The Zetec 'Ropacane

[Chuck Nukem]

  I’ll have to use this thread in the future. I found a nice ford SVT focus engine in a local salvage yard.
I got the tc bell housing ready .😂, it’s just a little project to play with further down the road.
Dakazman

Dman.... You have no idea how pertinent your post is. I purchased an SVT Focus this very evening!

My reasoning was such;
The standard Zetec manifold wont fit, so throttle bodies and standalone ECU are needed. A custom header is needed....I was practically there and lacked only to buy the ECU

Yesterday I stumbled across an SVT Focus with a bad clutch and fuel pump....then the wheels started turning. The intake manifold is different and may just fit as is... It has a tuned header which may just fit too! The ECU and existing harness can be used if this is the case. I got all of it for a very reasonable price (less than it would cost to finish my zetec swap w/ ECU) It makes 170hp out of the box, and I suspect could be flashed to run without cats to a decent performance increase.

I have not yet seen an SVT swapped europa...it actually may be slightly less painful than the standard zetec route, (or there may be a damn good reason why not). I think I can use my standard zetec flywheel and renault clutch combo in place of the dual mass SVT unit. My worst case scenario from this endeavor is that a stand alone ECU is unavoidable. MS3pro will still run the SVT engine which has higher compression and a variable intake cam, so it is really not too big of a risk...if anything I only end up with a more powerful engine.

[dakazman]

  Chuck, my SVT find is still at the salvage yard , I wanted to go back with the bellhousing to make sure it fit first.
then reread the manual  of notes I've collected . I can't wait for your version.
  Right now, I have enough to keep me busy.
Dakazman

[Chuck Nukem]

  Chuck, my SVT find is still at the salvage yard , I wanted to go back with the bellhousing to make sure it fit first.
then reread the manual  of notes I've collected . I can't wait for your version.
  Right now, I have enough to keep me busy.
Dakazman

Your S2 has a slightly tighter angle at the fork if I recall correctly, so it may not be exactly the same as my fitment. I hope to have some progress for you soon. If I can get this thing to clear with the stock intake and exhaust I will be a happy boy.

[S2Zetec54]

Hi Chuck….so 170 and a standard ecu……what a great solution…fingers crossed for you

[Chuck Nukem]

The cutting has begun!

[TurboFource]

Wow!

[Chuck Nukem]

Coming along...I need to move the truck out tomorrow so I can have room to do the cutting.

Does anyone have recommendations on smaller pads? I picked up some 6" foam pads and compound from Rupes. They are working well so far.

[BDA]

She’s going to look amazing, Chuck! 

[S2Zetec54]

Wow…that’s amazing

[SilverBeast]

Looks fantastic!

[dakazman]

  I use these , 3 Inch pads but on a harbor freight angle polisher
Here is a good assortment of cutting / polishing and waxing.
No wax yet on the new paint. Polish is ok.

   https://www.ebay.com/itm/185016457973

    The finishing work look perfect, congratulations.
I added a pic of the polisher but I found one on Amazon even cheaper.

Dakazman
Dave

 



 

[Chuck Nukem]

Thanks guys!

Thanks for the recommendation Dman. I got the 3" mounted to my da palm sander, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. I'll check that out. I also picked up one of those Mother's cone shaped foam polishers.

[Chuck Nukem]

I am probably up to 6 passes with cutting compound to get all these little scratches out. The 2000 seem to leave after 2 passes. I should probably do 3000 and up....Seems to take at least an hour of cutting on each panel to get the last little ones out, not counting cut swirls. I haven't started the finishing polish yet, but my goodness I am a happy boy so far.

Has anyone on here had luck with clear bra? After all this work I am tempted to try and preserve the finish as long as possible.

The fuel pump for the SVT shows up this weekend so I will see if I can get it to start. I was digging through boxes in the attic and I found a spare TCS wiring harness that my friend gave me when he parted out a car...Dave McGuire you legend!

[BDA]

That really looks great, Chuck!! 

I don't personally have experience with a clear bra but a friend of mine got one on his used Honda S2000. I thought it was a good idea. You had to look closely to see it. I don't think he had enough miles on it to be able to tell how much of a difference it made though.

I don't have a lot of miles on mine since I put it on the road - not as many as I wish - but I'm not aware of any chips on the front of my car. I've done some highway driving too. I think the shape of the front of the car can make a car more susceptible and maybe the shape of the Europa helps in that regard. On the other hand, with all the time and money you've put into that paint, adding a little extra protection would probably be a worthwhile investment.

[Kendo]

Chuck, I looked back a few pages but didn't see it. After the sandpaper, what products are you using to bring up the shine? I haven't had much success with the Meguiar's 105/205 polishes.