Engine choices + ECU's

[taffyracer]

I'm about to fulfil an ambition I have had since I was 13 and build a caterham, i've bought a kit, not a full kit but enough of the right bits to get me started and allow me to tailor the build to what I want. Next step is to choose engines, i have the choice of Zetec, k Series or Duratec. I'm looking for about 160-180 bhp, nothing huge or silly money but enough to give strong performance without blowing my budget. I also need a stand alone ECU so i can upgrade at a later date to around 200bhp.

Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? I have spoken to Raceline, very helpful guys, is there anyone else I should be speaking to?

[casbar]

If its a de-dion chassis, I'd go for a Duratec.

If its a live axle, then probably a Zetec.

[Murph7355]

Duratec's probably the best bet tbh. Particularly if you want a decent upgrade path beyond 200bhp (you probably will eventually).

The K, however, is much maligned and largely unfairly IMO. Treat them right and they're fine. The exhaust also exits in a more convenient place for the driver of a RHD car.

ECU - Emerald.

Edited by Murph7355 on Wednesday 29th August 21:29

[taffyracer]

Been speaking to raceline and raceco today, seems either the Zetec or Duratec will give me 170-200bhp without any major dramas or expense, Duratec would be my preference but its going to come down to cost, have max budget of 4k really for the engine and ancillaries

[carlmoffett]

Hi there. If you are after a duratec there is a brand new one for sale at the moment on ebay. A rally outfit has purchased a focus and has taken the brand new engine out. They cost in the region of £1650+vat normally so I would bid on this first before buying one through raceline. You could sell the cat, exhaust and gearbox and get a very cheap new engine. For 4k you will not be able to change the intake system to throttle bodies but you will have the basis for significant future performance. Don't underestimate the costs of things line engine mounts etc but you will at least have a clutch from the donar.

There is a specialist on this engine in Newcastle called Jeff ( tel [phone])who will at least be able to save you from the maintsteam vultures as he supplies many of them with engines and anciliary parts such as mounts anyway! He will be a lot cheaper.

Carl

[taffyracer]

Cheers Carl, my problem is that I want min 160bhp so i can use it on track, to get a Kseries close to this is about the same money as going Duratec from the start, I need everything so i'm starting from scratch either way so for the sake of what is about 1.5k I might as well do it properly, a standard duratec on TB's makes 190bhp and can easily be taken up to 210 for an extra £500 and unlike a Kseries will be completely unstressed and provide a verye easy and clear upgrade path to 300bhp if need be

[Noger]

Have you considered a bike engine ?

[taffyracer]

Yes and if it was just for track i'd do it but they're not designed for cars and again cost as much to do and the duratec will produce more power