Maximum power from a Ford Zetec

[danhf]

What's the general opinion on the Ford Zetec(2.0)? I've drove a few and they seem ok (a little be raucous maybe) but fairly quick.

Does anyone have experience of turbocharging them?

Whilst I'm on the subject, what is the limiting factor on an engine regarding it's suitability for turbocharging? I mean, assuming you do the usual, lowering the compression, balancing, forged pistons, etc - are there any fundamental changes in the design that means some engines are more suited than others?

TIA

Dan

[Mr2Mike]

Providing the CR can be lowered to sane levels without resorting to bodges such as thicker head gaskets, the piston and bottom end strength really determine how far you can go.

[deltaf]

Isnt the Zetec a thin walled casting? Thatd limit its usefulness for the application of a turbo surely?
Dont know what the latest engine is in the Focus...maybe thatd be your ideal transplant unit?

[DanHF]

Thanks for the feedback.

CR could be lowered by using different pistons I guess. Bottom end strength achieved by balancing and tuftriding or are you suggesting steel crank?

Good point about the thin walled casting but I'm almost positive that the Focus has the same block - can you imagine the costs involved for Ford to use a different block?!?! Focus is a bit new (read expensive) for my use.

Many thanks

Dan

[boosted ls1]

I'v done a few with turbo's. Use good pistons and rebalance and it should be good. The bottom end looks pretty strong so stock rpm shouldn't present any problems. I also do custom cast iron turbo exhaust manifolds.

[danhf]

What do you think would be max power? Assuming decent head, 1.2BAR, Motec - 300bhp?

Cheers
Dan

[Fatboy]

Isn't the main reason for the delay of the focus RS that the Zetec engine just wasn't designed to be turbo'd and as such took a lot of extra development?

[Podie]

Take a look at this... www.raceline.co.uk/

[Podie]

Fatboy said: Isn't the main reason for the delay of the focus RS that the Zetec engine just wasn't designed to be turbo'd and as such took a lot of extra development?

Cobblers. The Focus RS was NOT late. Ford NEVER gave an official date for release... it was the media that gave the date - which THEY made up - hence the car was "late"

The RS programme did have a few issues, but none were to do with the fact that the "Zetec engine just wasn't designed to be turbo'd"

[Podie]

DanHF said: Thanks for the feedback.

CR could be lowered by using different pistons I guess. Bottom end strength achieved by balancing and tuftriding or are you suggesting steel crank?

Good point about the thin walled casting but I'm almost positive that the Focus has the same block - can you imagine the costs involved for Ford to use a different block?!?! Focus is a bit new (read expensive) for my use.

Many thanks

Dan

Look at the older blocks then - the Zetec E engines... as found in the early Mondeo's and Escorts. These are cast iron IIRC, whereas the new ones are ally.

Order a catalgoue from Burton Power - www.burtonpower.com/system/index.html - as they have a handy section on telling the difference between the engines...

[danhf]

I ordered the catalogue but no luck as yet.

Dan

[Supercharged]

Zetec takes very well to a turbo, have a look at:-

www.jimhearne.co.uk/zvh.htm

www.zetecturbo.com/ffmprofile.htm

Some of the big power Zetecs run in the region of 1.5 bar and produce 300bhp @ wheels...

Some of the Fiesta Zectec Turbo's run low 13 1/4 miles, not bad for a FWD