Snowy Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 Hi there, could someone for me please summarise the pro's and con's of both these options. The factory prices are similar for the component packages. Is the bigger engine slower done country roads and on track days? For the 2 litres Is the zetec better than the duratec What power can be expected from the duratec, with throttle bodies.... Kind Regards Quote
Blatman Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 *Lots* of opinions here. Some of them relevant, some of them not..... Judging by the questions this morning, I suggest you become familiar with the search function. It'll help you refine your questions, and it'll save our poor fingers........... Welcome to The Boardroom....... Quote
peterg Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 V8 - bigger, a bit heavier and *may* have overheating probs - also thirstier if used for trackdays and yes, it would be slower down country lanes as it's not quite as 'darty' as a 4cylinder or a BEC ! Is the zetec better than the duratec no, the Duratec is the 'latest' version so I would expect it to be better (it's lighter for a start)....however the Zetec has been out longer so there are lots available 2ndhand whereas the Duratec is really a new buy only option. Raceline, Minister and er someone else I can't remember quote up to 250bhp available (at a price) for the Duratec, Zetec is reasonably easy to get to 220-230 but struggles thereafter and would need a shedload of money thrown at it personally I'd go for a Duratec of the 2 Ford engines Quote
Blatman Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 Mornin Peter. and er someone else I can't remember Raceco, I reckon....... Oh yeah, a Duratec WILL need a CAT at SVA and more than likely *every* MOT, which is something to consider, if you are planning a new build. Quote
CharliePsycho Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 SBD are also doing Duratec stuff now... 250 is about the top by the sound of it. Apparently the engine has it limits, unlike the XE which doesn't seem to ...© Quote
chumley-warner Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 I have V8 and bought it on the noise alone. But that is just personal preference. The bits for it will tend to be a bit more expensive simply because they have to handle more power. I think if I had to choose again I would pick either anouth V8 or a BEC....I think they are both great, but very different. Perhaps I should have 2....? I have yet to be convinced either way as to what is ultimately quicker either on road or track. Mr Chumley Warner Quote
Westfieldman Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 SBD are also doing Duratec stuff now... 250 is about the top by the sound of it. Apparently the engine has it limits, unlike the XE which doesn't seem to 280bhp Mountune I4 Ford Duratec HE engine Ref: DI4280 At 280bhp this is a true "touring car" spec. engine at a fraction of the cost of a full 'works' unit. This fully built engine package is supplied on a brand new base unit. The price shown includes parts, engine management, labour, dyno test and the base engine. Full detailed specifications are available from mountune Sales. DURATEC-R engines and engine kits available from 180bhp to 275bhp. Please phone for details Contact : Mr Peter McEwen / Mr Chris Smith Email : Enquiries@raceline.co.uk And this after around a year and a half of development and how long has the VX engine been around? In Steve's words the VX engine has been around a long time and good ones are harder and harder to find so the Duratec looks like a good replacment. Newer Ligther BHP is as good or better for the same money spent. Paul. Quote
orbv Posted October 5, 2003 Posted October 5, 2003 It all depends what you what to use the car for but.... [Flame suit] V8 = Tourer 1.8/2.0L = All rounder BEC = Track screamer [/flame suit] Spend enough money on either the V8 or 4 cylinder and they will become track screamer. There are lots of people who use bike engine cars every day but IMHO there are never going to be as easy to drive as a V8 on the road. Rough weights and bhp figures people seem to get are below. Again if your pockets are deep enough there is no limit but the vx engine does seem to be cheaper than most getting to 250bhp. 80k 4age 1.6 130->180 100k Duratec 2.0 190->280 120k Vx 2.0 130->250 125k Zetec 2.0 150->250 Numbers are rough and sure some people will disagree. Quote
Mike H Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 OK, I'll bite - a little. Stand out from the crowd - get a V8. I'm building a V8 from a starter kit. I built a SpeedSport a couple of years ago from a modular kit and can honestly say my new V8 build although technically much more demanding is much more satisfying. The zetec never really 'did it' for me I'm afraid, throttle bodies looked good but it never had much b*lls IMO. I see no reason why a well sorted V8 (ie not std factory 'touring' spec) can't be a really good track car. Just ask some owners. They are not that much heavier than some 4 cyl cars (block is all alloy for a start) and still have 50:50 weight distribution. From Blatmans suggested searching you'll see most people comments about the Duratec are that you would be one of the guinea pigs and as a new engine prices are still sky high. cheers Mike Quote
Buzz Billsberry Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 I'm fortunate in the fact I own both, I have a 2.0 16v XE seiw which basically is a fantastic track/competion car with stripped interior and pretty well spac'd in the goodies department. The only thing I don't like is the side exit exhaust. It's very noisey and I have to where ear plugs to drive it on the road, but its great fun and very chuckable,however after having the s**t kicked out of you for a couple of hours its time to get out of the car and let your blood reach parts where its not been for 2 hours The V8 is a factory built car (2000) and is pretty standard 3.9 with the addition of wilwood brakes and piperX filter,standard fuel injection etc producing around 210bhp(Dave Bogg Rolling Road) according to Jon the last owner. As a road car it's fantastic, no hassle to drive. I only use 2 gears, 2nd to set off and 5th to cruze. Its impeccable road manners really make it a joy to drive plus its got comfy seats and a carpet, with a underslung exhaust system which is very quiet and the big plus?...... it will do around 30mpg. It does feel different to drive and is around 180kg heavier then the 2.0 car,it tends to under steer a little.The lsd is a plated diff which I don't like and will be swapping for a quaiffe ATB over the winter. It depends on what you want to do?.Do you want a road car you can you use at the track? or do you want a competition car?. The red car would whip the ass of the V8 on the circuit or road but for overall ability the V8 wins as its silky smooth and delivers tons of torque..... but I'm sure you could make a fantastic road car from a 4 pot as per Simon Brumfields 1800 super sport or Greg H's pristine example Its up to you. I prefer the V8 as a road car Plus its got that sexy V8 rumble Buzz Quote
Buzz Billsberry Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 anything more than 1ltr is far to much Especially when drinking Jack Daniels Elise looks well Tony Buzz Quote
neilb Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 80k 4age 1.6 130->180 Make that 4age 1.6- 16valve stock at 135bhp and upto 250bhp. 160bhp is with with a set of cams, 180-200 with cams and head work 200 + will require new piston's to take the high lift of the valves Then there is the 20 valve and turbo's Quote
Jon Murray Posted October 6, 2003 Posted October 6, 2003 It does feel different to drive and is around 180kg heavier then the 2.0 car,it tends to under steer a little.The lsd is a plated diff which I don't like and will be swapping for a quaiffe ATB over the winter. I never had an Understeer problem, Buzz - I think the ride height has probably settled on those new rear springs I fitted, try raising the rear ride height a little and soften the front Leda's. To be honest, when you picked it up, it was a bit too low at the rear as I had been trying different settings at Elvington and Cadwell to try and dial out oversteer, because on the limit on 32R's it was a bit tail happy! Jon Quote
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