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Zetec/Duratec vs Vtec?

37K views 67 replies 36 participants last post by  ZX3 Rally 
#1 ·
Okay my friend is all saying "damn ford for trying to copy vtec blah blah" and I say "dude, it's not even close, we dont have the vtec thing that goes off at certain speeds/rpms" and he says "vtec has beena round since 1980 though...":thumbdown Anyone else wonder why it was called something close to vtec? even though vtec sucks? :lol:
 
#3 ·
VTEC was around in the 90's...mainly here as part of the NSX:

Honda VTEC: A Cam For All Reasons - Broadening The Usable Powerband Via Variable Valve Timing

I think the "tec" syllable was just put on for the heck of it. Ford was on a "tec" naming tear (Lincoln Intec system, Duratec for Ford). Besides, you're right on that Zetec lacks variable intake like the VTEC. Also, the VCT option on the Escort ZX2 basically only varied the exaust cam timing, if I recall. Plus, we don't have a timing belt that can snap and cause extreme damage. Copying might be the in the name...but structurally speaking, totally different apples and oranges.

If your friend was arguing the whole VTEC versus Zetec issue, then ask him/her which came first: The 1999 Focus sedan or the 2000 Civic Coupe? :)
 
#4 ·
Just for reference.
VTEC came out in 1989.
Zetec, the engine, came out in 1991.

VTEC isn't that much older of a name.

However, I don't have any resources talking about Ford's racing history, but I've heard stories of racing car/engines in the 70s/80s that used the monicer Zeta or Zetec, long before it got attached to the I-4 engine market. But I have nothing to back that up.
 
#5 ·
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/kitcar/kb.php?aid=80

According to this source, the name Zetec came about as a hurried result of Ford trying to avoid legal troubles with the name Zeta.

I've heard a number of other stories about the origins of the Zetec engine. Its really not an issue worth bickering about, though. Both engines showed up around the same time, yet neither share anything other than a similar name.
 
#6 ·
Chevy used to call their "iron duke" pos I4, the 4 tec. It was call 4 tec long before honda came up with the vtec name. The Vtech name is use by a electronic company. What's my point? Don't believe marketing BS, it doesn't mean ****.
 
#7 ·
Well, Duratec is derived by Fords combination of Durable and Technology. Well, they got it half right anyway. Zetec was used in the early 90s on the F1 Ford/Cosworth V8 like the one in Schumachers old Benneton, but I don't know its specific origin.
 
#8 ·
The person complining about the Vtech and ford needs to complian more about the copying of it by Toyoda's/ 20valve 4A-GE, Nissan's/ newer SR20.
Stinkin ricers think they know it all. I know alot but I sure DON'T know it all.
 
#9 ·
I'm just wondering why a guy with 580 posts is asking this question in the "Welcome to the Jet" Forum instead of in Pit Stop.
:dunno: :screwy:
 
#12 ·
VTEC is an acronym for variable valve timing and lift electronic control. It is a mechanism for optimizing air/fuel mixture flow through the engine. Here is an analogy: You want to move foam peanuts from one bucket to another with a cup. You can increase the size of your cup,compress/cram as much peanuts as possible into the cup each time, or you can just move the cup faster. All three methods moves more peanuts. Honda uses the last method. More fuel combusted equals more power generated by the engine. VTEC mechanism: oens the valves nice and wide at high RPMs, but open them not as much at low rpms. So now you have an engine with smooth operation at low rpms, and high power output at high rpms.
 
#13 ·
And he's not complaining about Chevy/Saturn copying with the Ecotec? Just tell him that Ford didn't copy Honda because the VTEC kicks in at a totally different time than the Zetec or the Duratec. BTW, when exactly does the Z kick in? For that matter, at what point in the powerband does the Dura kick in?

Lastly, why does Honda need to advertise the VTEC and the fact that it has DOHC by putting big ace stickers on the sides of the Si?

Second to lastly, what's better, soke or doke?

**None of this should be taken seriously, just in case anyone was going to argue about it**
 
#16 · (Edited)
mievil said:
at what point in the powerband does the Dura kick in?
Idle. :cool:

Edit: I read that wrong. I thought it said "at what point on a Dura does the powerband kick in?" which makes my reply much wittier. ;)
 
#19 ·
A new Si should be able to hand your ST a cookie bag.

The previous generation had a better hp to tq ratio than an SVT... the problem was that it didn't make either.

The K-series is making worlds more torque than the old B-series mills.

Don't get me wrong.. I'm not a Honda guy, but I am realistic.
 
#20 ·
Word. The new one is pretty wicked. In my 2.3 with an intake, full exhaust, and full suspension, I was still barely on the low side of the last couple years of Si's.
 
#22 ·
focust05 said:
the new Si is 138 ft lbs of torque at the crank last time i saw specs.

Actually its 139@6100

My duratec makes that much at the wheels @3500
 
#23 ·
Good lord! You (and your friends) need to do reseach. Vtec is like Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control or somthing like that.
 
#25 ·
Primaris said:
Chevy used to call their "iron duke" pos I4, the 4 tec. It was call 4 tec long before honda came up with the vtec name. The Vtech name is use by a electronic company. What's my point? Don't believe marketing BS, it doesn't mean ****.

Hey now watch it the Iron Duke bashing. Thats a mean little 94hp 2.5L motor....oh wait not really. I'm riding in front of one with 155k miles and it still does an admiral job. Not bad for a 20 yr old engine.
 
#26 ·
Kaduku said:
Okay my friend is all saying "damn ford for trying to copy vtec blah blah" and I say "dude, it's not even close, we dont have the vtec thing that goes off at certain speeds/rpms" and he says "vtec has beena round since 1980 though...":thumbdown Anyone else wonder why it was called something close to vtec? even though vtec sucks? :lol:
So who won the argument? Or was recess over?
 
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