (I'm not 100% sure on that one.) I do know that the FRPP Focus head does have an EGR port.

BP

ANyone know if the SVT Focus heads can bolt on to the regular Zetec? Sorry to hijack your thread.

Aaron

All 2L Zetec heads/blocks will bolt together. Heck, you could even put a SPI head on your Contour if you wanted to. But who would want a pushrod 2L?

The things that made the SVT Focus Zetec special was a higher compression ratio, a performance exhaust header, and a special intake manifold with switchable runners.

BP

and VVT