Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 4:02 pm Post subject: 2.1zvh,s
For my next project i want to build an engine for my rst, a local guy reckons he can make 1.8 zvhs for penuts which would be ok if my current one popd and i needed a replacement but i would like to go to a 2ltr zvh instead, thing is apart from the extra torque youd get having lookd into them 2ltr zvhs dont seem that impressive.
For example a 2zvh seems to be make around the 240 bhp mark which would be good but thats at like 17psi but a 1.6 cvh if running sweet can make simular bhp at just a few more psi more.
I dont see how they are suposably 180bhp at realy low boost and only 40bhp more for an extra 12psi.
Can someone explain these engines to me a bit better ther pros and cons.
The zvh's always have a tendancy to run more torque than out right bhp due to the longer stroke that the engines come with.
Both the 1.8 and the 2.0 zetecs run an 88mm stroke with only a 80mm piston in the 1.8's and 84.8 in the 2.0.
Where by the cvh is very close as what is refered to as a square engine as the stroke and the bore are almost the same size hence the bhp and torque figure are very similar.
(ie) an rst running a stage one tune cvh lump will be putting out about 160bhp with 160 lb/ft, a 1.8 zvh would be putting out about 180 bhp with 210lb/ft this makes for a smoother drive of boost and very progressive accelleration once coming on to boost.
as you said if you go further and tune these engines you dont get much more bhp in return for your effort but again the torque goes up aswell so the thing will pull like a train which makes for a very fast but yet drivable car .
but if low down torque aint your thing......... and you want that unreal wooooosh and getting throwen back in your seat like sumit out of "THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS"
then go with a highly tuned cvh as there good for that, but for me a 200+bhp daily driver i prefer the 2.1zvh as it can be driven everyday with out the worry of a poor little 1.6 spilling its guts all over a A1 coz i aint looking after it or serviced it well enough.
BUT AGAIN TO EACH THERE OWN