What do you lot think of the z tech engine?
Discussion
I am thinking of buying a Caterham with a 2.0 Zetec engine, it is Fuel injected.
Is there much gain over the Twin 45 webbers??
Also, is it a decent reliable engine?
I thought that engine would be a good choice, as it sounds quite easy to get 200 bhp from the engine....well not easy but 'off the shelf' parts.
It is currently about 150bhp, which is possibly enough, even with the heavier engine (compared with the Rover) but if i get bored and want more power, i can uprate it easily as far as i know!
If i do leave it at 150 though, it is likely to be more reliable (meaning more hassle free thrashing around..)....
I would appreciate any opinions,
Any thoughts?
Thanks Mike.
Is there much gain over the Twin 45 webbers??
Also, is it a decent reliable engine?
I thought that engine would be a good choice, as it sounds quite easy to get 200 bhp from the engine....well not easy but 'off the shelf' parts.
It is currently about 150bhp, which is possibly enough, even with the heavier engine (compared with the Rover) but if i get bored and want more power, i can uprate it easily as far as i know!
If i do leave it at 150 though, it is likely to be more reliable (meaning more hassle free thrashing around..)....
I would appreciate any opinions,
Any thoughts?
Thanks Mike.
Edited by redmire on Thursday 17th June 18:57
Eugene7 said:
Well, I love mine - and it's a tad over 150BHP... 
I'm on 45's, but that my choice. Injection is easier to control...
How much bhp have you got?I'm on 45's, but that my choice. Injection is easier to control...
Do you find it reliable and worth the extra Brake?
Why do you prefer carbs?....Sorry for the questions, i am genuinley interested in your thoughts!
Mike
Zetec = A real tough engine, A real £ bargain at the mo
Why Caterham never used it as standard in the 7 in UK amazes me. it's a far better choice than 'K' series IMO
As a swop from the X flow it's a no brainer.
I have a standard 2litre on TB's with rear exit exhaust,[which strangles it slightly] it produces 155 Real BHP, not the sad Xflow type imaginary BHP.
It does 30-35MPG - more when driven on motorway.
If you get a Zetec car you'll never regret it.
Only problem you may have is finding one
Why Caterham never used it as standard in the 7 in UK amazes me. it's a far better choice than 'K' series IMO
As a swop from the X flow it's a no brainer.
I have a standard 2litre on TB's with rear exit exhaust,[which strangles it slightly] it produces 155 Real BHP, not the sad Xflow type imaginary BHP.
It does 30-35MPG - more when driven on motorway.
If you get a Zetec car you'll never regret it.
Only problem you may have is finding one
Eugene7 said:
Mike, I'm at 200/210BHP, and loving every one of the horses.
Carbs? Just 'cos I'm a sad git that likes them
It probably is less smooth than injection, but with the 3D map ignition it's no problem.
Very easy to drive...
Eugene, that is a real pepperami!!!Carbs? Just 'cos I'm a sad git that likes them
It probably is less smooth than injection, but with the 3D map ignition it's no problem.
Very easy to drive...
i have to say, i do like carbs but setting them up was always a weak point for me when i was young and into anything with a piston!!
Wouldn't rule it out though!
Just GAGGING to put some miles behind me in a Caterham!!
Out of interest, can i ask what mods you have??
Also did you Beef the engine up atall?
_______________________________________________________
S47, That is interesting a lot of horses for little work!!
i also agree with the 'Ford is better' take as well!
Thanks for that info..
Edited by redmire on Friday 18th June 17:37
Edited by redmire on Friday 18th June 17:38
I think what S47 is saying is that 155 is an easy amount, with loads yet to tap... and no stresses as with the K-Series.
As for my engine, it's a RaceLine spec, but well sorted. The bottom end is standard, but I red-line at over 8K no problem. Great work from Chris at The 7 Workshop, as always!
As for my engine, it's a RaceLine spec, but well sorted. The bottom end is standard, but I red-line at over 8K no problem. Great work from Chris at The 7 Workshop, as always!
My engine is totally standard except for TB's and a 4 branch exhaust. I also bought it 2nd hand for £50, which works out a very cheep for 155 'Real horses'
In a similar spec to your mentioned 1600K supersport a 2 litre zetec would be giving you 200+horses
I have to say though that the K suits a 7 very well being a small light engine, infact I wanted to fit one in my Lotus but 7 years ago when I was searching for one they were silly money £1K for a similarly used one to my Zetec - so a no contest really
Hope this helps
Mal
In a similar spec to your mentioned 1600K supersport a 2 litre zetec would be giving you 200+horses
I have to say though that the K suits a 7 very well being a small light engine, infact I wanted to fit one in my Lotus but 7 years ago when I was searching for one they were silly money £1K for a similarly used one to my Zetec - so a no contest really
Hope this helps
Mal
I've helped install a couple of crossflow to Zetec swaps. Both started out on the crossflow DCOE carbs and gave around 155bhp.
Some items are re-usable from the crossflow and some bespoke item are needed from Dunnel or Raceline for example.
Both are now on Jenvey throttle bodies have had cam upgrades and are not at 200 or over.
It's a very nice engine - heavier than a K series as the lump is iron.
If possible mounting a little farther back as Caterham did with the VX XE 16V would improve things...
Some items are re-usable from the crossflow and some bespoke item are needed from Dunnel or Raceline for example.
Both are now on Jenvey throttle bodies have had cam upgrades and are not at 200 or over.
It's a very nice engine - heavier than a K series as the lump is iron.
If possible mounting a little farther back as Caterham did with the VX XE 16V would improve things...
Edited by Yellow 7 on Saturday 19th June 21:58
That sounds like a biggish job?
I can see how you could shorten the prop and get some engine / gearbox mounts modified but what about the gearstick?
Must say, some have said to me, "Go for the K series to reduce weight over the front end and improve handling"..maybe this is correct but i do like the 2.0 zetec!
I can see how you could shorten the prop and get some engine / gearbox mounts modified but what about the gearstick?
Must say, some have said to me, "Go for the K series to reduce weight over the front end and improve handling"..maybe this is correct but i do like the 2.0 zetec!
I always presumed the stigma about the Zetec engine was that it was iron. But the VX is iron and doesn't seem to suffer as much. Picky bunch, these Seven enthusiasts, and unfortunately it may affect how quickly you could sell if you had a Zetec car. There's been some very reasonably priced throttle bodied Zetecs I've looked at, but ultimately the resale difficulties put me off when I was looking, which probably means I've missed out!
That is a fair coment chris, i haven't really thought about re-sale value but i guess you should?...(not that i am)...
What i am concerned about is the limits a live axle can put on how far you tune a zetec!...
After all with a potential 'easy'ish' 210bhp, more or less, it appears it could over stress the axle!?
thanks,
Mike.
What i am concerned about is the limits a live axle can put on how far you tune a zetec!...
After all with a potential 'easy'ish' 210bhp, more or less, it appears it could over stress the axle!?
thanks,
Mike.
chris_speed said:
I always presumed the stigma about the Zetec engine was that it was iron. But the VX is iron and doesn't seem to suffer as much. Picky bunch, these Seven enthusiasts, and unfortunately it may affect how quickly you could sell if you had a Zetec car. There's been some very reasonably priced throttle bodied Zetecs I've looked at, but ultimately the resale difficulties put me off when I was looking, which probably means I've missed out!
The big VX is a little heavier but sits farther back. Wide track and good set up negate the VX weight to some extent.Eugene7 said:
My Zetec is in an LA chassis, with Ital axle (see other thread for mods).
Have to say I love the way it drives - not a dedion fan as I prefer the LA... but that's juts me!
Well i didn't expect that!Have to say I love the way it drives - not a dedion fan as I prefer the LA... but that's juts me!
Are you happy with the reliabillity and 'ride'?
Tell me more, very hungry for knowledge!!
Thankyou, yet again,
Mike
S47 said:
I have a standard 2litre on TB's
Why bother putting a standard Zetec on TB's 
redmire the Zetec is a great engine, I converted from a X Flow 1700SS to a 2 litre Black Top Zetec R using the Raceline (most knowledgeable people in the industry when it comes to Zetec's and Duratec's and really nice guy’s) kit keeping the engine standard on 40 DCOE's, 155BHP of real driveable power.
Now upgraded and running 210BHP with TB's, Kent 200 cams ported head etc., great drivability and still 32mpg + on a spirited run.
Yes the resale will be affected as opposed to s similar spec K series, but look at the price of XFlows at the moment
, so not all that bad.With regard to the LA chassis with Ital axle, there is no problem with it handling the power and a lot of people say the ride is better.
Hope this helps
Guy
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