Hi there. In the middle of planning my mk2 build and seriously looking at the Zetec/Duratech option.
Engine questions aside my initial question revolves around getting it registered in QLD after the conversion. From what I know trying to get a zetec running on carbs/throttle bodies past the department of transport will be hard. Anyone here from QLD who has completed this recently some input would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

//Lee

I guess it depends on what you want from it, decent mile-age and reliability i` d stick with the injection and computer, but if you want to go down the carby range the easiest and usually best way would be to get someone to set it up on a dyno. It will cost of course but you will have it set up for the whole rev range and will have a guantatee that the work is done right (and you will have someone to go back to if theres problems)

Thanks for the reply troppo. Definitely a few things to consider in regards to engine build etc. Before i get to the
fun stuff though my main concern is getting it engineered/registered. Hoping to hear from anyones recent experiences about the the challenges of dealing with the QLD department of transport...
 
//lee

There's been a couple rego'd from up there (QLD), a very nice Rs2000/Duratec from memory.
The main thing i find is you need it to pass EPA readings due to the date of the engine. ie. its a lot newer than an old carby escort engine. So to do this you'll need injection. And whatever ecu you use to be tuned accordingly. This will mean dyno/tuning time.
Down here in NSW you can get an EPA test for free, other states i believe aren't so lucky.
Best talk to a couple others which have done it before, what they did, who they used etc. Theres a couple in the projects section from memory.
In Queensland, and without plugging anyone in particular.. Race-products have some parts for Duratec/Escort conversions and have a good knowledge. Worth a ring to find out more.
http://www.raceproducts.net/contact/

That is some helpful info. Seems like it's going to be some work to get it engineered to the correct EPA standards. Not necessarily a problem but want to get as much info as I can before I start spending some money. Have been talking to Rob at http://www.historicfordescorts.com who is more than happy to build a stonking Duratec engine for my RS.

I was going to go down the Duratec route but have changed plans now.
Main thing is obviously your converting a east/west engine to north/south. Some use normal escort type 9 gearbox, but i think the Mazda Rx7 conversion is the way to go. Roger Carroll down in SA was making bell housings and other bits to get the Duratec in (i have his details here if you need them).
 
What sort of power are you looking for? If "lots" then Duratec would be the better option than Zetec. BUT if it just to get a ok power and relatively easy conversion then Zetec may be the go. The kits like Retroford etc are a good one stop solution.
 

i have a target of around the 200hp mark so not trying to set the world on fire. just a nice fun amount of power.
was surprised at the power you can get of the duratec which is impressive but probably above what i am chasing to do. a nice little zetec would be spot on as long as i can get it pass an EPA test...
 
appreciate to all the input. experience matters at this point and i dont have any :)

Might be worth looking up Paul's mk2/zetec build thread then. He's going through the same process..
http://www.classic-ford.org/cfp/tm.aspx?m=8290

Short answer is it will likely need engineering input and the very least will require to be submitted as a vehicle modification. Then they will provide the conditions that must be met in regards to upgrades to brakes etc or satisfying particular ADR's to allow registration. It's easier using as much of the OEM gear as possible in regards to emissions but it's not impossible to go non OEM as I am.
Of course this is all relative to your local state regulations etc.

thanks for all the input, it is all helping. on the hunt now to find a local engineer who can hopefully give me some
more guidance as to how much trouble i am causing myself. from some of the escorts i saw running at the noosa hill climb over the weekend, i should have done this a few years ago to make life easier... oh well, better late than never.