I'm new to all of this and at the moment i'm just researching what i will need to get first. And now i come to the engine, and this is where i need some help.

My question is ... which zetec engine should i get. I'm after a 1.6 engine but am unsure of what to get ? and how much they normally go for.

I'm also looking at a BEC i just want to see what a car engine would cost to build.

Thanks in advance

Marcus

2 litre Zetec or the lighter Sigma engine why go for the 1.6 ???

Swings and roundabouts really. Why do you fancy the 1.6 (Zetec SE) over the larger, heavier, but potentially more powerful 1.8 / 2.0??

The 1.8 or 2L will bolt direct to a type 9 box which saves on a custom bellhousing. They are also very widely used so tons of off-the-shelf parts out there. They are larger and heavier than the all alloy 1.6 Zetec SE though.

BEC is still the way to go though!!

As for cost, there are so many variables i dont think you will find too much difference in either install really if you are careful (depending on engine). BEC's will need reverse fitting come IVA, and also a Torque Resilient Tube prop is dearer than one to fit to a type 9 box generally used with a car engine. I'd certainly say the cost is going to be close enough overall to not base BEC vs CEC solely on price - go for what you really want - you will only have regrets if you dont follow your heart and build your toy just how you want it.

[Edited on 25/2/09 by Paul TigerB6]

You see when i was alittle bit younger i got a red top lol and got caught speeding and got my licence taken away from me.

So i'm thinking either the insurance will be sky high for a 2.0L or ill blow my licence again in a week.

This is my first build as well. I will be making a track version after this, but at the moment i want to buy an engine or donor car with all the parts i need.

But i dont know which car has the lower zetec engine.

you can blow your licence with a 1.3 kent engine, it the driver not the engine that causes the speeding, you are still better going for a 1.8 or 2 litre you can always set the rev limiter to cut out at 4-5k. If you fit the smaller engine you will at some point want to upgrade so just do it in the first instance

You will find any se7en fast enough to blow your licence and doubt the engine size will make a huge difference to insurance - would suggest having a search through the archives or get a couple of quotes. Kit car insurance is generaly very cheap (i paid under £200 on a 2L Zetec Tiger when in my 20's).

If you want to keep the cost and power down but still have the more modern 16v engine then have a look for a very common (and hence cheap as chips) 1.8 Zetec. There are two versions of this of approx 115 and 130bhp from the Escort / Mondeo. The lower power version can always get a set of 2L cams to up the power cheaply at a later date. The waterpump works the correct way around and the flywheel is lighter than the 2L so saves a fair chunk of cash (saying that i'd replace the pump and cambelt anyway!!)

You might also want to do some research on the Toyota 4-age though. Just like the Zetec SE, it will require a custom bellhousing to fit to a type 9 but is smaller and lighter than the 1.8 Zetec. Just another option to consider anyway (have a look at RAW's website)

So what donor car should i get for the 1.8 engine ? I'm searching ebay at the moment but i dont know which to buy.

Did you know you can buy brand new Zetec's for about £700?? Might want to consider one of these over something that has done 80,000 plus for only £500 less.

Personally i'd go for a later blacktop Zetec and just accept you will need to fit a catalytic converter and sort emissions. Focus or Mondeo from 99 onwards (or buy a new one!!) in that case. If you do go for a new one then just make sure you get one with an engine number.

shiny new zetec

A few companies such as Raceline and some kit car companies also sell them

Plenty of light reading for you here - under Zetec resources

So can you put any zetec engine in the car ? even if it's from a front wheel drive car ?

you arent using the gearbox so yes. The Zetec wasnt used in a RWD car by Ford anyway

my mate got a ban (not for speeding tut tut tut....) he just got his back. the only reasonable quotes he got for insurance was below 1.6

Mine was about 9 years so hopefully i should get low qoute's i'm 28 now lol. Learnt my lession i dont want to speed. I want to keep my licence.

Use the 1.8 or 2L zetec, really is a simple engine to sort out, every other kitcar has one in, and for good reason. I paid £50 for a good 1.8, but its the add-ons that make the job expensive (ie carbs/injection etc) unless you can use the std injection system.
Type 9 gearbox, £50-£100. Prop, £100-£150. Simple!

Another vote for a 4AGE here.

1.6cc 20v , small, light, 154bhp, revs past 8000 rpm. Cracking little engine.

Now looking at some RAW headwork to take me towards 200bhp

quote:

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Originally posted by marcus_uk
Mine was about 9 years so hopefully i should get low qoute's i'm 28 now lol. Learnt my lession i dont want to speed. I want to keep my licence.

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I bought an Escort XR3i, off ebay for around £100.
It had a 94 Silvertop 1.8 in. Great as it is just right fior the emissions and no cat. Also has the lower sump and the water pump on the right way (for me anyway)
I managed to sell a lot of bits off the car. all the engine cost around £50 but also managed to use the new low profile tyres that were on it £400 worth.