Unknown Tuner's Engines, Part 1: The Ford Duratec HE Engine

Introduction
I am starting a new series called Unknown Tuner’s Engines which I am starting off with this first installment which according to the readers’ feedback will determine if it will be continued. As you may have guessed this series will revolve around highly capable engines that not many people know about and in this first part I am writing about the Ford Duratec HE.

The Engine
The Duratec HE engine series is usually found in 3 sizes. 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3 liter. It was designed to be Ford’s global engine, which is something it achieved. The way they achieved global production is because it was co-developed by Mazda which back then was almost solely owned by Ford. The whole engine design was very efficient, with low cost production in mind. Being completely made from aluminum alloy it is very light. It powers a lot of models from Ford’s lineup from the Fiesta ST 150 to the Ford Ranger in base spec forms and can even be found in Caterhams and other kit cars, so it can be easily sourced and replaced if you break yours. In order to achieve optimum efficiency and fuel economy, Ford and Mazda used some tricks that usually belong in high performance and racing applications. They designed the head with huge ports and valves to let the engine breathe effortlessly and they used low friction pistons to diminish friction. What these engines lack from the factory is serious power but there are ways to achieve that goal.

How to make some powaaaaaaah
With a 2 liter power plant you can generate more than 200hp without touching the internals. An ITB kit made by Jenvey or OMEX, and a free flowing exhaust should help you reach 200hp. A mild camshaft set and stiffer valve springs should help the engine reach about 230hp. At about 240 ponies the stock internals are at their limit and anything more than that will make them go kablamo. Luckily companies like Cosworth, Wossner and a few others produce forged pistons and rods which with the help of tri-metal bearings will help your engine tolerate higher power and RPM levels. The problem is however that the stock flywheel is extremely heavy at about 12 kg which will not benefit high revs and responsiveness. Luckily companies make lighter flywheels and uprated clutches for all your sky high revving needs. With lower compression pistons the Duratec can respond well to boost, but not many companies produce turbo or supercharger kits for this engine.

Outro
I hope you found this information useful and that you liked this article. Please leave some feedback below and tell me whether I should continue the series or not. Asta la vista for now and see you later.