some bad reports duratec/zetec

[loadedbore]

is there a ford/mazda model or number i should look for when buying a 2.3 duratec and is it better to get 2009 and later if possible?

[SportsSedanSteve]

Have a look at the Wikipedia page for the Duratec/Mazda engine. It gives a reasonable summary of the history and variants of the engine.

[crusey]

Jim111 posted something about the later motors being better - but I'm not sure of the differences. Maybe he can elaborate?

I'm not sure how easily you'll find a 2.3 L Ford motor as I just did some searching and looks like it comes in a post 2006 Escape. The Mondeo was the other car that I thought had them but it looks like only 2.0 L and then diesel varities in smaller/larger capacity or V6. I've never really researched this motor though so someone else may know of other models.

The Mazda is probably a better choice as there will be more available (Mazda 3, 6 and Tribute) and has VVT but would need more sophisticated tune of the aftermarket ECU to control this, or you could delete it.

I'm not sure if the .3 extra displacement is worth the potential extra $. For the money I'd try and find a Mazda MX5 engine and gearbox. Only 2.0 L but has VVT and comes in either 5 or 6 speed. 2.0 L 5 speed will keep it class legal for racing applications. Heaps better box than the type 9 or single rail and the cost of the Mazda box could be offset against the aftermarket bellhousing you won't need.

As for the Eurospeed parts they are mostly good. I have the crossmember/water rail and engine mounts and all fit up easily. The blank off plates/ alternator gear is also nice CNC machining. I don't believe they are manufactured here. Seem to be similar to other stuff I have seen in the UK. The wet sump, in my opinion is not suitable for racing applications.

[jim111]

if you are chaseing big power 300plus hp there is a highport head and
a low port head the pre 08 motor has the lowport head there is a number
on the inlet side of the head RF3S4G that is the number on the high port head
there is 15-20 hp to be gained using this head i have just finish doing abig hp
duratec for one of our race cars all good internals and it will be going on the dyno
over the next few weeks and will post some pics and some figures
iam sure the highport was made after sept 08 can some one tell me how to post some pics on here

[Danny M]

All the cnc parts from Eurospeed are made in house by them as well as their floating hub kits etc

[crusey]

Thanks Jim.

Looks like that number is actually on the exhaust side. I must have got lucky as both my current motor and the spare are high port motors, although may have less relevance for turbo applications.

Sorry Danny I re-read my post and it was confusing. What I meant was the crossmember, water rail and wetsump appear to be from the UK. The CNC bits are made in house and are a nice bit of kit. Geoff is also easy to deal with - would recommend.

[loadedbore]

thanks again for your replys guys,if i was looking for big power would the 2.3 be beter or did you build your one Jim from a 2.0?
Also have you seen the heads on ebay? their from the states and claim 300hp will they fit and are they any good?


Cosworth Cylinder Head 04-10 Ford Focus Duratec 2.0 2.3 on ebay now