Zetec conversion advise

[Markfry123]

Hi,

I am sure this is a very well detailed path, however just about to change my xflow for a 2.0ltr Zetec.

I have started to price up the bits, it is not a cheap conversion!, what I am keen to know is what is essential and what are nice to haves.

New crate engine, Raceline sump, use my twin 40's with a new manifold, new mounts, exhaust system, omex 200 etc.

The bits I am looking for advise on are:

New lightened flywheel using original clutch plate - is this a good investment?, will it work. Type 9 box.

Retaining the Ford thermostat housing - rate her than ten Raceline or Dunnell water rails?

Using original silencer which new header pipes

Appreciate any advise to keep the cost down at this stage, not sure I want the risk of a breaker engine, but will consider any fellow members who have a good unit or spares they want to depart with.

Mark

[Kit Car Electronics]

lighter flywheel is worth doing, but the standard 1.8 was lighter than the 2.0 so a cheap swap to that if you can find one.

 

Original Ford T Stat housing is fine if your current type 9 sits with the bellhousing ahead of a narrow trans tunnel?

 

Silencer will likely be too small and noisy for 2.0l but would get you going I guess...

[Stu Faulkner]

Burton used to do a light weight flywheel that took a sierra clutch to fit a type 9 box and used a MK2 rs2000 starter motor IIRC.

 

Its usual to use the 1800 waterpump as well.

[Markfry123]

Many thanks,

Have loads of room from bell housing to bulkhead,

Guess the lighter flywheel is a def then, perhaps I need to dig deeper for the silencer then.

Mark

[Meakin]

Hi mark it's perhaps worth looking at my blog I did the exact same conversion into a low line narrow and wrote what I needed to change and what could stop the same. I used the same exhaust but different manifold obviously but it does fit with a bit of fiddling. Have a look and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask hope that helps

Paul

[Markfry123]

Had a good read, I have a wide body, but reading another post relating to Westfield mounts, are there Zetec mounts OK.

[the stoat]

Mark should say hello as I am a friend of your dad's neighbour.  Well I am guessing there can't be too many Marks with crossflow issues shortly after buying in Swindon.

 

I do not have much Zetec knowledge but happy to help if you need local supplier advice, etc.

[Markfry123]

Hi, thanks yes that's me.

Just trying to get to final decision before handing over the money.

Looks like I few options, but now just want it back on ten road so I can do a few track days.

Will look to order my bit tomorrow.

Mark

[the stoat]

My only comment would be if you are doing track days also make sure you cover off temperature control and oil control.

[Andy Banks]

See if you can get hold of "Tolf" - he's just done exactly this and did a 2 part write up...

[stussysoil]

Do you need a new crate engine?

I picked a low mileage (~35k) 2.0L Zetec engine up for £150, finding a decent 2nd hand engine wouldn't that leave £500? to spend on other parts. My engine has not missed a beat for two years, including numerous trackdays.

I went Raceline water rail route and it has been fine but there seem to be good and bad experiences out there, there are 3 or 4 different waterrail options out there now.

You will need to sort something out for alternator and bracket as standard one won't fit under the side draft inlet manifold, there are a number of options, the one you go for and the belt pattern will then determine the water pump you need.

Rolling road session would be good to factor in to the costs also

[stussysoil]

Other water rail I have seen is Retro Ford

Other options for sump also, I think the Scholar one is a bit cheaper than the Raceline one ( not as bling though) and they have an excellent racing pedigree

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Likewise there are some good, well proven, low cost options on the ECU side now and using bike throttle bodies, (or bike carbs) provides an excellent solution on the induction side. There's also a few companies making all the parts needed for the conversion on popular engines like the Zetec, so no need for lots of bespoke bits.

[dombanks]

Dunnell do a nice lightened wheel and clutch set up. Use a pinto release bearing from burton and the arm is in the right place.

Don't forget to check for a spigot bearing in the zetec. They are only a few££s

The ford thermostat housing is fine but as its made of plastic if the engine is far back they can impact on the chassis rail and crack. There are plenty of posts on how to do the water system to get past the overcooling problem

[tolf]

Mark

I have done this conversion very recently, am based in Hers so if you want to meet up I can show you and run thru the bits you need.I bought a new crated zetec for £750, used a type 9 and running on twin dcoe40 carbs. Injection not worth it unless you already have an injection fuel tank.

My engine sits forward of the bulkhead so did not need to change the thermostat housing, did not bother with Raceline water rail, pipes are easy to fit.

Ecu is Omex 200.

Get in touch if you need any info,

Cheers Ian