I'm new here (and already posted this on club-focus.net and myfordfocus.com), but from various members of both the CEG and other Contour/Focus groups, I've been asked several times to jump in to get you guys some more info about the Duratec V6's. From a few searches I've done, the biggest misconception I can see is about price and/or availability of the V6 SVT Duratec and the weight of the all aluminum V6 vs. the iron block/aluminum head Zetec.
Let me tell you, the weight differences are very minimal... 20-30 pounds at most. Relocate the battery to the hatch and be done with it.
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While it is true that the SVT engines are expensive when brand new, it may not be your best option...
Why not go with a 3L Duratec from the Taurus/Sable/Escape? Even the NA 2.5 non-SVT to 3L hybrids out perform the SVT 2.5 factory specs. The hybrid motors I'm talking of are running the 2.5 heads and intake manifolds (SVT or non SVT 2.5 parts both work well) and using the '98-'99 3L Taurus or Sable DOHC Duratec. The 3L does take some prepping to use the 2.5 heads and also to mate to the MTX-75 Contour transmission, but it is rather minimal work for such a jump in low end TQ. (Just FYI, my very basic 3L in my car breaks 170+ TQ at 2700 RPM and holds it above that figure until above 6,000 RPM). It seems like almost daily I hear of another 3L SVT Contour swap... or Cougar, or regular Contour...
The truth is, the Duratec has a crank whip problem as delivered from Ford. Those problems have been taken care of with the new Ford dual mode damper available from HMS in Michigan, or BAT online. Clevite 77 lead core bearings are also going to be released at the end of this month as well, which will prove to be much, much cheaper than the lead core V8 SHO bearings we've been using in the past (standard tin bearings spin waaaaaaay to easy and is what Ford used from the factory in the Duratec).
While the Duratec still may not be the best option for you, I just wanted to set a few more things straight.
</font><ul type="square">[*]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Price: 3L Duratecs go for less than a grand all day on http://www.car-part.com. The most I've spent on one was $625 delivered from a state away and had 3K miles and a 90 days warranty. Add on 2.5 heads if you want to stay NA, or keep the 3L heads and add the Contour Vortech SC system. Use either the 3L manifolds, or buy the SVT/ST200 ones from BAT or HMS.</font>[*]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Install: From talking to a few of the people involved with the SVT engined Focus... The Contour trans is a bolt in, i.e. no custom axles, shift mechanisms, etc. The known trouble spot is making clearance on the firewall, but still fairly easy if you're not afraid of a big hammer and taking out some frustrations. Radiator can be adapted from the Contour as well, the SVT radiator being slightly better. Running water lines, engine harnesses, spark plug wires, etc. would be custom, but easily accomplished once the engine is in the bay.</font>[*]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Weight:The all aluminum Duratec V6s weighs in a mere 20-30 pounds heavier than a fully loaded Iron block/aluminum head Zetec. A larger rear sway bar will help eliminate front end push caused by this extra weight.</font>[/list]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That's all I can think of now... starting to ramble... If you have any comments, I'd be glad to read them. Let me know what you think, even if it's just "Go away Contour boy!"
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[ 09-11-2002, 11:41 AM: Message edited by: bnoon ]
Let me tell you, the weight differences are very minimal... 20-30 pounds at most. Relocate the battery to the hatch and be done with it.
While it is true that the SVT engines are expensive when brand new, it may not be your best option...
Why not go with a 3L Duratec from the Taurus/Sable/Escape? Even the NA 2.5 non-SVT to 3L hybrids out perform the SVT 2.5 factory specs. The hybrid motors I'm talking of are running the 2.5 heads and intake manifolds (SVT or non SVT 2.5 parts both work well) and using the '98-'99 3L Taurus or Sable DOHC Duratec. The 3L does take some prepping to use the 2.5 heads and also to mate to the MTX-75 Contour transmission, but it is rather minimal work for such a jump in low end TQ. (Just FYI, my very basic 3L in my car breaks 170+ TQ at 2700 RPM and holds it above that figure until above 6,000 RPM). It seems like almost daily I hear of another 3L SVT Contour swap... or Cougar, or regular Contour...
The truth is, the Duratec has a crank whip problem as delivered from Ford. Those problems have been taken care of with the new Ford dual mode damper available from HMS in Michigan, or BAT online. Clevite 77 lead core bearings are also going to be released at the end of this month as well, which will prove to be much, much cheaper than the lead core V8 SHO bearings we've been using in the past (standard tin bearings spin waaaaaaay to easy and is what Ford used from the factory in the Duratec).
While the Duratec still may not be the best option for you, I just wanted to set a few more things straight.
</font><ul type="square">[*]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Price: 3L Duratecs go for less than a grand all day on http://www.car-part.com. The most I've spent on one was $625 delivered from a state away and had 3K miles and a 90 days warranty. Add on 2.5 heads if you want to stay NA, or keep the 3L heads and add the Contour Vortech SC system. Use either the 3L manifolds, or buy the SVT/ST200 ones from BAT or HMS.</font>[*]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Install: From talking to a few of the people involved with the SVT engined Focus... The Contour trans is a bolt in, i.e. no custom axles, shift mechanisms, etc. The known trouble spot is making clearance on the firewall, but still fairly easy if you're not afraid of a big hammer and taking out some frustrations. Radiator can be adapted from the Contour as well, the SVT radiator being slightly better. Running water lines, engine harnesses, spark plug wires, etc. would be custom, but easily accomplished once the engine is in the bay.</font>[*]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Weight:The all aluminum Duratec V6s weighs in a mere 20-30 pounds heavier than a fully loaded Iron block/aluminum head Zetec. A larger rear sway bar will help eliminate front end push caused by this extra weight.</font>[/list]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That's all I can think of now... starting to ramble... If you have any comments, I'd be glad to read them. Let me know what you think, even if it's just "Go away Contour boy!"
[ 09-11-2002, 11:41 AM: Message edited by: bnoon ]
