I was planning to swap my CVH for a Zetec this winter but I'm having worrying thoughts about bike engines.

One of my main issues is that I really need a reverse so either a reverse box or electric reverse would be needed.

The bike engine will be a lot more expensive than the Zetec, but wil it be worth it?

My ball park calculations are:

BEC
Engine £850
Exhaust £300
Reverse box £500
Prop modification £100


Total with a bit of contingency about £1800


I've got all the Zetec bits I need except an inlet manifold so CEC costs inc the bits I have already bought and could sell on would be:
1.8 Blacktop £60 [bought already]
Megajolt £85 [bought already]
Exhaust £120 [bought already for CVH -will fit Zetec]
ZX9R carbs £20 [bought already]
Manifold & carb mods £160
Rolling road tune £150 ish

Total with a bit of contingency about £700


Have I missed anything major?

What would you go for?

Stu

[Edited on 28/6/07 by whitestu]

Go for the Zetec!

With a bike engine you will need new instruments.

As above zetec is the way to go!

i would normally say BEC but i think the zetec conversion is the most sensible and cost effective upgrade.

Definitely BEC. OK, so it might cost you a few quid more but can't you sell a kidney or something to offset the additional cost.

Phil

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Definitely BEC. OK, so it might cost you a few quid more but can't you sell a kidney or something to offset the additional cost.

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Originally posted by CaLviNx
Hi

Depends on what your going to use the car for..

Track days and short blasts the bike engine wins hands down.

For longer journeys touring etc the Zetec is the better choice

My personal view is that these cars are toys to clean the metaphorical tubes out/a stress buster, and used on short trips so the bike engine for me anyway is the only way forward.

Only you can decide though, based on asking yourself what you want the car for and what you expect it to do for you.

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I went from a Pinto to a Zetec. Mainly because I didn't fancy teh reliability concerns of a BEC. I drive down to Le Mans every year and do regular long trips so the revs of a BEC put me off.

Oh.... did I say that the Zetec blew up on the way to Le Mans because I over revved it!!!!

I would still go for the Zetec as the upgrade will be easier and if you pop it then another £150 gets you another engine, but you could go 2.0 second time around.

The zetec would be the sensible solution...but if you want sensible get a Focus!

Adrian

Come and have a drive of mine, then grab a go in a BEC and then decide.

Gotta be the BEC!!!

As said above, you'll need clocks and also you need to add engine cradle to your list aswell I'm afraid! maybe another £100 unless you make it yourself.

Steve

JAG ENGINE
Seriously Zetec

I think if you want to use the car as a tourer, a zetec would probably make more sense.

I was quite keen on zetec when I started thinking about a kit, but now im really stuck on a BEC - the car for me will be a toy, and the bike engine will make it more fun methinks.

besides, its more in keeping with the ethos of the original lotus 7 - in the words of a certain Colin Chapman, "just add lightness"

I think the idea of a BEC would have excited him greatly.