top 5 rubbish ford engines
#41
#44
The above engines I mentioned are all the ones I have blew up and more than one of each as well the only mods they have had was k&n airfilters and a 4 branch where they can the engines I haven't blown up and believe me I have tried is a 2.8 v6 carbed granny engine a transit 2ltr pinto with Cortina cam a 1.6cvh Orion engine and a 1300 mk2 escort xflow the above I have had for years the xflow was even seized when I got it so to all those who think I am misinformed no I am not we can all carry on sprouting bhp figures and tech spec but in the real world my top 5 seem to b the engines that have let me down the most by knocking out them bottom ends oh yeah the engines I have mainly sit outside with a cover over the Carb and dizzy and have very infrequent oil changes in fact there is more oil on the outside of them than in them.
#45
The above engines I mentioned are all the ones I have blew up and more than one of each as well the only mods they have had was k&n airfilters and a 4 branch where they can the engines I haven't blown up and believe me I have tried is a 2.8 v6 carbed granny engine a transit 2ltr pinto with Cortina cam a 1.6cvh Orion engine and a 1300 mk2 escort xflow the above I have had for years the xflow was even seized when I got it so to all those who think I am misinformed no I am not we can all carry on sprouting bhp figures and tech spec but in the real world my top 5 seem to b the engines that have let me down the most by knocking out them bottom ends oh yeah the engines I have mainly sit outside with a cover over the Carb and dizzy and have very infrequent oil changes in fact there is more oil on the outside of them than in them.
to any engine not just a ford engine
#46
Turbocharging Technician
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From: Top secret. Mission:Imposible.
#49
#52
I don't really recall any bad engines really but then what do you define as worst engine? The old Kent/Valencia, whilst being a bit crude are an extremely reliable engine, the KA Endura-E engine was basically a Kent engine with a bit of revision and EEC management.
The Zetec is a good engine as well and good for big millage, I don't think the same can be said for an Ecotec.
Nope the Diesel Sierra engine was a Peugeot unit, as are some of the modern units now.
Martin
The Zetec is a good engine as well and good for big millage, I don't think the same can be said for an Ecotec.
Nope the Diesel Sierra engine was a Peugeot unit, as are some of the modern units now.
Martin
#54
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From: Norfolk Drives: Couple of Fords
I was waiting for that.
What a load of toss. There's nothing clever about the I4. It isn't super advanced, or very light, but it is tough as old boots.
The head gasket material was shite on the 8v version, but with a half decent one in it, it will last forver. The 16v is fine. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a lot of the chain issues don't come from people ignoring them. You see no end of ads on ebay for chain driven cars that say something along the lines of "chain driven, no cambelt, will never need to be changed!" So when they eventually go pop, people wonder what's up. The chain guides have caused problems for a few people, but I've also seen plenty knocking on 140/150k on the original chain and kit, so I'd hardly call it shite. Compare that to the Z22SE Vauxhall engine where owner's clubs recommend it's changed at something stupid like 40k, then you'll see what a shite chain driven engine is.
The 16v had more power and torque than the 2.0 Zetec, and was, if I'm not mistaken, the most powerful NA four pot lump Ford made up until the ST170 in 2002? It produced just as much power as most of the rival engines of similar layout at the time. There's been turbocharged versions knocking well over 300bhp, loads over 200bhp with quite basic TB set ups. Even minor mods will see reasonable gains. Christ, Mountune were getting 280bhp out of the 2.0 lump in the mid-90s for the RS2000 F2 cars.
I'd hardly call that a shite engine
What a load of toss. There's nothing clever about the I4. It isn't super advanced, or very light, but it is tough as old boots.
The head gasket material was shite on the 8v version, but with a half decent one in it, it will last forver. The 16v is fine. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a lot of the chain issues don't come from people ignoring them. You see no end of ads on ebay for chain driven cars that say something along the lines of "chain driven, no cambelt, will never need to be changed!" So when they eventually go pop, people wonder what's up. The chain guides have caused problems for a few people, but I've also seen plenty knocking on 140/150k on the original chain and kit, so I'd hardly call it shite. Compare that to the Z22SE Vauxhall engine where owner's clubs recommend it's changed at something stupid like 40k, then you'll see what a shite chain driven engine is.
The 16v had more power and torque than the 2.0 Zetec, and was, if I'm not mistaken, the most powerful NA four pot lump Ford made up until the ST170 in 2002? It produced just as much power as most of the rival engines of similar layout at the time. There's been turbocharged versions knocking well over 300bhp, loads over 200bhp with quite basic TB set ups. Even minor mods will see reasonable gains. Christ, Mountune were getting 280bhp out of the 2.0 lump in the mid-90s for the RS2000 F2 cars.
I'd hardly call that a shite engine
#55
This is a completely unquantifiable question.
How do you define 'shit'?
I can't think of any 'shit' engine Ford have produced to be honest. 'Underpowered' I can think of a few as I can for the term 'un-tunable'.
How do you define 'shit'?
I can't think of any 'shit' engine Ford have produced to be honest. 'Underpowered' I can think of a few as I can for the term 'un-tunable'.
#56
Wrong V6. That was the Probe, although Mazda did use the engine in their own vehicles.
The Mondeo V6 of Ford origin which also forms part of the V8 and V12 engines fitted to Aston's and cars in the American market. The Mazda version of the Duratec V6 has variable cam timing like the Jaguar version but of Mazda's own design. Ford did not use VVC on them.
I also read somewhere that the engine started as a Porsche Engineering design of which Ford and Cosworth took over development of.
The Mondeo V6 of Ford origin which also forms part of the V8 and V12 engines fitted to Aston's and cars in the American market. The Mazda version of the Duratec V6 has variable cam timing like the Jaguar version but of Mazda's own design. Ford did not use VVC on them.
I also read somewhere that the engine started as a Porsche Engineering design of which Ford and Cosworth took over development of.
#60
PassionFord Post Whore!!
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#61
PassionFord Post Whore!!
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#62
Might get a jolly old pranging over this, but experience has indicated that the Ford Probe had the worst ever engines of any Ford.
Now, I know what you're about to say, you're about to say "Your Lordship, we know you talk much wisdom, but surely the Probe was made from the bits left over from the Mazda MX6?"
& indeed, you'd be correct, however, it was badged as Ford & we have had the misfortune to be lumbered with a few of these lamentable vehicles at Melbury Motors in the past, usual problems are piston ring failure or cam failure. In what ever case, lots of nasty smoke that whiffs of oil.
Really is a total rotter.
Now, I know what you're about to say, you're about to say "Your Lordship, we know you talk much wisdom, but surely the Probe was made from the bits left over from the Mazda MX6?"
& indeed, you'd be correct, however, it was badged as Ford & we have had the misfortune to be lumbered with a few of these lamentable vehicles at Melbury Motors in the past, usual problems are piston ring failure or cam failure. In what ever case, lots of nasty smoke that whiffs of oil.
Really is a total rotter.
#63
#67
#70
I would normally agree there but i must have a one off 1.8 16v ecoexplode as its now done 158000 and still going strong lol.
As for the 2Litre DOHC 8V i have had loads of these engines and they have never let me down but there is some terrible horror stories though i must of been lucky.
#71
transit duratorque engine is by far the worst engine they have made ive seen little end bearings disintergrate at as little as 40,000 miles several times usually number 1 cylinder
i would say the cvh turbo or non turbo is the second worst engine in terms of engineering (or lack of) and accelerated engine wear
i would say the cvh turbo or non turbo is the second worst engine in terms of engineering (or lack of) and accelerated engine wear
#72
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From: stockton on tees
The cossie v6 is rubbish cause it just don't deliver the goods mondeo v6 is no better either neither of them havve got the get up and go like the old v6s. Totally agree with matey on the zetec but I say they r all crap not just one. And yeah the td was useless with or without the intercooler!
I took a 2.9 12v v6 out of my sierra and put a 24V in and it was loads quicker on track!!
the 2.8 v6 was even worse
as for crap engines the v4 wasn't exactly good!
steve
#73
Wrong V6. That was the Probe, although Mazda did use the engine in their own vehicles.
The Mondeo V6 of Ford origin which also forms part of the V8 and V12 engines fitted to Aston's and cars in the American market. The Mazda version of the Duratec V6 has variable cam timing like the Jaguar version but of Mazda's own design. Ford did not use VVC on them.
I also read somewhere that the engine started as a Porsche Engineering design of which Ford and Cosworth took over development of.
The Mondeo V6 of Ford origin which also forms part of the V8 and V12 engines fitted to Aston's and cars in the American market. The Mazda version of the Duratec V6 has variable cam timing like the Jaguar version but of Mazda's own design. Ford did not use VVC on them.
I also read somewhere that the engine started as a Porsche Engineering design of which Ford and Cosworth took over development of.
Last edited by Chaz888; 28-01-2011 at 06:25 PM.
#75
checked out the op on hear
he joined 0n the first of jan has posted 16 times started a thread 5 worst ford engines
slated some good engines got members miffed
and on another thread wanted to know what he needed to get to put a cvh in a mk2 feista and has a username that sounds like he wants to bang "a" boy and the number 33 witch is probley how many he has
he joined 0n the first of jan has posted 16 times started a thread 5 worst ford engines
slated some good engines got members miffed
and on another thread wanted to know what he needed to get to put a cvh in a mk2 feista and has a username that sounds like he wants to bang "a" boy and the number 33 witch is probley how many he has
#77
yep that was also so bad at the time that its still one of the best choices for a fast road car engine u can tune yourself lol what with 500bhp easy done and companys like mad able give u up to 680 and more if your mad enough lol
#78
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I was waiting for that.
What a load of toss. There's nothing clever about the I4. It isn't super advanced, or very light, but it is tough as old boots.
The head gasket material was shite on the 8v version, but with a half decent one in it, it will last forver. The 16v is fine. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a lot of the chain issues don't come from people ignoring them. You see no end of ads on ebay for chain driven cars that say something along the lines of "chain driven, no cambelt, will never need to be changed!" So when they eventually go pop, people wonder what's up. The chain guides have caused problems for a few people, but I've also seen plenty knocking on 140/150k on the original chain and kit, so I'd hardly call it shite. Compare that to the Z22SE Vauxhall engine where owner's clubs recommend it's changed at something stupid like 40k, then you'll see what a shite chain driven engine is.
The 16v had more power and torque than the 2.0 Zetec, and was, if I'm not mistaken, the most powerful NA four pot lump Ford made up until the ST170 in 2002? It produced just as much power as most of the rival engines of similar layout at the time. There's been turbocharged versions knocking well over 300bhp, loads over 200bhp with quite basic TB set ups. Even minor mods will see reasonable gains. Christ, Mountune were getting 280bhp out of the 2.0 lump in the mid-90s for the RS2000 F2 cars.
I'd hardly call that a shite engine
What a load of toss. There's nothing clever about the I4. It isn't super advanced, or very light, but it is tough as old boots.
The head gasket material was shite on the 8v version, but with a half decent one in it, it will last forver. The 16v is fine. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a lot of the chain issues don't come from people ignoring them. You see no end of ads on ebay for chain driven cars that say something along the lines of "chain driven, no cambelt, will never need to be changed!" So when they eventually go pop, people wonder what's up. The chain guides have caused problems for a few people, but I've also seen plenty knocking on 140/150k on the original chain and kit, so I'd hardly call it shite. Compare that to the Z22SE Vauxhall engine where owner's clubs recommend it's changed at something stupid like 40k, then you'll see what a shite chain driven engine is.
The 16v had more power and torque than the 2.0 Zetec, and was, if I'm not mistaken, the most powerful NA four pot lump Ford made up until the ST170 in 2002? It produced just as much power as most of the rival engines of similar layout at the time. There's been turbocharged versions knocking well over 300bhp, loads over 200bhp with quite basic TB set ups. Even minor mods will see reasonable gains. Christ, Mountune were getting 280bhp out of the 2.0 lump in the mid-90s for the RS2000 F2 cars.
I'd hardly call that a shite engine
i used to tune these engines for a (small)racing team
the amount that needs spent on them compared to a zetec or xe is shocking,
the ports are far far to small and wrong shape to flow enough air
the pistons are made made cadburys
small end bearing are plastosene(sp)
cranks are heavy and badly balanced as standard
rod ratio is poor,
the slack on the timing chain looks like it was designed by fisher price
they weigh slightly(but only slightly) less than the QE2
thats before i go on about the bad management/map(we ran aftermarket to cure this)
oil starvation probs on standard sumps(we ran dry sump as single seaters anyhow)
restrictive inlet manifolds(again we changed as single seater)
stupid exhaust manifold with egr piping(again single seater blah blah blah)
the stupid little cylinder that adjusts the chain tension(cant remember the proper name)
we ended up designing and making a manual adjuster version as the standard 1 failed so often
but i do think that the 16v 2300 is a little better than the 2 litre's
and these are all the things that are just off the top of my head
its been a good few years since i dealt with these now(thank god we moved on)
so i'm prob missing a few things lol
but i think thats enough to justify my statement
i've built between 10-15 of these for race application
so i'm convinced i know enough to comment
oh i've only ever built 3 zetecs to replace them with and that was only to freshen the engines up
i await your no doubt more knowledgable reply
Last edited by jamie's; 31-01-2011 at 06:36 PM.
#79
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
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i'm a bit disapointed, i expected an abusive reply to this by now
but my top 5 is
1- as above
2- velencia(just crap realy)
3- 2.5 v6 mondeo engine(nothing wrong as such, i just think they were a bit of a let down)
4- 1.8 cvh(gutless emissions freindly disaster)
5- v4(never experienced these personaly, just heard the horror stories a bout overheating etc)
but my top 5 is
1- as above
2- velencia(just crap realy)
3- 2.5 v6 mondeo engine(nothing wrong as such, i just think they were a bit of a let down)
4- 1.8 cvh(gutless emissions freindly disaster)
5- v4(never experienced these personaly, just heard the horror stories a bout overheating etc)
Last edited by jamie's; 31-01-2011 at 06:41 PM.
#80
PassionFord Post Whore!!
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From: Norfolk Drives: Couple of Fords
I'm very sorry that I have a bit more to do with my life than monitor new posts on a car forum every few hours
I'm curious; what revs did you run these engines to? I've seen many people taking these beyond 7000rpm with nothing more than some ARP bolts with no issues at all, even running towards 8000rpm.
I openly admit that it's a heavy old engine, but it isn't modern, so that's hardly a surprise. I can't really be bothered to reply to every point, but you seem to be making a lot of complaints that a standard engine couldn't stand being used in a competition environment without several modifications, which doesn't seem anything exclusive to the I4 lump?
If you stick most older engines into a race car, they'll need a revised sump design to combat oil related issues, and once you start adding revs and things, you'll run into issues elsewhere. Things like inlet and exhaust design are compromised in every cooking production engine going. You can't tell me that the dire cast exhaust manifolds fitted to Zetecs etc are amazing and weren't changed for competition use? Exactly...
Horses for courses, whatever the engine, it will need modifying to be effective in competition in most cases. The 1996 BRC victory clearly says that the I4 had it's place and could do the job pretty effectively.
I'm curious; what revs did you run these engines to? I've seen many people taking these beyond 7000rpm with nothing more than some ARP bolts with no issues at all, even running towards 8000rpm.
I openly admit that it's a heavy old engine, but it isn't modern, so that's hardly a surprise. I can't really be bothered to reply to every point, but you seem to be making a lot of complaints that a standard engine couldn't stand being used in a competition environment without several modifications, which doesn't seem anything exclusive to the I4 lump?
If you stick most older engines into a race car, they'll need a revised sump design to combat oil related issues, and once you start adding revs and things, you'll run into issues elsewhere. Things like inlet and exhaust design are compromised in every cooking production engine going. You can't tell me that the dire cast exhaust manifolds fitted to Zetecs etc are amazing and weren't changed for competition use? Exactly...
Horses for courses, whatever the engine, it will need modifying to be effective in competition in most cases. The 1996 BRC victory clearly says that the I4 had it's place and could do the job pretty effectively.