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Post by midlifecrisis on Dec 29, 2009 16:59:51 GMT
I am currently looking at the Rocket, but would like to know what is the best value v performance engine to use ? and what sort of performance can you expect (eg 0-60 in ?)
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Post by dinosaurjuice on Dec 29, 2009 19:30:21 GMT
most rocket owners so far have opted for the VERY light 1.6 zetec se (100hp) or the heavier 1.8 (113hp) engine. some have used a focus St170 engine, which will be very rapid, but the cost goes up. Its worth going for a test ride in the MEV demo car. its only a 1.6 and is surprisingly quick. expect to pay less than a grand for a 1.6 or 1.8 donor, and over a grand for anything more grunty. realistically £2k for a st170 with substantial accident damage. hope that helps, Will
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Post by JimmyZ on Dec 29, 2009 19:43:21 GMT
I take it that the engine mounting options are available at time of purchase depending on engine size / layout? Are there any other limitations / changes required to the chassis / bodywork dependant upon engine size? I am erring on a 1.6 (on a Sonic7) just push the weight balance forwards more (or more to the point, reduce the rear end weight a little) As I understand it the balance is about 40/60 on a rocket? I'd assume this would be more equalised on an S7 (but that's a story for another thread )
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Post by dinosaurjuice on Dec 29, 2009 20:35:11 GMT
I take it that the engine mounting options are available at time of purchase depending on engine size / layout? Are there any other limitations / changes required to the chassis / bodywork dependant upon engine size? I am erring on a 1.6 (on a Sonic7) just push the weight balance forwards more (or more to the point, reduce the rear end weight a little) As I understand it the balance is about 40/60 on a rocket? I'd assume this would be more equalised on an S7 (but that's a story for another thread ) as far as im aware, MEV will supply either a 1.6 or 1.8 chassis. the regular 2.0 will go into a 1.8 chassis. but other engines will probably require modifications to be made. the 1.6 is the best petrol engine IN MY OPINION. (if theres such thing as a good petrol engine ) both mattsmev and Adrian have used the 1.6 and probably have the most fun. simply becasue its light and nippy. theres a reason MEV dont have a st170 demo car, and its because it doesnt need it. im probably the last person to offer an opinion on this as i have the heaviest rocket ever built. but i didnt build mine for track use or 0-60 times. i just wanted something 'grunty' anyway, its not about power, its knowing how to use it (nigel has been the first to admit he needs more driving tuition than horsies). apologies for a long and boring post. will
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Post by JimmyZ on Dec 29, 2009 20:49:36 GMT
Long maybe, boring... I don't think so Ultimately these are the kinds of questions that folks would like insight to, and the fact that this forum (in my limited time here so far, having only recently made the decision to attack my mid-life-crisis with vigour!!) is full of folks able to offer an educated opinion... then keep the long and not-so-boring posts coming Thankyou!
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Post by brownie on Dec 29, 2009 22:17:22 GMT
The best engine option is the Fiesta st150, its a 2L block like the st170 but with an alloy block. Its hard to get your hands on one though, and as a result is expensive, even more than an st170. As far i know no one has gone down this route yet though
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Post by dinosaurjuice on Dec 29, 2009 22:43:47 GMT
The best engine option is the Fiesta st150, its a 2L block like the st170 but with an alloy block. Its hard to get your hands on one though, and as a result is expensive, even more than an st170. As far i know no one has gone down this route yet though the cost, rarity, and the annoying gearbox fitment are why ive changed my mind and gone back to deciding the cheap-as-chips 1.6 cant be beaten.
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Post by r16 on Dec 30, 2009 21:49:20 GMT
iv been in the 1.6 demo car and its was fast enough to make me sell my car (300bhp GT-4) and use the money to order a kit and get a 1.6 engine. it is a fast car with the 1.6 and if you get board of the power you can tune the engine to get more hp and with the weight at just 500kg ish you should be able to notice even small increases in hp :-)
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Post by pnn1976 on Feb 8, 2010 20:49:44 GMT
is the st170 a duratec powerplant?
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ollieballs
Full
st170 rocket tuned to 200bhp
Posts: 181
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Post by ollieballs on Feb 9, 2010 0:11:01 GMT
st170's are labelled as duratec engines but theyre actualy just rebadged zetec engines with chain cams and variable valve timing.. also they use cosworth 4-2-1 manifolds.. they can be ramped up although the main restriction is that they use cast pistons and rods rather than forged so any mods have to take this into account. im taking the st170 route, im concidering getting a nice set of forged pistons/rods and perhaps even a nice roots supercharger to knock it up to completely unneccesary power haha.. my kit hopefully arrives this friday! i cant wait
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Post by pnn1976 on Feb 9, 2010 8:58:21 GMT
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Post by Stiggy on Feb 9, 2010 11:53:30 GMT
Without doubt the 1.8 enigine/box is the easiest way to go. Slightly heavier than the 1.6 which is a completely different engine (sigma) If you use the 1.8 then the cat is retained, the gear links are straight forward and the drive shafts are all standard. A 2.0 can be fitted but comes with a bigger heavier box that has the gear links on the wrong side for you. You can use a 1.8 box on a 2.0 engine. It fits straight on if you use the 1.8 fly wheel and clutch. Standard performance is 115bhp for the 1.8 and 100 for the 1.6. In a half ton car that gives you 230 bhp per ton. A Lotus Elise has 156 per ton and a Porsche boxster has 187 per ton. You gotta take it easy in your MEV unless you have had plenty of experience.
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Post by pnn1976 on Feb 9, 2010 12:46:09 GMT
100bhp sounds wimpy but then I am just coming from a road car perspective. May be it is just my lack of appreciation for the weight or lack of. Will try and get to one of the car shows then poss a test drive and go from there
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Post by tr1kerfozzy on Feb 9, 2010 14:33:36 GMT
0-60 must be less than 5 secs surely? With a competent driver.
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mattsmev
Senior
It's only Rocket science...
Posts: 726
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Post by mattsmev on Feb 9, 2010 16:54:14 GMT
Hmmm, I love this conversation. I also love my standard 1.6 engine. It's cheap, easy, reliable and even for track use it's quick enough for me.
However, there is no replacement for displacement and power is always a good thing, so what do YOU want out of YOUR car.
I am on a budget so the 1.6 route is what I have chosen, having sais that i am seriously pleased with the performance from the smallest rocket engine. With more money this engine can get to 140+bhp, but I have kept the standard ECU, so it stops revving at 6750. with an after market ECU this can be raised above 7000. this winter I have worked on handling mods and my money has gone on a set of second hand wheels and new sticky tires. I am looking forward to another year of track days with these mods.
My driving has also improved a lot this year, I am certain the power of an ST170 would have been wasted on me so far.
I love this kit as you can chuck a 1.6 in it for no money, or you can spend more and get serious power. depending on your budget thats anyware from 100bhp to 200bhp.
you pay your money and take your chance
enjoy
Mattsmev
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