Ford Duratech i4

[longone]

I have been looking for quotes to have a four cylinder Duratec built with an emphasis on torque. I'm aware of the variable valve-timing versions available but have also been offered a 2.3 unit bored out to 2.5 litres.
My concern is for its likely durability as I understand the liners are quite thin. The UK company offering this overbore have an excellent reputation but were honest enough to admit that they've only assembled a couple so far. Has anyone an informed opinion either way? What would Ford themselves think?
Thanks in anticipation.

[wheeljack888]

Just did a quick calc and to get 2.5l you would have to bore it out to 92mm (from 87.5mm)

Off hand I don't know what the bore spacing or how big the liners are on the duratec, but I doubt they could take a 4.5mm reduction. It may be possible to use some very high cost thin steel liners instead of the cast iron ones. Also if the new 92mm pistons are heavier than the old ones then the con-rods will have a much harder life at high revs.

The tuning options for this engine are now readily available in the american market for the Focus, Cosworth did much of the work here. Tuning for horsepower rather than torque, but with its undersquare dimensions, i'm sure torque isn't really an issue.

Cheers

Phil

[longone]

Thanks Phil. I didn't ask about whether the liners were to be replaced, will do. I do know the rods were to be changed for forged steel ones. The builders felt that there was enough material and stiffness left but as I said they were honest in not being able to comment further. My attraction is that you can't beat cubes for torque - difficult to walk away from !

[annodomini2]

They're removing 2.25mm of material from the liner, 4.5 over the entire diameter.

[NST]

check out
www.minister-power.com/duratec/index.htm

and


www.sbdev.co.uk/Main.htm

HTH

[longone]

Thanks, will enquire