Which Zetec engine

[chrishewett]

I am not a stickler for originality. I have fitted electric fuel pump, electronic ignition etc. However, to me an elan without a twincam is something and nothing. Why not just buy something else? There is no end of choice out there.
This year I had my engine rebuilt by a race engine man at the cost of ?1190. This included relining and new pistons. I now have a sweet running engine with no oil leaks and which uses almost no oil. It is a joy to drive. I know people quote ?5000 for a rebuild but I can't see where they get that from.
If you want something quicker, I have a 1700 crossflow tall block conversion which I am going to have rebuilt which will run on 45dcoe carbs. Then of course diff output shafts will need looking at etc, etc.
I still can't see the point of buying a 35 year old car and putting a modern engine in it.
Just my opinion.
Chris

[SimonH]

I can see that keeping a baby Elan original is the best way to go but an old Plus 2 is worth very little when they have been let go a bit.

I have a Plus 2 but it has no engine. Previous owner found it worth more in parts than as a whole. I would love to put a Twincam back in but when the Spyder chassis seems to take the Zetec and MT75 with no problem and they are about ?250 to buy rather than ?2000+ for a rebuilt Twincam I cant justify it.

That said I'm not keen on the way the Spyder Zetec has the wheels so far out in the wheel arches. I plan to build one with original hubs to keep it looking original from the outside at least.

[dougweall]

Guys,

I was down at Spyder a wee while back to have my rear suspension converted to small diameter springs. Got into conversation with Andy re Duratec into Spyder +2, answer came back straight away "too tall".

I did not persue it any futher but I would think that would mean a bulging bonnet.

Doug

[tdafforn]

There is an article on on the duratec in this months practical performance car..
As has already been mentioned it was developed jointly by Mazda and ford, is all aluminium and has an unusual bell housing bolt patern.
Cheers
Tim

[mikealdren]

This thread has run rather further than I expected without really answering the original questions! I've bought the Zetec engine now and I'll keep detailed notes on progress for future generations.

A few comments. I know a fair number have replaced the original twincam block with the 711M (?) crossflow block - a later Ford evolution. The Zetec is just a little further down the line, still Ford, still Twincam. I'm sure ACBC would have gone the same way although I do still also see the authenticity argument, after all that's why I have a +2 and not a kit car. Where to draw the line.............

I've also got the chassis part built and currently with the body on - the wheels look fine and I don't seem to have a problem with the fit within the arches. Obviously the wheel diameter is a little greater but the rolling radius of the tyres is the same as the original. Have I missed the point? Again, I suppose, Minilites are non-original although they do have a period feel - I miss the knock on spinners.

[SimonH]

I was just saying that I am not keen on the wheels right out at the extremes of the body.

Andy at Spyder has done this on purpose and I can understand his reason, I just prefer them a little more inboard.

The diameter is not an issue to me as I plan to use the knock on Minilights Spyder sell which are 14inch also. I also prefer the look of knock on spinners.

[tower of strength]

I was just saying that I am not keen on the wheels right out at the extremes of the body.

Andy at Spyder has done this on purpose and I can understand his reason, I just prefer them a little more inboard.

The diameter is not an issue to me as I plan to use the knock on Minilights Spyder sell which are 14inch also. I also prefer the look of knock on spinners.

I'm tempted by these too, my steel rims are knackered so I was looking for some suitable "period" alloys to use and found the minilite site, classy wheels and the 14"knock ons look soooo good!
Wouldnt mind a set of revolution 4 spokes, but I doubt there are any useble ones left now. (there used to be a pale blue +2 around the Bedford area with them.

[lotusanglia1965]

back to the plot......
earlier in this post someone mentioned the duratec st170 engine as a better bet than the zetec.it is actually a tuned zetec,not a proper duratec! it was badged up to look different,but has an iron block and is almost the same as a later (black-top) zetec.should go in anywhere a normal zetec will go.can't comment on the mazda/ford aluminium duratec,but I am fitting the 1600 alloy zetec se (focus) engine in our plus2.should be similar power and torque to twin-cam,cost the same as a set of pistons!
Martin