Opinion's please

[Cerberus]

Looking for your views on which engine, vauxhall 2.0 red top or duratec 2.3?the red top has had some work,the duratec will be standard and both need throttle bodies,i am going to look at a car this weekend(probably) the red top will drop straight in if i go down the duratec route i will need a box as well,there's other stuff that needs doing,brakes etc so i would like to get engine right first time rather than wishing i had done somthing else. All opinions welcome.


Thanks


Phil

[stylussprinter]

If budget long term is more important than budget short term(getting it right first time) then there really is no contest , you are not going to get potentially 220 ft.lbs from the red top where as the 2.3 Duratec will immediately give good grunt even with just TB's and good exit system -- then when you can afford -- wow 280 to 320 bhp and 210 to 220 ft.lbs plus it only weighs 92kgs bare against the red top 110 kgs bare. Handling along with the good chassis of a Stylus will be enhanced by the lighter front end. Of course you wont appreciate that untill on the edge but it's worth a lot.

Rob.

[madmaninshed]

I agree with Rob, and am trying to find the right duratec engine....but I am told that the 2.0 weighs 98 and the 2.3 110 kilos...I think the K series is 92 'ish, and am unsure of the VX...but it must depend on whether full of oil and with what kit attached. The trouble is finding out from different suppliers what is included and what isn't. They are all very helpful, but a 235 bhp 2.3 was quoted at over £9k fully built...and not dyno'd. Scholar just quoted me about £6100 inc vat for a 2.0 220 bhp (trackday engine) with everything like belhousing, starter motor etc etc and a full dry sump system...brand new and dyno'd. That sounded much better, but I would like the extra 20 lb ft torque of the 2.3. It is tempting to buy a new engine and build it myself. I can get a 2.3 Focus spec (whatever that is) for about £1600 inc vat. It is not an easy choice.

[Werner Van Loock]

I agree with both and add to it that Tim currently only runs 3 engine options Zetec, Zetec SE and Duratec. So for the red top I guess you will pay extra for engine mounts and maybe chassis modifications.

[stylussprinter]

I agree with Rob, and am trying to find the right duratec engine....but I am told that the 2.0 weighs 98 and the 2.3 110 kilos...I think the K series is 92 'ish, and am unsure of the VX...but it must depend on whether full of oil and with what kit attached. The trouble is finding out from different suppliers what is included and what isn't. They are all very helpful, but a 235 bhp 2.3 was quoted at over £9k fully built...and not dyno'd. Scholar just quoted me about £6100 inc vat for a 2.0 220 bhp (trackday engine) with everything like belhousing, starter motor etc etc and a full dry sump system...brand new and dyno'd. That sounded much better, but I would like the extra 20 lb ft torque of the 2.3. It is tempting to buy a new engine and build it myself. I can get a 2.3 Focus spec (whatever that is) for about £1600 inc vat. It is not an easy choice.

You must compare engines in their bare state because ancillaries will vary in weight depending on the spec you go for . IE alternater , sump , bellhousing , clutch , manifold and fueling gear. If interested in lightness then just stick to one weight comparison --- a bare engine. Look on RACELINE's site , they quote XE -- K --- and Duratec . Decide your bhp ft.lbs and get quotes or build from bare engine if you have the skills. Duratecs need some machining particularly the 2.3 as they come mostly from the Ranger pick up --- low bhp , built as a slogger so most things need sorting.
Rob

[Cerberus]

I agree with both and add to it that Tim currently only runs 3 engine options Zetec, Zetec SE and Duratec. So for the red top I guess you will pay extra for engine mounts and maybe chassis modifications.

The car is set up for a red top to drop straight in,so i will have to change mounts to take a duratec but in the long run i will have a base for a very quick engine,i know i have just answered my own question(DUH!)there will be a cost difference of about £900 (stretching the already tight budget) plus gearbox,i would like a sequential box but thats just not going to happen yet, so begs another question what box do i use as a good cheap option?


Thanks

Phil

[stylussprinter]

I agree with both and add to it that Tim currently only runs 3 engine options Zetec, Zetec SE and Duratec. So for the red top I guess you will pay extra for engine mounts and maybe chassis modifications.

The car is set up for a red top to drop straight in,so i will have to change mounts to take a duratec but in the long run i will have a base for a very quick engine,i know i have just answered my own question(DUH!)there will be a cost difference of about £900 (stretching the already tight budget) plus gearbox,i would like a sequential box but thats just not going to happen yet, so begs another question what box do i use as a good cheap option?


Thanks

Phil

Well either a second hand Quaife pro box or the Ford T5 should take the torque for a while . T5 is probably the best bet cash wise/strength. Depends when you intend pushing the torque over the 200 ft.lbs mark. Try asking raceline and dunnell for their recommendation , box wise to take 200 plus ft.lbs. Rob.