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pres589
pres589 UltraDork
3/10/14 1:13 p.m.

Nice.

Driven5
Driven5 Reader
3/10/14 2:08 p.m.

In reply to alfadriver:

As much as I like the Duratec, and would love to see one used as the basis for a "2.3L Turbo" Fox body, I just don't think it's enough better than a Zetec to justify the additional cost and complexity in this scenario. Being able to use a decent on-hand engine AND the original transmission just seems like the natural choice for a 'different' kind of Mustang project to provide some cheap fun...Turbocharging the stock 2.3 within an inch of its life would certainly be a rather enjoyable option too though.

stanger_missle
stanger_missle GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
3/10/14 2:26 p.m.

In reply to pres589:

I would like to subscribe to your newsletter sir. Sure, you could just start with a V8 car but what fun would would that be?

A SHO V6 would be perfect for a lightweight notch. There needs to be more in-the-family engine swaps (no LSx swaps ). Same for a Super Coupe 3.8L.

stanger_missle
stanger_missle GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
3/10/14 2:34 p.m.

In reply to petegossett:

Yeah, the 2.3L Lima is a heavy pig. If memory serves, the 2.3L is within about 50lbs of the 5.0L.

What transmission would bolt up to the Zetec? The 5 speed from a Miata? The swap has me intrigued. Hell, I've even conjured up dreams of a 1.0L Ecoboost notchback, just for something different.

petegossett
petegossett GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
3/10/14 2:49 p.m.

In reply to stanger_missle:

Based on the link I posted earlier, the stock T5 should bolt up with 2 new holes drilled into the block. Or a $600 adaptor from Quad 4 Rods will work without modification.

Ross D may also chime in with other grassroots options, as he's done a bunch of research on the topic.

alfadriver
alfadriver PowerDork
3/10/14 2:54 p.m.

In reply to Driven5:

That's why I put the part in that I do see that the ZTEC is available.

2.3l Duratec turbo- now that would be fun. Having done a couple, I'm sure there are kits out there for them.

Driven5
Driven5 Reader
3/10/14 3:22 p.m.

In reply to alfadriver:

That's why I put the part in about additionally having the transmission that the tunnel was designed around available...A no less significant consideration, in my opinion.

RossD
RossD PowerDork
3/10/14 3:38 p.m.

By my calculations, RWD Motorsports from the UK could ship a Pinto to T-5 bellhousing to my door for under $400. (180 quid, 53 quid for shipping, no VAT I'm guessing exchange at 1.664 dollars to pounds).

This is the machine shop method done by a guy on a XR4Ti forum: You can see he relocated the top two bolt holes for the Lima down, and a bit wider to match the Zetec.

Or my plate method I mentioned on the first page: Make a plate to cover the top two bolt holes for both patterns (four holes total). Top set is tapped and bolts to the Lima's bellhousing, bottom set bolts to the Zetec block. Machine the thickness of the plate out of the face of bellhousing (I wouldn't go more than about half). Use all of the Lima clutch, flywheel, starter...

I'd like to hear any comments on my plate concept.

Driven5
Driven5 Reader
3/10/14 5:40 p.m.

In reply to RossD:

Depending how clearances line up between the Zetec block face and Lima bellhousing face, your 'upper plate' idea sounds like it could work really well. Since it wouldn't have to be precision located, I wonder if there is enough room that even without a mill somebody might be able to make one out of steel via basic garage fabrication methods.

Racer1ab
Racer1ab Dork
3/10/14 6:10 p.m.

Unf, I desperately want a Fox notchback. I will be watching this with interest!

Moving_Target
Moving_Target Reader
3/10/14 8:46 p.m.

Duratec engine swap,hm?

This critter?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_L_engine#2.3L_.28L3-VE.2C_L3-DE.29

RossD
RossD PowerDork
3/11/14 7:22 a.m.
stanger_missle wrote: In reply to petegossett: Yeah, the 2.3L Lima is a heavy pig. If memory serves, the 2.3L is within about 50lbs of the 5.0L. What transmission would bolt up to the Zetec? The 5 speed from a Miata? The swap has me intrigued. Hell, I've even conjured up dreams of a 1.0L Ecoboost notchback, just for something different.

The Zetec will bolt up to whatever bolts to the classic Ford 4 cylinder. By classic Ford 4 cylinder I mean Kent/Crossflow/CVH/SPI/Zetec/BDA/Lotus TwinCam/Pinto...

The 2.3 Lima (not the Pinto) has the bolt pattern of the classic F4C, but also has two additional bolts on the top of the bellhousing pattern, and most of the transmissions here in the states used those holes instead of the lower ones used by the rest of the 4 cylinders.

The duratec/MZR don't use this pattern. The NC Miata trans will bolt to a Duratec since it's mostly the same as a MZR.

I don't know any way to get a Zetec to any Miata transmission, unless you go for a full bespoke solution. Most of the new Ford engines no longer use the classic pattern, but they might use the Duratec pattern. I don't actually know much about that, though.

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