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Duratec - power/upgrade routes?
Tiger Super Six - 6/2/12 at 09:53 AM

Chaps,

What are the thoughts of those with a duratec if you want to start tuning it? My understanding is that the bottom end is pretty good and a change of cams is the first and most obvious upgrade, but what power will that see?

After that, what upgrades can be done and what power will they then achieve?

Mark.


hughpinder - 6/2/12 at 12:05 PM

You could do worse that a quick read of:

http://www.sbdev.co.uk/History_files/History_DuratecTuning.htm

For the supercharged route to about 290bhp have a look at flak's sticky near the top of this section!

Regards
Hugh


snapper - 6/2/12 at 12:58 PM

As I understand the first simple mod is a pair of cams Careham spec gives 225 bhp which is about the limit of the rods and pistons
The Duratec is good for 300 bhp with the right bits


pjay - 6/2/12 at 01:21 PM

Hi Mark how's it going?

I'm just in the process of changing to Newmans ST150 cams which have slightly higher lift (but don't need the pistons pocketing) and longer duration - may give 10-15. I'm also changing the head which may give another 10-15. Right now I'm rebuilding the head itself so may be ready in time for spring.

As snapper says apparantly the rods are safe to max of 225 but I'm going see how close I can get to 220.

To go any further the views are that the bottom end internals would need to change.


Tiger Super Six - 6/2/12 at 01:23 PM

Cheers for all the replies chaps, some interesting reading.

It would appear that good induction, exhaust and cams will give plenty of power. It doesn't seem worth going much over the 220 which can be acheived for a reasonable outlay.

[Edited on 6/2/12 by Tiger Super Six]


neilp1 - 6/2/12 at 08:50 PM

Mark,

Have you decided to keep the Avon?


eddie99 - 6/2/12 at 08:54 PM

We plan on going 240bhp, so we are doing forged internals purely because its in racing environment and better safe than sorry..... It certainly does get quite expensive. If i was you, i'd aim for 200 with exhaust, tb's and cams. Relatively cheap.


Tiger Super Six - 6/2/12 at 09:32 PM

quote:
Originally posted by neilp1
Mark,

Have you decided to keep the Avon?


No its still for sale, just wondering for future projects


neilp1 - 7/2/12 at 09:24 AM

Guys, when considering power gains do you consider changing the prop? The reason asked is I bought a prop last week and the guy asked what power I was putting through it. They do 2 different props, one has a larger joint and so is capable of more power!


pjay - 7/2/12 at 06:39 PM

quote:
Originally posted by neilp1
Guys, when considering power gains do you consider changing the prop? The reason asked is I bought a prop last week and the guy asked what power I was putting through it. They do 2 different props, one has a larger joint and so is capable of more power!


Agree drivetrain needs to be factored. I'm limiting my target power based on running a Heavy Duty Type 9 from Rally Design (good to 250 IIRC) and an Atlas axle (good to 240???).

Hadn't considered the proshaft and UJs - what power figures were you quoted?


ajw - 7/2/12 at 06:41 PM

the post 2008 focus head is the preferred option. CNC heads can machine to top spec and finish yourself. Use steel rods and quality pistons . raceline have all the parts


pjay - 7/2/12 at 06:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ajw
the post 2008 focus head is the preferred option.


Guess this is quoting SBDev? The 'better head' isn't just fitted on the Focus though.

Also the shopping list you've quoted isn't cheap - what do CNC Heads charge to do a head?


neilp1 - 7/2/12 at 07:18 PM

quote:
Originally posted by pjay
quote:
Originally posted by neilp1
Guys, when considering power gains do you consider changing the prop? The reason asked is I bought a prop last week and the guy asked what power I was putting through it. They do 2 different props, one has a larger joint and so is capable of more power!


Agree drivetrain needs to be factored. I'm limiting my target power based on running a Heavy Duty Type 9 from Rally Design (good to 250 IIRC) and an Atlas axle (good to 240???).

Hadn't considered the proshaft and UJs - what power figures were you quoted?

I was told the one i bought with the larger ujs was good for 250bhp & the standard one good 110bhp


pjay - 7/2/12 at 11:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by neilp1
I was told the one i bought with the larger ujs was good for 250bhp & the standard one good 110bhp


Interesting, would you be able to post a picture showing the size of the UJs (to do a comparison)?


neilp1 - 8/2/12 at 05:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by pjay
quote:
Originally posted by neilp1
I was told the one i bought with the larger ujs was good for 250bhp & the standard one good 110bhp


Interesting, would you be able to post a picture showing the size of the UJs (to do a comparison)?


I'll take some on pics on friday as I'm away until then!!


pjay - 8/2/12 at 05:53 PM

Cheers!


neilp1 - 10/2/12 at 09:23 PM

pjay, a couple of pics of my new prop.






pjay - 11/2/12 at 12:02 AM

That's great I'll do a comparison with the propshaft I have. Looks like it's very similar but need to check.


beaver34 - 11/2/12 at 08:30 AM

quote:
Originally posted by pjay
quote:
Originally posted by neilp1
Guys, when considering power gains do you consider changing the prop? The reason asked is I bought a prop last week and the guy asked what power I was putting through it. They do 2 different props, one has a larger joint and so is capable of more power!


Agree drivetrain needs to be factored. I'm limiting my target power based on running a Heavy Duty Type 9 from Rally Design (good to 250 IIRC) and an Atlas axle (good to 240???).

Hadn't considered the proshaft and UJs - what power figures were you quoted?


you dont need a atlas for that power, fitted that over an english with the added weight means you might as well loose 20bhp from the engine and have a english and it would be as quick

thats from what ive read and talked to people about, ill be running 250+ through my english


TheKingofBling - 11/2/12 at 11:11 AM

I agree with Beaver, an english with the right internals will be man enough for the job, the shafts are the weak point. You could always use different side gears and run an atlas shaft.


pjay - 11/2/12 at 11:22 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. The reason for the Atlas is simply that it's what I have fitted so just checking it's man enough for the power (as you say at the cost of extra weight though!).


beaver34 - 11/2/12 at 11:50 AM

quote:
Originally posted by pjay
Thanks for the feedback guys. The reason for the Atlas is simply that it's what I have fitted so just checking it's man enough for the power (as you say at the cost of extra weight though!).


fair enough no need to change it over!