Tuning the Zetec

[Richard Hall]

Does anyone know of any books abut tuning the ford zetec?

Mine is the 1800 115PS.

[Si Frowen]

Originally Posted by Richard Hall

Does anyone know of any books abut tuning the ford zetec?

Mine is the 1800 115PS.

Oi mate, crack on and get those lap times down then we'll talk about engine tuning! Theres 3 to 4 seconds to come from before we even think about engine work... Didn't that shouty instructor teach you anything?!

[BertMk2]

What car/championship is it in? The reason I ask is that if you can switch to a Duratec you can get more power for less ££££ We had a 2 Litre Zetec on 45's with Weber Alpha management I think that pushed out somewhere about 140bhp, when we built the new car we looked at Duratec, Zetec and XE options - we went XE in the end as the £££ per bhp was the least and had more scope for development (plus it's starting from a higher output as standard). Since then I'd say the Duratec has at least caught up as more people are doing bits for it now, truth be told it's probably the better option now. The Zetec seems to be a bit limited in comparision with what you can do to it - it may be cheaper to start with a different block if the regs allow?

[Dom]

Unfortunately you've got the wrong size lump! Best units to work with are the 1.6 ZetecSE or the 2.0 duratech which is very tunable. Not many tuners bother with the 1.8 as it's only a few hp better than the 1.6 and doesnt fit very well in most racing classes. The 1.6 can be taken to 210bhp and the 2.0 to around 240bhp (budget depending!)

[Alan Cherry]

There are basically two Zetec engines

Zetec S - 1400,1600,1700, used in Fiestas,Pumas etc - Can produce serious power, but tuning parts not cheaply available. Has some Yamaha origins, and I believe the basic design metamorphised into the Duratec.

Zetec E - 1600,1800 2000 Iron Block,pretty tuneable, but superceded by Duratecs these days. I believe Dunnels developed one as far as BTCC spec, but Ford pulled the plug. If you don't want to spend too much, I had an 1800 from the Si Fiesta series. It had the 130 BHp cams in it. I changed exhaust manifold for 4 branch, put twin 45 webbers on it, and used a Dunnell 2d Management system on it, and it showed just over 150 BHP on the rolling road - not megapower, but a noticeable difference on the track.
I sold the car on to my cousin, and he is rebuilding the engine with multipoint injection, Megasquirt or Megajolt management ( can never remember which is which) and may have the old Dunnell kit and other bits for sale. If you are looking for ultimate power, they would be no good for you, but if you are looking for a cheap upgrade they may be of use. If you want me to find out if he wants to get rid of them, and how much he wants, send me a PM.

Alan

p.s. Don't get confused by the focus ST170 which has a Zetec E engine in it (170BHP- 6 gears) but is badged as a Duratec!

[Dom]

Originally Posted by Alan Cherry

p.s. Don't get confused by the focus ST170 which has a Zetec E engine in it (170BHP- 6 gears) but is badged as a Duratec!

The Duratec HE (i4) in fact is a Mazda unit and has no relation to any Zetec (sigma) engine, and yes is nothing to do with the Duratec badged ST170 item either.

[phansa88]

The cranks for the 1800 and 2.0ltr are the same part number so i would go 2.0 ltr and just get new cams for now.black top will fit just have to do a couple of mods.

[XR2racer]

I ran an 1800 Zetec last year and upgraded to a 2 litre this year. Whilst there isn't a massive difference in power there is a noticable difference in torque.
Currently running standard internals with a 4 brach exhaust manifold and throttle bdies and she is throwing out approx 170bhp. With some work on the top end and a decent rolling road/mapping session I would expect to be nearer the 190bhp mark.
out of interest what car are you running it in as the cheapest way to get your lap times down is to shed some weight.

[andy97]

Crossle built their 9S "continuation cars" with 2 litre Zetec engines. Can't remember who built the engines for these, Scholar?, but they were supposed to give about 210 Bhp IIRC. Talk to them?

[eamonn ledwidge]

Dunnell is the builder, 217bhp and very nice too.

Originally Posted by andy97

Crossle built their 9S "continuation cars" with 2 litre Zetec engines. Can't remember who built the engines for these, Scholar?, but they were supposed to give about 210 Bhp IIRC. Talk to them?

[R59]

Ric Wood in Stockport has done some funky stuff with them. More on Duratec, but he does have some CNC programmes for Zetec.

[Mickypea]

I have a 65k Blacktop in my Tiger. I bought the engine for £150 off ebay took the head to Cylinderhead Developments in Bromsgrove (Andy Weston) who ported, polished, fitted and shimmed the cams. I built it back up and with an Alpha weber ignition system and a rolling road at Northampton Motorsport I get 208bhp.