Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

It comes as standard in the focus, best pro I can think of

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

I think the main problem with the zetec for people who are really trying to push it to the limits are weak internal components. The connecting rods seem to to be the weakest link, and the pistons dont seem to be especially sturdy either.

This is really only be an issue for forced induction or high horsepower NA applications though. If you're just going to add basic bolt ons you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> I think the main problem with the zetec for people who are really trying to push it to the limits are weak internal components <hr></blockquote>

Muh, I think the main problem is people pushing the engine is that they don't know what they are doing, turbotom was having no problems with totally stock internals at 100%+ power increases, there are plenty of caterhams and the like in this country running 7500-8000rpm with only changed rod bolts and some balancing. Fueling is key, those who get it right have no problems.

The only possible thing that I can think of is that the american zetec is not built to the same spec as the euro engine, I doubt this however, the euro ST170 engine is being built in Mexico, so must be the same as the SVT engine.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

You also have to remember that on here you usually hear about the Zetecs with problems. Most people without problems don't mention it.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Pro: here in Canada cheap to replace $1000 canadian. especially after you blow a con rod.

Con: suspect rods and crank, low standard HP and torqe. Old technology.


Just my opinion....

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Well, IMO the con is that it ain't work like VTEC.

The pro is that the SVT version of Zetec works better than most VTEC-like engine

=A=

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Stock

Above average low end power for 2.0

Average HP for non performance 2.0

Slightly below average MPG for 2.0

Buzzes at high Rpm's compared to many Japanese engines

Older technology, but still gets the job done in the applications Ford has put it in. Would I have liked another 15-30 HP stock? Of course!

As far as modified motors, it seems to handle 150 HP at the front wheels with no problems. Above that, I have no first hand knowledge.

[ 06-27-2002: Message edited by: tenderloin ]</p>

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

My biggest complaint is why does this DOHC 2.0l 4-cylinder only produce 130hp? Honda makes a DOHC 2.0l that pumps out 200hp...heck they make/made smaller displacement 4-cylinders that produce more power than the Zetec. Ford obviously isn't doing something right.

However, the one thing I do like about the Zetec is torque.

[ 06-25-2002: Message edited by: PhocusZX3 ]</p>

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Just a minor one here but I really despise the oil filter location.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

actually it easy to explain why those honda engines have high horse power

1: higher rpms (8-9k)
2: due to higher rpms they move the torqe higher
so you have alot less torqe down low but high hp up high!

plus i believe they have a longer stroke/bore ratio.

horse power isn't what you should be looking for
it's torqe
horse power is found out by torqe and is really only a relitive figure.

the more torqe you make the faster you will accelerate
and since our cars make a good ammount of torqe really early our cars scoot off faster than most honda's
that's why our car is alot more fun to drive around the city

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>My biggest complaint is why does this DOHC 2.0l 4-cylinder only produce 130hp? Honda makes a DOHC 2.0l that pumps out 200hp...heck they make/made smaller displacement 4-cylinders that produce more power than the Zetec. Ford obviously isn't doing something right.<hr></blockquote>
Those are much more expensive engines put into the platforms that are intended to be sporty.

The competative engines to the Zetec make less power. The DX Civic engine makes 115hp and 110ftlbs and the top of the line engine trim makes 3 less hp and 21 less ftlbs of torque.

Bump up the price range to another level that is also intended for "affordable sporty" trim, and its still making 10 less hp and considerably less torque compared to its Zetec counterpart (Civic Si vs SVT Focus).

So from a engine power standpoint, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the engine considering the application and its competition. (Not that I don't think stock its still pretty wussy for my taste) The downsides IMO are fuel economy (not horrible but only "average") and NVH issues.

You really shouldn't just look at displacement vs displacement only when making a comparison judgement. Otherwise you might as well just complain that every sub $20K compact isn't getting the 240hp S2000 2.0 liter.

[ 06-25-2002: Message edited by: Ducman69 ]</p>

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by LastRites:
Just a minor one here but I really despise the oil filter location.<hr></blockquote>

I couldn't agree more. On oily

for the oil filter location.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Pros: Strong engine (ie block etc)

Pros: Compared with many new cars the Focus out performs. Thanks to lower gear ratios.

Pros: Tunability, thanks to the USA there is a plethora of tuning parts!

Pros: Good torque figures across whole RPM range.

Cons: Weak Con Rod bolts.

Cons: Extensive modification costs major money over other makes.

Cons: Doesn't have a very good reputation among other cars, no respect!

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Biggest PRO... easy to work on. In the amount of time it takes to install an intake to a typical honda, you could put new cams in a zetec. Fairly good amount of room to get to stuff compared with most Japanese cars.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by tenderloin:
As far as modified motors, it seems to handle 150 HP at the rear wheels with no problems. <hr></blockquote>

errrr...rear wheels?

I think you mean front wheels

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

My Zetec is driving the rear wheels.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by CableSrv:
actually it easy to explain why those honda engines have high horse power

plus i believe they have a longer stroke/bore ratio.

horse power isn't what you should be looking for
it's torqe
horse power is found out by torqe and is really only a relitive figure.

the more torqe you make the faster you will accelerate
and since our cars make a good ammount of torqe really early our cars scoot off faster than most honda's
that's why our car is alot more fun to drive around the city<hr></blockquote>

Provide the ZETEC with a better rod ratio, improve the breathing of the head and support systems (intake, manifold, MAF), and you have a more competitve alternative to the H cars.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Originally posted by tenderloin:
As far as modified motors, it seems to handle 150 HP at the rear wheels with no problems.


Sorry guys. Old habits are hard to break!

[ 06-27-2002: Message edited by: tenderloin ]</p>

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> horse power isn't what you should be looking for
it's torqe
horse power is found out by torqe and is really only a relitive figure.

the more torqe you make the faster you will accelerate
<hr></blockquote>

I that case my grandfathers tractor should be fast as hell in the quarter mile.

You are only right to an extent. You should always look at both numbers, ie: my grandfathers tractor.

horsepower = speed x torque

There is a balance between torque and horsepower. Lots of torque down low is good for off the line accel. Lots of torque up high is good for SCCA type racing. Lots of torque way down low is only good for towing. Where this torque falls is up to the manufacturer.

Ford did a good job of placing the power band in a useable location.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by mark a:
My Zetec is driving the rear wheels.

<hr></blockquote>

Actually guys, there are rear wheel drive Focus's out there, so its really not that funny.

Motorsport is going to sell a conversion to put a 5.0L in a Focus, that is going to be cool, but pricey!

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 1Brivander1:


Motorsport is going to sell a conversion to put a 5.0L in a Focus, that is going to be cool, but pricey!<hr></blockquote>
....and handle like CRAP I'm sure. We're already a bit "Nose-Heavy"....

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 1Brivander1:


Actually guys, there are rear wheel drive Focus's out there, so its really not that funny.

Motorsport is going to sell a conversion to put a 5.0L in a Focus, that is going to be cool, but pricey!<hr></blockquote>

My Zetec actually does drive the rear wheels.

Thread is discussing the Zetec, not the Focus.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Con: Its a Ford

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

Pros: the zetec does have a strong powerband all the way across if you really want the best way get the one out of the zx2 that has the vct on the exhaust side which allows for more agressive cams such as drag cams and still be streetable.
Or you could get the one out of the focus svt which has it on the intake side allowing it to tune powerband automatically. I dont know if the svt has the timing peg on the exhaust cam or on the intake cam though. logic would think to have it on the exhuast but I could be wrong. The zetec is a very strong motor and is used in racing applications around the world with a very good reliability record. The key thing is tuning if you want to make maxium HP. I would use a pectel EMS.

Cons: I know I'm gonna get flamed on this one. But the foci can't beat its little brother the zx2 or its big brother the svt zx3.

 

Re: Pro\'s and Con\'s of the Zetec

I read a statement in this forum where someone stated that the reason hondas are more powerful because of the stroke/bore ratio. BS!!! Do some research.!

The reason is due to VTEC. Four cylinder engines are always going to have hp higher in the rpm band regardless of what you do its the nature of the beast. Honda achieves their power by changing the cam profile that the valves see. The biggest cons of the zetec are the fact that the crank is cast not forged , also the rods aren't worth crap.