Zetec/Duratech QLD Road Registration

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)

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/

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.
 

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

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.

Hey Number 7, another forum newbie like me. Good luck finding a suitable project to keep you busy. Seems to be slim pickings out there so hopefully you find yourself a winner. You have your mind set on a particular model, will keep an eye out. Are you a sunny coast local? Was a couple of nice escorts down at the pacific ford car show today.

//Lee

Lee you should go to Lakeside this Sunday and have a chat to Rob I was told he will be there with his road registered Duratec powered MK1 he is a wealth of information and really nice guy.