hi just wondering which is the preffered engine out of the zetec and the vaux red top. and what are the pros and con of each cheers

steve.

zetec is a slightly newer engine, comes in a variety of flavours. it's easy to convert the cheaper, lower spec engines to the 130ps version with relatively little difficulty/outlay and there are plenty of after market parts. Whichever engine you choose itll probably be cheaper than a redtop and theres loads of them if you ever need to swap the engine out because you've blown it up.

redtops come ready made to be higher output than your zetecs with around 150ps straight away. They're also tough engines so you don't have to worry excessively about slightly higher mileage/older engines as they tend to last well. Again loads of aftermarket and plenty of experience with the engine means more power is easy to come by and a big exhaust and carbs may see you get 175hp at the flywheel no problem (if you believe the vauxhall tuners like SBD). Some caution is needed for the conversion, as youll need to invest in a variety of drivetrain frankenstein parts to get it all hooked up (type 9 is the easiest option). The engines are also rarer and more expensive due to increased demand from the corsa converting boys.

Also if you fit a redtop you need to fork out for the ridiculously expensive SBD nylon oil pressure release valve as they stick open and nuke your engine. Its happened to me at IVA (i realised before it did any obvious damage) and to a couple of other builders of very nice redtop cars on here.

I run a redtop, but i like the zetecs too.

NIETHER GO PINTO!

i'll get me coat!

I put a zetec in my jago, because it was free and the MT75 offered an easy RWD option.

I wouldnt do another one, not for free and not if you paid me.

Redtop on the other hand I had in a corsa, nice engine, well designed, simple wiring....

It all depends what you intend to do with the car. For all out power red top is best, but zetecs are cheap as chips and an easy conversion. How deep are your pockets?

I second what Craig (cd.thompson) has said - his comments are right on the nail - but I would also say that in addition to the oil pressure relief valve (which are a rediculous £60 from SBD motorsport for a bit of plastic) the other weak point and something to watch for on the red top is the fact that the alloy cylinder heads can become porous - leading to water in the oil and vice versa.

Having said that, once you are set up with it, it is a cracking engine.

In support of the Zetec, you can get a brand new one for just £740 from GBS (kit parts direct) (aka robin hood) and then tune it up - but that's when you can start to shell out quite some considerable money.

new zetec


But, if you are building on a budget and want the horses - Red top gives 150bhp without resorting to spending £1000+ on engine management / throttle bodies / bike carbs etc.