Safe boost pressure on 1.8 ZVH?
28-05-2009, 09:22 PM
#1
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Safe boost pressure on 1.8 ZVH?
I used to run around 14-16psi boost on my 1.6, but now I'm running a 1.8 ZVH. Since running it in for 1500+ miles, I had the boost upped a bit to 10psi..... But it ain't nothing like my old engine.... It just doesn't seem to pull much.
It's not been set up on rollers as yet, but if the boost was to be increased again, what's the max I could push it?
Spec: 1.8 ZVH (from escort gti) with standard pistons etc, unlimited boost chip (unknown brand?) and what's written in my sig....
Cheers all
It's not been set up on rollers as yet, but if the boost was to be increased again, what's the max I could push it?
Spec: 1.8 ZVH (from escort gti) with standard pistons etc, unlimited boost chip (unknown brand?) and what's written in my sig....
Cheers all
28-05-2009, 09:40 PM
#3
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Really? I went for the zvh over the cvh due to thinking it'll be better and allow more power....... This pulls nothing like my old engine! Hopefully a full set up will help?
Is it true that anything over 12psi can cause major problems with standard zetec pistons?
Is it true that anything over 12psi can cause major problems with standard zetec pistons?
28-05-2009, 09:42 PM
#4
The ZVH needs a very very good head (Stage 3 big valve etc..) or it is restrictive and you'll make peek power at something really low like 5500rpm, and I hope your not on a stock T3 cos the poor little thing will struggle! 
Are you still MFI?? If so turn the boost right down until your setup!!
Are you still MFI?? If so turn the boost right down until your setup!!
Last edited by Karlos G; 30-05-2009 at 05:44 PM.
28-05-2009, 09:44 PM
#5
Wye Valley Hardcore
Yeah. The pistons arent at all suited for turbo charging and you've lopped the tops off to lower compression further weakening them. You run them safely at anyting over 10PSI the fueling would have to be spot on perfect and even then I'd be waiting for it to break.
28-05-2009, 09:54 PM
#6
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, still MFI.... And no stage 3 head... But the T3 is hybrid.
So looks like I'll stay between 10-13psi unless I spend ridiculous money on better pistons etc????
I thought ZVH was better
So looks like I'll stay between 10-13psi unless I spend ridiculous money on better pistons etc????
I thought ZVH was better
28-05-2009, 09:54 PM
#7
Take alook at this
But to get that result you need to have a big budget and this spec!
2.0, H beam rods, Custom Pistons, CVH 8v Area-Six Big valve head, Custom camshaft, Solid Followers, Area-six double valve springs, Custom Inlet manifold, T38 turbo, Pectel T2 ecu
This is why...
But to get that result you need to have a big budget and this spec!
2.0, H beam rods, Custom Pistons, CVH 8v Area-Six Big valve head, Custom camshaft, Solid Followers, Area-six double valve springs, Custom Inlet manifold, T38 turbo, Pectel T2 ecu
This is why...
The ability of a turbocharged engine to rev to high rpm's is based primarily on two factors.
1. strength of engine which also encompasses design to be correct for such an application
2. Ability of the engine and turbo to flow sufficent air at these rpm's in order to maintain torque. (this is what makes an engine feel revvy)
The reason the turbocharged ZVH normally suffers with holding high rpm torque is its rated capacity in comparison to the cylinder head flow rate. Essentially this means that the head itself becomes a flow restriction in relation to its capacity and hence engine torque falls quite rapidly with rpm. This can be overcome to some extent with a larger turbo and heavily reworked head which can help increase engine breathing at higher rpm's but this does of course lead to the usual lag, drivability and most importantly cost issues that come about in building an engine capable of using such a large turbo!
hope that helps explain things a little!
1. strength of engine which also encompasses design to be correct for such an application
2. Ability of the engine and turbo to flow sufficent air at these rpm's in order to maintain torque. (this is what makes an engine feel revvy)
The reason the turbocharged ZVH normally suffers with holding high rpm torque is its rated capacity in comparison to the cylinder head flow rate. Essentially this means that the head itself becomes a flow restriction in relation to its capacity and hence engine torque falls quite rapidly with rpm. This can be overcome to some extent with a larger turbo and heavily reworked head which can help increase engine breathing at higher rpm's but this does of course lead to the usual lag, drivability and most importantly cost issues that come about in building an engine capable of using such a large turbo!
hope that helps explain things a little!
Last edited by Karlos G; 28-05-2009 at 09:56 PM.
Trending Topics
28-05-2009, 10:01 PM
#8
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's V impressive! Not yours tho eh Karlos 
I can't afford much more, so my peak at 5,500rpm will just have to do..
... Not really happy now. I busted my balls to get all this done, and now it all just seems a waste!
I can't afford much more, so my peak at 5,500rpm will just have to do..
... Not really happy now. I busted my balls to get all this done, and now it all just seems a waste!
28-05-2009, 10:03 PM
#10
No mate not mine!!Just remembered seeing it on here a while back and dug it out for you, this is why I dont like ZVH's.
IMO either build a nice CVH or go Zetec turbo.
Here is the full thread if you fancy a read...
https://passionford.com/forum/techni...-or-false.html
Last edited by Karlos G; 28-05-2009 at 10:05 PM.
28-05-2009, 10:21 PM
#13
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is looking worse by the post! I'll get it set up and see what pressure is given/allowed. The management, along with everything else, will just have to stay as it is.....
28-05-2009, 10:25 PM
#14
Wahay!! I've lost my Virginity!!
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dont forget your fueling will be out because you have changed cubic capacity by +0.2 so there wont be enough fuel for the amount of air now, i would get it set up and see what its like
28-05-2009, 10:28 PM
#15
PassionFord Post Troll
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bristol/Bath
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Easy to say now mate but would have definately stuck with the 1.6 if you weren't gonna spend mega bucks, the 2.1zvh's seem to be tho ones to go for in all honesty but just nothing like the achievement of getting power out of the engine it came out the factory with imo
28-05-2009, 10:30 PM
#16
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: stockton-on-tees
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you should of gone with a decomp plate to lower you cr .its safer .look at this site www.stocktonautocentre.com .they can help with zvh and zetec turbo conversions
29-05-2009, 07:23 AM
#17
Thats why MFI should be set up regularly.
29-05-2009, 08:56 AM
#18
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheers for the replies guys.... I just wish i'd been warned of this more when i was deciding what to do tbh. I have gone through too much b*ll*x now to even contemplate the 'what if' syndrome, so i aint going there at all! The reason the ZVH came about was because the 1.6 was knackered and although offered a full rebuild, i thought it better and easier for the guy to swap engines and give me something that i have always wanted....
Looking at these answers/replies tho.... If i get my metering unit sorted (it too is knackered) and then get her on the rollers and have all fuel and air adjusted to suit the 1.8, maybe I will be happy with the pull. The car itself is probably just as quick, it just doesnt 'feel' that way.... and to me, being thrown back in the Recaro is what its all about!
Looking at these answers/replies tho.... If i get my metering unit sorted (it too is knackered) and then get her on the rollers and have all fuel and air adjusted to suit the 1.8, maybe I will be happy with the pull. The car itself is probably just as quick, it just doesnt 'feel' that way.... and to me, being thrown back in the Recaro is what its all about!
29-05-2009, 05:19 PM
#20
Wahay!! I've lost my Virginity!!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: south wales
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
18+ psi later still going strong. before i get slated saying you cant do that it will melt etc etc. it didnt at the end off the day if you havent spent much cash on your build what have you got to lose 
Last edited by cozzuki; 29-05-2009 at 09:28 PM.
29-05-2009, 06:33 PM
#21
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
still going strong at 18+psi, yet the pistons melted? LOL, I must be Reading that wrong.
What pistons can go in as a replacement so the boost can be upped to 14-16psi without causing issues?
What pistons can go in as a replacement so the boost can be upped to 14-16psi without causing issues?
29-05-2009, 07:32 PM
#22
Advanced PassionFord User
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: dont know anymore!!!!
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I supose im going to get a slating for this but fuck it my mates running 20 psi on mfi with a fifth injector on a 1.8 zvh running skimmed pistons, it made 260 bhp and has been in this spec for a few years now with no melted pistons and ive been in it and it is fast as fuck no det and really smooth so it can be done
29-05-2009, 07:49 PM
#23
I have had a 1.8zvh std compression and it was fine, But i guess i was lucky.
I know loads of people that have done zvh and some have lasted and lasted and some only last a day or so but thats when you drive them like a dick.
If i were you i if you have a 2.0 put some forged C20XE pistons in there and then you will have a safer engine and it dont cost the earth.
I know loads of people that have done zvh and some have lasted and lasted and some only last a day or so but thats when you drive them like a dick.
If i were you i if you have a 2.0 put some forged C20XE pistons in there and then you will have a safer engine and it dont cost the earth.
29-05-2009, 09:27 PM
#24
Wahay!! I've lost my Virginity!!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: south wales
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
. were just saying if your fuel is right you can run more boost that what people tell you
i did type wronge opps
29-05-2009, 09:47 PM
#26
my zvh was the 1.8 way back 2002 ran 18 psi no problems on new skimmed zvh pistons it was the head gasket that went as i used a felpro this was on mfi and did 220 hp so dont worry to much get it set up at a good place it was ok engine just didnt rev to well like the cvh did
tim
tim
29-05-2009, 10:52 PM
#27
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I now like these replies 
With all you guys running high boost, was there any work done to your heads? Mines a standard head, so going by the first replies, I ain't gonna get to expect much.... But if you last lot running 18-20psi were on standard heads too, that'd make me smile even more!
Thanks for the help with this guys
With all you guys running high boost, was there any work done to your heads? Mines a standard head, so going by the first replies, I ain't gonna get to expect much.... But if you last lot running 18-20psi were on standard heads too, that'd make me smile even more!
Thanks for the help with this guys
29-05-2009, 11:04 PM
#29
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm smiling Tim LOL. As far as I know, my heads not ported.... Just standard with 285t2 and vernier pulley to help it along abit. By the sounds of it then, once my metering head is sorted out and I'm on the rollers, most of my concerns will go Just needvto find a decent tuner with a gap in his diary!
Just needvto find a decent tuner with a gap in his diary!
30-05-2009, 01:07 AM
#31
my fiesta's a 1.8zvh with standard skimmed pistons, new rings, shells etc. gas flowed head, standard cam, beiges, 195 chip and a standard t3. done 4000 miles in it now, and just had it set up to 15psi this week and it goes well! get it set up properly and you'll be laughing 
30-05-2009, 12:05 PM
#33
Wye Valley Hardcore
Just personally I'd rather spend the extra and EFi it with some Vaux pistons.Just especially with MFI fueling and skimmed pistons I would be very careful with how the car was set up and fueling unless you want to be rebuilding your bottomend every 12 months.
30-05-2009, 02:34 PM
#34
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
guys, no need to turn this into a debate or argument, I'm purely after advice. To be honest, I was getting very disappointed in my decision after getting the first few replies, but now it's all better. I'm not one for wanting to replace bottomends every 12 months, and with experiences gained with my turbo over the last 7 years, Im not going to go to any old tuner. This engine is getting the respect it needs! Respect it and it'll respect me - hopefully LOL
I can't afford to convert to EFi, nor can I afford to make a 500bhp monster... But what I can do is look after what I have, as well as get the best out of what I have
I can't afford to convert to EFi, nor can I afford to make a 500bhp monster... But what I can do is look after what I have, as well as get the best out of what I have
30-05-2009, 04:08 PM
#37
Wye Valley Hardcore
guys, no need to turn this into a debate or argument, I'm purely after advice. To be honest, I was getting very disappointed in my decision after getting the first few replies, but now it's all better. I'm not one for wanting to replace bottomends every 12 months, and with experiences gained with my turbo over the last 7 years, Im not going to go to any old tuner. This engine is getting the respect it needs! Respect it and it'll respect me - hopefully LOL
I can't afford to convert to EFi, nor can I afford to make a 500bhp monster... But what I can do is look after what I have, as well as get the best out of what I have
I can't afford to convert to EFi, nor can I afford to make a 500bhp monster... But what I can do is look after what I have, as well as get the best out of what I have
30-05-2009, 05:42 PM
#38
I now like these replies
With all you guys running high boost, was there any work done to your heads? Mines a standard head, so going by the first replies, I ain't gonna get to expect much.... But if you last lot running 18-20psi were on standard heads too, that'd make me smile even more!
Thanks for the help with this guys
With all you guys running high boost, was there any work done to your heads? Mines a standard head, so going by the first replies, I ain't gonna get to expect much.... But if you last lot running 18-20psi were on standard heads too, that'd make me smile even more!
Thanks for the help with this guys
Also you have to remeber that boost pressure is relative to the VE of your engine, if for example your running stock head, cam, and T3 you may make 200bhp @ 17psi, but if you then run a ported big valve head, a 285T2, and a Stage 3 T3 you may make 200bhp @ 10psi
The pistons will take a certain amount of power not a certain amount of boost
30-05-2009, 08:29 PM
#39
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I see what ya saying Karlos, and yes it does make sense. If any of you have followed me for the last few months, you'll know that I have tried building all this on a tight-ass budget LOL and so far I have done well. I would love to throw my new head away and dip my hand in my big chunky wallet and get everything needed to get me up there with all you big boys, but it just can't happen! I'm doing all this thru the love for my ford and boosting my knowledge of other ways round the RS power...
As for building a bigger and better engine while using this one... Could be a plan!
Again, I appreciate everything everyone is saying
As for building a bigger and better engine while using this one... Could be a plan!
Again, I appreciate everything everyone is saying
30-05-2009, 08:33 PM
#40
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
bottom line tho, I could be here asking questions all night long and getting a variety of answers..... The only true answer I'm gonna get however is by setting her up on the rollers innit.