Hi guys

My missis has a 1999 mk1 focus 1.8 and now as i have a track car she wants to change her focus from a show type car to a show/track car so wants more power.

I know loads of people are running zetec turbos so should be easy but i was wondering how strong is the standard 1.8 engine and can i say put 10 psi through it without it going bang? Or would it need a the comp ratio decreasing?

Alternatively would it just be easier to dump a 2.0 zetec in and turbo that? Are they any stronger?

Trying to do something cheaply but got to be good wnough as its uer daily so needs to be reliable.

I no people say reliability is alot down to mapping but it always needs a good base.

Any help welcome.

Thanks

Adam

 

Am in same boat,want a bit more poke outta my lasses fezzy rs1800

 

Speak to Dale at Bailey Performance. He has done plenty of zetec turbos without lowering compression. When i was having some mapping done he was telling me about it. He doesnt go mad on boost, and the key is good mapping and good intercooler. i believe he gets 250bhp ish from a 2.0 so he should get good power from a 1.8 too.

in fact .... here you go

http://baileyperformance.co.uk/?p=228

He mapped my zetec turbo mk4 fiesta and hes a really good guy.


Matt.

 

Do the 2.0 litre engine.

The 1.8 uses different pistons which are made of chocolate so you will melt them very quickly once you chuck some boost in. The 2.0 litre uses Mahle pistons which are significantly stronger but the standard rods are the weak point in those engines when you crank up the boost.

 

ST170 bottom end, blacktop 2.0 head with the st170 valve springs, ford 1.8mm frs head gasket and some arp rod bolts.

Just requires suitable inlet/management/turbo etc

 

Can run 10psi through a 1.8 zetec bud, was done years ago on the t190 and as the name suggests gave circa 190bhp. I'm guessing with decent mapping you should hit 200bhp.