This is
the latest exciting power unit to come from Ford and looks very much like
the Zetec - especially when that engines badged as such! But there are big
differences - the engine has chain-driven cams as opposed to the Zetecs
belt, plus the induction and exhausts are respectively on the opposite
sides.
Youll find this
Mazda/Ford designed unit in Mondeos from 2001, plus the current new Focus
and Fiesta ST150. Capacities are 1.8, 2 litre plus an American 2.3 litre
version, which is available in this country too.
The engine features an
alloy block and head plus some clever technology straight from the race
track. The crank sits up inside the block and is held in place and braced
at the same time, with an aluminium girdle. Oil drain galleries run down
the side of the block directing the returning oil away from the crank thus
not slowing it down.
The crank is strong but
the rods and pistons arent necessarily so. They owe their appearance to
proper race items but in truth, the ultra-slim skirted pistons are cast
rather than forged. The rods are a touch boxy although theyre svelte. The
combination though results in a free-revving assembly ideal for controlling
emissions - it spins up quickly thus negating the need to use up fuel doing
so.
Unlike the Zetec, the
head has big ports and very large valves, again adding to its
well-breathing/low emissions status.
What this means to us
is it doesnt take much to tune the Duratec to around 200bhp, at which
point, you need to switch the rods and pistons to more reliable components.
We already stock Forged Accralite pistons and H-section Farndon steel rods
for such conversions.
To see increases from
standard power however, it is necessary to perform an induction change,
preferably to throttle bodies although a manifold is available for DCOE
side-draughts. We list the Weber Alpha and Omex throttle body kits as well
as Cosworth and Titan throttle body assemblies which should cover most
requirements for induction.
The Duratec is
currently a very popular choice in kit cars, where it completely transforms
the car into a reliable road rocket with the best modern engine
combination. In this format though, it needs turning round to rear-wheel
drive. Like the components we offer for the Zetec, we also do a full range
for this engine too, including re-directing water manifolds, sumps and
bellhousings to adapt the engine to a Ford type RWD transmission - in
standard form the unit doesnt comply to the classic Ford bolt pattern.
We can also supply
complete Duratecs built by Cosworth on the same assembly line as their
Formula 1 race engines. Which kind of speaks for itself in terms of
quality! These are available in several levels of tune ranging from a
195bhp full engine to a 300bhp unit.
In addition, the
Cosworth range encompasses plenty of parts to get the best from the engine
in whatever car its fitted to - whether thats the standard front wheel
drive layout, as in the Focus, Fiesta or Mondeo, where a Cosworth d-Power
Inlet manifold really makes the best from the standard type induction. Or,
you can replace the lot with a roller barrel assembly, suitable for both
front and rear wheel drive - it really does depend how much power you want,
since theres loads for the asking.
An enormous Cosworth
range is now currently available for this engine, which practically
guarantees the power output they quote. With the name to back it all up,
you really cant go wrong.
If youre looking for a
futuristic engine this is it!
