Author Topic: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information  (Read 1548 times)

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Offline Chuck Nukem

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Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« on: Monday,December 21, 2020, 05:51:03 PM »
I have done a bit of searching and it doesn't seem like we have complete knowledgebase for the zetec swap in one place yet on this forum. I am in the process of doing this to my original TCS frame so I would like to document my process for anyone who comes after. This is a work in progress for me so I will update each part as I finish it. If anyone wants to chime in about this swap in TCS or S1/S2 feel free.

I am taking inspiration from John Lexau's site http://www.greytower.com/jon/lotus/europa/engine/zetec_progress.html

Intake Manifold -
Most common manifold is the base of ST170 or the SVT Focus from 2000-2004. Aftermarket units are available
PN - 2M5V-9424-BB

Throttle bodies -
Many choices available. I believe I used 05 Yamaha R6

Exhaust Manifold -
Not there yet


Motor Mounts
I will attach a cad file to my design as soon as I have them finished. I have finished the engine side mounting flange design.

MT Crank Position Sensor Bushing
Incase the Zetec you source is AT
Ford PN - 928F - 6K341-AF

- Cooling System -

One of the main issues with the zetec is that the thermostat housing fouls on the alternator mount of the bellhousing. The bellhousing can be cut to give clearance, or a water rail can be installed to relocate the thermostat to a more amenable location. The downside to the water rail is its cost and the need to route it under the hot exhaust. I have seen cars where the OEM thermostat turned the coolant back towards the intake and the piping was done at the oil pan height. I have also seen billet thermostat housings which remove the extra ports and aim the main outlet towards the rear of the car.

Billet thermostat housing
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Spoox-Ford-Zetec-Black-Silver-Mk1-Focus-RS-Billet-Thermostat-Housing-CLEAR/333599527275?hash=item4dac14d16b:g:4YAAAOSwAb1evq~w
Water rail - repositions the water outlet for inline applications
https://www.raceline.co.uk/products/part_section.asp?SectionID=54&CategoryID=4
It is possible to use the stock thermostat if the bellhousing is modified to relieve the alternator mount
https://www.prevanders.net/europa/radiator.html

Coolant Tubes -
Bent some out of 1.25 aluminum tube .063 wall


Shift Linkage -
Not there yet. Will probably run a hybrid tube/cable set up.

ECU-
Planning to use OEM for now.

Alternator -
Not there yet

Starter -
I am unclear on how to proceed just yet. I have seen cars where the manual trans zetec starter is used with modifications to the TC bellhousing. I have seen cars who use the TC starter with a modified gear. I am swapping a black top 2L zetec. Other versions of this engine have a different oil pan which might cause problems.

Flywheel -
The OEM flywheel is very heavy. Unfortunately the crank position sensor is hall effect and reads the pickup signal off the cast iron flywheel. If the OEM computer is to be used this seems to be the easiest option. Aluminum flywheels exist, but a new crank trigger wheel and sensor would need to be added

Clutch -
The current plan is to machine the stock Zetec flywheel to accept a renault fuego pressure plate and clutch.
« Last Edit: Thursday,March 18, 2021, 09:01:34 AM by Chuck Nukem »

Offline BDA

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #1 on: Monday,December 21, 2020, 06:52:39 PM »
It would be good to have one place to get information on the different ways of doing a Zetec swap. In the meantime, here's one: https://www.prevanders.net/europa/zetecengine.html

Offline Dilkris

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #2 on: Monday,December 21, 2020, 11:27:17 PM »
Chuck (Charles?) I am deeply envious of your project - please!! please!! please!!! mate the engine to gearbox allowing for paddle gear shifts (Porsche?) and install air conditioning - that would  be my ideal Europa. Chris   

Offline Chuck Nukem

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday,December 22, 2020, 10:14:03 AM »
Chris,

I will definitely look in to fitting AC to the Zetec. Right now the plan is to run it with a 352 4 speed in this frame for simplicity sake. The zetec is not going to be a high power motor, just a cost effective replacement for the TC. I have a second frame that I am doing a 47 style rear end with a fuego transaxle. I looked at the Porsche units when I was unsure about replacing my broken 365. Right now I don't have any plans to adapt one, but I'm sure you could get a bellhousing adapter to make it work.

Online Grumblebuns

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #4 on: Tuesday,December 22, 2020, 11:52:38 AM »

Owner/moderator LotusJoe is also working on his long term Zetec conversion project. This may get his juices going to get his project done.

Offline Rainer

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #5 on: Saturday,March 06, 2021, 02:27:17 PM »
In have done a S2 zetec conversion for a customer last year.
He sourced most of the parts and our job was to get them fit together.
I try to recall from memory, so i probably forget some things, if you need details just ask.

Engine is a 2L black top zetec,
Intake 45 FAJS Weber copies, the manifold should be available.
Exhaust a stainless turbo manifold from UK.
I cut the flange from the manifold, and welded the exhaust piping, sadly i cant remember which muffler he sourced, it is an absorber design but the car is not annoyingly loud, and it was small enough to fit it under the luggage box.

Motor mounts are custom, i installed the engine as far to the front as possible and used the rule of thumb, if your thumb fits between engine and frame the is enough space. ( I have skinny thumbs)
Gearbox mount is custom also.

Alternator came from a komatsu lawnmover, i 3D printed all brackets to testfit and had them lasercut later, from the same design.

Transmission:
NG9 with twincam bellhousing.
The bellhousing was already modified with an intake bearing.
the NG9 do not have the possibility to take load from the rear driveshafts, so i had to use the 336 differential internals in the NG9 box.
Remember that i had to shorten the spring in the gearbox end to make shifting gears easier.

Customer designed a cable shifter setup.

Clutch:
Zetec clutch with a Renault R21 disc.
I had to turn an extension for the throwout bearing, still have the design in cad if someone is interested.

Starter:
One of the biggest problems, Renault one worked but sounded horrifying, zetec did not fit the bellhousing, did an ugly hacksaw mod to get it working temporarily.
Next try will be an twincam with a spacer plate, but not installed yet.

Ignition is a NODIZ
https://motorsport-electronics.co.uk/products/ignition-only-systems/nodiz-pro/
Customer sourced , but this thing just works, sensors are zetec stock, ignition coil is zetec stock.
But beware the rev counter does not work.

Cooling tubes are S2 europa

Problems i recall.
The driveshafts are at an extreme angle as the differential is far more behind, so far it seems to be no problem but there is no long time experience.
Lower links have to be custom made, or shortened a lot, due to the driveshaft angle.

If pictures are needed i can get them within a week or so.

Regards


Offline Chuck Nukem

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #6 on: Thursday,March 18, 2021, 09:01:17 AM »
Rainer,

Thanks for posting your insights. I too am having difficulty with the starter problem. Right now I am thinking about buying the MT zetec starter and machining an adapter plate to utilize the stock two bolt pickup for the TC starter.

I have the benefit of having a stock transaxle so I used that to locate the motor position and construct my mounts. My driveshaft angles are very neutral.
« Last Edit: Thursday,March 18, 2021, 09:56:44 AM by Chuck Nukem »

Offline RoddyMac

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #7 on: Thursday,March 18, 2021, 11:18:49 AM »
I can add a few things...

The stock BT Focus flywheel will not work with a Fuego clutch disc.  The depression in center of the flywheel is larger than the inner diameter of the friction surface of the readily available Renault disc (unless you find the Peugeot V6 disc).  I opted to use an Escort ZX2 flywheel which has a smaller clutch and just works with the Renault disc.  A 1.8 zetec flywheel (UK sourced) might be a better option and it's supposedly lighter.

I'm using a stock BT manual starter motor with two extra threaded bushings welded into the bellhousing.  I left the stock mounting bushings in place for a stock Lucas/Lotus TC starter if anyone wanted to go back to a TC with stock starter.  I did have to space the starter back about 1/4", so you might be able to make a spacer with studs to mount the starter.  But, I did have to massage the aluminium portion of the oil pan (2 piece on the blacktop) to clear the starter. 


Offline SwiftDB4

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Re: Comprehensive Zetec Swap Information
« Reply #8 on: Thursday,March 18, 2021, 04:40:20 PM »
Using a TC gear reduction starter was the easiest approach for me. Only had to space it back about .25" and fit a different pinion gear to match the Zetec ring gear.