Engine swap - CEG Archives

Originally posted by contourfreak22:

Originally posted by Tony2005:
Welcome czykibo .

This most be the new thing to post every week. But atleast dude's smart enough to know he needs a v6 and not mod the zetec.

Ill show you the light young grasshopper:
The Light

ok guys thanks for the warm welcome i got my eyes on a 98 svt for around 4,300 , im lookin into it right now

Originally posted by czykibo:
ok guys thanks for the warm welcome i got my eyes on a 98 svt for around 4,300 , im lookin into it right now

Unless it's in great condition, don't pay that much.

noticed your from pittsburgh....where at?

and welcome!

umm im about 20 miles south of the city, the only ones around here are at least 5 G's or higher and they all look like in good shape

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
...atleast dude's smart enough to know he needs a v6 and not mod the zetec.

This comment makes me sad. There are soo many aftermarket parts for the Zetec. There is no reason why Zetecer's shouldn't be running circles around around the V6 guys.

I can't wait until I get my turbo put on.

BP

Yes there are plenty of parts, but you're starting out with a 2L 4cyl vs. 2.5L 6cyl. There is a good many parts available for the duratecs as well. A 3L swap being the cheapest for the gain.

I'm all for seeing fast contours, whether it's a zetec or duratec. But for most of us, it's a lot more cost effective to upgrade to a v6. My SVT when I'm done with it (including new headlights, fixing the tranny, and a header) will put down better numbers than hector's zetec and cost less than what he sold his for (now think about how much he spent to get the power he did). I know from experience (just look at all the stuff on my zetec).

Now for serious power, you're probably gonna spend the same on a zetec or duratec. But most of the people on this site aren't looking for huge amounts of power, so it just makes senses for MOST people to go with a v6.

Originally posted by ButtonPuncher:

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
...atleast dude's smart enough to know he needs a v6 and not mod the zetec.

This comment makes me sad. There are soo many aftermarket parts for the Zetec. There is no reason why Zetecer's shouldn't be running circles around around the V6 guys.

I can't wait until I get my turbo put on.

BP

thats what i've always thougth too...i've been looking for a good deal for a mtz zetec tour for awhile now..seen a few,just never at the right time

0.5L isn't that hard to make up for. If somebody dropped a FRPP head, FRPP intake, and some cams onto a Zetec, they would be making more power than a 2.5L Duratec. With agressive cams, cam gears, and good tuning, you'd reach SVT power levels.

Originally posted by tour96se:
i've been looking for a good deal for a mtz zetec tour for awhile now..seen a few,just never at the right time

Ditto. I need one for my big-boost buildup. I haven't been able to find one in good shape at a decent price.

BP

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
Yes there are plenty of parts, but you're starting out with a 2L 4cyl vs. 2.5L 6cyl. There is a good many parts available for the duratecs as well. A 3L swap being the cheapest for the gain.

I'm all for seeing fast contours, whether it's a zetec or duratec. But for most of us, it's a lot more cost effective to upgrade to a v6. My SVT when I'm done with it (including new headlights, fixing the tranny, and a header) will put down better numbers than hector's zetec and cost less than what he sold his for (now think about how much he spent to get the power he did). I know from experience (just look at all the stuff on my zetec).

Now for serious power, you're probably gonna spend the same on a zetec or duratec. But most of the people on this site aren't looking for huge amounts of power, so it just makes senses for MOST people to go with a v6.

So......for the price of the S/C on my Zetec it made more power than every ATX Contour (Duratec/Zetec) and most MTX non-SVT (and some SVTs) and was more reliable......why would you want a swap?

The S/C, header, chip, injectors, intake, exhaust on your existing ATX Zetec is STILL cheaper than finding a decent conditon STOCK SVT.

Originally posted by ButtonPuncher:
Ditto. I need one for my big-boost buildup. I haven't been able to find one in good shape at a decent price.

I think SVTFrog has one...

Originally posted by LocoGSR:

So......for the price of the S/C on my Zetec it made more power than every ATX Contour (Duratec/Zetec) and most MTX non-SVT (and some SVTs) and was more reliable......why would you want a swap?

The S/C, header, chip, injectors, intake, exhaust on your existing ATX Zetec is STILL cheaper than finding a decent conditon STOCK SVT.

although i never dynoed my car, im willing to bet it woulda put down more than your car did when i had the atx.

ran a 15.02 @ 91 with stock single exhaust, bald snow tires, transmission was all [censored] up, roll resistors were [censored] up too and the car ran like crap! running right with exhaust done it woulda been well into the 14s! after i swapped the mtx it was night and day difference! it was so much faster

Originally posted by ButtonPuncher:
0.5L isn't that hard to make up for. If somebody dropped a FRPP head, FRPP intake, and some cams onto a Zetec, they would be making more power than a 2.5L Duratec. With agressive cams, cam gears, and good tuning, you'd reach SVT power levels.

And all that puts you well above what it would cost to sell your car and get a svt.

Originally posted by LocoGSR:

The S/C, header, chip, injectors, intake, exhaust on your existing ATX Zetec is STILL cheaper than finding a decent conditon STOCK SVT.

Well, my SVT has intake and exhaust, I'm sure he could have removed that and then it would be STOCK and would be a LOT cheaper than an atx zetec with a s/c (don't even have to include all the other parts).

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
And all that puts you well above what it would cost to sell your car and get a svt.

Ford Racing Focus 2.0L Zetec CNC'D Aluminum Head - $800
Crower Cams - $340
FRPP Intake - $500
Pair of cam gears - $150
Custom SCT Chip - $400
Trubendz 2.5" cat back exhaust - $310
Kamikaze ZX2 Header - $254
head gasket and bolts - $50
Total - $2804
There is probably another $500 in Misc parts and also getting a pipe bent to connect the contour exhaust to the kamikaze header.

My ZX2 S/R made 167 HP and 152 lb-ft of torque at the wheels with a ported head, cams, cam gears, kamikaze header, and AF/X UDP. It still had the stock 1 and 7/8" crush bent exhaust, stock intake manifold, stock throttle body, stock PCM, stock injectors, etc. With a better intake manifold and throttle body and exhaust, other ZX2's have put down 180+ HP at the wheels. The end results in a contour shouldn't be much different.

From what I've seen in the part of the country where I live, its hard to find a good condition, low mileage 1998 SVT for under $5500 and most dealerships still want $7500-$8000 for a '98 SVT. A low mileage '98 4 cylinder Zetec sells for $2000 in private sales and $3000 at dealerships depending on condition and options. If someone has a '95 or '96 Zetec, their car would sell for even less.

So it basically comes down to the going prices of the cars in the area where the person lives and if they really want an SVT. Also, one other factor that was not looked at is insurance. Insurance for me on an SVT Contour was about the same as a similar model year Mustang GT. Insurance for a Zetec contour for me is about the same as a Ford Escort. Even if I were to add $5000 in aftermarket parts coverage to my insurance policy, the difference per year is quite large.

I think most people who rag on the zetec just don't know what the motor is capable of. Just because it has 4 cylinder vs the duratec's 6 doesn't mean it can't make power... Sure it may take more money, But if you're dead set on it I see no reason to spend it.

I drove to Mississippi to buy my car from someone that lives in Texas. Definitely can't go on what is available in the market. Around here there isn't a svt for sale for any price.

A good condition 98 svt can be had for around $3k. For less than $600, you can put down ~180hp. And don't forget, leather interior, better handling, better looking (and more aerodynamic), and better braking.

Originally posted by BOSS122:

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
And all that puts you well above what it would cost to sell your car and get a svt.

Ford Racing Focus 2.0L Zetec CNC'D Aluminum Head - $800
Crower Cams - $340
FRPP Intake - $500
Pair of cam gears - $150
Custom SCT Chip - $400
Trubendz 2.5" cat back exhaust - $310
Kamikaze ZX2 Header - $254
head gasket and bolts - $50
Total - $2804
There is probably another $500 in Misc parts and also getting a pipe bent to connect the contour exhaust to the kamikaze header.

My ZX2 S/R made 167 HP and 152 lb-ft of torque at the wheels with a ported head, cams, cam gears, kamikaze header, and AF/X UDP. It still had the stock 1 and 7/8" crush bent exhaust, stock intake manifold, stock throttle body, stock PCM, stock injectors, etc. With a better intake manifold and throttle body and exhaust, other ZX2's have put down 180+ HP at the wheels. The end results in a contour shouldn't be much different.

From what I've seen in the part of the country where I live, its hard to find a good condition, low mileage 1998 SVT for under $5500 and most dealerships still want $7500-$8000 for a '98 SVT. A low mileage '98 4 cylinder Zetec sells for $2000 in private sales and $3000 at dealerships depending on condition and options. If someone has a '95 or '96 Zetec, their car would sell for even less.

So it basically comes down to the going prices of the cars in the area where the person lives and if they really want an SVT. Also, one other factor that was not looked at is insurance. Insurance for me on an SVT Contour was about the same as a similar model year Mustang GT. Insurance for a Zetec contour for me is about the same as a Ford Escort. Even if I were to add $5000 in aftermarket parts coverage to my insurance policy, the difference per year is quite large.

Well said.

To me SVT was just a name. I did what I did on a stock ATX/engine and it lasted over 140k. You could never do that in a SVT. Bottom line is you do some research and you are looking for power gains you can do it with whatever you have in your driveway for a fraction of the price. Doesn't have to have a special badge to be fast.

Kremit......go whore the Duratec forums......especially if you are going to put down the Zetec in every post here.

I remember a time when you would "die" for the Zetec camp. Don't forgot your "roots."

Originally posted by LocoGSR:

To me SVT was just a name. I did what I did on a stock ATX/engine and it lasted over 140k. You could never do that in a SVT. Bottom line is you do some research and you are looking for power gains you can do it with whatever you have in your driveway for a fraction of the price. Doesn't have to have a special badge to be fast.

Kremit......go whore the Duratec forums......especially if you are going to put down the Zetec in every post here. I remember a time when you would "die" for the Zetec camp. Don't forgot your "roots."

First of all, a SVT would put down about the same numbers as your car and go faster. And a stock SVT will definitely last over 140k miles. If you're saying you can't turbo or s/c one and have it last, I bet you can find my people in the FI section that will disagree with you. Now, they are putting out a lot more power than a sc zetec, so of course the wear and tear will be a bit more.
I agree with your bottom line, but if you chose to go with a zetec, up to a certain point, you're going to be spending more money.
And you're right SVT is just a name, a name that comes with more performance and better aesthetics.

Hector, I'm not putting down the zetec. It's a great engine. I really don't want to sell mine, but I can't keep 3 cars. But it is just not smart to mod to spend loads of money on it to just barely get it up to the level of a svt since svt's are so cheap now.
Now, if spending huge amounts of money for a ton of power, either engine will do, heck the zetec may even be the better choice. But I have an opinion about trying for huge power in any fwd car.

If the zetec is so great, how come you're in an evo. Don't be a hypocrite.

Originally posted by SVTfrog:

Originally posted by LocoGSR:

To me SVT was just a name. I did what I did on a stock ATX/engine and it lasted over 140k. You could never do that in a SVT. Bottom line is you do some research and you are looking for power gains you can do it with whatever you have in your driveway for a fraction of the price. Doesn't have to have a special badge to be fast.

Kremit......go whore the Duratec forums......especially if you are going to put down the Zetec in every post here. I remember a time when you would "die" for the Zetec camp. Don't forgot your "roots."

First of all, a SVT would put down about the same numbers as your car and go faster. And a stock SVT will definitely last over 140k miles. If you're saying you can't turbo or s/c one and have it last, I bet you can find my people in the FI section that will disagree with you. Now, they are putting out a lot more power than a sc zetec, so of course the wear and tear will be a bit more.
I agree with your bottom line, but if you chose to go with a zetec, up to a certain point, you're going to be spending more money.
And you're right SVT is just a name, a name that comes with more performance and better aesthetics.

Hector, I'm not putting down the zetec. It's a great engine. I really don't want to sell mine, but I can't keep 3 cars. But it is just not smart to mod to spend loads of money on it to just barely get it up to the level of a svt since svt's are so cheap now.
Now, if spending huge amounts of money for a ton of power, either engine will do, heck the zetec may even be the better choice. But I have an opinion about trying for huge power in any fwd car.

If the zetec is so great, how come you're in an evo. Don't be a hypocrite.

Let me ask you, honestly how many boosted Zetecs are there in the world compared to boosted Duratecs?

Duratecs have a hard time lasting with minimal mods....not bumping up the power almost 70 whp like I did with a stock Zetec ATX. How many people with the Duratec HAVE to build up the engine for boost. I just slapped boost on.

The proof is in the pudding....you've posted over 20k times.....have you read ANYTHING?

As far as me being a hyprocrite.......it was time to move on. I had no time or space to work on my car some more. Add in the fact I have a baby girl on the way, now engaged, I needed a newer car more now than ever. So I got an Evo. So what. I still hang out with more CEGers than you ever have. I am still on here helping. I will continue to do so.

You really need to grow up.

to add to Hector, what about all the stock duratec just blowing for no apparent reason?

Originally posted by ZetecGL:
to add to Hector, what about all the stock duratec just blowing for no apparent reason?

Haven't heard of that? But if it is true, could be for a number of reasons (like the owner did something to it). How about the duratecs that have over 250k miles?

Originally posted by LocoGSR:
Let me ask you, honestly how many boosted Zetecs are there in the world compared to boosted Duratecs? Duratecs have a hard time lasting with minimal mods....not bumping up the power almost 70 whp like I did with a stock Zetec ATX. How many people with the Duratec HAVE to build up the engine for boost. I just slapped boost on. The proof is in the pudding....you've posted over 20k times.....have you read ANYTHING?

As far as me being a hyprocrite.......it was time to move on. I had no time or space to work on my car some more. Add in the fact I have a baby girl on the way, now engaged, I needed a newer car more now than ever. So I got an Evo. So what. I still hang out with more CEGers than you ever have. I am still on here helping. I will continue to do so.

You really need to grow up.

Yes there are more boosted zetecs than duratecs. Part of the reason why I agree that for a LOT of power, zetec may very well be the way to go.
How many people have to build up the duratec for boost? Umm none have to, they chose to. How about Ray's car (was Tom's) isn't that a stock internal 3L putting down 356whp?

The proof is in the pudding. The pudding is that to get decent power, it's cheaper just to buy a duratec.

Again (I don't know what the heck you're arguing), the zetec is a GREAT engine and if going for HUGE power, then sure use it.

My point about the EVO was that obviously a zetec contour isn't the best thing ever as you're trying to make it out to be. And the fact that you're telling me to go over to the duratec forums, since I'm forgetting my "roots". Sorry, I know my roots but thankfully got smart enough to know what is a waste of time and money.

And grow up?

With you trying to take shots at me for not hanging out with a buncha CEGers and whatnot. Yeah, sorry I live in a small town with no CEGer for over an hour away and yet still have traveled to 3 states to meet CEGers. And I have tried to plan meets, attend every meet that doesn't conflict with my job,etc. Just look at the SE forum. Hmmm, summer dragon meet.

Whatever hector. The zetec is God's gift to humans. You're right, everyone should spend $2k on the car, and another $3k+ to supercharge it to attain less power than a $3k SVT. My bad.

Originally posted by SVTfrog:

Originally posted by ZetecGL:
to add to Hector, what about all the stock duratec just blowing for no apparent reason?

Haven't heard of that? But if it is true, could be for a number of reasons (like the owner did something to it). How about the duratecs that have over 250k miles?

how about my zetec with over 200k miles. ask hector he knows how much i beat on it.

and when i finally blow the engine (after the turbo) i will save up and drop in mazdaspeeds 500hp zetec engine for $5k. then will see if the svt will keep up with the zetec.

Yes, like I said, zetecs are great engines. But it's not like a duratec isn't.

But anyways, where is this mazdaspeed 500hp engine for $5k? I want one.

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
Yes, like I said, zetecs are great engines. But it's not like a duratec isn't.

But anyways, where is this mazdaspeed 500hp engine for $5k? I want one.

somebody posted it a long time ago

it was for their protege i believe

ill see if i cant find the thread

ok found it

it seems like hector actually posted it in the first place
but for some reason the picture doesnt seem to be working for me. im trying to find it on mazdas site

thread

Originally posted by SVTfrog:

Originally posted by ZetecGL:
to add to Hector, what about all the stock duratec just blowing for no apparent reason?

Haven't heard of that? But if it is true, could be for a number of reasons (like the owner did something to it). How about the duratecs that have over 250k miles?

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=general&Number=1170516&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=2&fpart=1

that was posted a week or so ago

Originally posted by ZetecGL:

Originally posted by SVTfrog:

Originally posted by ZetecGL:
to add to Hector, what about all the stock duratec just blowing for no apparent reason?

Haven't heard of that? But if it is true, could be for a number of reasons (like the owner did something to it). How about the duratecs that have over 250k miles?

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=general&Number=1170516&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=2&fpart=1

that was posted a week or so ago

Yeah I saw that. Didn't know that was all of them...

I betcha there has been zetecs that have died. In fact, I betcha every engine ever made has had some die unexpectedly. It happens.

Originally posted by striker2:

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
Yes, like I said, zetecs are great engines. But it's not like a duratec isn't.

But anyways, where is this mazdaspeed 500hp engine for $5k? I want one.

somebody posted it a long time ago

it was for their protege i believe

ill see if i cant find the thread

ok found it

it seems like hector actually posted it in the first place
but for some reason the picture doesnt seem to be working for me. im trying to find it on mazdas site

thread

I remember seeing that, didn't know it was $5k.

yeah the same day i saw that post i went to their site and they wanted just under 5k for it.

im having problems finding it though. it seems they have changed their site to only include the miata, 6, 3, and rx-8

im gonna continue to search and if i find anything ill be sure to post it

Originally posted by ButtonPuncher:

Originally posted by SVTfrog:
...atleast dude's smart enough to know he needs a v6 and not mod the zetec.

This comment makes me sad. There are soo many aftermarket parts for the Zetec. There is no reason why Zetecer's shouldn't be running circles around around the V6 guys.

I can't wait until I get my turbo put on.

BP

same here. the onlythings i lack are the exhaust manifold and tuning.

and a battery relocation

I'm getting close too. I need a MAF, IC heat exchanger, misc flanges, and cash to have the manifold adapter and downpipe made. I just got my SCT PRP software last week.

ok from what i see from all the posts , i think im goin to stick with my zetec, and pump it up

Originally posted by ButtonPuncher:
I'm getting close too. I need a MAF, IC heat exchanger, misc flanges, and cash to have the manifold adapter and downpipe made. I just got my SCT PRP software last week.

BP

what kinda MAF are you looking for. i have a zetec 6wire maf sitting around.

i wish i had the money for the sct pro kit but i got a friend whos got a fuel and ignition controller that he'll sell me for $250 that should work.

the manifold needs to cutom fabricated cause the turbo is going to go about where the battery is (hence the reason for the bat. relocation).

Originally posted by SVTfrog:

A good condition 98 svt can be had for around $3k. For less than $600, you can put down ~180hp. And don't forget, leather interior, better handling, better looking (and more aerodynamic), and better braking.

Where can you find a good condition '98 SVT for about $3000? I did a search of the most popular online car sale sites and the cheapest ones I found, in the $4000-$4500 range, all had 130,000-150,000 miles on them. I'd assume that a $3,000 SVT would have 150,000+ miles and be in need of some expensive maintenance. The lower mileage examples seemed to be selling for $6,000-$8,000.

The SVT is a great car and I probably would have bought one back in 2000 if the insurance wasn't as much or more than a '00 Mustang GT. But I don't think its going to be nearly the same car if you find a used one for $3,000.

I got mine for under $2500. It needs a $25 part in the tranny. It does have 125k miles, however it runs great. Fixing the few things wrong with it AND adding a few mods, it's still gonna be under $3k. Interior is good for the mileage, and exterior has some flaws, but nothing that will cost too much to fix.
I've heard of others getting SVTs that need trannies or engines for a lot less. Sure you gotta do a little work, but it's worth it.
You gotta do some searching, but you can get a good deal if you really want a svt.
My insurance is only $10 more a month, if that, for the SVT.