I’m trying to find cheap and easy ways to add some power to my 2.0 Duratec. Any advice?
Take out all the seats except for the driver. Gut the trunk, remove the spare and tools, maybe even get rid of the AC with a delete pulley. If it’s an auto, swap to a manual gearbox. With enough cash, anything is possible, but I’m just throwing out some ideas.
Don’t gut your daily driver. Making it uncomfortable just to shave a few seconds off your time isn’t worth it.
Haha, I’m mostly joking! But honestly, reducing weight and unnecessary stuff will give you a better start. I notice a big difference when I have a full car—it feels like I’ve lost about 30 horsepower.
I gutted part of mine due to a water leak. After taking everything out, I kept the interior liners off and even took the roof liner down, which gave me a bit more headspace. Still pretty comfy, and it made loading the trunk easier without the plastic trim pieces in the way.
Why is this so funny to me?
Honestly, there’s not much you can do without spending a lot. The Duratec is super reliable but not exactly sporty. You could try a cold air intake, new spark plugs, and a fuel filter swap—those upgrades won’t cost much and you might feel a bit of a difference. Avoid adding boost though, it’s usually not worth it.
Some Duratecs and Ecoboosts do share the same block, but the insides are different.
How noticeable are we talking?
You’ll probably say, ‘whoa’ like Keanu, trust me!
I’ve thought about installing a TorqAmp supercharger on my 2002 ZX2 and wiring it to a Go Baby Go button on the shifter.
Do you think the G15M-R transmission can handle the extra power?
Lol, no. I actually found a transmission rebuilder who can make custom gears if you send them the housing. It would be hilarious to have them put in spur gears. I wonder if I could get that Back to the Future DeLorean sound.
Phew, that’s a relief! My ZX3 has the MTX-75, and I’m pretty sure it would explode with over 200hp. If it was supercharged, the transmission case would fly right through the floor!
The G5M has earned my loyalty though. I blew a hole in the last one, but it still managed to get me home 6 miles away in third gear!
My MTX-75 blew up about 2k miles after I got it. It popped out of 5th gear while I was doing 90mph. Long story short, it completely died and I had to coast to a gas station. Took 3 nights in a cheap motel with my dogs before getting it sorted. Eventually found a wrecked ZX4 and pulled the transmission myself with a friend.
We turbo these all the time in the UK! My friend is running 290hp on an unopened engine. You’ll need: standalone ECU, custom inlet manifold, custom exhaust manifold, cheap turbo kit (including intercooler and pipes), decompression plate. If you want more power, upgrade the injectors. Make sure to get a remap when you’re done. Don’t push past 300hp without building the engine.
I think UK powertrains are a bit different from what we get in the US.
Boosted Duratec is the way to go!
I just sold my Mk3 Fiesta Turbo. Right now, I’m putting a Focus ST engine into my Mk5 Fiesta. Should be a rocket with 400hp in a 900kg shell!