1.8zetec

[p.thomas]

Hi,

I am considering buying a 1.8 zetec engine from a guy in Luton who bought an insurance salvage ie over 100 engines consisting of 1.6 and 1.8 zetecs. This advert has appeared in the kit car magazines and they are brand new pre 95 engines.

Has anyone else seen this advert and if I buy the 1.8 what BHP is it(i think it could be 115)  and what can i do to it to increase the BHP. Am i right in assuming that because these engines are pre 95 that i can use carbs? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Peter.

[JamesD]

Hi Peter,

I too have seen the advert but I can't remember the exact details. In order to pass emissions the engine needs to be pre Aug-95, if the guy can provide you with the engine number you can check the age through this site:

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/~pt/kit-car/docs-age.html

The 115ps variant of the 1.8 was from the Mondeo and so should have the letters NGA in the code. The most common variant is the 105ps unit from later escorts, or if you are lucky you will find a 130ps unit from a late XR3i. I believe that you can find the ps rating on the plastic air filter assembly.

In terms of increasing horsepower, have a word with a reputable Zetec tuner such as Dunnell Engines or Raceline. Normal routes include 3D ignition combined with cams and head work, 195bhp is achievable with a little effort. However the 2.0L Zetec is the same size as the 1.8 and a better starting point as it has 130bhp as standard.

Hope this helps

JD

[Kevin Wood]

I think the difference between the different power levels from 1.8 Zetecs is in the camshafts so if you end up with a 105 ps engine you could always put in some 115 or 130 ps cams.

There are always people upgrading to fast road cams, etc so should be available second hand.

On the other hand, if you would like more power than this, or a kit to convert it to carbs, TB injection or whatever, talk to Dunnell www.dunnell.co.uk or Raceline www.raceline.co.uk.

If you can get a 2.0 engine this would be a better starting point but if you can get a new engine that's pre-95 vintage this is also a good opportunity because you can, as you say, run it on carbs with no cat and get through SVA.

Let us know how you get on.

Kevin