I'll chime in only because I have a decent amount of Honda LSVT knowledge. Your SVT/Zetec hybrid idea is sound but it will share alot of the same plauges as the Honda LSVT's are running into.
Simply grafting on the new cyl head and controls won't cut it and may result in a much less reliable engine. I'm figuring that the SVT cyl head has more high rpm flow characteristics than the basic Zetec cyl head. You would have to up the ability of the shortblock to accomodate this, reliably. Like someone posted earlier stronger rods, pistons, and rotational balancing would be good upgrades as well. Of course this adds greatly to the project. Remember that the Honda LSVT's are adding the Vtec head not really for the Vtec feature as much as the added stroke of the LS shortblock over the GSR/ITR shortblocks. And as it sounds from an eariler post the SVT and base Zetec shortblocks have the same bore and stroke, so the advantage isn't all that great as you may believe. Buying a SVT longblock engine may be a better value. Plus it is already put together, all you have to do is install it in your car.
![]()
Of course I'm at this time only familar with the Honda breed of LSVT's and not Focus hybrids. So most of my input comes from there but I bet there would be alot of similarities and familar obsticals. I could have gone the cheap route with my Honda LSVT and been done with $3-4K, and have a decent engine with possible failure opportunites. Instead I've spent much more and done the project correctly adding forged rods, forged pistons, ductile iron sleeves, headstuds, ect.
Sorry for the Honda related info but it is all I have as of now.....still learing on the Focus parts.
![]()
If you can't tell I'm a huge parts interchange fan. A SVT/Zetec hybrid would interest me greatly.
**edit**
I'm just wondering is the Zetec engine block and open deck or closed deck design? Do any of you know which?
[ 09-24-2002, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: SLPR ]
Simply grafting on the new cyl head and controls won't cut it and may result in a much less reliable engine. I'm figuring that the SVT cyl head has more high rpm flow characteristics than the basic Zetec cyl head. You would have to up the ability of the shortblock to accomodate this, reliably. Like someone posted earlier stronger rods, pistons, and rotational balancing would be good upgrades as well. Of course this adds greatly to the project. Remember that the Honda LSVT's are adding the Vtec head not really for the Vtec feature as much as the added stroke of the LS shortblock over the GSR/ITR shortblocks. And as it sounds from an eariler post the SVT and base Zetec shortblocks have the same bore and stroke, so the advantage isn't all that great as you may believe. Buying a SVT longblock engine may be a better value. Plus it is already put together, all you have to do is install it in your car.
Of course I'm at this time only familar with the Honda breed of LSVT's and not Focus hybrids. So most of my input comes from there but I bet there would be alot of similarities and familar obsticals. I could have gone the cheap route with my Honda LSVT and been done with $3-4K, and have a decent engine with possible failure opportunites. Instead I've spent much more and done the project correctly adding forged rods, forged pistons, ductile iron sleeves, headstuds, ect.
Sorry for the Honda related info but it is all I have as of now.....still learing on the Focus parts.
**edit**
I'm just wondering is the Zetec engine block and open deck or closed deck design? Do any of you know which?
[ 09-24-2002, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: SLPR ]
