Discussion
Probably referring to to the Zetec SE ( Sigma ) engine 1.6.
Black top engine not silver top, used in Focus's and the Zetec S. 101 bhp.
Generally used as they are solid engines, valves are good for 220 bhp and they are lightweight.
From Shawspeed
"In conjunction with 2.0 Duratec HE this is in our estimation one of the most significant engines to be introduced to the kit car market for a number of years. The engine is found in the Focus, Fiesta and 1600 Puma. Being of all alloy construction and very compact dimensions the engine is extremely light in weight. The head has good ports as standard and standard valves can be retained for up to 220 bhp.
The engine already has a healthy competition background a derivative having being used in both the Puma Kit & Super 1600 cars and Fiesta Super 1600 car as campaigned by Ford RallyeSport and Junior World Rally Championships."
http://www.shawspeed.com/fsigma.htm
Sim
Black top engine not silver top, used in Focus's and the Zetec S. 101 bhp.
Generally used as they are solid engines, valves are good for 220 bhp and they are lightweight.
From Shawspeed
"In conjunction with 2.0 Duratec HE this is in our estimation one of the most significant engines to be introduced to the kit car market for a number of years. The engine is found in the Focus, Fiesta and 1600 Puma. Being of all alloy construction and very compact dimensions the engine is extremely light in weight. The head has good ports as standard and standard valves can be retained for up to 220 bhp.
The engine already has a healthy competition background a derivative having being used in both the Puma Kit & Super 1600 cars and Fiesta Super 1600 car as campaigned by Ford RallyeSport and Junior World Rally Championships."
http://www.shawspeed.com/fsigma.htm
Sim
Most when people talk about Zetec engines in kit cars they are usually referring to the Zetec E 1.8 or 2.0. Older "Silver top" (Escort, Mk1 Mondeo etc) engines are popular as they are old enough to dodge cat emissions tests, though the newer black top as found in your Focus is widely used too.
As you say, there's nothing that remarkable about the engine, the main reason for its popularity is that most kits still use Sierra gearboxes and diffs, and the Zetec bolts straight onto these. Plus they are cheap and easy to get hold of with loads of tuning parts available.
A typical 2.0 Zetec converted to run on carbs in a kit car will put out about 160bhp. 180bhp can be gained by upgrading the cams, over 200bhp is possible but will cost big bucks, upgrading engine internals, bigger valves, throttle bodies etc.
As you say, there's nothing that remarkable about the engine, the main reason for its popularity is that most kits still use Sierra gearboxes and diffs, and the Zetec bolts straight onto these. Plus they are cheap and easy to get hold of with loads of tuning parts available.
A typical 2.0 Zetec converted to run on carbs in a kit car will put out about 160bhp. 180bhp can be gained by upgrading the cams, over 200bhp is possible but will cost big bucks, upgrading engine internals, bigger valves, throttle bodies etc.
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