Zetec vs. Duratec for Caterham

[Steve Stephens]

I've been reading on Blatchat how good the Duratec engine is compared to the Zetec so I asked Caterham USA some questions a few days ago. Here is how it went and I thought you might find it interesting:
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Hello,

I have been seeing some threads on the Blatchat forum about Duratec engines being possibly better than the Zetec engine with a number of posters changing over to the Duratec. The latest thread, with some comparisons, is here:

http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?Id=45386

I recently drove the Zetec SVT engined Caterham that was at Golden Gate Sevens and it was a remarkable car and engine. But, if the Duratec might be a better, lighter engine with more potential, would that not be a better choice to go to?

Can you comment on that or on what engine(s) might be in the near future for Caterhams?
I am hoping to get a Superlight R.

Regards,
Steve Stephens
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Hello Steve,
Interestingly enough I am the one who built that blue SVT powered car you
drove. The duratec is an interesting possibility. It is an aluminum block
motor and in some ways is the future. However, right now the only motors
that Caterham has approved for sale in the US market is the Crossflow and
the Zetec. The Duratec presents a lot of problems for a LHD car, and
frankly the Zetec is bulletproof and far more development has been done on the Zetec as of right now. What I can tell you is we are the middle of
working out a deal with Ford in which they will supply brand new SVT Zetecs to us. The SVT Zetec is where the US engine program is going. The SVT Zetec is a phenomenal motor, the head that Cosworth designed is great -very easy to get more power. Right now we feel the potential is with this motor.
Hope I answered your questions,
Cody
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Hi Cody,
Thank you for your quick reply. I do understand what you say about the Zetec and I know you and others are much more knowledgeable than I on the subject of the two engines.

I do like that the SVT engine is built as a high performance engine from the start and to be able to get a NEW one is a plus. Hopefully the SVT engine will cost less (or no more than) the modified used Z3 engines currently in use as the mods for the SVT are built in at the factory.

I am new to Caterhams having accidentally encountered Golden Gate Sevens last year when I was at Sears Pt. for a race. I already had an interest in that type of car after seeing the Birkin at Laguna during last year's vintage races. But the Caterham is the original and seems to be better made and finished so it will be the one for me. I will definitely go the SVT route and will wait for that engine to become available. Thanks for your continued developement of the US Caterham making an already great car better.

Regards,
Steve Stephens
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Hi Steve,
At least for the foreseeable future, the SVT is the way to go in terms of
power and reliability for the $. Comparable Duratec installations (similar
power) are going for at least double the money, plus all the exhaust and
wiring for the SVT install comes with a Caterham kit. When the specs,
pricing, and dyno sheets go public on the SVT install kit for the Seven,
everyone will want one, I'd guess. Let us know if we can answer any other
questions.
Jon
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Finally, here is a site that gives some information on the SVT Zetec engine:
http://www.myfordfocussvt.com/svt/

Steve