SVT head and Non SVT head interchangeable?
 

Im new to the focus interest group and in the market to buy a used focus. I really like the looks of the SVT but Im more interested in gas mileage and using cheaper 87 octane fuel, so heres my question. If I purchase an SVT focus, can I swap the head for a non SVT head, and if so will this lower the motors compression or are the pistons also different in these motors?

Just buy a zx3 or zx5 and forget about the svt. You'll save lots of money and time.

As he says. It is nowhere near that simple. The SVT has variable valve timing and the other does not. Doing so would also lower the value of the car.

Do what lots of people have done-buy an inexpensive ZX3 and swap the SVT specific parts onto it.

No it wouldnt lower the compressionand yes the pistons are Diff.

You can run 91 fuel in the Focus would be about as low as I would go and even then you will give up some performance

Tom

OK. Thanks guys. I was hoping the engines were basically the same w just a better head on the SVT. I'll keep looking for a gas sipping ZX3.