Anyone fitted a blacktop Zetec?

[mikealdren]

I've got a new crated Blacktop engine for my Spyder conversion car and I know there are quite a few mods needed in addition to the fuelling side and ECU.

Water pump, water rail, alternator and idlers to get belt correct, sump, flywheel and clutch, starter motor etc.

Has anyone done it and got any notes/advice please?

thanks
Mike

[Bud English]

180 views and no replies.

I've been hesitant to answer your thread for a couple of reasons. I'm fitting a black top crate motor in my +2 with a Lotus frame, not Spyder. I don't think that the differences in frames will make any difference; black or silver top motor. There are several threads in the MODS section covering most of what you'll run into. Most of your questions will be answered there. Just try a Google search for Zetec into a plus 2 and they will pop up.

You will strip off most of the ancillary components that came with your motor, if it's like mine was.

I've had to do some things quite differently than I would have if I'd been doing it in the UK. You will have access, without excessive freight charges, to a wide array of sources locally. For example I, like Rob Walker, used a modified Fidanza flywheel. All the cost of the flywheel, new ring gear, and machining too. You will have multiple UK sources for purpose built parts to make the motor/transmission mating easier for less than the cost of my flywheel. There are differences between the silver and black top motors but I don't think they will cause you problems that can't be sorted with off the shelf parts.

The other reason I've been waiting for others to chime in is that my car isn't on the road yet and some of the things that I've done are untested. If you run into specific questions, feel free to PM and I'll see if I can help or hook you up with someone that can.

Anyone else? Anyone??

[mikealdren]

Thanks Bud,
Yes, in the UK, we have a lot more choice. That's really what I am keen to discuss, for instance there are several options for Flywheels and differing solutions for the water pump and belt routing.

I've looked at the threads over several years and I'm now keen to discuss the solutions currently available.

Mike

[Bud English]

One of the things you'll need that wasn't on your list is a 100 psi oil pressure gauge and sender. ...when you get to that point.

[gav]

Mike

Into an elan or a plus 2?

I have some info on fitting into an S4 but it may not be relevant to a +2

Gavin

[mikealdren]

Thanks all,
Gav, it's a +2.

I've decided to go with bike throttle bodies to keep the cost down. Anyone done it with a Zetec?

I've bought GSXR750s throttle bodies and I'm wondering about the manifold, Danst can make them up but their std model inclines the TBs upwards and I'm concerned about bonnet clearance, would horizontal TBs be ok?

I'm probably going to use the std 2 litre flywheel and clutch, heavy but I have them and it's a road car.

I've got an Escort sump, anyone know what model of dipstick I need, I could measure it but then I've got the issue of finding one.

Mike

[gav]

For what its worth, I’m running a 2l blacktop which has been breathed over. It has a lightened flywheel and very flexible cams which allows it to drive normally to around 3,500 then she lifts her skirts and takes off. I think the lightened flywheel really helps with acceleration.
I’m using Jenvey 45s and an old emerald ecu but I’m afraid that I have no experience of bike bodies.
Happy to feed in info but recognise that you are on a different path.
All the best
Gavin

[mikealdren]

I'm sure Jenvey/Emerald is the easier solution but it's costly and and I'm trying to costs under control so I'll see how I get on.

Do the Jenveys come out horizontally or at an angle?

[john.p.clegg]

Not a blacktop but a Twink with Bike throttle bodies , machined up the adaptors from some nylon I had hanging around...worked well horizontally...

John

[gav]

Mike the Jenveys are on a slight angle

[mikealdren]

Thanks both.

John,
what TBs did you use? Did they have secondary throttles? Any lessons to learn?

thanks
Mike

[john.p.clegg]

The day one stops learning is the day to give up , I think the t/b's were off a gpz1100 ( Edit ) , just the single throttle plates and were held together on angle rails , ( spaced to suit on aluminium angle ) , just had to extend a couple of links between them .
Some 15mm copper used to supply the fuel rails and idle speed valve to the ports.

Powered by Megasquirt ( that was the steep learning curve ) .

Went from 28mpg to 35mpg with no loss of power , started on the button etc etc.

Never looked back till I sold the Plus2 , then I spent a week tuning/re-fitting the dellortos ,


John .

[c42]

Hi Mike

I have fitted 600GSXR throttle bodies to a silvertop Zetec, they clear everything and I can fit an original airbox. No secondary butterflies used. Retained Zetec injectors and fuel rail and made a mild steel adaptor to fit the throttle bodies. Throttle bodies have vacuum take offs for the map sensor and one barrel has an additional take off for the fuel pressure regulator.
Also:
Modified Zetec alloy sump.
Standard thermostat housing with modified shell.
MT75 box with standard Zetec flywheel and sierra DOHC starter motor.

I have had the motor ticking over briefly prior to dropping the shell back on to the setup works.

Good luck with the project.
John