Hi guys, first of all I apologize if my English is not perfect, but I'm Portuguese. I come to ask you for some help with my project!
So, I have a MK2 Ford Orion Ghia 1.4 CVH of 75hp ( carbureted ). And I want to make it a more efficient and powerful car, and the idea of ​​removing the CVH engine has already been put forward. I've been looking at some engines, like the 1.6 and 2.0 Zetec in the Ford Focus MK1. I wanted to choose an engine that was as plug and play as possible and that would be a good base for a project up to 300hp. At the moment my concern is to have more efficiency and reliability and therefore, I ask you, what is your opinion? Which engine should you choose? Cylinder and family? By the way, I would like to add central locking to the car, is there a kit that you recommend? Portuguese greetings!

 

zetec 1800 silver top or 2.0 blacktop would be way forward imo.. the black top 2.0 when enough money chucked at them can get upto 300/350bhp

 

Whats the difference between the Silver and Black top Zetecs? I never understood that

 

Efficient, plug&play and 300 hp won't go together very well in a MK2 Orion.

Any MK4 Escort engine (1,6 MFI/EFI and RST) will drop in without any issues, MK3 Fiesta (Zetec 130 hp) and later Escort Engines (Zetec 130 HP and RS2k 16V) also won't cause much troubles.

Given you REALLY want to go for 300 hp and your pockets are deep enough... 2,0 Zetec. Both silver and black top can deal with the same power. Just the Focus RS unit is a bit different as it's already turbocharged, running 215 bhp and can deal with a lot more. But once again... a Zetec Turbo is everything but efficient.

 

Hi XR2, first of all thanks for the advice! When I mean efficient, it's compared to the CVH engine. About 300hp is not my biggest concern, the idea is to have an engine that is easy to adapt, more modern and efficient (than the CVH) and that it can become a good setup for up to 300hp.
Thanks!