Help,

I can’t make my mind up on what engine to install in my car. I'm in a really good position, I bought the car with the un-used Zetec engine and a fully re-cond BHG close ratio type 9 with a long first gear (again un-used). One of my mates said the only way to go is with a bike engine as all I only want to track this car, I bought a zx9 engine at the weekend as advertised on this forum. I suppose it's a nice dilemma, but I need some informed help. I have had bike and car engines in 7's before, but only as road cars. it's the combination of 2l Zetec/bike carbs/and the close ration gearbox that make me think and think.

I need to make my mind up soon, so constructive comments welcome.


Andy

Andy
Track use only, go Bike def! as I am sure most will agree.
Then u can sell me a cheap zetec

Yep, bike for track days!!

Yeah, go for the bike and then sell me that gearbox!

Even though I've never ridden a bike or driven a BEC. For sole track use the BEC makes a lot of sense. Especially if you get a decent paddle shift system too.

U2U sent

A lot comes down to cost too, if you build yourself a Zetec that will compete with a BEC (ie ~200bhp), its likely to cost more, plus I suspect the Zetecs might want dry sumping for track work, so adding further expense if thats the case.

I know what Chris means when saying that BECs aren't suited to large open tracks, but to be fair its all relative, a 200bhp CEC isnt significantly better than a 150bhp BEC on an open circuit, its only when you get a lot more power that you make the big gains on laptime and straight line speed.

cheers

Chris

I'd go with all the opinions saying bec for track - unless you're planning on doing somewhere with the length of the Mulsanne straight, or are going to spend an awful lot of dough on the zetec bike power has to be better. Just a note that if you get bored with the ZX9 motor I believe the ZX10 & ZZR1100 are a straight swap.

i think the zzr1100 is different fit to zx9, mikes engine certainly looks different to mine.

All,

Thanks for the considered replies, I'm going down the bec route.
It will be easier and cheaper to get it up and running as well.

Cheers,

Andy