Zetec 1800 130PSI engine

[Derby Allen]

Currently have a Zetec 1800 115Psi fitted but already looking out for the 130, questions are: were will i find one, what did they come out of, what is the difference. how do you identfy them and is it only the head i need, am i right in thinking the main difference is the Cams

Steve

[chazpowerslide]

You can get a set of 130ps cams and then fit them to your existing motor to make to 130 spec.

It would be a lot less hassle than changing the motor and is not really a big job as it can easily be dove with the engine in the car.

Chaz.

[Derby Allen]

Thanks Chaz

Do you suggest then buying new from somewhere! or are these easy to obtain from another donor. if so what am i looking for

Steve

[Jed]

A member in Suffolk had a set of 2 litre cams he removed the other week from his car. They're either the same as 130 cams or so close that it makes no difference and looked like new. If you're interested I'll email him tonight.

Jed

[Derby Allen]

Jed

If it's not to much trouble, then yes please.

[mattf]

Steve, the 130BHP version of the Zetec came out of the Fiesta Mk3 RS1800.  It was also fitted to some Mk5 and onwards Escort XR3i's.  However I don't know how you easily tell the difference.

[nikpro]

Don't buy second hand camshafts unless you have the lifters to go with it; these need to be fitted to the same 'lobe' they came off otherwise the camshaft will wear in 100 miles. The profile of the lifter and cam bed into each othe and unless they are matched back to the same postion your cam will be ruined in no time. If you look at the profile of the lifter it is slightly spherical and rotates in it's bore as the cam moves over it, again on a very fine point.

[Ian Podmore]

The story with the 1800 130 cams is that Ford noticed  early on in the life of the 130 that the 2 litre cams were near enough the same as the 130 cams, so Ford just used the 2 litre cams from then on.

The other differences with the 130 version was the oil spray onto the underside of the pistons, a larger TB, and a different ECU map AFAI remember.  The list of cars that the engine was fitted in is pretty much correct at RS1800 Fiesta, 130 version of the XR3i, the XR3i cabriolet, and the Orion 1800 Ghia.

[Derby Allen]

Thanks for all the Info. with what has been said would it not be easier to put on a 2Ltr head complete, is this possible or am I missing something important. perhaps like "It wont fit"

[Mark Stanton]

Why not simply get some new 2 litre cams with followers et al and drop em in place        

[funbobby]

I got a lovely new Kent Cam kit for 211 quid through a friend of mine, why not go that route, a bit of extra oomph as well if you get a good one.  

[neilwillis]

I'd be interested in a set of hot road cams at that price, any chance I could get some through your friend too?

[funbobby]

Certainly, I cant see why not - mine is due to be installed tommorow by another friend (engineer) who used to have a Lotus 7 many moons ago (for almost nothing). The friend I have owns and runs Harper Performnce is Faceby North Yorkshire he races and builds all sorts of cars (classics). I cant remember the serial number or anything but I think it was a Sports R Cam - he said it was ideal for "spirited road driving and track days. If Id got the next one up it would have been to much for the road he reckoned. I trust him as well my three mates take their Westies to him for tuning. Big Ron is a bit of a legend round these parts. If thats what you want I'll double check the price and order one for you no problem or alternatively give him a ring at his workshop on 01642 706046.

Ron Harper is his proper name (we call him Big Ron cos hes about 4 and a half feet tall!!. Also to note mine was for a 2.1 pinto Stage 3 engine yours might be a bit more (or less) not sure. I also picked mine up from him as I live 15 mins away.

 

[Steve20]

The 130hp 1800 unit can be identified by the first 3 letters of the engine number:

RQB - Escort/Orion 130

RQC - Fiesta 130

I gave up looking for a "genuine" 130 hp 1800 and went for a 2000, much simpler to find and with 130hp as standard. Also the 2000 will be much better for later upgrades.

Steve

[markcoopers]

2l cams in my 1.8.