Hi guys, just a quick question Im looking at converting my van, and was wondering which engine you guys would use as a starting point either a 2L zetec or st170 ? Im hoping for around 180-200bhp on a sensible budget. not fussed on how eg turbo or throttle bodies, just the fact the van needs a decent power upgrade without making it unreliable.
Cheers

 

If your only looking for 180-200 N/A then I'm sure a st170 with a few bits would get you 180 not to much fuss, N/A St @200 bhp would be more.
Or do a st170 bottom end with blacktop head for cheap turbo conversion would be upto 300bhp ish depending on turbo choice.

 

I have a tuned 1.8 silvertop for sale is cammed with polished and ported head runs a super chip has power reading for 180 flywheel 140 wheels still sat in a mk6 cabby

 

For 200bhp I wouldn't even bother with an ST170 bottom end.
RST manifold with adapter or tap the head, I think a standard RST T3 will do 200, decompression plate, even the standard plastic 2.0 Focus inlet would suffice.

200bhp on a Zetec wouldn't be cheap, will require headwork, AT LEAST ARP rod bolts, ITB's, Megasquirt and a decent 4-1 IMO.

Personally, 2.0 Silvertop on something like Gixxer 1000 carbs, Megajolt, 4-2-1, could skim the head for a touch more compression and I'd like to see 150-160bhp, cheapish too.

 

Starting a turbo conversion from scratch isn't gonna be cheap if you want any chance of reliability.

IMO of course.

 

I was thinking possibly st170 bottom end running either a silver or black top head using a 130 ho inlet over a plastic inlet and possibly a T3 turbo

 

ST170 engine with some throttle bodies and an exhaust vernier, plus some management. If the management can work the VVT, use it. If not, convert it to use a vernier also. As i understand it, the st170 manifold is pretty good, but you can get fairly good gains with a larger exhaust system. Should be good for roughly the power you're after. You can always replace the exhaust cam and work the head a little for better results, the exhaust valves and ports on zetecs are pretty small so could be reworked, but i wouldn't mess with the st170 inlet port too much.

 

go for st170.......use mbe 9a4 management and you can get around 190bhp on a std motor+inlet....make sure exhaust is2 3/4 inch.
upgrade to throttle bodies,cat cams and your 220 plus

 

just gotta find one at sensible money

 

Someone I know is selling a ST170 engine for Ł150..

 

Whereabouts in the country is it? And what is the milage? As could be interested

 

He works at Bradford engine units, Google it and you will get a number

He's not 100% sure of it's milage but it's around 70/80k and it's been well looked after with plenty of oil changes.