An interesting read on the Duratec HE engine

[DZFord]

I've been looking at other modification options lately (beside the necessary tune), only to stumble across some interesting articles on the net:

BURTON'S has a great introductory article.

Even though that Cosworth Intake Manifold that they mention looks very sexy and fits on the 2.0L engine, I wouldn't recommend fitting it on our 2.0L engine. Despite freeing up airflow, power losses have actually been recorded. Look at TTC Racing's experiences (under the "The Horsepower Hunt" section). Here, it's also disappointing to see something like the Jenvey Quad Throttle Bodies & bigger injectors only added 5 BHP (easily ~$1,500AU spent). Of couse, the biggest gains on the NA engine have come from upgrading to racing-spec cams, pistons and con rods.

It's kind of funny when places like SBD Motorsport claim 195bhp, just from changing to quad, parallel throttle bodies (read under "Duratec Tuning" section) - for "only" £1781.90! (warning - this article gets a little more detailed).

Modifying NA engines is very expensive, and many say that anything other than forced induction is a waste of time. Still, I think there are some good gains to get out of the Duratec engine, without spending a fortune. And there is also that old school appeal of tuning Na engines.

Then again, for those who have got cash to blow, a 2.0L Cosworth Duratec Engine will put out the same amount of power as an XR5 engine!

[Lanyi]

Cosworth parts are just so appealing, but its sad to hear that simply improving airflow and intake is going to cost thousands. And what, a Cosworth built engine will set you back tens of thousands for a not so impressive 200hp/160kw - at the fly?

Now, if we are really serious about getting power out of the Duratec I think most will agree that keeping it NA will lead to an early plateau. Building the engine (porting/boring, valves, rods, pistons, camshaft, cam gears, studs) and then having forced induction would be insane! Just by looking at some mazda 3 examples, making 300hp (or more) does not seem all that unrealistic. But what I have described is what every modified car enthusiast aims to achieve; and there is so much more that goes with 'getting more power'.

Unfortunately, I do not believe that the Duratec is a good strating point for more power. Getting more power is always associated with cost, especially with this engine. With this car, it is starting to get less and less appealing to get power due to its front wheel drive limitation. More power will also question the integrity of the transmission. But hey, if you have the money and the passion for front wheel domination, the sky is the limit. Of course, here I am talking about high end modifications, and not really focusing on mods that people have already done (CAI, filters, extractors, exhaust and possibily ecu). Gains without spending a fortune is unlikely, and anything cost v gain friendly has already been done, which isalready reaching the plateau I am talking about.

Im only writing this because I started on this journey only to be disappointed; and have finally taken the car/engine for what it is. This car and this engine was not meant to make insane power, nor was it meant to have forced induction. But someone prove me wrong and I will be in awe, but I will not follow suit. Maybe with the next generation of the Focus, if Ford engineers figure out how to develop an all-wheel-drive system!

[819_FLY]

Don't the Caterham's use duratec's aswell.... maybe an option would be source one of them say from the R500 which makes 260+hp and then simply build/find a box strong enough for front wheel drive..... I guess paying 20G for a built engine is about the same as waiting 2 years building up your own engine for the same money...

[Piotr]

The case of the Cosworth Manifold really shows that it pays to make sure all the parts you buy will work together. A random selection of gear won't get you far

[Piotr]

Originally Posted by Lanyi

Cosworth parts are just so appealing, but its sad to hear that simply improving airflow and intake is going to cost thousands. And what, a Cosworth built engine will set you back tens of thousands for a not so impressive 200hp/160kw - at the fly?

Now, if we are really serious about getting power out of the Duratec I think most will agree that keeping it NA will lead to an early plateau. Building the engine (porting/boring, valves, rods, pistons, camshaft, cam gears, studs) and then having forced induction would be insane! Just by looking at some mazda 3 examples, making 300hp (or more) does not seem all that unrealistic. But what I have described is what every modified car enthusiast aims to achieve; and there is so much more that goes with 'getting more power'.

Unfortunately, I do not believe that the Duratec is a good strating point for more power. Getting more power is always associated with cost, especially with this engine. With this car, it is starting to get less and less appealing to get power due to its front wheel drive limitation. More power will also question the integrity of the transmission. But hey, if you have the money and the passion for front wheel domination, the sky is the limit. Of course, here I am talking about high end modifications, and not really focusing on mods that people have already done (CAI, filters, extractors, exhaust and possibily ecu). Gains without spending a fortune is unlikely, and anything cost v gain friendly has already been done, which isalready reaching the plateau I am talking about.

Im only writing this because I started on this journey only to be disappointed; and have finally taken the car/engine for what it is. This car and this engine was not meant to make insane power, nor was it meant to have forced induction. But someone prove me wrong and I will be in awe, but I will not follow suit. Maybe with the next generation of the Focus, if Ford engineers figure out how to develop an all-wheel-drive system!

Your focus uses the MTX-75 gearbox. Possible the best FWD box ever made.

The Cosworth cars used this box and even modified the box is fine. You won't reach the MTX limit with a 2L duratec

[AG3]

That reminds me, in europe they had a Mountune Performance Package for the previous gen Fiesta ST?

There are two packages available, Mountune Performance Stage 1 package retails at GBP 1,435 and consists of a high-flow air induction system, high performance exhaust system including high flow catalyst and tubular manifold and re-calibration of the 2.0 liter Duratec ST engine resulting in a power increase to 165 bhp. The Mountune Performance Stage 2 package costs GBP 1,838 and adds new camshafts and valve springs to delvier 185 bhp.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080109....nce-upgrade-uk

The Fiesta ST uses a 2.0 liter Duratec, I wonder if this upgrade will work for a Focus 2.0?

[DZFord]

Yeah Mountune build some incredible stuff. Check out their Duratec Video.