Just considering possible options, engine wise as want more bhp than the 1.6 can develop (without shit loads of money) so just wondering if the focus ST or RS (2.5 turbo) engines fit in the bay of a mk4 escort or even possibly the 2 litre duratec?
Thanks

 

The st engine will fit with some work, as with a duratec, albeit it with lots of work.

The Rs engine won't without massive amounts of work.

2.0 Zetec is a very easy cheap conversion. And dead easy to turbo once it's in and running.

 

As above or get a MK1 FRS engine if you can find one for a good price as it's essentially a black top Zetec and so drops in real easy.

 

was looking at a focus rs engine (mk1) they seem to be hard to find though may be easier just building a zetec turbo. What gearboxes are being used on the zetec/duratec engines in an escort? Looking at high bhp, so would need a strong gearbox.
Wondered about the ST and RS engine but dont wanna be crammed for space in the bay.
cheers

 

How much power are you after?

I did wonder about gearboxes as I've modded my drivers inner wing for end of block engine mount as per focus, but if I switched to duratec using same mount dunno what box I'd need.

I've currently got ib5 box mated to the blacktop mondo engine. Rear starter to suit blacktop and keep it away from exhaust, I'm also using the blacktop aux belt setup with alternator on bulkhead side, which needs a lot of trimming to drivers inner chassis, but means its simpler once done and much tidier.

 

Ideally would like to see 350+ bhp, thats why i looked at the rs engine as they are a good starting point but would do a full rebuild using wossners and steel rods etc, so thats why i wondered if its best to just start off with the zetec engine. cheers

 

350 is pretty easy from a zetec and they go more or less straight in, so seems the logical choice for that power.

 

A ST170 bottom end with a blacktop head will just about take 350bhp.

 

is the crank forged on an st170 or just the rods? heard mixed things about the pistons.

a cheap 2.0 blacktop from a mondeo would be a good start without loads of money, especially if you're swapping the pistons and rods anyway. Solid lifters standard and decent cams.

 

The rods are sinter forged steel with fracture split big ends and the pistons are pressure cast (like RST Mahle's), crank is cast.
Sitech have ran a stock bottom end to 355bhp which is why I say it will just do 350bhp.

 

Cant belive i missed a st170 engine on ebay. Went for peanuts

 

How much Stu??

 

Whats going to be the best zetec engine to get, the blacktop or silvertop? also what gearboxes are people using with the zetec turbo conversions? cheers

 

Black top has the better head silver top is slightly easier to fit, I'm running a IB5 but how long it lasts is another matter! lol

 

Best i get on the lookout for a zetec engine then