I don't think the block is made of aluminum...the head is....and I don't know why you would be put off on that since that most of the high end aftermarket heads are made of Aluminum for their durability over cast iron ones. The average life of a focus depends on how you treat your car....Focuses can last just as long as a Honda and just like a honda they are front wheel drive.

 

I don't think the block is made of aluminum...the head is....and I don't know why you would be put off on that since that most of the high end aftermarket heads are made of Aluminum for their durability over cast iron ones. The average life of a focus depends on how you treat your car....Focuses can last just as long as a Honda and just like a honda they are front wheel drive.

Cast iron blocks are significantly stronger than aluminum blocks in many ways. One being it can handle heat a lot better, it can handle power a lot better, and it will last 70+ years over an aluminum block.

 

duratec equipped (new foci) have aluminum blocks.

someone can correct me if i'm wrong.

edit: in addition to my post, i found this under "latest news" on this website.

The new engine, part of Ford Motor Company's new global family of four-cylinder engines, represents both the future of Ford's small powertrain lineup and the future of engine manufacturing. The I-4 makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, which offer both a weight savings – approximately 40 pounds compared with the equivalent Zetec I-4 engine – and chassis dynamics benefits, such as improved weight distribution front-to-rear and higher power-to-weight ratio.

also the duratec's have this... I don't think any other sport compact car's besides the nissian spec-v use a chain. This is good for 100,000 miles, as well as the intake so I've heard.

The camshafts run directly in the aluminum cylinder head and are driven by a "silent" chain, which provides quieter operation. A spring arm maintains proper tension, and a hydraulically activated composite damper controls chain movement. The camshaft cover is made of cast aluminum alloy to contain valve train noise and assure warp-free sealing for life.

 

Agree, the Duratec is basically all aluminum, and it's a great engine. As a side note, if your still wondering if it is front wheel drive, you should learn more about the Focus and it's competition before making a buying decision. Once you own it, you're stuck with it.

 

Aluminum is totally fine for a block.. Bikes have been built this way for 40 years and they have NO longevity problems...

 

I don't think the block is made of aluminum...the head is....and I don't know why you would be put off on that since that most of the high end aftermarket heads are made of Aluminum for their durability over cast iron ones.

first off.. the zetec is a cast iron block. The duratec is an aluminum block. The block cylinders are sleaved with cast iron for the pistons to ride in. no more mistakes like the vega. And they don't use aluminum in the heads because of durability. They use it because it is lighter. They just put parts in it so it lasts as long as a cast iron head... like valve seats, and valve guides
It is cheaper to build an engine with cast iron. But with the CAFE fuel standards as they are, every pound saved is welcome. So quit blaming Ford for cheap design. Blame the environmentalist instead

 

Aluminum dissipates heat better than cast iron, so its easier to maintain the proper combustion chamber temperature under a load which in turn reduces the chances of pinging. Also, different metals have different expansion rates making it more difficult to design an effective head gasket for an engine with an aluminum head and a cast iron block than for an all aluminum engine like the Duratec.

 

This is good for 100,000 miles, as well as the intake so I've heard.


the timing chain is good for the life of the engine. you refering to the intake I am guessing you mean air filter.. yes it is good for 100,000 miles, I think 150,000 on the PZEV engine

 

I'm thinking about buying a Ford Focus but I'm a little put off by the fact that the engine block is made out of aluminum. Can somebody comment on its durablility and the average life of a Focus. And as a side note, are Focuses front wheel or rear wheel drive?

if it a new or used...?
don worry about the block...
many car use aluminum blocks...espcially cars that cost 5 times the focus...

 

ya i think aluminum would warp more easily than cast iron because it's less dense but i wouldn't worry about that happening on one of these engines.

 

Re: Re: Aluminum Engine Block

if it a new or used...?
don worry about the block...
many car use aluminum blocks...espcially cars that cost 5 times the focus...

well said my friend.. ^^^^^

 

All of the first Gen. foci had alum. heads and iron blocks
The new Duratec's use alum.
Duratec engines like in the old Contor SVT used to be pieces of shit but they redesigned the engine to be better and last longer. The only thing with an Alum. block is that you have to make sure you don't run it hot for long or it could warp/crack the block but then again with the foci engine managment system it will (should if it doesn't mess up which is highly unlikly) shut your engine down before and damage occurs.