Zetec Build UP - The Ford Focus Forum

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-17-2007, 08:45 AM

Hey guys i'm looking foward into getting a spec focus and i'm just doing some research. I have read the rules and on the zetec you can do many things. Probably the ones that makes the most different are cams and heads. We are only suppost to use FRPP i'm just wondering if there is combination that you guys like better on the zetec engines? Do you guys prefer to make them rev up real high or prefer to make them have bunch of torque down low. All this could probably be tweaked depending on headers used or intake manifold... heads ... cams...

**homegrown2nr** · 10-17-2007, 11:07 AM

First, Glad to hear another upcoming build.

Look in the rules, you can actually run any headers, exhaust, intake., etc. There are only certain upgrades that are FRPP only.

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-17-2007, 04:23 PM

I was thinking more for When they say any FRPP Camshaft and maybe intake manifold. I know there is a stage II FRPP but don't know if there is anything further.

**Ted7rns** · 10-17-2007, 04:44 PM

The Zetecs have been stage 3 cams from FRPP.

**lapp** · 10-17-2007, 10:24 PM

Mine has the FR head and stage 3 cams.

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-18-2007, 09:55 AM

Browsing throught the FRPP catalog yesterday I saw some different combinations with different power bands and all. Very cool stuff. What about tuning. I have done tunning on previous cars so I would just need the way to do it. Is there any freeware around that I could use to tune If i have the cable to?

So far my which list goes like this:

FRPP Heads
FRPP Stage 3 Cam
FRPP Intake Manifold
FRPP TB 70mm (any other brand you guys suggest?)
Ebay Long Tube Exhaust Manifold (Is it a good idea? Long tube?)
Cam Gear (Undecided on brand)
CAI (not sure if totally needed but its in the list)
Coil pack and Wires
Tune (Might have to get myself a nice brand new AFR Meter)

Anything that you guys think I left out.

My plan is making this enigne a High Rever and then pairing this up with short gears (4.06??)

BTW I'm a noob when it comes to focus but i'm kind of a technical guy so opinions and explanations are greatly apreciated.

HOPEFULLY I will be fully operational for the 2009 season, but might show up for some 2008 races (pending my licensing...)

**homegrown2nr** · 10-18-2007, 10:39 AM

Don't forget the Torsen or Quafe differential.

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-18-2007, 11:38 AM

Yes... but i was just naming the engine (power) stuff...

Other than the engine I need LSD, Suspencion and brakes... basically cage and catback are in the car i'm looking at.

**BigSandwich** · 10-18-2007, 12:19 PM

On a related question. For those running a Zetec. Where is the power band for the Stage III cams and what RPM are you setting the rev limiter?

I was trying to pay attention at the last rally and it looks like I keep the car between 3,800 and redline most of the time. What I really do not want of the power to drop off between shifts in the Rally Spec Focus.

**Ted7rns** · 10-18-2007, 01:09 PM

I believe the Stage3 cams kick in at around 6800+ RPMs. We haven’t set a RPM limits for the Zetec yet, but I would expect around 7800 to 8000 RPMs. Our first Zetec Test car was set at 7,800 RPMs.

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-18-2007, 01:53 PM

How do these engines take that high RPM? Do they want to explode or are they realiable at that rpm with the FRPP heads? BTW any ideas on tuning?

**Ted7rns** · 10-18-2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFocusTraSTi

How do these engines take that high RPM? Do they want to explode or are they realiable at that rpm with the FRPP heads? BTW any ideas on tuning?

The FRPP heads should handle 7800 rpms.

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-18-2007, 02:39 PM

Thanks for that info. IS there any restriction about which fuel to use? Can race fuel be used?

**Ted7rns** · 10-18-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFocusTraSTi

Thanks for that info. IS there any restriction about which fuel to use? Can race fuel be used?

Permitted fuel is any grade of commercially available, unmodified gasoline. No fuel additives are allowed

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-18-2007, 04:10 PM

So by this you mean any gas that you can just buy? Torco 110, TurboBlue 115 they should all work if it is available for everyone... NICE!!

Anyway i should probably focus on the focus first... Thanks for all the info guys and in a little bit you might see another thread tracking my progress... But it will be a slow process.

**BigSandwich** · 10-18-2007, 04:25 PM

So you are saying the level III cams do not make power until the stock motor hits red line? And the power band is only 1,000 RPM. How do you keep the motor in the power with the gearing in a stock mtx-75?

I drove a car that had a FR head and the stage III cams. It completely died on every shift because you fell out of the power. Now it was limited to 7,000 RPM red line which could have contributed to the bogging. Just trying to see if you can keep it from bogging between shifts with the stage III cams.

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-18-2007, 04:58 PM

From what I have found in my research max power for the stage III cam and Heads is at 7000 rpm and then you need to go a bit beyond to shift and hit the sweet spot.

**Ted7rns** · 10-18-2007, 05:05 PM

Well, 800-1000 RPMs at the top is huge, but we might not need the torque like the you guys might, which is one of the reasons why John Shirley might change this in the Rally Rules. I talked to him a couple months ago about that.

We mainly go from 3rd to 4th gear, sometimes 4th to 5th and it might be easier for us to stay in the power range then a Rally Car on the race track. What gears are you mainly in?

**tparker** · 10-18-2007, 11:13 PM

Ted can I use an SVT block in a Zetec build?
The reason being the better pistons and rods for longevity.
I am considering converting my car to a Spec Focus Racer.
Also Leo & Ricardo can you guys build a Spec Zetec long block, SVT bottom, FR head and cams, and Flywheel & clutch? Everything accept the acceries, Alt, Power Steering, pulleys, intake, that kind of stuff.
How much do you think it would cost?

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-19-2007, 09:03 AM

Intresting Idea about the SVT block. Is the actual block different? In the rules I don't think I saw anything against bottom except that it must be same weight and dimensions to stock. Something that might get you but don't know the details about it is if the SVT has a different compression which it might to squeeze more power out of a same displacement engine... But then again i'm just learning the way here so I'm just trying to bring intresting questions up...

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-19-2007, 09:05 AM

BTW guys i'm Hector Fontanet from Holland, Michigan/Dayton, Ohio (depends if i'm in school or CO-OPING)

**brads03zx3** · 10-19-2007, 11:53 AM

The SVT block has oil squirters, and better rods/pistons. The pistons also have lower compression. The SVT engine increases compression through very small combustion chambers on the head. So in effect, a non-SVT FR head would have to be decked to get the compression back to 9.6:1 (or 10.095:1 at the extent of the rules) but I don't know if these modifications have been clearified. The series was designed so stock engines could be used and rebuilds would really be unnecessary. Even durability is kind of null and void...have we had an engine failure on any of the SF cars?

**InFocusTraSTi** · 10-19-2007, 01:09 PM

Thats good to know what engine failure is not common at all!!!

**BigSandwich** · 10-19-2007, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted7rns

Well, 800-1000 RPMs at the top is huge, but we might not need the torque like the you guys might, which is one of the reasons why John Shirley might change this in the Rally Rules. I talked to him a couple months ago about that.

We mainly go from 3rd to 4th gear, sometimes 4th to 5th and it might be easier for us to stay in the power range then a Rally Car on the race track. What gears are you mainly in?

I still have a stock diff and final drive ratio so I spend most of my time in the 2-3rd range but I have been in every gear on stage except for 5th. I am guessing that it might be more of a 3rd-4th range once I get the lower final drive ratio in the trans.

Thanks for the information. I will have to see what the rules look like next year and then make a decision on cams.

**Impaled** · 11-03-2007, 11:26 PM

You guys aren't spinning that high on the stock oil pump gears are you? That's not good, upgrade the gears if you're going to spin past 7200-7400.

10-17-2007, 08:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Zetec Build UP Hey guys i'm looking foward into getting a spec focus and i'm just doing some research. I have read the rules and on the zetec you can do many things. Probably the ones that makes the most different are cams and heads. We are only suppost to use FRPP i'm just wondering if there is combination that you guys like better on the zetec engines? Do you guys prefer to make them rev up real high or prefer to make them have bunch of torque down low. All this could probably be tweaked depending on headers used or intake manifold... heads ... cams...

10-17-2007, 11:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
homegrown2nr TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dahlgren, Va. Posts: 629	Re: Zetec Build UP First, Glad to hear another upcoming build. Look in the rules, you can actually run any headers, exhaust, intake., etc. There are only certain upgrades that are FRPP only. __________________ Parts/Service by: Massive Speed System Great Parts and Customer Service! 2007 VW Rabbit - 2DR Hatch with 6spd Trip.

10-17-2007, 04:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP I was thinking more for When they say any FRPP Camshaft and maybe intake manifold. I know there is a stage II FRPP but don't know if there is anything further.

10-17-2007, 04:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,646	Re: Zetec Build UP The Zetecs have been stage 3 cams from FRPP. __________________ 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue

10-17-2007, 10:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
lapp TEAM Sponsor Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ventura County California Posts: 1,133	Re: Zetec Build UP Mine has the FR head and stage 3 cams. __________________ NASA Spec Focus Series

10-18-2007, 09:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP Browsing throught the FRPP catalog yesterday I saw some different combinations with different power bands and all. Very cool stuff. What about tuning. I have done tunning on previous cars so I would just need the way to do it. Is there any freeware around that I could use to tune If i have the cable to? So far my which list goes like this: FRPP Heads FRPP Stage 3 Cam FRPP Intake Manifold FRPP TB 70mm (any other brand you guys suggest?) Ebay Long Tube Exhaust Manifold (Is it a good idea? Long tube?) Cam Gear (Undecided on brand) CAI (not sure if totally needed but its in the list) Coil pack and Wires Tune (Might have to get myself a nice brand new AFR Meter) Anything that you guys think I left out. My plan is making this enigne a High Rever and then pairing this up with short gears (4.06??) BTW I'm a noob when it comes to focus but i'm kind of a technical guy so opinions and explanations are greatly apreciated. HOPEFULLY I will be fully operational for the 2009 season, but might show up for some 2008 races (pending my licensing...)

10-18-2007, 10:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
homegrown2nr TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dahlgren, Va. Posts: 629	Re: Zetec Build UP Don't forget the Torsen or Quafe differential. __________________ Parts/Service by: Massive Speed System Great Parts and Customer Service! 2007 VW Rabbit - 2DR Hatch with 6spd Trip.

10-18-2007, 11:38 AM	#8 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP Yes... but i was just naming the engine (power) stuff... Other than the engine I need LSD, Suspencion and brakes... basically cage and catback are in the car i'm looking at.

10-18-2007, 12:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
BigSandwich Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,317	Re: Zetec Build UP On a related question. For those running a Zetec. Where is the power band for the Stage III cams and what RPM are you setting the rev limiter? I was trying to pay attention at the last rally and it looks like I keep the car between 3,800 and redline most of the time. What I really do not want of the power to drop off between shifts in the Rally Spec Focus. __________________ 2001 ZX3 Spec Rally Car - Build Thread 2004 ZX3 23D - Rally Car Engine Donor 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

10-18-2007, 01:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,646	Re: Zetec Build UP I believe the Stage3 cams kick in at around 6800+ RPMs. We haven’t set a RPM limits for the Zetec yet, but I would expect around 7800 to 8000 RPMs. Our first Zetec Test car was set at 7,800 RPMs. __________________ 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue

10-18-2007, 01:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP How do these engines take that high RPM? Do they want to explode or are they realiable at that rpm with the FRPP heads? BTW any ideas on tuning?

10-18-2007, 02:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP Thanks for that info. IS there any restriction about which fuel to use? Can race fuel be used?

10-18-2007, 04:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP So by this you mean any gas that you can just buy? Torco 110, TurboBlue 115 they should all work if it is available for everyone... NICE!! Anyway i should probably focus on the focus first... Thanks for all the info guys and in a little bit you might see another thread tracking my progress... But it will be a slow process.

10-18-2007, 04:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
BigSandwich Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,317	Re: Zetec Build UP So you are saying the level III cams do not make power until the stock motor hits red line? And the power band is only 1,000 RPM. How do you keep the motor in the power with the gearing in a stock mtx-75? I drove a car that had a FR head and the stage III cams. It completely died on every shift because you fell out of the power. Now it was limited to 7,000 RPM red line which could have contributed to the bogging. Just trying to see if you can keep it from bogging between shifts with the stage III cams. __________________ 2001 ZX3 Spec Rally Car - Build Thread 2004 ZX3 23D - Rally Car Engine Donor 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

10-18-2007, 04:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP From what I have found in my research max power for the stage III cam and Heads is at 7000 rpm and then you need to go a bit beyond to shift and hit the sweet spot.

10-18-2007, 05:05 PM	#18 (permalink)
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,646	Re: Zetec Build UP Well, 800-1000 RPMs at the top is huge, but we might not need the torque like the you guys might, which is one of the reasons why John Shirley might change this in the Rally Rules. I talked to him a couple months ago about that. We mainly go from 3rd to 4th gear, sometimes 4th to 5th and it might be easier for us to stay in the power range then a Rally Car on the race track. What gears are you mainly in? __________________ 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 Malibu Blue

10-18-2007, 11:13 PM	#19 (permalink)
tparker Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: @ the drag strip, auto X, road race & AZ G2G Posts: 3,289	Re: Zetec Build UP Ted can I use an SVT block in a Zetec build? The reason being the better pistons and rods for longevity. I am considering converting my car to a Spec Focus Racer. Also Leo & Ricardo can you guys build a Spec Zetec long block, SVT bottom, FR head and cams, and Flywheel & clutch? Everything accept the acceries, Alt, Power Steering, pulleys, intake, that kind of stuff. How much do you think it would cost? __________________ FS/VF SC w/IC blow thru mod 13.495 @ 102.306 best 1/4 current set up. July 06 FOTM My Focus Web Page JCM Racing #10

10-19-2007, 09:03 AM	#20 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP Intresting Idea about the SVT block. Is the actual block different? In the rules I don't think I saw anything against bottom except that it must be same weight and dimensions to stock. Something that might get you but don't know the details about it is if the SVT has a different compression which it might to squeeze more power out of a same displacement engine... But then again i'm just learning the way here so I'm just trying to bring intresting questions up...

10-19-2007, 09:05 AM	#21 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP BTW guys i'm Hector Fontanet from Holland, Michigan/Dayton, Ohio (depends if i'm in school or CO-OPING)

10-19-2007, 11:53 AM	#22 (permalink)
brads03zx3 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 11,660	Re: Zetec Build UP The SVT block has oil squirters, and better rods/pistons. The pistons also have lower compression. The SVT engine increases compression through very small combustion chambers on the head. So in effect, a non-SVT FR head would have to be decked to get the compression back to 9.6:1 (or 10.095:1 at the extent of the rules) but I don't know if these modifications have been clearified. The series was designed so stock engines could be used and rebuilds would really be unnecessary. Even durability is kind of null and void...have we had an engine failure on any of the SF cars? __________________ Mountain Tested----'03 zetec ZX3 vs MNTN - 15-1 & ZX3 vs TRACK - 23/1 *JCM Racing #88* Back to Dual Purpose Focusing Vacuum Vulture Racing - We add stiffness

10-19-2007, 01:09 PM	#23 (permalink)
InFocusTraSTi TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 241	Re: Zetec Build UP Thats good to know what engine failure is not common at all!!!

11-03-2007, 11:26 PM	#25 (permalink)
Impaled Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palm Beach, FL Posts: 51	Re: Zetec Build UP You guys aren't spinning that high on the stock oil pump gears are you? That's not good, upgrade the gears if you're going to spin past 7200-7400.

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