Duratec FAQ

[P0WeRbyDuratec]

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the wonderful engine that is called a duratec. If you have any suggestions of what to add please let me know. There are also some very important pieces of advice below.

How do I know if I have a duratec?

- All foci in the 2005 model year are duratecs. Only the ST is a 2.3L duratec in this year. All others are 2.0 duratecs.
- 2004 foci the engine is an optional feature in all states and remains standard in the Green States (California, New York, Mass)
- 2003 Foci that have duratecs were standard for the most part of that model year.
- No older models have the engine.

The easiest way to tell if you have a duratec is looking at your exhaust manifold. If it is in the rear of the engine bay (against the engine firewall) then it is a duratec.

How can I tell if my car is PZEV-certified?

In the green states (NY, CA, MA) all duratec engines are PZEV certified and carry the equipment. If you are on the borderline of these states it is possible to have a PZEV car. The only duratec in the green states to not have PZEV status is the 05 + ST. Still not sure? The window sticker that came on the car will say PZEV next to the name of the car.

What transmission is in my duratec?

All manual transmissions in the duratec are identical to zetec’s transmission
The automatic transmission is a zetec variant which is slightly modified to handle more torque. It is the torque convertor I believe that has been modified.

Where can I find performance parts for my car?

Egz’s sticky at the top of this page will show you all the links to all the parts known to fit on this car. It also breaks down the application by your type of engine.
The link: http://duratec.wikispaces.com/Parts_List **New working link**
Engine Designations: D23 - 2.3 L Duratec, Not -PZEV
D23E- 2.3 L Duratec PZEV certified Found in Green States and optional in others
D20 - 2.0 L Duratec
D20E- 2.0 L Duratec with PZEV

What is the best overall starting mod for the duratec?

- This one is basically a matter of opinion. However, most people buy a cold air intake from either Marcy Motorsports or Focussport. Both intakes are extremely popular and cheap. They are your best bang for the buck.

Are there any CARB Certified parts available?

Not yet but some are pending including the Cosworth CAI, K&N CAI.

Is there any threat to hydrolocking?

With every mod done to a car brings its apparant dangers. Modifcation should be taken at own risk. For CAIs there is a danger of hydrolocking. However, if you avoid the deep puddles you should be fine. Many people own CAI’s and have yet to encounter any problems.

Can a bypass valve be used to protect against hydrolocking?

No. There is no bypass valve that will fit on any of the duratec intakes at the moment.The aem bypass valve won't work because you are adding length to the intake setup, Unlike most of the intakes on the market, duratec intakes are designed to be attached to the frame at certain points. Obviously that can't happen if there is a bypass valve. It is also difficult because of the bending of the tubes to go into splash shield It would probably be difficult at best to be able to manage that. Not to mention the diameter difference if there is one between the intake tubing and bypass valve. Those are some of the reasons.

The next best thing is to retain the splash shield after installing your intake
THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT HYDROLOCKING IS BY NOT MODDING YOUR CAR.

Are there any Short-Ram Air Intakes?

Yes there is the Steeda Ram Air. It adds approximately 5 hp. It's for those who want a decreased risk of hydrolocking. However this setup is still not fool proof. See Egz’s link.
AGAIN: THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT HYDROLOCKING IS BY NOT MODDING YOUR CAR

How effective are the Underdrive Pullies offered by Focus Central?

These badboys are a difficult mod to install. This is because the engine is an interference motor and if the pulley is put on incorrectly your pistons meet your valves. If you are not mechanically talented I recommend not attempting this. The mod is only good for a minimal gain at best.

Are there any street-legal headers available?

No this is because the PZEV has a cat inside the stock exhaust manifold. In order to have an emissions legal header, one has to maintain the emissions levels as stock.

What are the options for Forced Induction?

So far only nitrous is the only option. However this is extremely illegal to have driving around town. Fines can be very expensive. Many people have been trying to put a turbo on or supercharger. Powerworks has a prototype of a supercharger. Many companies are working on turbo applications, however a problem lies in that the duratec’s internals can only handle 7 psi of boost. Working around will be beneficial being that incredible gains can be expected. The sister car Mazda3's car companies have constructed a working turbo that have proven to be largely successful, but for the moment that type of modification is limited to not include any duratec focus.

In the future it will be an option.


What is a Balance Shaft and what is its removal do?

A balance shaft are shafts that cancel out secondary vibrations usually associated with driving 4 cylinder cars. These vibrations can be described as the shaking usually felt by smaller engines. Removing them will remove 12 lbs ( I think) of rotating mass which is worth usually 4-5 hp.

What is the best exhaust for me?

It is a matter of opinion, you want to pay for a name? Do you like name brand? Stainless Steel ( for places that get snow) or Aluminum? 2.5 or 2.25"? Can you retain the 2nd cat converter or not? Do you need the exhaust silenced or not. Egz’s site provides a description of each exhaust kit to help you fit your needs.

If you live in an area where there are no smog checks or visual inspections of emissions, 2.5 in exhausts that eliminate the 2nd cat provide the best gains.

What is the Cam Gear Adjustment Tool?

Marcy motorsports has developed a tool that elimantes the need for adjustable cam gears; the stock ones work just fine. This tool will allow the adjustment of your cam gears with simple instructions. Call up Marcy Motorsports to find out the adjustments that fit your application.

If there are any other questions, concerns, additions or corrections please let me know.

[Sponsor]

[igor]

just a comment.. at least the steeda intake IS CARB certified
Igor

[Lil PZEV]

No, it isn't.

The ONLY intake currently with a CARB exemption # is the Cosworth intake, fo the 2004 Duratec. Nothing else.

[P0WeRbyDuratec]

just because of its the safest against hydrolock does not give it the CARB number.

[FocusFreak87]

would an AEM Bypass Valve work on a self made intake? It has a coupler that will fit around 3". THANKS FOR ANY HELP PEOPLE:)

[P0WeRbyDuratec]

if you can rig it to work i don't see why not, however if you just don't submerge the front of your car you will be okay

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Sticking my nose where it doesn't belong again....

I think hydrolocking would be a larger problem if the intake was BEHIND the wheels

In front of the wheel, you'd have to drive through a puddle that was deep enough to be up to the bottom of the bumper. A little water.. even a cup or so in a high revving motor won't kill much except carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, cause a little stutter but nothing like holes in pistons or broken rods.

Hydrolock should be scary to Focus owners like the great year 2000 computer scare was for Macintosh owners.

Unless you remove your inner fenderwell

[NIR Panther Jedi]

Thats pretty much true..if you stay out of DEEP puddles then you won't have to worry about it, but if you were dumb like me and removed your inner fender wells and splash shield under the front bumper on my other focus i ownd and had a CAI then it could be a big problem..other than that you should be fine with a CAI...

[wickedgreyzx3]

might want to add that there are 2 forced induction options now avaliabe

[Sonicbluezx3]

the duratec parts database website doesn't work anymore whats up w/ that?