I actually have to agree with Sil_Pro5. The Zetec is a great motor and it has variable valve timing, unlike our Pro's.

I don't personally like the 2.0L used in the 2001+ Pro's. I test drove a 2001 ES while thinking about trading in my '99 ES to get the 0% financing. However, one drive and the decision was made... I'll stick to my 1.8L. I know they are basically the same engine, but they felt so different. The 2.0L kind of has a terrible whine to it, like it's working too hard. The 1.8L has a rather pleasing growl at higher rpm's that's quite fun to listen to. Plus, the 1.8L seems much more rev happy.

As for a turbo kit, check out: http://www.tripointengineering.com/C.../turbo_kit.htm

This Protege Turbo kit should fit the 1999+ 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.0L MP3. On their dyno tests of the MP3, they got an extra 67hp and 200 ft-lbs at the wheels (torque, of course, with driveline multiplier)! Available for $3,800.

-Jerry

 

I had a 2.3 in the tempo! (I think it is a totally different engine though) Anyway I didn't know that a turbo had been developed for the pro yet. (other than mazdaspeeds). (Drooool) Anyway I drove a 1.8 before getting the 2.0. I thought that the 1.8 seemed a bit more peppy, but we got a better deal on the 2.0 with financing and it was only 2k more for the 3 year newer car. Anyway anyone seen anymore pics of the upcoming mazda 3/focus other than the overly futuristic pics posted here already?

 

No variable valve timing on the Zetec. Just DOHC.

 

I had a 2.3L Topaz/Tempo too. It was a good car for what I paid for it (something like 1,000 and some change and nothing was really wrong with it). But they would have to do some major changes to cram the Ranger 2.3L into a FWD chassis. Probably a numerical coincidence with no shared components.

 

Hmmm... Would you care to argue with Autoworld.com, Edmunds.com, SAE.org, Canadiandriver.com, FordMuscle.com, Cosworth.com, just to name a few. The Zetec found in the Focus uses variable valve timing on the exhaust camshaft. The Focus SVT features variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts.

The 2.3L I4 Duratec and 3.0L V6 Duratec will see the second additions of variable valve timing for Mazda (the Miata gained variable valve timing, or Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) in Mazda-speak, last year). The 2.3L I4 Duratec is already in use in the Ranger/Mazda Truck, Escape/Tribute, and new Mondeo in Europe. The Mazda 6 will see the first production of this engine with S-VT as the base engine, while the next Protege will see this same engine as it's top offering. This engine is produced in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

-Jerry

 

The Zetec & Mazda FS motors share nothing except for same, rough displacement. Hate to say it but I think the Ford Zetec has a little more potential too. Guys are getting over 150 whp with a $2000 Focussport head package: http://www.focussport.com/cylhead.htm I can only dream that the P5 would respond so well to some head work, cams & chip.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the new Ranger was the first application of the Mazda designed Duratech 4 cylinder engine. Although it is in a very different state of tune compared to the one that will power the 6 it is essentially the same motor.

Note: I'm not refering to the old Ford 2.3 that was in the Ranger, Tempo and Mustang but the NEW 2.3.

 

Yeah, I know. I was mainly referring to the FS-DE engine in North America. The SVT Zetec does have 170 hp though. I actually thought the Zetec in the Focus ZX3 felt pretty good. I never drove the P5 & ZX3 back to back but from what I recall, I thought the Zetec felt a smidge peppyer but don't quite recall. I was dead set on getting the SVT for some autox & solo events but didn't think I'd be able to live with the workmanship & shoddy reliablility track record.

 

Sorry there buddy. But the current Zetec does not use any variable timing. It is a simple DOHC engine. Look somewhere other than Edmunds or do a search.

 

okay dude, i think that you may be thinking of variable valve LIFT and if so, you would be right.

however, the Zetec motor does have Variable Cam Timing on the exhaust cam. it has it so it would be more emmissions friendly. this is NOT the same though as variable valve timing and lift. although if you vary the cam timing, you also do so on the valves as well.

 

First off, I left the idiots at Edmunds years ago. Secondly, that short list I posted IS from a search. Like Sil_Pro5 said, the Zetec has variable cam timing, not lift adjustment. Ford's system (and Mazda's S-VT) is a continuously variable system, unlike Honda's multi-stage VTEC. A simple drive won't tell you it has variable valve timing because the system is totally unobtrusive with no sudden burst like VTEC.

-Jerry

 

Hey Jerry, nice to see you again. I'm theparallax over at Edmunds...haven't posted there in a while. I find this place a little more into their cars than the guys at Edmunds. I see you still have your Protege...I thought you sold it already.

 

You guys need to do some research. That system is dead now. The !CURRENT! Zetec engine does not use any method of variable valve timing. Go do a search. End of story. And if you want to see real variable valve timing go buy a Corolla or a Sentra (not quite as good as the Toyota).

 

I think I have figured this whole thing out here. People see that Ford says "Duratech", "Zetec", or "Intech" and assume that there is something really cool going on under the hood. They get it confused with VTEC and think OMG it must be something really great. Anyway whenever Ford has had a DOHC and SOHC version of the same engine (in recent memory anyway) they do what? They give it a cool sounding name so that people think they are special. But really you are just getting the miracle that an engineer from Ford figured out how to put a DOHC system on an engine and not destroy it (or at least make it last until the first recall). Which when you think about Ford (or GM for that matter) is something really special.

PS... Whoever mentioned the 2.3L in the Ranger being the first Duratech application from Mazda, that would be a nope. Its just the old 2.3L brought back. But, Ford did an excellent job because the previous generation only makes 100HP and 130lb/ft. I actually thought about buying another Ranger because of that engine (the 3.0L only produces 155hp and is a piece of crap). Of course the real Ranger engine is the 205HP SOHC 4.0L from the Explorer. Just say goodbye to your wallet first.

 

New 2.3L DOHC I4
Bore x Stroke: 3.44 x 3.70
Compression: 9.7:1
Displacement: 2260 cc
Ignition: 1 Spark Plug/Cyl

Old 2.3L SOHC I4
Bore x Stroke: 3.78 x 3.13
Compression: 9.1:1
Displacement: 2298 cc
Ignition: 2 Spark Plugs/Cyl

If those are the same engine, then Ford must have made some serious changes! Here's something interesting:

Duratec 2.3L DOHC I4
Bore x Stroke: 3.44 x 3.70
Compression: 9.7:1
Displacement: 2260 cc
Ignition: 1 Spark Plug/Cyl

Hmmm...

-Jerry