Engine build block questions...

[KnightJovian]

Ok, so I am one of those people who likes to learn no the go. I try to find all available knowledge and then try to make it work myself.

Now, that being said, I have decided to rebuild my engine. I am not at a complete loss however, my dad fully rebuilt his '73 Mach1 (small block), and my half brother did a 5.0... my problem is that they both live in Ohio, whereas myself am in North Carolina.

ZX2FAST chastised me the last time I posted after I tried to do something myself, so i thought that this time i would ask first, especially when its as important as an engine build.

Goals
> 300 hp
Full Turbo

And im not trying to rush this either, Im planning on maybe having the engine ready to put in in about a year...

I want to keep the engine a Z... So my first question is What Block should I use to base it off of? While still being able to bore it out and get forged pistons and Cams and everything else that will work?

Think of it this way, this is your chance to help build a kickass engine...

[capitalcrew]

There really isn't much room to bore the stock block, or any zetec block. It can be done, just not much.. fyi.

The tranny is just as much of a concern as the engine, if not more so too.

good luck.

[mechtech]

You say you want to use a Z engine, but ask what block to use? Huh?

[ZX2 S/R Black]

Well, there are 3 different blocks he could use...

WRC CGI (20% stronger and have oil squirters) <not needed
Focus SVT (Oil squirters)
Or Standard block

Best to worst they are in that order...

[inis]

IMO if you're going to learn, or wanting to learn.. is NOT to do it on your own block, or atleast something thats going to put down nearly 3 times what the stock dyno was. I can build a block, and do it pretty good. But do I trust myself to do it with over 4 grand invested? no.

You mess up a bore, do something wrong to we're it needs overbored, it could cost you upwards of 800+ by the time you get new pistons, rings, and machining done...

just something to consider.

[KnightJovian]

Well, im not gonna do the boring and junk myself... ima figure out what i need (mainly by asking yous guys) and then I have a few shops i can take it to.

I will be buying the parts and junk, but not assembling the entire thing myself.

Now, the WRC CGi... What exactly is that...
How would I get one...
And what are the oil squirters, and why are they not necessary?

[ZX2R]

Well, im not gonna do the boring and junk myself... ima figure out what i need (mainly by asking yous guys) and then I have a few shops i can take it to.

I will be buying the parts and junk, but not assembling the entire thing myself.

Now, the WRC CGi... What exactly is that...
How would I get one...
And what are the oil squirters, and why are they not necessary?
The CGI block is the block used in the WRC(World Rally Championships). You might be able to get one from Tom at Focus-Power.

[ZX2 S/R Black]

I wasn't saying oil squirters aren't necessary... they are very good for keeping pistons cooler which helps prevent detonation... I was saying the 20% stronger part really isn't necessary...

SVT blocks are nice because they aren't as pricey and come with oil squirters... I'd go for that if I was u

[inis]

I wasn't saying oil squirters aren't necessary... they are very good for keeping pistons cooler which helps prevent detonation... I was saying the 20% stronger part really isn't necessary...

SVT blocks are nice because they aren't as pricey and come with oil squirters... I'd go for that if I was u

aren't pricey? they usaully go for 300-550 ... thats pretty pricey

Tom a few CGI blocks, They stopped making them 2 yrs ago.. so if you come across one... best to jump on it if its a decent price.

New they're around 1200, they went as low as 800 when being liquidated .. now they're back up again.

[aaronrun]

Do you recommend using a stock zetec block then? 300-550 is quite a bit better than 800-1200

[2000ZxT]

Stock zetec blocks are fine. People (mainly Inis) make a big deal about blocks.

Do not fret, for many people with other engines switch to cast iron blocks (such as 350's) as an upgraded block.

With forged pistons you really do not need piston squirters unless you plan on making some serious HP (400+).

[JohnP]

Ford used the squirters in the 1.8L EGT BP/T blocks , carried them over into the SVT block , must work pretty good . The squirter is a ball check valve , ball /spring loaded . You can get the SVT or EGT squirters(slight difference) and have them installed in the ZX2 block .

[inis]

Stock zetec blocks are fine. People (mainly Inis) make a big deal about blocks.

Do not fret, for many people with other engines switch to cast iron blocks (such as 350's) as an upgraded block.

With forged pistons you really do not need piston squirters unless you plan on making some serious HP (400+).

On aluminum pistons you want squirters, as aluminum heats it loses its strength... by cooling the underside you increase its strength (under boost) and prevent pre-ignition.

[mechtech]

Boosted engines' pistons will appreciate oil squirters.
I thought there was a how to on this in the old forum [conversion from our stock block].

[JohnP]

All that needs to be done is have a Flat ground on the oil gallery , drill and tap the hole for the squirter and a shallow hole for the foot to rest in(EGT) . The squirter sprays mainly the piston pin/rod area along with deflected spray to the cylinder wall at TDC .

The EGT squirter has a threaded hole , use a Banjo type bolt . The SVT squirter use a blank hole with a hold down clamp bolt hole to the side .

[KnightJovian]

Ford used the squirters in the 1.8L EGT BP/T blocks , carried them over into the SVT block , must work pretty good . The squirter is a ball check valve , ball /spring loaded . You can get the SVT or EGT squirters(slight difference) and have them installed in the ZX2 block .

Soo.. in that case i would only just need to get a stock block off the zx2 in the junkyard... and i could put the squirters in it and it would be mostly the same thing? sounds like a better deal...

but with the stock block i would still wanna get it magnafluxed (sp) to make sure it is good and level right?

[KnightJovian]

btw, i am planning on forged pistons and turbo also...