Guys, I know I'm going to have the BUILD the engine, and that is in the works before I even buy the turbo setup. I'm gonna be buying a block sometime in the next month [upgrading my brakes first, I want to be able to stop before I can go fast], and building the block. I'm not sure one what brand I'm going with for everything yet, I still need to do more research and talk to the people who HAVE run 300+hp.
Going to run 9.0:1 compression, forged rods, probably cams with a slightly higher lift than stock but stock duration, ARP head studs & cap/rod bolts. Not sure what I'm gonna go with as far as a head, or intake mani, but theres plenty of time left for that. I'm looking into sleeving as well. A friend on NEMotorSport told me that he thought the Duratec might be factory sleeved (I'm not sure). If it is, theres a guy about a half hour from me thats sleeved a couple of high boost cars that no one has had any problems with.
Turbo is going to be a GT2871R, with the FocusSport turbo kit. Also will use their Stage 2 intercooler, as it's what they used on their 400+ hp Focus. Plan to be running 24-26 lbs of boost.
Transmission is going to have an LSD, probably the Quaife but not 100% on that yet. Clutch is obviously going to be upgraded a ton, but also not sure on the brand. MIGHT use the 4.10 gear set, but if the car isn't going to hook up with higher gearing, it certainly isn't with the 4.10's. Is there anything else to do to the tranny that anyone can think of?
Suspension: Getting dropped probably 2"-2 1/4", coilovers most likely. Sway bars, strut tower brace, traction bars, the whole shebang.
I'll run the wheels I have now (with better tires), 17X7.5's until I can find a wider wheel besides the RS wheels. Plan to flare the fenders out (RS kit?), but will be fine til I have the wider wheels.
Yes, I know I could do an engine swap etc etc, but I want the ease of installation. I'm going to have a big enough pain getting this thing tuned perfect, I don't want to spend 3 weeks getting a new motor in and running.
Why do I want to do this on the 2.0? Mainly because no one else really has. I love my car ('05 ZX3, 5-speed), and I don't want an SVT-Zetec or a Zetec. People have already done this on the zetec, and most agree that the Duratec is a better engine.
I appreciate the input that CapnGnarly gave, anything like that is helpful. Question, and offer suggestions please, but don't tell me it can't be done...Tell me how you think I could do it. Don't tell me to do an engine swap, recommend a suspension. Give me ideas, and help me make the right, educated decisions on what parts to go with. If you don't know something for sure, SAY SO. I'll do research on whatever people think might work. I've been planning this for months, and continue to do so until the whole car is done.
Thanks for the input guys!
*EDIT* I have a 24'X48' garage at my house full of tools [my dad used to work on old musclecars, now into high performance boats), as well as 3 friends with similar size garages. One of my friends is going to school to be a mechanic and has already done a few engine builds, he also has access to his school garage and tools. He's gonna be cleaning up the block I buy, and he's going to be the one installing most of the parts. A few of my other friends have done turbo builds, and between allof that, if we can't do something then I will pay someone to do it...theres plenty of reputable people who specialize in engines around here.
And money, well, I'm far from rich. But I have very limited bills, so all cash flow is pretty much disposable. Between the engine, turbo, drivetrain, and suspension I'm looking at probably $15,000. Yeah, thats a lot of cash. Sure, I could go buy a car that'll be just as fast for the same money. Could I say I built it? Nope. Would everyone expect that car to be fast? Yep. Who the hell is going to think that when I pull up next to them @ the track, or on the street, that I'm pushing 400hp? My point exactly. I don't expect to get my money back, but I do expect to enjoy the car and make that money spent worthwhile.
