Used ZX3, SVT, or new 2.3? I need a car.

1137 Views 19 Replies 15 Participants Last post by biker16, Apr 23, 2003

01sportwagon

Discussion Starter · Apr 21, 2003

I have the most understanding wife… Here is my situation: I need a car. I want the ZX3. I have been looking for a used ZX3 for two weeks now and can not find a 2001 or newer that is a manual transmission.

I don’t think that I am being too picky, but I don’t want yellow or black. Not that there is anything wrong with these colors, it’s just that I prefer other colors.

Anyway, I started looking for new ZX3’s with manual transmissions and even those are hard to come by in the LA area. I guess with the amount of traffic we have to put up with, people in LA prefer auto trans over stick.

I know that I’m leaving out a great amount of detail, but I am now looking for an SVT ZX3. Because it has the manual trans (6 speed!!), 4 wheel disk, higher HP, better seats,… you all know this. Well, the plan is to purchase the car using the Ford employee discount, so most dealers in the LA area are not willing to sell the SVT on this plan. I don’t blame them, but if they can make a sale this late in the model year, why would they pass it up?

With this trouble of finding an SVT and a willing dealer, I found a dealer that offered to sell me the 2.3 on the employee plan.

What would you do? Oh, I forgot to mention the reason why MrsSportwagon is understanding. In aprox two years she will be getting a nice sedan and the ZX3 will turn into my “Track Car”. Yes, you read that correctly.

Now, what would you do? Get a used ZX3 on the cheep and spend the extra money ‘updating’ the hardware, get a new ZX3 with the 2.3 because it’s bigger and potentially has more torque, or stick with the SVT plan even if it ends up not being the color I wanted? But if I get the SVT or 2.3, I might get some heat from MrsSportwagon when purchasing new rims and other hardware, because this option was “more expensive”.

Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT complaining!! Either way, I end up with a great situation. I just want to choose wisely.

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1 - 20 of 20 Posts

OmniFocus

· #2 · Apr 21, 2003

I found piles of 2001+ 5 speed ZX3s on Autotrader for my friend in Oregon. He just bought a 7000 mile 2001 5 speed Premium for $9995.

Maybe a trip north?

jRock

· #3 · Apr 21, 2003

The 2.3 is gonna be an incredible platform to work with. If I didn't still owe 10k The 2.3 would be sitting in my driveway, with a mock CAI and on a wait list for header/exhaust.

Get the 2.3. Better engine, lighter weight, better MPG, and if you have to keep it stock for a long while it'll still be a blast to drive.

Fiehead

· #4 · Apr 21, 2003

The 2.3 is badass though! Check out this topic.

Shiva Chaos

· #5 · Apr 21, 2003

2.3

focusownerskid

· #6 · Apr 21, 2003

2

If I were in the market, I wouldn't consider anything else besides the 2.3L.

138whp and 140wtq stock. 150whp/150wtq with a cone filter.

This new engine is perfect!

- Drew

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BUR_ZX3

· #7 · Apr 21, 2003

I gotta agree... Duratec all they way... specially if you're gonna make it the "track car" in a while... you'll dominate!

01sportwagon

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 21, 2003

As I pick my jaw up off the floor..

I had no idea that the 2.3 would be the dominating opnion for this choice.

Damn, more research to do.

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SlickShoes

· #9 · Apr 21, 2003

3

Yeah, even as an avid STVF owner who thinks its absolutely a bad ass track car even stock, I'd have to go with the 2.3 also.

Raceline is pleased to offer a comprehensive range of components and engine kits to suit the new Ford Duratec. Already heralded by those fortunate enough to get hold of early units, the Duratec-R offers near perfect dimensions and characteristics for performance applications. With standard capacity sizes of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3 litres and an aluminium block as standard, it is widely regarded that this engine could be the most important performance 4-cylinder unit for the foreseeable future. The afforability of new and second hand units, combined with the ease in which the Duratec makes power, enables engine builders to achieve outstanding power returns for their money. The success of the Raceline Zetec-R component range proved that a well engineered product returns far better value in the long term. The Raceline Duratec-R range has been developed with the same attention to detail, offering great value for money for this level of quality. Cheaper solutions to the Duratec installation issues will emerge from other companies, but Raceline remains convinced that cutting corners with engines of this calibre is a false economy. This catalogue details the beginnings of the Raceline Duratec-R range, please keep in contact for further developments.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">

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73Gondoleir

· #10 · Apr 21, 2003

Great picture! One picture an another thread shows the oil filter sticking straight down; this one shows it sticking out to the side (the way I would prefer it). Anyone know what's up?

focalBlur

· #11 · Apr 21, 2003

Originally posted by jRock:
The 2.3 is gonna be an incredible platform to work with. If I didn't still owe 10k The 2.3 would be sitting in my driveway, with a mock CAI and on a wait list for header/exhaust.

Get the 2.3. Better engine, lighter weight, better MPG, and if you have to keep it stock for a long while it'll still be a blast to drive.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">not better mpg, not right now anyway, the current 2.3's only get 30mpg highway

KSGerry

· #12 · Apr 21, 2003

Originally posted by 73Gondoleir:
Great picture! One picture an another thread shows the oil filter sticking straight down; this one shows it sticking out to the side (the way I would prefer it). Anyone know what's up?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I'm thinking the Raceline photo is the 2.0 Euro-version Duratec. The 2.3 in the Ranger has the downward pointing oil filter. It's the housing that bolts to the side of the block that makes the difference.

Also check out the Duratec pages at www.circleperformance.com or www.minister-power.com

Regards,
Gerry Dedonis

PS...Duratec engines still available. 2.0 or 2.3 liter displacement.

The ArchAngel

· #13 · Apr 21, 2003

2.3L is the only way to fly right now.

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Virtual_Insanity

· #14 · Apr 22, 2003

Although being a diehard SVTF owner I will have to agree with the others and go with the 2.3

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biker16

· #15 · Apr 22, 2003

It brings a tear to my eye.

I want the shorter stroke 2.0 version reving is good.

38mpg is good too.

BTW my Site is partially back up.
http://biker16.home.att.net/

I will hopefully be updating it to represent the Newer Global I4s in the C1 cars.

The biggest obstacle is the ECU if you crack the ECU everything else will fall into place. The head breathes so well, that simply advancing the timing on premium should yield very decent gains.

There is the electronic thermostat, "Tumble flaps", optional VCT, etc. All controled b the Black oak Standalone EEC connected thru an encrypted CANbus.

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KSGerry

· #16 · Apr 22, 2003

Hey Marvin,
How well does this system work?
http://www.sdsefi.com

Regards,
Gerry Dedonis

PS...I'll save a 2.0 for you!

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KSGerry

· #17 · Apr 22, 2003

DP

[ 04-22-2003, 06:21 AM: Message edited by: KSGerry ]

JLR tuning

· #18 · Apr 22, 2003

Can a dealership actually refuse to sell you a car on an employee plan. That sound pretty s***** to me.

BUR_ZX3

· #19 · Apr 22, 2003

yes car dealerships do not have to offer you the employee deals.

when I bought my ZX3... the guy doing my paperwork was wanting an SVT Focus bad... but they weren't allowing employees any deals due to demand.

biker16

· #20 · Apr 23, 2003

Originally posted by KSGerry:
Hey Marvin,
How well does this system work?
http://www.sdsefi.com

Regards,
Gerry Dedonis

PS...I'll save a 2.0 for you!

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I don't know YOu will have to ask a Senior tech General in FI or Zetec.

BTW I am still looking for the Transmission housing (Clutch side) part number. this would replace the ZEtec MTX75 Transmission housing so one could bolt the Duratec HE To any MTX75. For the Swap. I do have the PZEV tranny part number.

3S4R-7002-NA

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