SVT head and Non SVT head interchangeable?

[Dave037]

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?

[Sponsor]

[Blue5ive]

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

[amc49]

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.

[02ztsian]

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

[1turbofocus]

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

[Dave037]

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.