Why is the Duratec More Popular than Other FWD Engines?
Discussion
Thinking of building a kit car, and something baffles me. Perhaps some of you learned folk can enlighten me.
I understand the Zetec's popularity as a kit car donor engine, as it bolts straight on to RWD Ford gearboxes. But it was the last in a long line of Ford engines to do so. The Duratec doesn't: it requires a special bellhousing, just like engines by any other FWD manufacturers (of which there are many). Zetec donor vehicles haven't been produced since 2004, and the supply of new engines on ebay can't last forever. So it's only natural to look for a successor. But how come the Duratec is becoming the next in line (pun not intended!) to take over when the Zetecs dry up? I mean, it's not RWD, it's not especially powerful nor charismatic. And, from what I read on the various web forums, it's an expensive installation.
So, by what merit does the Duratec engine deserve the continued loyalty of the kit car community? Why shouldn't Ford's predominance end here? Given that it doesn't match the Sierra bellhousing, what's the advantage of the Duratec over any other FWD engine?
I understand the Zetec's popularity as a kit car donor engine, as it bolts straight on to RWD Ford gearboxes. But it was the last in a long line of Ford engines to do so. The Duratec doesn't: it requires a special bellhousing, just like engines by any other FWD manufacturers (of which there are many). Zetec donor vehicles haven't been produced since 2004, and the supply of new engines on ebay can't last forever. So it's only natural to look for a successor. But how come the Duratec is becoming the next in line (pun not intended!) to take over when the Zetecs dry up? I mean, it's not RWD, it's not especially powerful nor charismatic. And, from what I read on the various web forums, it's an expensive installation.
So, by what merit does the Duratec engine deserve the continued loyalty of the kit car community? Why shouldn't Ford's predominance end here? Given that it doesn't match the Sierra bellhousing, what's the advantage of the Duratec over any other FWD engine?
it's cheap and it's light. cheap and easy to tune to 220bhp+ and bell housings are also cheap.
comparable engines in terms of bang for buck are honda k2, bag 20v etc. neither of which offer bolt on cheap rwd gearbox options like a ford does.
my duratec came out of a mondeo. a light flywheel, race line sumo, it's and an ecu and it's putting out a reliable 200bhp for a total outlay [using s/h parts] of under £1500. unstressed and far more to come if i wanted t. billy bargain.
comparable engines in terms of bang for buck are honda k2, bag 20v etc. neither of which offer bolt on cheap rwd gearbox options like a ford does.
my duratec came out of a mondeo. a light flywheel, race line sumo, it's and an ecu and it's putting out a reliable 200bhp for a total outlay [using s/h parts] of under £1500. unstressed and far more to come if i wanted t. billy bargain.
MX5 gearboxes - that's worth knowing. I think you're the first person who's ever told me that. Which leads me on to another couple of questions:
1. Which box? NA, NB or NC? Just the 2.0 box or the 1.8 too?
2. How much power and torque will an MX5 box take in a lightish (600-650 KG) kit car?
Thanks.
1. Which box? NA, NB or NC? Just the 2.0 box or the 1.8 too?
2. How much power and torque will an MX5 box take in a lightish (600-650 KG) kit car?
Thanks.
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