Engine swap or not

[Too Late]

Hi all
I have myself a westfield running a 2ltr zetec, for the last year i have been putting off making any big changes since i have been fluttering between the idea of performing an engine swap.

I have a 230bhp n/a zetec currently, and i have been wondering if i should move to a more modern 1.6 ecoboost.

I think i could sell the zetec, simpson exhaust and ECU as a bundle to replace it with an ecoboost. My BHG gearbox is rated to 280 but there might be budget to replace that too.

Am i being silly chasing the bhp and the lighter 1.6 engine rather than sticking with my 230 bhp NA blacktop

TooLate

[Escy]

A 230bhp zetec is pretty special, don't think I'd want to be removing it.

[Chris-S]

Probably depends on whether you expect to be chasing more than the stock power levels of the Ecoboost I guess? It certainly has potential over the Zetec for ultimate power, and lighter of course...but, then again, as you are contemplating boost, a boosted Zetec can get up there too, and you could probably fund a good chunk of a boosted Zetec with the sale of the aspirated one you currently have?

The Ecoboost isn't the simplest engine to get going in a Westy either by the look of it. A few folk on the WSCC are doing it and it's not looking like a simple exercise. Adequate cooling seems to be a challenge too.

[downsman]

If you could try driving an ecoboost Seven first, it might be wise. The torque delivery will be very different and throttle response won't be anywhere near as good as a normally aspirated engine on throttle bodies.

[pigeondave]

I would say stick with what you have and enjoy it more. The swap could take some time, time which you could be driving it.

IMO too many people chase big power. It doesn't get you down the road any quicker in the real world. Plus you feel less of a hero on 1/2 throttle than you do at 4/5ths when driving it.

250bhp is max i'd say for a car engine car. If you want quicker, make it lighter, wheels, uprights etc.

[Nigel_O]

I only have 170bhp in my Zetec Westie and it's close to enough - as long as the road is dry, I can give it as much throttle as I like almost anywhere without fear of a trip through the hedgerow. I reckon another 20 - 30bhp would be the sweet spot.

I often drive out with other Westfields of up to 250bhp and other than on the straights, I generally don't have any problems keeping up

As mentioned above, I'd suggest some money spent on geometry, brakes and tyres would yield a better return than another 20 or 30 bhp

Alternatively, if you're hell-bent on getting rid of the Zetec, I'll give you a few quid for it....

[Too Late]

Cheers chaps for the replies. Will stick with it for the time being I think. I have loads to do so will get cracking

Thanks
Nick.

[hkp57]

downsman said:

If you could try driving an ecoboost Seven first, it might be wise. The torque delivery will be very different and throttle response won't be anywhere near as good as a normally aspirated engine on throttle bodies.

Having driven a seven with a Ecoboost I can tell you there is no throttle lag with the standard turbo and bucket full of instant torque way down.

You can get all the bits needed from these guys or a full kit with low mileage engine up to 350bhp

http://www.kitcarparts-scotland.co.uk/raptor-rr-35...

[Kevp]

Well Im kinda doing the same Zetec to ecoboost swap at the mo but into different chassis.

I have a 225bhp Zetec. It needs 3000 -3500 revs to make it go. Revs to 7500-8000 for max power. As loud as the wife on a bad day. Drinks fuel.

A standard ecoboost has more power lower down the rev range. Its quiet so you can hear the wife wispering in your ear. It only sips fuel. And if you chuck a few £K at it. It's v powerful but still respectable.

But will cost good money. This is my costs so far and the engine hasn't seen the chassis yet.
1.6 ecoboost £1000
Rad & intercooler £500
Caterham sump £450
Bell housing, clutch, flywheel £1000
ECU £1400
Exhaust ?
Fuel pump ?
Pipes,ducting ?

Happy decision making.