vct or non-vct?

[CincyZetec]

i'm looking at picking up another motor to start building up. i want to end up w/ a high boost, high horse power turbo motor. i know that the cougars and zx2s have the vct zetec and the focus has the non-vct. my question is, for those of you that have built a turbo zetec, which motor would you recommend, the vct or non vct?

[james99]

i dont have a turbo'd car, but i think either one would work the same. vct isn't a problem to get rid of. all you need is the delete kit and have it added to your turbo tune. other than vct the focus is pretty close to having the same engine, theres only a few little odds and ends different.

[cbman]

I ended up getting the VCT Delete kit, and part of the reason was cause the general consensus was that VCT Delete was a good thing. I also deleted it because I didn't want any valve overlap, and since the VCT retards the exhaust cam it can cause some overlap. A little overlap might be ok but you don't want much in a turbo application. However, at this point I don't think VCT Delete is completely necessary since VCT can be disabled or adjusted in the program.

I wouldn't let VCT be your deciding factor. Find out which would be cheaper for you to build, and keep in mind if you get a focus engine there are some additional components you would have to purchase. After I built my engine the cost was close to what it would have costed me to just by a complete built shortblock.

[cbman]

I would also recommend checking the focaljet classifieds. There are some built blocks and engines for sale on there.

[CincyZetec]

what all else would i need to get to use the focus motor? i was kinda leaning towards the focus non-vct since parts are more readily available for that motor, and there's less one-off custom (and very expensive) parts that would need to be fabricated. plus, i've heard of very high horsepower foci but not really any cougars or zx2s w/ the vct motor. but my main debate is, is it cheaper/easier to buy the non-vct and parts needed to make it work then boost that for less $, or stick w/ the vct, add the delete kit, then boost for more $. i think they would about even out, but i'm not sure.

since the vct would be deleted, would u recommend getting a non-vct motor to start w/ or getting the vct and the delete kit?

[CincyZetec]

i've looked at focaljet and focusfanatics for built blocks and turbo kits, but they are like $2-4k. i know building a motor and turboing it isn't cheap, but i'm a college student so i'm going to be doing this in stages. buying parts here and there when i've got the cash. i would buy the completed block for ease sake but i don't have $2k laying around right now.

[Josh125XR]

Well I know also that the Non-VCT Zetecs (Focus) Have different bolt pattern from the Transmission to the motor which is retarded, Plus i think the ECU is programmed abit different as well. Thats why Focus/Cougars have different clutches. So just get the VCT delete kit.

[james99]

there are a few high powered zx2's on teamzx2.com. i know vitviper was making really good power and another guy just had his tuned about a week or so ago and is making about 350hp. there are a few others also but i can think of their names. oh kicker and dropdatscort on teamzx2 was also putting out good numbers with a vct engine.

[cbman]

I though the blocks were the same. I know the lower block/windage tray might be different, but you could just use the one from our engines.

If you don't have the money for a built engine you could just turbocharge the engine you have. You could at least have a really fun >200WHP car even with the stock engine. Sometimes I wish I would have just stuck with the stock engine. I have put so much time and money in my car. Oh, and you're going to have to know how to weld or know someone who can weld, since no one makes a turbo kit for our cars.

[Turbo Zetec 'tour]

i built my own turbo kit for my pre98 contour. i would suggest getting a pre98 "silvertop" zetec. there is no VCT, you can find them all over at junkyards, the main caps are bigger than any other zetec, the focus pistons and rods work with nothing but boring the cylinders to fit the slightly oversize aftermarket pistons. you can read through my build up on CEG here (http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=11768) and here (http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=14039).

(the first link is mostly pics of parts as they were ariving and the second has a few pics of the turbo build)

im making 200WHP and 220WTQ on only 10PSI of boost with the stock heads, cams, and intake manifold.

i have taken on 03 mustang GTs with it as it it sits. i am planning on eventually turning up the boost along with an FRPP head and stage 3 cams.

if anyone has any questions on the build, wants to see more pics, or just general zetec questions feel free to make a post or pm me. im new to NECO (on CEG for quite a while) but i will try to stop in at least once a day.

[Dero]

the pre98 silver top has the same bolt pattern for the transmission... right???

[cbman]

No, but you may be able to take your post98 lower block(windage tray) and oil pan and put them on a pre98 block. If this works it should give you the right bolt patern. If someone took a picture of a pre98 engine rear I could at least compare bolt patterns.

[Turbo Zetec 'tour]

No, but you may be able to take your post98 lower block(windage tray) and oil pan and put them on a pre98 block. If this works it should give you the right bolt patern. If someone took a picture of a pre98 engine rear I could at least compare bolt patterns.
i should be able to get a pic of the pre98 engine tonight. i also have a pre98 MTX that i can take a pic of the bellhousing as well.

[DROPdatSCORT]

i had the VCT delete as well did kicker.

if i were to stay on this project i would be using the non vct focus head that i have for sale.

[DROPdatSCORT]

you can use the focus head with out changing the bell housing. the tranny doesnt bolt to anything on the head. just the bloock and windage tray


i have no idea why you are saying you need to change all that for a head swap.