Having to start from scratch which would you use? are the zetecs expensive to tune? and does their bhp relate in anyway to the x-flow tuning?

Right now I have a 1600 x-flow with 84mm bore(which makes it 1750cc), compression of 10.5:1 & a Burton A2 cam. I have a spare x-flow block too.

I was thinking of switching to the zetec since most of you guys are doing the same and you cannot all be wrong, however has anyone tried the two engines in the locost?

What about weight is the zetec any lighter than the xflow?

quote:

---

Originally posted by thepest
Having to start from scratch which would you use?
depends on the car and what is its pupose. in my case I'd like a zetec but that would mean bonnet bulges which I am against.
are the zetecs expensive to tune? per item, I don't think any more expensive than crossflow parts. but since you have 2x cams, 2x valves then it will be 2x the cost.
and does their bhp relate in anyway to the x-flow tuning?
2.0 l silver top gives 150 bhp in standard form. You would need to spend a lot of money to get that from a crosslfow, probably over £ 1,500, and then it will be high revving race tuned lump.

Right now I have a 1600 x-flow with 84mm bore(which makes it 1750cc), compression of 10.5:1 & a Burton A2 cam. I have a spare x-flow block too.

I was thinking of switching to the zetec since most of you guys are doing the same and you cannot all be wrong, however has anyone tried the two engines in the locost?

What about weight is the zetec any lighter than the xflow?
I am pretty sure the zetec block is heavier and head too, despite being alloy - it is big, carries 2x valves and 2x cams

---

Humm, depends on what you want from the car... If I had a "good" cross flow with tune up parts in the garage I might be tempted to build a "traditional" locost..

If you want to enter the locost race series for example I think you need a cross flow....

Depends also on what chassis you build as well if you like the small original locost chassis you might find the zetec a squeeze??

Dan

I would like more torque than BHP since I use it for hillclimbs...

Since the zetec is heavier then does the extra BHP compensate well enough for it?
Its true I do not see 150 BHP on mine and it weighs 528kg.

So to rephrase my question, is there a better power to weight ratio with a zetec in a locost than a x-flow?

quote:

---

Originally posted by thepest

So to rephrase my question, is there a better power to weight ratio with a zetec in a locost than a x-flow?

---

Whether it's better probably depends if the zetec puts you in a different class to the xflow, and whether you're in it to win or just improve your own times.

I'm in it to win see as long as I dont exceed 2L then I am still in the same class here.
So zetec it is, are there variants of the 2L block?
And while we're on the subject, would a pinto be just as good in producing power?

P.S. no bike engines for now

I can only give my take on this, and leave you to make up your own mind...

I have a crossflow engine, which I enjoy driving every time I go out. It runs well, it makes a lovely noise, and I spent quite a bit of money getting it to where I wanted.

However, if it breaks for any reason I will not spend any more money on it. Instead I would buy a Zetec, or maybe even a Duratec. They're more up to date, and give a lot more power.

Otherwise, if I wanted plenty of power in a similar sized package, I'd try and buy a 1600cc Toyota 4-AGE. A compact engine that gives 130BHP out of the box, with loads of potential.

David

quote:

---

Originally posted by thepest
I'm in it to win see as long as I dont exceed 2L then I am still in the same class here.
So zetec it is, are there variants of the 2L block?
And while we're on the subject, would a pinto be just as good in producing power?

P.S. no bike engines for now

---

I upgraded from a crossflow to a zetec earlier this year.The zetec is a bit heavier and bulkier and I had to have the cam cover sticking through the bonnet slightly as i have low line bodywork .It would be possible to fit one into slightly taller bodywork with no problems .
I fitted an 1800 silvertop with gsxr 600 throttle bodys and found it to go well compared to the crossflow, however I want to replace it with a 2litre blacktop as it seems to need a top end overhaul and its cheaper to just bin the engine and fit another , zetec parts are expensive if required.I would look for a good engine and then just fit it and run it until it breaks then swap for another one.
Paul.

once you've gone black (top), you won't go back...

I'll get my coat...

ok then, so its a zetec blacktop or duratec.
My Chassis is the standard "book" Chassis,which means I will have to make a new bonnet. I already have a set of webber 40's would they be sufficient or do I need 45's?
I have read alot about cluthces flywheels and starter motors but not much on ignition. Other than a megajolt what are my options please?

MBE, Omex and Weber make igntion only ECU's, but it's certainly not a cheap option!

The cheapest possible solution is the ESC system from a CVH engined Ford Escort, but since this is designed for a totally different engine the advance curves won't be correct for a Zetec. This may somewhat offset the power advantage you hope to be achieving over the crossflow.

The Megajolt gives the benefits of a fully mapped system at a fraction of the cost of commercial aftermarket solutions.

http://www.zetec-cat.co.uk/ has lots of information on fitting these engines to 7's.

i reckon you will need 45s.

right then,so megajolt an 45's will be required. Anyone has the thread of fitting the megajolt handy? would greatly appreciate.

Thanks guys

You won't need 45's...........

40's are good for 160 bhp (if you use 34-36mm chokes).....If you start tuning the zetec (flowed head, different cams), then the 40's may not give 100% of the potential top end..in which case a change to 45's.

However, as you seem more interested in torque.....stick with the 40's...I would use 34m chokes, then get them jetted on a RR......

Although a 45 will take a 34mm choke, the 40 will actually flow better....go up to 36 and a 45 will start to work a little better.......

As mentioned, going to Zetec means no distributor, so you will need elec ignition, again, thumbs up for Megajolt if your on a budget.....


Paul.

Hi

Just a quick idea..

If I wanted to be ultra competitive in the up to 2L class here then neither of those engines would be on the list..
I would be looking at a Vauxhall/Opel 2.0 XE.
Mildly tuned on twin 40's and you're sensibly looking at xxxbhp and lots of torque.

Either that or the duratec, but its more dosh per bhp.


edited as obviously talking b****** and the person below knows loads better. The last few years assisting several folk running them in a couple of different race series must have ill equiped me to reply..

[Edited on 26/10/07 by JimSpencer]

No way will a mildly tuned 2ltr XE give 240bhp....for a start twin 40's will only flow up to 170bhp......

For 240bhp, you need TB's, clever engine managment, Flowed head, fairly wild cams that would rev to 8500k plus. Possible pistons and con rods, and I'm sure the crank my even need some work at this point......

A standard XE however with correct breathing should see 170bhp plus, and give good torque........

I found a vauxhaul 2.0L, I dont know where it came from but it has vernier pulliess and some cams I cannot Identify, I know I'll need a bellhousing. What engine numbers can I look at to idenify what kind of engine it is?

You have U2U. cheers Ray

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jenko
A standard XE however with correct breathing should see 170bhp plus, and give good torque........

---

200 on a standard engine is very impressive....Either way, cracking engines even as standard......

So what type of vauxhaul 2L is it? are there variants of the Gsi model?

Which GSi are you taking about? The Mk2 Astra GTE 16v and the early Mk3 Astra GSi came with the 20XE/C20XE engine, the later ones used the Ecotec engine.

The Mk3 Cavalier (possibly Vectra in Europe?) GSi prior to 1995 was fitted with the C20XE, and some of the SRi models also used this engine.

woz lookt @ burtons catalogue, some prices:

..............xflow....zetec
cam..... 120 430
follower...40......405.....65=solid
spring........40.......130
valve.........15.......17
guide...........6.......7.50
piston......134........128

so some tings are comparable but cams and followers, if hydraulic make you want to cry.

thanks 02GF74, I was thinking of keeping something standard inside and using bolt on parts for performance, hence me looking at the vauxhaul engine.

The vauxhaul engine I found at a breakers is not in a car, well 1/4 of a car, just the front end with the rest of the car from the bonnet backwards cut away so I am not sure what model it is. Are there any model numbers or engine numbers I can look at to tell me what variant it is?