n00b D20 questions

[ergo-ogre]

I am a former boosted car owner (L67) and needed something more economical after I got laid-off. I have a few basic questions about my DD '05 ZX3 D20 automatic:

1.) The car runs ok on 87 octane, but I read that the 2.0 has 10:1 compression ratio. With AL104 spark plugs and a Stealth CAI, wouldn't running 89 or 93 octane give better MPG and performance?

2.) How much HP can the D20 bottom-end handle?

3.) How much HP can the stock auto trans handle?

4.) Any decent aftermarket intake manifolds & headers for the '05 D20?

Thanks!

[Sponsor]

[VEGAS]

Unless you get a tune, run the 87 octane, others will not help and could hurt.
Swap out the AL104 for the AR103 gapped at .55 to .60 this will increase HP 3 to 5 more
Bottom end stock from what I have seen is ok up to 220ish If I remember right...
Auto tranny is a tank with stock HP, Even up to 180ish hp like I run, But more then that your wearing out the tranny at a high rate. I would never go higher then 200 HP on the stock tranny.. OBX headers are cheap and work well and can get them on eBay and the cosworth knockoff intake on ebay is good deal for $350 with some hand polishing of the ports.. or spend the $800 for the real deal lol

[ergo-ogre]

Thanks for your input, Vegas!

I'm currently running Bosch Platinum Ir Fusion spark plugs (4504). They work pretty good. I got a good laugh when the local stealership quoted me $18 each for stock plugs. Surely you can't be serious

I know that 103's are one step colder than 104's. I'm gonna go ahead and install a set and see how they perform compared to the Bosch plugs. I might even have some NGK's in the same heat range laying around somewhere.

With 10:1 compression I would *think* that higher octane gas would be beneficial to performance and better gas mileage. Maybe I'm too used to boosted engines..


I need to R&R the fuel filter. Are there any high-flow FF's available? Maybe one from a Mustang/Mountaineer/Explorer perhaps?

[1turbofocus]

Im guessing your all stock ? the Bosch and NGK are worthless , the AR103 are the way to go
A tune would help your goal and running 91 as you are would help some , tuning with me you get FREE tune updates as you add more NA mods , tune would help the trans and shifting as well as performance and MPG

Tom

[ergo-ogre]

Bone-stock except for the Stealth CAI. What's the difference between standard copper-core 103s and AR103s?

I want to add a 180* thermostat, too.

[Nickrzx4]

Originally Posted by VEGAS

Unless you get a tune, run the 87 octane, others will not help and could hurt.
Swap out the AL104 for the AR103 gapped at .55 to .60 this will increase HP 3 to 5 more
Bottom end stock from what I have seen is ok up to 220ish If I remember right...
Auto tranny is a tank with stock HP, Even up to 180ish hp like I run, But more then that your wearing out the tranny at a high rate. I would never go higher then 200 HP on the stock tranny.. OBX headers are cheap and work well and can get them on eBay and the cosworth knockoff intake on ebay is good deal for $350 with some hand polishing of the ports.. or spend the $800 for the real deal lol

It sounds like you know whats up dude. How much power is practical to run through an mtx-75? I was looking for 220 wheel for a fun daily..

[oblivion2kx]

Originally Posted by ergo-ogre

Bone-stock except for the Stealth CAI. What's the difference between standard copper-core 103s and AR103s?

I want to add a 180* thermostat, too.

The t-stat is built right into the housing so I'm not sure that anyone makes aftermarket ones. I also remember seeing a thread that the stock opens at 180.

Invest in some Royal Purple Ice and Motorcraft gold coolant. Don't mix with the green.

[gimmemoreboost]

i ran 93 on mine before i got tuned and got better gas mileage. you can always run higher octane gas without a problem.

IIRC top speed recently ran a stock d20 to 4 something at the wheels before it threw a rod. the highest i've seen anyone run on stock internals reliably is like 296 whp with around 270 wtq. the torque is what breaks stuff.

the stock auto trans will handle around 220 wtq max.

Cosworth I/M. top speed just built one but haven't priced it yet.

OBX headers, search em on ebay "ford focus duratec obx header", FSW has a good header, but obx is basically the same thing for cheaper.......lol and there are a few F2 headers laying around, i'm waiting on gold coast automotive to get back to me on getting one from them since my obx never got shipped.

personally, i don't really think spark plugs make a big enough difference to buy anything besides motorcraft(ford). and unless you're doing a lot of racing you don't really need a 180* t stat.

[VEGAS]

I have heard people running up around 250ish to 270ish on a stock mtx-75, Turbotom would know that better..

However, like anything it also depends on your driving habbit..

I would kill a mtx-75 in 6 months beating on it like I do my Automatic lol


I am about to put AP103DP2 plugs in my D20, these are the Platniums version, at walmart cheap.. hope they are good.