Hello everyone!
I'm Ben, new to the Zetec engines and liking what I see on here. There's a lot of development here in RWD applications, and that's what I've got. I look forward to posting some pictures of my project, meeting other Ford enthusiasts, and hopefully getting some knowledge on the )mainly blacktop) Zetec engines.
I do have knowledge on other US Fords, as well as having cut my teeth on Jaguars, MGs, Triumphs and other 1950s-1980s European cars (and a few of the Datsun/Nissan Z cars)--so I'm not hopeless, and I know my away around under the bonnet, which way to hold a spanner, and why your hoods are more fun than the American style.

Now, for the reason I joined the forum, and I apologize if this is the wrong part of the forum to ask for advice.

My vehicle is a 1965 Volvo 122S "Amazon" with a blacktop Zetec-R which mostly fits. It was taken from a 2003 US market Focus ZX3, with a Type 9 gearbox behind it.
I'm not looking for big power (the Zetec is already lighter and more powerful than the Volvo block--which wasn't a bad engine either, but it was missing when I bought the car!). I'm looking for a clean and reliable installation.
The current install has some problems:
1. The intake is junk. The plastic one lands in the suspension, so I have a custom built unit that pokes through the front panel next to the radiator and is tight in every dimension. There's a heap of space for an "up and over" setup like on the (I think?) Fiesta XR2i. I'd like to find out about whether these can be fitted to blacktops, or if there are other options that might work and don't cost a mint.
2. The stock exhaust fits, but a decent set of extractors might fit better. US-market Zetec extractors are either very dear, or they tuck under the engine in FWD manner, or both. I might just weld a custom set and live with it.
3. The thermostat housing is VERY close to the firewall. Is there a lower-profile design available over there? I might just give up and buy one of the water rail kits. I have to figure out my water plumbing anyway (I'm keeping my heater, too).

I'm sure there are other things to consider, but that's enough for one post. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and looking at more of your projects as well!
Cheers!
Ben