Rusty Bolthole Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 I'm considering the X/flow to Zetec vs the Duratec route. The Zetec route seems the obvious choice for ease but to get in the region of 220+ BHP is looking expensive. Since I use my car on track most of the time I'm not too bothered about the re-skinning and painting issue so the Duratec route may be actually more sensible long term. Certainly lightness is important to me and I guess the Duratec is around 20kg lighter than Zetec (?) I'd welcome any advice on the requirements, difficulties and potential costs, pros and cons etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 zetec is cheaper as the engine will cost about 750 squid to start with 160bhp. you can get 220 bhp im sure cheaper than a duratec could Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Morris Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Yea, did it 8 years ago, well worth it, see raceline website, may help, good luck, phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Zetec may be cheaper, but why change from one boat anchor to another? 😔 (I'll get my coat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 😳 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Doughty Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 I went to Dutatec 4 years ago and have been very happy. Had a 1600 X flow with a 100 hp sprint motor to 200 hp duratec that does 10 mpg more running around (35MPG)and 16 mpg at Cadwell giving it penty of right foot! I just love the torque and it is very quiet until the Jenveys sing 😬 It's a good project . I did it myself and even resorted to make the engine mounts to save cash ( remember,from Yorkshire!) It can get expensive as already mentioned on previous posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racing Snake Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Duratec every time If you see one stripped down its no contest And the tuning potential far exceeds the Zetec I was running 250 bhp on a standard bottom end with forged pistons throttle bodies and cams Thats why Caterham went the Duratec route rather than Zetec Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Zetec is the easy option and an unbelievable improvement on the X/flow, much more torque for easy overtaking, but....if you can afford Duratec go for it. Should be dead easy to do, it fits, all the bits are off the shelf with Raceline at the end of the phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Rob Grigsby went Xflow to Duratec some years ago... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Bolthole Posted August 8, 2011 Author Share Posted August 8, 2011 Thanks for the advice so far. I am now in contact with Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Umm Mr Hatter.. Caterham did 'do' Zetec but for American Market only cos they couldn't get k series into US . never needed to in Uk due to already having k series supplies but now those have run out they needed a new lump. Zetec stocks are very low hence sigma & duratec is a wise route to follow with massive stocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millsn Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I'm pretty sure that with some porting and the right cams you can go to 220 hp on a zetec with TBs. I'm holding out for 240 myself and that makes it expensive as then you need forged pistons and prob rods too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racing Snake Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Mr Zetec large stocks or not the Duratec is way ahead if you are looking for an engine to tune All you have to do is speak to the guys at the rolling roads etc I think some will go the Zetec route due to the exhaust and intake being on the same side as the K Series, but its not that big a deal to sort out Hey the diversity of powerplants and opinions makes it all very interesting and i dont think i have seen two cars the same yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 I went Zetec, and as Carl knows, it's no slouch 😬 My reason was to keep the X-Flow (VeganTune TC) feel to Eugene. The Zetec is perfect in that regard. A bit rough round the edges. The Duratec is great, but exhaust on the driver's side - never! 😔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 emotion aside ...exhaust on the drivers side is better on the ears than the shrill induction bark from the throttle bodies 3 feet right in front of you, and the risk of fire into your face is reduced with the boddies on the passenger side Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racing Snake Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Never going to agree with that 😔 I love the sound of my 45s 😬 😬 😬 And the bark of the exhaust sounds way better when reflected of the surrounding countryside! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LesG Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 And another spanner in the works; have you considered Toyota 4AGE power? A standard 20v vvt 'black top' engine will deliver 165 bhp, and a conversion kit can be bought for circa £2400 + exhaust manifold. And as far as I'm aware, the 4AGE engine is basically a Japanese BDA (prepares to be shot down in flames), and so fulfills the retro vs modern debate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Regardless of what they've copied it's still just a copy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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